Riley's Journey (20 page)

Cautiously, he neared the site of the newcomers’ camp, noting their careless disregard for the natural beauty of the site. Discarded bones, trash and human excrement littered the campsite. His nose quivered in disgust. They were pigs as well as vicious killers. Their utter arrogance was evidenced by their nonchalance in concealing their presence—stemming no doubt from meeting little resistance in the past. No guards walked the perimeter and it took little imagination to believe they did not plan to return here. What they came for was below, in the village of the others.

Moving swiftly and silently to the overhang, he methodically disguised himself with nearby vegetation and then crawled carefully to the edge. From a quick scan of the clearing below, he noted several bodies of the others haphazardly littering the open ground. Thankfully, they appeared to be only those of adult males. A small number of females were bound and tied together, crouching down in abject terror as one newcomer systematically whipped and kicked them. From his vantage point, and unbeknownst to the newcomers, Nathan spotted a small group of the others painstakingly making their way up a small gorge on the northern edge of the basin—mostly women and children and a few adult males. They were cautiously avoiding the skyline and would be out of sight shortly. No newcomers were on their trail yet and, with any luck, they would escape detection.

Time passed slowly while he kept the area under surveillance, planning and watching for an opportunity to free the bound females. No sound or movement betrayed his presence. Late in the afternoon, brushes rustled gently to his left and a young female of the others stepped uncertainly into the open. From the pack she carried, the female must have been berry picking when the attack began. Worried that the newcomers would see her, he silently moved to intercept. Unaware of his presence until that moment, and visibly shocked, she opened her mouth to scream.

Tackling her quickly and efficiently, Nathan covered her mouth with his hand, frantically trying to restrain her. Panic-stricken, she fought to free herself, biting, kicking, and gouging at his eyes, battling with the intensity of a cornered animal. Allowing his weight to pin her down, he captured her hands and waited. Her eyes flared wide with fright and he could feel her heart racing in terror. Having no way to communicate with the female, he could only hope that she would eventually realize his good intentions.

After what seemed like an eternity, she stopped fighting, too exhausted to continue, her dark eyes silently pleading. Not knowing what else to do, he patted her cheek softly and whispered nonsensical soothing sounds. Her nostrils flared as if checking his scent. For a long moment, she studied him carefully, perhaps noting the dissimilarities between him and the newcomers. No paint, feathers or bone chips decorated any part of his anatomy and only his facial features and maleness likened him to the newcomers. Nathan loosened his grip slightly, all the while crooning a soft sound. He made the age-old motion for quiet, his finger against his lip, hoping she understood the slight shushing noise. Seeming to understand, she nodded slightly. Rolling to his side, he motioned for her to follow him, crawling back down the incline. Though it was evident she did not trust him, she followed, staying near until they were into the safety of the tree line. Waving to the north, he attempted to convey to her the direction the others had taken. Bobbing her head and without further ado, she glided quickly and quietly through the trees and vanished from sight.

“Well, thank you too!” Nathan whispered behind her. Returning to the overhang, Nathan resumed his surveillance. The camp had quieted, the beating of the females had halted and the pandemonium of the earlier hours had ceased. His stomach grumbling with hunger, he fished the small packet of jerky from his waist pack, bit a small chunk off, and held it in his mouth, allowing saliva to soften the hardened mass. His eyes were drawn to the cooking fires below. Chunks of meat were grilling over the fire and, after quickly identifying the body parts, Nathan refused to look at them again. These humans were cannibals and the others were a food source. He could smell the cooking fires and nausea welled up, gagging him almost uncontrollably. Spitting out the jerky, he resisted the urge to empty his stomach. If he didn’t free the females soon, they would become part of the cooking pot.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

T
oo many hours had passed since Nathan’s departure. The shelter became a prison and Riley suffered pangs of claustrophobia. Demon’s low whining did nothing to alleviate her anxiety. His eyes pleaded for release, periodically lunging through the air, attempting to snap the rope. Even though she was not tied up, Riley experienced the same feelings—deep down she knew something was not right.

She should have followed Nathan, nothing could convince her otherwise. If he didn’t show up soon, she and Demon would track him down. Boldly, she made her decision. If she was going to live in this time, she would learn to deal. Besides, she had Demon and the dog would easily lead her to Nathan. Gathering up what few weapons Nathan had left behind and adding the large cutting knife, she voiced her plan to Demon.

“Okay, doggy, if the big guy doesn’t show up real soon, we’re going after him. Agreed?” He woofed in reply.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Now what all do you think we need?” The dog eyed her quizzically. “How about this battle-ax thingy? Do you think I could do some damage with that? It’s pretty heavy.” Demon tilted his head as if considering. “Okay, it’s agreed, the battle-ax comes with us.” She hefted the knife, testing its weight. “I suppose if I had to, I could stab someone with this. Sounds pretty gross, though.”

Considering the ramifications, she speculated aloud “I wonder if I could actually do it, and if so, what would be the best entry point?” Shuddering, she decided to leave that decision until the imagined unpleasant incident presented itself.

Having gathered what weapons were available, Riley anxiously sat down to wait, her senses tingling and on edge. Foreboding permeated every fiber of her being. Trouble had either found Nathan or ultimately would soon. Calculating the amount of daylight left, she gave Nathan another hour, and if he hadn’t returned by that time, she would take action.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

I
n the distance, Nathan spotted subtle movement on the back rim of the others’ encampment. Unbelievably, a small bush shuffled awkwardly a few steps and then would rest, angling towards the direction of the captured females, moving only a short distance each time, careful not to draw any unwanted attention. The newcomers were busy celebrating and relaxing, guards were down and it was obvious they believed they had nothing to fear from the surviving others. Keeping his eyes focused on the small traveler, Nathan nodded to himself. Clever girl! By covering herself with vegetation and employing his method of concealment, the young female he detained earlier was working her way down to the camp. Alone and with few options, she was trying to free the other females.

Admiration for her quick thinking and efforts suffused him, even while he ground his teeth in frustration. He understood her compunction—one or more of those females was quite possibly a mother, sister or other close family member. That she had made it thus far was in itself amazing. From his vantage point, it was patently obvious that, unless something drew the newcomers’ full attention, she wouldn’t get any closer. Two brutal-looking individuals lazed directly in her path and, from the looks of things, they wouldn’t be moving soon. She would be caught and her fate would be the same as the other females. She should have left the area when she had the chance! Now, her survival appeared to be short-lived.

Without taking time to assess the consequences, he stood up. Taking a deep breath, he screamed a challenge, his voice echoing hollowly through the small valley. He screamed again, waving his arms and thumping his chest, imitating the actions of an enraged gorilla, his message clear. “Come and get me, you bastards,” he sneered contemptuously. “Come and get me.”

As one, the newcomers froze, their eyes searching the ridge above. Nathan screamed again, while letting loose a shower of arrows, reaffirming his challenge. The newcomers ran to the edge of the camp, their concentration directed at him, oblivious to anything but his audacity. Jeering hoots, catcalls and mocking laughter drifted up. They were returning his challenge in kind.

Nathan held his breath as the small bush made a final charge and came to rest beside the captured females, quickly and efficiently freeing the entire group and then creeping stealthily away. Hoping to draw the newcomers’ total attention, he screamed like a banshee, laughing like a demented maniac, kicking dirt clods and rocks over the edge, scornfully enforcing his feigned disdain for their prowess. Several of the younger, less seasoned newcomers grabbed weapons, running in his direction, showing off for the rest and emboldened by their unmitigated belief that he would be easily caught and disposed of. Egged on by their comrades’ laughter, they began scaling the rock wall.

The females made it to the tree line and were melting away. Satisfied that he had done everything possible, Nathan retreated, running along the rim of the ridge in clear view, away from Riley and the shelter. He would leave an easy trail and then angle back after losing them in the rocks near the river. The trackers kept in contact, yelling and shouting, and from the direction of their voices, were gradually closing in. He gained some advantage running full tilt down the incline to the river while they worked their way up to the overhang. He left a wide trail, leaving little question as to his presumed direction.

As he neared the bank of the river, he intentionally made tracks down into the river, then backtracked, taking care to leave no sign. By his estimation, he did a passable job, given his limited timeframe. Circling around, he worked his way up a ridge to the east along a small stream that emptied into the river below. It was a slow process but covering his tracks was easier here than on open ground.

The trackers reached the overhang and were running wildly down the incline, easily following his trail. A small grin split his lips. One of the trackers, in his haste, tripped and fell, rolling down the incline, bouncing and crashing into rocks and trees and, finally, coming to a hard stop. Unmoving, he lay there while the rest of the trackers pressed on. Score one for my side, Nathan thought.

The trackers had fanned out below and were scouring the river bank for sign, mulling around and stopping periodically, appearing confused. Nate allowed himself a moment to gloat, but only a moment. This was not a game and they were serious. If they caught up, their sheer numbers would be his downfall. He had no doubt of the outcome in a one-on-one battle, but he didn’t like the odds if more than one caught up. Keeping the trackers in sight, but staying in cover, he made good time, staying to the rocks along the small stream which were dry and easily traversed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“O
kay, dog, time to leave!” Patience wearing thin, Riley loaded up. Rolling open the inner entrance, she untied the dog but secured him in the outer chamber before closing the inner door. The dog jumped excitedly, eager to start. In her hand, Riley carried the largest cutting knife, tying the sinister war club to her pack within easy reach. Forcing open the outer door, she loosened the dog and the hunt began—or rather the lunatic charge through the underbrush commenced.

Holding onto the leash for dear life, Riley was dragged wildly along behind the dog, his eagerness to find his master his only focus. His strength far outweighed Riley’s ability to hold him back and only sheer determination kept her upright. The dog seemed to sense exactly where they needed to go and forged fiercely ahead, oblivious to Riley stumbling behind. Low slung branches repeatedly whipped and slashed her face as she tripped and staggered along, hands numb from blood loss by her death grip on the leather leash. They were making excellent time, though, she silently conceded.

Casting caution to the wind, they ran headlong, Riley trusting that the dog would alert her if any dangers presented themselves. Scenery flashed by, blurring as they hurried over the uneven ground. Riley’s breath was coming in gasps, chest throbbing from exertion, legs trembling in an effort to keep up. She would probably have a heart attack before they ever found Nathan. After what seemed forever, the reckless dash ended. Demon stopped abruptly, emitted a low rumbling growl, his hackles rising in challenge. Mouth suddenly dry, Riley crouched down, scanning the expanse, waiting for the dog’s next move.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

N
athan crested the ridge, keeping to the brush surrounding the small feeder stream. The trackers had lost his trail and were milling dejectedly, searching near the spot where he had feigned entering the stream. None appeared too adept at finding sign and for that he was grateful. Another mile in the wrong direction and then he would backtrack. Hopefully, the maneuver would confuse them to the point they gave up.

He was, after all, only one individual and probably not worth the effort. Feeling more confident the further he got from the newcomers, he relaxed, moving faster through the brush, but still carefully covering his tracks. If they did manage to stumble on his new direction, he wouldn’t make it any easier for them. After what he estimated to be a mile, give or take a few yards, he began a wide circle back towards the shelter’s location. The underbrush, trees and vegetation were noticeably denser here and, as the sun sank further, visibility was limited.

Pausing for a moment, he drew in deep gulps of air, the exertion of the last few hours having taken its toll on him. Sudden and unexpected pain lanced down his left side as an arrow imbedded just below his sternum. He neither saw nor heard his attacker until it was too late. Had the arrow entered a short distance down, he would have been a goner. Staggering, he spun clumsily, reeling in an effort to face his would-be assailant. A short distance away, a brutal looking warrior stalked slowly from a small opening in the trees, his mouth twisted in a cruel smile.