Stained River by Faxon David

Author:Faxon, David [Faxon, David]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: David Faxon
Published: 2012-01-31T18:30:00+00:00

The sound of rushing water grew faint. It was several hours before she heard it again. Other than the usual jungle noises, there was only the soft sound of footsteps leading to a place she knew would be extremely obscure. A hood made of woven fabric covered her head, secured by hemp, tied loosely around her neck. A single hole in the fabric allowed her to breathe. Hands bound tightly to her body, she couldn’t resist storing in memory the familiar sounds, or smells that might one day lead her back. She thought, That day would come, and Teman-e will settle with those who mistreated me He will do more. He will find me. No one knows the rainforest better than he.

Hours became days. She was in perpetual darkness. She fell into a reverie, step after step, until tripping over an exposed root or some other object. She was helped to her feet in a way that was almost respectful, as if her captors sympathized with her plight. The sounds she had recognized the first day were no longer familiar.

Where are they taking me? This is much further than our hunters would go. She was being led on a circuitous journey, to a place that only one of the tribesmen knew of. He was there twice before, neither by choice, telling the Machi-te people how it was fit for no man. A journey that took eight days. By then she was very tired, barely able to walk. She refused all food since the first day and drank only small amounts of water. The longer they traveled, the more despairing the thought became that Teman-e would never be able to find her.

On the eighth day, she slept soundly and awoke to stillness. The sound of footsteps and voices had ceased. The rope used to lead her, slackened. She waited for a command. It didn't come. She remained still for a long while. It was quiet; no one prompted her to get up. Is this where I am to be left? Her stomach ached from lack of food, but she had no desire to eat and wanted only water. Her hands were now free, and she untied the hemp that secured the hood. The first light to enter her eyes in a week blinded her. Gradually, she became accustomed to the brightness. This was a place more forbidden than she expected; dense growth, no sound of water, no sign of edible fruits or plants. It was meant to kill her. What have I done to make them turn against me this way? She staggered through the jungle. A little beyond, she came to a hollowed tree. Weary, bereft of hope, she entered and lay down.

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