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I woke early the next morning to a thud overhead and stared up at the quivering arrow impaled in the tree. A scrap of material hung from the shaft.
I yanked it out and removed our assignment, tossing the arrow aside. I’d love to take it; it would make a great weapon. But if it was like the last one, it would disappear within seconds. Computer generated, no doubt.
Adone sat and stroked my hair. “What does it say?”
Scanning it, I frowned. “I can’t read it. It’s not in a language I understand. But there’s a map.”
He took it from me. “Find the course and complete it.” His head rose, and he frowned toward where the sun was rising. East? Who knows? Nothing was familiar to me on this planet. “It’s in that direction.”
“Yes, it is,” Burmoot said from behind us.
I yelped and yanked a cluster of leaves over my body.
“Come back after we’re dressed, huh?” I cried.
He just chuckled. “I was not looking. I never would.” He strode closer. “I have left you clean clothing and there’s more food, but you must hurry. You only have until tomorrow at dusk to complete the next task, and I worry you won’t reach it in time.”
I sat up, holding a big leaf over my boobs. I wrapped it around me and tied the ends beneath my arm, creating a deep blue tube top. I did the same with a second leaf, crafting a skirt, and stood.
Adone didn’t appear to care about nudity. He got up and faced Burmoot, crossing his arms on his chest.
“Why are you being so helpful?” he asked, frowning. “You provided food, clothing, and a secure place to rest.” Let alone the fact that he kept trying to talk us into escaping. No, he kept offering to help us escape. It made no sense.
“All receive a reward after finishing the first task,” Burmoot said.
“From the little I’ve heard,” Adone said, “a host does all they can to ensure the contestants do not finish the Game. You’re making this too easy for us.”
Grabbing the clothing left for me, I scooted behind a big tree where Burmoot couldn’t see and dressed quickly. It would’ve been nice to bathe again, but I didn’t truly need it. At least I felt rested and refreshed. The gnawing hunger and thirst I’d lived with for the prior two days was gone, though I’d definitely eat and drink my fill before we left.
“I explained that there will be no cost for me if you win,” Burmoot said.
I was also concerned about this. The Universal Council must make money on ensuring we lose. On Earth, ratings were better when tragedy unfolded live, on the screen.
“You bet we’d win,” I said, coming out from behind the tree. “That’s why you’re making it easy, because you’ll make a huge profit. Since the games usually end in defeat, many will bet on that outcome even if the odds aren’t good. I imagine few bet that the contestants will win, especially after the last three couples succeeded.”
“Indeed.” Burmoot dipped his head forward. “It is that and . . .”
“What?” I asked, watching his face. But he didn’t give anything away, his expression remaining impassive. “You’re not telling us everything.”
Burmoot signed. “The monitors will return soon. The second part of the Game is about to begin. Let us not waste this short time together with questions.”
So, he didn’t want to talk. I wanted to shake him and make him give us answers, but I doubted he would
Burmoot peered toward the sky. “There they are.”
I spied two black dots heading this way, growing larger. Yesterday, I hadn’t paid much attention to them, though I’d been aware they were near, watching.
Tumbles rolled over to stand beside me and yipped. He leaped up as if he’d bite the monitor, and it flew at him, hitting him hard in the face.
He yelped and rolled around to cower behind me.
Rage poured through me, and when the monitor zoomed in close to me, I swatted it, sending it flying.
Spinning, it dove toward me. I ducked, but it moved along with me.
It stopped in front of me and spit something into my face. It burned, and I screamed.
