Dododex

ARK: Survival Evolved & Ascended Companion

Night-Mare

Chapter 10

Steven crawled slowly to the parasuar in front of him. Ever since Gideon and his army of conquerors had taken hold of the hunting plains and claimed the herds for themselves, food had been scarce. The hunting plains were the only place they could find grazing herbivores, seeing as it was the only place with green grass on this Island.

The Survivor's Band had had quite a few starvation deaths in the last few days. Somehow, however, this parasaur had strayed from its herd. It wouldn't be enough to fill everyone, but if would keep them all alive a little longer.

He crept forward, his spear at the ready, and lunged. The spear stabbed into the parasaur's side, a nonfatal blow. It took off immediatly, disappearing into the dark forest. Steven gritted his teeth. It was rare to find a parasuar not under Gideon's guard. This was food he couldn't let escape. He dashed into the forest, slowing his steps as he entered to prevent making noise.

He strained his eyes to find movement in the forest. He could see a tail disappear further back. He grumbled silently and pushed on. The quiet crunch of leaves underfoot was suddenly replaced with a thud. Steven didn't have time to look down before something wrapped around his leg and jerked him upwards and hung him upside down. A trap in the forest? Was this Gideon's doing?

The rope swung slowly for a moment before dropping Steven again. His head hit a rock, strategically placed under the rope. His skull ached and he couldn't hear past the ringing in his ears. He rolled onto his back to look up at the sound of footsteps. He expected to see one of Gideon's soldiers looming over him, but instead found himself looking into the darkened hood of the figure in the black cloak.

"Horseman…" the word stumbled quietly from Steven's mouth. The horseman grabbed Steven by the shirt and yanked him to his feet.

He was close enough feel the horseman's hot breath. "Unlucky you, getting stuck here. I expected to catch one of those thickskulls on the plains, but you'll do." The horseman's voice sounded pluckier and lighter, more childlike. He was absolutely giddy.

The horseman jerked him forward, "Come on, let's go. She's been extremley restless today, she'll enjoy taking out her frustration on you." He laughed.

Steven pulled and kicked, trying to get away from him. In the struggle, the horseman's hood was thrown back. Steven froze.

"Leo?"

~CL1