Vermillion Dawn

[2] Double Edge

I entered camp to find people moving around the main base, gathering their breakfast meal and sharing any news that had been acquired. Nobody batted an eyelid when I rode my horse straight through camp, it was a usual routine, except for a specific little girl. 

"Riles!" Mizzy squealed and I saw her come running from one of the tables. Her little blonde pigtails bouncing wildly. 

My horse shied and I pulled the reins, placing my hand on its neck. I spoke soothingly to the horse and its ears flicked. Mizzy latched onto my leg, toothily grinning up at me. 

"Mizzy," I scolded, "How many times have I told you not to run up to a horse like that? You could get kicked or trampled." 

"I know," She sung, bouncing on her tip toes, "Can I ride with you to the stable?" 

I sighed, "Alright." 

She squealed. Thank god my horse was used to her and it didn't spook. I simply couldn't calm the kid down when it came to horses. In any situation besides facing the apocalypse, I would have been more than happy to give her riding lessons, but it just wasn't an appropriate time. I needed the horses for hunting, so that we could survive, not exactly for pleasure. 

I moved my foot from the stirrup and offered her my hand. She stuck her foot in the stirrup, grabbed my hand, and monkey-climbed her way up behind me. I urged the horse to walk and Mizzy practically shivered with joy. Her tiny arms were latched around my waist and I couldn't help but smile. 

I had to give it to the kid, all she wanted to do was be useful. She practically shadowed me to do so because she wanted to learn everything. Sure, she messed up some things sometimes but she kept doing it until she got it right. I probably wouldn't openly admit it, but I kind of liked having someone to mentor. It made me feel like I had a purpose. Like I wasn't an outsider in this camp. 

She helped me untack the horse and groom it before we turned it out. There was a makeshift paddock that we built so the animals could graze. Sometimes the horses would chase after the chickens but the pigs never came out of the unit. I was looking forward to some delicious bacon soon because it was almost harvest season. 

I glanced up, observing the heavy fog that was ever present, and then I looked down at Mizzy. "Do you think it will rain today?" I asked. 

She shrugged, "I dunno." 

I chuckled, "Come on, let's get breakfast." 

She happily skipped along side me as we followed the trail back to main base. I watched in amusement as she kicked a few pebbles. Maybe I didn't mind her shadowing me because she cheered me up. She kind of had that effect on everyone. 

I grabbed a tray from the pile and considered my options. There was heavy chatter from the men, I assumed something was up, but I didn't bother to eavesdrop. I would get my information later. I grabbed an apple to add to my tray and turned around, then I froze. 

Micheal was storming into camp and he was making a beeline straight for me. I barely had time to react before my trap was flipped out of my hand, clattering on the ground. Micheal's face was red and not just from the dried blood smeared across his cheek. His eyes spoke murder. 

"You think you can just leave me out there like that, hmm?" He hissed. 

My eyes narrowed, "You just wasted good food," I squared up, "But you wouldn't care because you ruined my hunt this morning, over what? Your inflated ego?" I wasn't scared, in the middle of camp like this, he wouldn't stand a chance. 

He shoved my shoulders, forcing me to take several steps back. 

"Leave her alone!" Mizzy cried.