Survival Game -3-

I would be drawn to the door numerous of times, trying to hear the hoof beats but they were long gone. I retook my seat and finished off the pig, the Duchess picking at it.

“I don’t know how you do things in your Superior household but here we try to save food, meaning no wasting,” I informed and she apologized as she scooted the plate away from her. I didn’t argue about the motion as I gave the piece to a hungry Diesel, it was originally for him anyway. I got up to go wash the dish, coming back to see Duchess looking around the cabin, probably thinking about how untidy it was.

“Is it not to your liking Duchess?” I sarcastically asked, acting as if I cared.

“My name is Alexia, not Duchess! That is just my title,” she corrected.

“Nice to know Duchess,” I snorted not caring about the look she gave me. She probably never met someone who disobeyed her so much, used to subjects lying at her feet, wanting to kiss those perfectly manicured feet of hers. I fed the fire a bit more, taking a seat on the ground. Diesel soon joined me, getting comfortable before lying down right beside me.

“So you were headed to the Western Airbase for what?” I asked.

“Should I disclose this information with you?” she asked with hesitation.

“Well seeing as you’re under my mercy and roof, it’s kinda not a choice.” I wonder if Survival felt like this, playing the game where everyone was under his mercy.

“I was supposed to go to the Southern Sector for a meeting with the Duke,” she mumbled.
“Doesn’t seem like you’re really excited about that.” She shrugged her shoulders and then looked up at me.

“What’s your name anyway?”

“Ashe,” I told bluntly. I hadn’t heard the sound of my own name for so long it almost sounded foreign. When you lived alone and there was no one to call your name, it happened.

“Well thank you Ashe, for helping me I guess.” I shrugged my shoulders. Now I needed to think of a way to get rid of her. Should I return her to the Superiors, put a ransom up for her, or just let her go out on her own? I felt a yawn escape my mouth and realized that I was more tired than ever before.

“Where can I retire to?” she asked glancing around. There was only one bed in the house and I sure wasn’t going to give it up just because the ol’ great and powerful Superior wanted to visit me.
“Probably on the floor, I’ll bring you a blanket.” She gave me a crazed look, one that she must’ve not used very often for if she saw her face she’d know why.


“The floor!”

“Yes Duchess the floor! Welcome to how the other half lives,” I told bowing to her and then sneering. I went to the room and grabbed one of the blankets I used for winter, coming back and throwing it to her. She didn’t catch it but allowed it to hit her face, her expression in shock. Could she do anything? I rolled my eyes as I called Diesel and he trotted into the room. I sat the gun under my pillow, just in case someone wanted to try something. Then soon enough I was drifting
off.


*- -*- -*


I stretched my back out and yawned, readjusting myself on the large branch of the tree I was currently sitting on.

“How long will this take?” Alexia asked and I again ignored her. She had already scared two deer away, the word silent meant nothing to her. I heard the crackle of leaves and moved to see the animal that was coming. It was a male elk, prancing up to the lake as if he had no fear in the world. Elks were different than deer and bush pigs, they had enough meat to last a full winter and you could eat like a King every day. To add to that their meat was savory and delicious, I could practically taste it now.

Diesel and I had a special plan when it came to elk, one that called for both of our attention and skill. I looked at the bottom of the tree to see him creeping along the ground, slowly going to the other side of the elk to cut him off. I smiled as I got ready to shoot my bow, waiting for Diesel to be in place.

“Um Ashe,” Alexia called out and I rolled my eyes at her urgent voice. She probably broke a nail or got part of her precious dress torn. Thankfully the wind was in our favor and the elk couldn’t smell us. I drew back on the arrow, about to let go when I felt something tug hard on my leg. I felt my balance fall as the arrow skyrocketed past the now alert elk, he immediately turned and began to run back to the protection of the woods. I was now on the ground, trying to fight the pain that was radiating through my back. I quickly rose when I heard the barks and growls of Diesel, setting up my bow again and trying to get to the elk. Yet by the time I was able to get close enough he was disappearing into the forest, Diesel licking a shoulder wound. I jerked around and narrowed my eyes at Alexia.

“What!” I practically shouted.

“I was going to ask if this is what they called poison ivy.” I looked at the plant, hoping it was but it wasn’t. I wanted to shove the plant down her throat, she had cost us two deer and an elk and caused my dog to get injured. I had made up my mind! She needed to go!

I applied some of the aloe vera I had on Diesel’s injury, we rarely had to use any thanks to our
skills. The only time any of us ever got injured was if we didn’t successfully put a bush pig down or if we had a bear come after us or Diesel got into a fight with a fox or coyote. I ruffled his head and hugged him before allowing him to lie down, turning my attention to an embarrassed Alexia.

“Sorry,” she mumbled.

“Repeat that, a bit louder this time.” She gave me a look before taking a deep breath and sat up more pronounced in her seat then she repeated the apology. I didn’t accept it though as I only gave her a harsh look.


“Tomorrow Diesel should be better, then we’re taking you to this airbase,” I told her. She gave me a look, one of astonishment and happiness. She was probably as happy as me that she was leaving this place, hopefully she would never come back.

“How about we go to the Western Sector instead though? I rather not visit the Southern Duke.” I rolled my eyes, I could care less where she wanted to go.

“No we’re going to the airbase because it’s closer, now either you can be alright with that Duchess or you can try to trek your way through these forests on your own.” Alexia didn’t say anything back, she only pouted and crossed her arms. I almost wished I had someone to tell all of this too, it would be more than a funny story to look back at.

The Airbase was about three miles away if we actually tried to get there quickly, I knew the path as it was a frequent place I visited whenever I needed to steal some water or food. I would sometimes sit back and watch as the large planes and jets took off, doing tricks in the sky or just flying away until out of sight.


*- -*- -*


I sat on my bed trying to figure out exactly what I was going to do tomorrow. I would lead her to the base and then once it was in sight, allow her to go the rest of the way. I didn’t want anything, the only thing I wanted in return to my services was her leaving. Hopefully she would forget all about my hut and me.

I was still in a fight with myself though. Part of me believed it was stupid to let her go, part of me looked at her like an advantage – a weapon. The other half looked at her more like a nuisance, one that I needed to be rid of right away. The sound of whimpering grabbed my attention, I watched as Diesel trotted into the room, limping every now and again. I smiled as he sat beside the bed and lowered his head onto it, giving me that puppy dog look.

“Who’s my trooper?” I asked scratching behind his ear and he produced an almost puppy bark.

“I love you Diesel,” I told lowering myself down so I was hugging him, “just you and me buddy. Forever and always.” He barked in agreement and I helped him up on the bed, lying down once again.

Her face was lighted up, cheerful in a way. I didn’t know why, my small fragile body and mind just couldn’t comprehend the reason. My father came out, his hands behind his back, wearing the same smile mother had. I was itching to know what they were hiding from me. I rarely received presents and when I did, though I was more than joyous, they were simple things. I appreciated anything my parents gave me.

“With us always busy,” my mom began looking over at my father who nodded, “we thought you might need a playmate and someone that can teach you responsibility.” My father produced a box from behind his back and handed it to me. It wasn’t awfully heavy but it did surprise me. I sat it down and before I could remove the top, the top popped off and a small puppy head was now there. His grey eyes stared back at me, both of us just staring at the other. He made a small barking noise and then leaned in to lick my nose. My four year old body giggled and threw a happy fit, grasping the puppy and bringing it in for a hug.

After that we were inseparable. He was truly my best friend, the only one I cared about and couldn’t stand a day without.