The Hunting

Chapter 34

Jaiver and I were resting in a little cave we found in the canyons. It wasn't big enough for us to lay down and get some rest, but it was enough for us to not be out in the open while we munch on the small bit of food we have left. After we found the bloody rags, we went left and have been following the path for some time. After more paths and deadends, it seems like this maze of canyons never ends.

It was dark, but neither Jaiver or I were dumb enough to start a fire. We have been tracking the scavengers for a full day now. During our search, Jaiver and I have talked back and forth for quite a bit. I feel like I can trust him again. After all of our conversations, I can understand why he was so frustrated. He's a lot calmer now. Jaiver cleared his throat, bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked at him to see he was looking back at me expectingly. I raised my eyebrows, "What?"

He ran his hand through his hair, "We need to discuss what our next step is."

I gently laughed, "Well, we're still on step one. We haven't found the scavengers yet. Once we do, we try to gather as much information as we can and then we run back and tell the others."

He rolled his eyes, "No, I mean when are we going to get up and leave. I know that the others are taking breaks to make sure they keep enough distance from us, but we need to keep on going."

"Yeah you're right, we don't really have time for rest. However, I am exhausted and I know you are too."

Jaiver nodded in agreement, "How about this? You rest for a little bit and I sit outside of the cave and keep watch."

I shook my head, "No, we need to keep going."

He put his hand on my shoulder, "It won't be for long. Just long enough so you can get your energy."

We stared at each other for a little bit until I caved. "Fine, only for a little bit. You have to wake me up if anything happens and I mean anything. If a gust of wind rustles the grass, you need to wake me up. If a bird flies overhead, give me a holler. If -. "

He chuckled, "Alright, alright I know. Now get some rest."

He crawled out of the little cave and sat at its entrance. I tried my best to lay down. As soon as I closed my eyes, my vision faded to black.

I had an abrupt awakening with something nudging my foot. I was about to grumble and complain but a hand went over my mouth. My eyes flew open to see Jaiver straddling me. I was about to ask him what was going on, but I saw him put a finger to his lips. I nodded silently. He then tapped his ear, like he was wanting me to listen. He removed his hand from my mouth as I sat up. There was silence... Until. Oh no. I heard footsteps. I looked at Jaiver made a motion to himself and the entrance of the cave. He then pointed at me to wait, to draw my bow, and then exit the cave. I nodded as I silently grabbed my bow. Jaiver started to crawl out of the cave. I slowly started to inch my way towards the opening, before I was all the way out I heard an unfamiliar voice yell, "Shit!"

I grabbed an arrow and stood up to see a scavenger run around the corner out of view with Jaiver running after him. I notched my arrow as I started to sprit after them. Unfortunately, running is not my strong suit as I struggled to keep up with them. Twist after turn; I saw Jaiver go. I was blindly following him as I hoped he was keeping the scavenger in his sight. Jaiver ran around the corner out of my view. My hand gripped my bow a little bit tighter as I whipped around the corner to see three people. The scavenger who Jaiver must have chased was panting with his hands on his knees. He was probably around my age, from what I could tell in the dark, he had long brown hair that reached his shoulders. He looked really skinny. I then turned my attention to another scavenger, who looked a lot older. His gray hair and gaunt look made him look scary. He had his sword drawn. I saw Jaiver looking at them, a sword is drawn as well. I pointed my bow at the older man who quickly turned his attention to me. He smiled sinisterly as he chuckled, "Looks like you have a new friend, hunter. Quinn, draw your sword."

I can't let him do that. Within a second, I pointed my bow at the scavenger named Quinn and I shot him in his thigh. He howled with pain. I shot someone. Sadly, I was unable to react fast enough to the next attack. The older scavenger grabbed me and pressed the sword to my throat. He clicked his tongue, "Oh little girl, you should've not done that. Now hunter, what are you going to do?"

As I could hear Quinn let out a string of cuss words I turned my attention to Jaiver, who looked like he saw a ghost. I saw his grip tighten around his sword. The old man gripped me tighter, "Now, son. Think about this. I have this pretty little lass seconds away from her death. Are you sure you want to fight?"

Javier looked at me, fury burning in his eyes, "Arden?"

I bit my lip. I don't want to do this. I let out a shaky breath as I spoke to Jaiver. "Run."

Jaiver shook his head, "No, I'm not going to – "

I yelled, "Run dammit!"

Jaiver took a couple of steps backward and then started running. Without a moment to spare the old man spoke, "Quinn, go after him will ya. Quinn?"

I heard Quinn speak from behind me, "Did you forget that I have an arrow in my leg you old fart?"

The old man replied, "Well shit Quinn, I didn't know you were such a pussy. Now he's going to run and do God's knows what!"

The old man turned me to Quinn, who now was leaning up against the wall of the canyon with his sword out. I saw blood running down his leg, my arrow still stuck in his leg. The sight of it made me want to puke, but something told me that I needed to refrain from doing so. The old man pushed me to the ground and pointed his sword at me. The tip of the sword just inches away from my chest. "Now, little lady what are you going to do now? Mind telling us where that hunter is going?"

I shook my head, not uttering a word.

He shrugged, "Well, can't blame a guy for trying. Quinn!"

"What?" Quinn replied, obviously in pain.

I looked up to see that same smile, "Take the girls weapons, we're bringing her back with us."

"What?" I couldn't help but yell.

The old my grunted looking down at me. "Oh, so you speak?"

I looked up at him in disgust as he continued, "That's right girly. You're coming with us to our camp. You are now our prisoner."