Guardian of the Hunt

Chapter 4 (Edited, yet again - 2021)

After that night at the dinner tent, the hunters had been even more ruthless with there pranks. And to be honest, I didn't blame them after what I'd done.

They'd started by 'investigating' my flinches, throwing things at me, raising fists and acting as though they were going to do something. In fact, it had only been just over an hour ago when one had crept up and poked me on the shoulder. It hadn't hurt but it shocked me enough that I nearly punched her lights out. However, it was only the older hunters. Kayda and others similar to her age caught on very quickly that at is wrong and stopped, even if Kayda had been the one I'd nearly murdered in the tent. I would have thought she would be even more volatile towards me, it seemed to have the opposite effect.

And as if the world didn't hate me enough, I seemed to just be getting weaker and weaker. Everything sapped the energy out of me. Exhaustion dragged me down, a simple walk to the lake that used to take five minutes now took close to fifteen. I still had plenty of energy for the fight but that was in my reserves, stored away for when I needed it. Until then I was stuck in this zombie like state until I got proper sleep and fuel. Until then I had to get used to the days seeming to merge together and the weather always feeling freezing even when the heat of the sun forced its way through the thick canopy.

I shivered as I perched next to the fire, hands held close to the fire in an attempt to warm up. A pounding headache thumped away, waves of pain crashing through my skull. The pain pulsated so much that I could practically hear it echoing in my ears, or maybe that was my heart. I didn't know anymore. Icy coldness stole the warmth from me as I rubbed my hands together, sucking in a deep breath to get rid of the tight feeling in my chest - it always seemed to be there now, like I was always on the verge of suffocation. I glanced around the fire, making a mental note of who was still awake and yet to go to bed. All of the little ones had retired not long after the sun had set, a few of the middle aged ones also retiring. Now it was just some of the older ones, Artemis and me, sitting around the fire to relax. Lady Artemis herself sat on a small, beautifully carved wooden chair, staring at the cackling, vibrant orange flames and watching as the embers flew towards the sky. She seemed to be completely out of it, lost in her thoughts. I tried not to let myself be too hurt by her lack of attention to my well-being. After all, she was the one that allowed me to come here to help make me feel better. Letting out a small cough, I caught it in my hand before wrapping my arms around my chest. I was so tired, my eyes closing as they began to feel heavier and heavier.

I couldn't sleep though, I was on watch. Again.

I forced my eyes open as I cleared my through, drawing in the attention of a few hunters as they scowled. Even though I tried my best to keep my eyes open, it was simply too much. Darkness quickly slipped over my eyes and robbed me of my sight. I felt like I was falling.

"Demeo!" Someone harshly snapped, their stern voice pulling me back to my senses. Abruptly, I wrenched my eyes open just before falling into the roaring flames, giving myself barely enough time to reach out and catch myself. My elbows nearly buckled on impact, but I locked them in place and forced myself back to the log. From the corner of my eyes, I saw Artemis glaring at me. "What is the matter with you Demeo? You look as though you haven't slept in days. If you are not able to do this watch then speak up." Her voice has cold like a steel blade as she snapped at me, eyes icy silver. But it softened only slightly at the end.

"I...I am fine, My Lady," I forced out, clearing my throat and shaking my head. I looked over at the hunters, noticing that they were giving each other silent laughs. "I should go and start the lookout."

Forcing myself up from the log, I wobbled for a few seconds before straightening myself and taking a few breaths. My limbs felt like jelly and I was suddenly unsure if my body could take a step without collapsing. I shifted one foot forwards a few centimeters before abruptly stopping. Shivers shook through my body, dread filling me as my stomach fell through the floor. My senses disappeared one after the other. The roaring fire became nothing more than a buzz in the background, the thudding of my headache nothing compared to the strong pounding of my heavily beating heart. Spots crowded my vision as all feeling was sucked out of me. I felt empty. Hollow. Like I was floating in a dream. The floor felt soft even though it was a hard dirt ground.