The Treasure
Page 2
He turned off the recorder and charged toward the ridge, just in time to catch two Clickers advancing on his location. He raised his crossbow, fired, and killed the first male midair. He stretched the bowstring to reload, but as he turned he saw the second Clicker coiled and ready to pounce. He dropped the crossbow, reached for his dagger, and turned to meet his adversary. The male prepared to launch at its enemy, but became distracted by a mild clicking sound emanating from behind Jake. He caught the unmistakable scent of sweet melon just before the first spear came from behind him and penetrated the ribcage of the male. Then a second spear lodged in its neck, killing it instantly.
Jake took a deep breath, and sighed. He heard the soft footsteps approach from behind. A long tongue gently caressed his neck as a green four-fingered hand dropped a third spear by his side, before gently stroking his arm. He greeted the small female with a smile and a double click to indicate his gratitude for her act of saving his life. As the dark green creature purred, she tenderly wrapped her tail around his leg.
“I know sweetheart, I want you too, but not till the sun goes down.” He pointed at the horizon and arched his hand down below the mountain to indicate nightfall.
The female's expression signaled disappointment, but then she nodded to show she understood. She gracefully moved back to the base of her resident tree, curled up on a bed of leaves, and remained fixed on the actions of her mate.
He heard the chatter begin again below the ridge and knew they were safe, at least for the moment. He picked two pear shaped fruits off the nearest tree and walked over to the female. Then Jake sat by her side, offered both fruits and slowly stroked her back. He admired the change of colors rippling through the hair running along her mane. It reminded him of Christmas lights sweeping through a rainbow of colors.
He gazed at the expression of contentment on her face, and considered his mistake. The presents that each male offered, their protective response, the gifts were not what they treasured, it was the female. Even at the cost of their lives, the males would do anything to maintain their possession over the female, as they had proved again and again. Jake pondered the chain of events he had set in motion by his decision four months ago. If he had understood all this in the beginning, would he still have placed his bright red holographic identification tag in the pile of gifts to attract the female down from her tree? Then he realized he would do the same thing all over, change nothing. Even with the attacks, the injuries, the pain, he refused to be alone again.
While the female softly rubbed her face against his leg, Jake recognized his destiny. Just like the male Clickers, he would defend the treasure with his life. The alternative was unbearable. He'd rather be dead then by himself again, like after he lost Mary. Now at least he had a companion, someone to share the lonely nights with, and he would never give that up. Never go back to being isolated on this God-awful planet.
He rubbed behind the female's left ear. “Perhaps it's time you have a name. What about Mary? Do you like that?” Then he pulled the medallion out his pocket and clipped it to the chain around her neck that held his identification tag.
Jake felt the female tremble and press into his side as a series of loud howls echoed from below the ridge. “Don't worry sweetheart. It's just two more days and then they'll stop. You'll always be safe up here with me. I won't let them take you. You'll never be hurt again, never ... I promise, Mary.”
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About Michael
Michael Davis has worked in the military and intelligence community for thirty years including within the Pentagon and has a Masters in Operations Research and a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Recently retired from his career in support of the defense establishment, he is enjoying his new endeavors as a writer at Smith Mountain Lake, VA.
Other Titles By Michael
Tainted Hero
Forgotten Children
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