The Hunting

Chapter 41

As darkness fell, we lit the fire in the middle of the scavengers camp. All of the hunters were gathered around the fire except for my dad and Timmy, who were in Don's tent. I was sitting in between Nate and Jaiver. Calum and Pietra sat across from us on the other side of the fire. The atmosphere was relaxed, it hasn't been like this since before I got strangled by the scavenger. This is weird. Everything has been all sorts of crazy lately. "Hey everyone, look who's up!"

I got pulled out of my thoughts as my dad walked up with Don leaning against him for support. I noticed that Timmy was following behind them. Don is okay! Pietra stood up and ran over to help Don. Don didn't have a shirt on and his chest was wrapped up in bandages. He looked weak, but the smile on his face showed that he was just as chipper as normal. My dad and Pietra walked Don closer to us and helped him sit down next to Nate. Nate immediately greeted him, "Don, you're a sight for sore eyes. How's it going, buddy?"

Don laughed full-heartedly in comparison to his weak appearance. "I'm doing a lot better now that you're here dude."

Both Nate and Don laughed together knowingly. I'm glad to see that they are in high spirits. I was so worried that Don wouldn't make it. My dad must be a miracle worker or something. I'll have to ask him what he did later. My dad, Pietra, and Timmy joined us around the fire. Once everyone was comfortable, my dad began to speak, "Everyone, I want to thank you for saving an old fart like me." He looked at the hunters, "You kids didn't have to do that for me. Even though I want to scold you for being stupid, I can't help but be grateful. I owe you all my life"

All of the hunters nodded as he continued, "And you two," He said as he turned his attention to Nate and me, "Thank you for joining them and saving my ass."

Nate quickly responded, "It's not like we had a choice, but I guess it was a fun adventure."

Everyone laughed lightly at Nate's joke. I looked at my dad who was looking back at me. His expression was questioning. He motioned to the group as if he wanted me to speak. I gave him a quick nod. I sighed shakily. All of the hunters, Nate, and Timmy turned their attention to me. I looked at Nate, he must've known what I wanted to do, he nodded. I spoke hesitantly, "Um – yeah. I guess this was quite the adventure." I paused as I tried to gather the right words, "I-we, This whole time, you have been wondering what Nate and I are. After talking to Ry-Remmington, I feel like Nate and I should tell you the truth."

Eyes burned with curiosity, but before I could speak, Jaiver jutted in, speaking kindly "Arden, you don't have to do this. We understand if you don't want to tell us."

I shook my head, "That's not it. You see, Remmington told me your end goal. To get somewhere safe, away from scavengers, away from danger, and most certainly away from these damn canyons." My dad's chuckles encouraged me to continue,  "I think it's important for you all to know... Nate and I are Burrowers."

Pietra gasped as I started to recount the story, "That night when we first met, Nate and I were on guard duty watching over our home. We decided that it was best to stop you from seeing us, so we came to you and lead you the other way. I know it's impossible to believe, but burrowers are raised with the mindset to stay hidden. That's what keeps us safe." I paused as I looked at my dad, he nodded so I continued, "However, Nate and I aren't the first ones to do something like this."

Everyone followed my trail of sight and looked at my dad. I could tell that the hunters were in shock. My dad took over, "I've been lying to you kids. First of all, my name isn't Remmington, it's Ryan. Ryan Able in fact. After Arden got shoved into my tent and I saw that necklace of hers, I-we realized that she was my daughter."

Everyone was shocked by my dad's story as he told them the same story he told me not too long ago. As he finished up, he told the group about his plan, "I'm wanting to take all of you back to the Burrow, where you can live the rest of your lives in peace. You have struggled so much." Now I was shocked, my dad starting crying gently as he continued, "I have nothing but appreciation for your kids, you brought me to my daughter, you saved my life. This is the least I could do to repay you."

The hunters were silent for a while as they soaked in what happened. This isn't probably the easiest thing for them to hear considering that they have known my dad for years. Before any of the hunters could say anything, Nate spoke up. "Well, now that I look at it, you two look awfully similar. Goodness knows Arden doesn't look anything like her mother."

My dad laughed gently, "Yeah you're right about that one. Speaking of which. Who are your parents?"

As Nate and my dad laughed and discussed the Burrow, I focused my attention on the hunters. Don didn't seem fazed by our story, with him on his death bed not too long ago, I don't think anything could surprise him right now. Pietra's eyes were locked onto the fire. Her eyes were wide and thoughtful as she was still absorbing the information. Calum had his hand to his chin. Being the smart guy that he is, he's probably trying to think of clues or hints that he missed. Then finally, I turned my attention to Jaiver. I was surprised to see that he was looking back at me with that typical unreadable expression of his. I watched as he sighed turning his attention away from me and towards my dad, who was still in a conversation with Nate. Jaiver cleared his throat, causing their conversation to fall silent. "Even though this information comes as a shock, I guess we never truly tried to learn your story Remming- I mean Ryan. You kept this from us because of your wounds. I don't think any of us blames you for doing that." He paused as he looked at me, a rare smile appeared upon his face, "I would like to see what this Burrow is all about."