Dododex

ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion

Night-Mare

Chapter 6

Steven strained his eyes to see through the thick foliage of the forest. Even with torches in hand, the canopy was so thickly grown that in daylight hardly anything could be seen. Now at night, it was pitch black, save for the small amount of light the torches brought. If the darkness didn't make the journey dangerous enough, Leo had informed him that a being known only as the horseman called the Night-Mare every day at noon, sending her out to hunt down unfortunate souls lost in the forest.

At the lead, Roman and another survivor were picking their way through the tangled roots burrowed in the ground. Leo was at Steven's side, dressed in a long black cloak with a hood. He held at torch ahead of him, illuminating the look of fear on his face. He looked even more reptile-like here, the darkness playing with the features of his face, making him look like a creature that naturally resided in the dark.

Roman payed close attention to the ground, following the tracks left behind by Elliott. Steven didn't know what this lantern business was about, but it seemed important, and he was determined to prove himself. Leo had practically begged him not to come, which only made Steven want to go more.

Roman signaled ahead and turned right sharply. He signed a few things to them. Leo and the other survivor nodded and moved forward slowly. Steven made a mental note to himself: learn sign language. He followed Roman's lead and looked around, being stopped suddenly as Leo held out an arm. Steven followed his gaze towards the disfigured body of a man on the ground. Poor Elliott.

Steven felt bile rising in his throat. Elliott's face was frozen in a look of shock. His torso was completely flattened. The whole scene was a bloody mess. Roman inspected the body and looked around before turning to Leo, mouthing the words he signed: No lantern.

Leo sighed and paced in panicked frustration. He turned to Roman and was about to sign something when Roman and the other survivor froze. They were staring behind Leo and Steven. Steven followed their gaze and turned around. A slick black muzzle snorted directly into Steven's face. He clenched, raising his eyes to the glowing orange globes that stared intently at him.

~CL1