Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hide and Seek (08/07/08)
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TITLE: Dangerous game | Previous Challenge Entry
By suzaan potgieter
08/14/08 -
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Martin looks up and slowly removes his glasses. He was so engrossed in his work, he hadn’t realized how late it was. Long shadows were creeping in from the western windows. The sun will disappear behind the mountain in a matter of minutes; darkness will follow within the hour.
“Same one?”
The old man nods before he answers: “Same.”
“You are sure?”
“We counted them twice sir…and then again.”
A rueful smile crosses his face. Last time he sent them back to do a third count. He found out later the men weren’t all that pleased; it had been a cold night.
He closes his eyes for a second, fighting off despair and fear. He’s not surprised to find frustration and annoyance there as well. Why does she keep doing this?
He gets up, grabbing his jacket in one smooth movement. “Which way?”
“North east border, two miles from the water hole. Mr Martin, sir, it’s too dangerous. You remember the last time. It’ll be dark long before you get there, and it’s mating season. The wild dogs will be-“
“I know Jonas.”
He looks into the old man’s eyes, which are now filled with concern. Jonas has been serving this family longer than Martin’s been alive. He came to work at Stoneriver when he was only a small boy. Today he is the foreman, well respected by his peers and much loved by the Stone family.
“Mr Martin, wait till morning and we’ll all go. Before dawn we’ll-“
“It’ll be too late my friend. You know that”
Jonas gives a defeated sigh. “I know… Can I ask, Mr Martin, is it worth it? I mean, it’s only one. There are 99 safely locked in for the night; and she has done this before.”
“Yes, she has. And she will probably do it again.” Becoming agitated, knowing that time is crucial, he grabs his keys and heads for the door.
“But Martin-!” In his haste to catch up and talk some sense into his boss, Jonas forgot the ‘sir’; something Martin has been trying to cure him of for years.
Martin raises his voice as he talks over his shoulder: “It’s worth it Jonas. I love her more than life itself. As I love them all. How can I sleep, knowing that she’s out there on her own, with the wolf creeping in, ready to slaughter her? She belongs to me, and I’m going to go get her, no matter what it takes.”
He jumps in the truck; a huge smile on his face now. Already half way to the gate, he leans out the window. Jonas can barely make out his words over the roar of the engine: “It’s just a game to her, she’s playing hide and seek!”
Jonas stares at the cloud of dust following the truck. Yes, Mr Martin, but what will you find tonight?
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