Brittany waved at the group, and they sauntered over. There were five in all, including her, and their expressions ranged from utter boredom to open disdain.
“Rogue, Seth,” Brittany said. “These are my friends: David, Aret, Sandi, and Paul.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Rogue offered. When she got no reply, she said, “Is this your first egg-hunt too?”
“Our second. We all went last year when we turned eighteen, and we passed with flying colors,” Brittany said.
“I didn’t know this was a test,” Rogue said.
Brittany shrugged. “Officially, it’s not. It’s more like a rite of passage—a way to show you’re not a kid anymore.
“But we all know that people are watching,” David interrupted, his voice as smooth as his coffee-colored skin.
“Watching and weighing,” Sandi said, toying with her blonde and purple streaked hair.
“Yeah, a lot depends on the hunt’s success,” Aret added.
“So I’ve heard,” Rogue said, attempting to muster a smile.
“There was never any doubt about us, though, right, guys?” Brittany asked her group. “I mean, we’re the cream of the crop.”
“Correct. In fact, we hold the record for the most eggs harvested during a single hunt.” David said with a smirk.
“Impressive,” Rogue murmured, wondering what it would take to end the awkward showdown between her and the group. An earthquake? A rampaging T-rex? I wish it was that easy.
Seth must’ve had the same idea because he cleared his throat. “It’s been nice chatting to you all, but Ric’s calling. It looks like it’s time to go.”
“Well, good luck out there,” Brittany said. “You’re going to need it.”
“How so?” Rogue asked.
“You’re not used to the outside, right? Being a Prime and all,” Brittany mused.
“You’d be surprised,” Rogue said, a flash of anger running through her veins.
“Well, if you need any help, just ask,” Brittany said, her words honeyed. “It can get very dangerous out there.”
“I can handle myself,” Rogue answered with gritted teeth.
“Oh, I’m sure you can,” Brittany said, her blue eyes the picture of innocence.
The foursome behind her snickered, and Rogue’s hands balled into fists. I’ll be damned if I let a bunch of snot-nosed kids get the best of me.
But Seth grabbed her arm and pulled her close to his side before she could act. “Thank you for your concern. We appreciate it.”
“Of course. Anything for our new…visitors.” The group departed with many a hushed whisper and giggle.
Yanking her arm free from Seth’s grip, Rogue snarled, “What a bitch!”
“Keep it down. You can’t afford to make any more mistakes,” Seth said.
Rogue’s mouth fell open. “Mistakes? Did you hear the things she said?”
“Of course, I heard. She was goading you, and you fell for it,” Seth said.
Rogue’s mouth snapped shut, and she frowned. “I suppose you’re right.”
“You have to keep your cool. What do you think these people will do if you pick a fight with a bunch of kids? Their kids?” Seth pointed out.
“Fine, I’ll keep my mouth shut,” Rogue mumbled.
“Good, because if you want their help with freeing Prime, you’ll have to convince them you’re one of them,” Seth added.
“And right now, I’m not,” Rogue said.
“Not even a little.”
“Guess we’ll have to change that,” Rogue said, squaring her shoulders with a determined grunt.
At the front, Ric’s booming voice had everyone falling into a single file as they exited the gate. “Come on, people. Move it. We don’t have all day.”
Seth waved a hand toward the exit. “Lead the way.”
Sucking in a deep breath, Rogue fell into line. Her stomach churned, not from fear of pain or injury, but fear of failure. I’ve got to do this. Whatever happens today, I need to prove myself. Moran is counting on me.
Chapter 7
Rogue trudged along the narrow path, her hands clutching the straps of her backpack. On either side, the primordial forest loomed. Moss-covered tree trunks and thick, green foliage hemmed her in until she found it difficult to breathe. “Is it just me, or is it freaking hot already?”
“It’s the humidity,” Seth replied. “We can expect rain later on.”
“How do you know?” Rogue asked, wiping away the sweat that beaded on her forehead.
“I just know,” he said.
“A real wild-man, huh?”
“I’ve had to be,” he replied.
“I guess so. Anyway, could you not tell my mom why I was kicked out of Prime, please?” Rogue said, lowering her voice.
“It’s not my story to tell,” Seth said with a shrug.
“Thanks,” Rogue muttered. “I’m not sure how she’ll react.”
“I think she’d understand. It was an accident, wasn’t it?”
“A very unfortunate one,” Rogue muttered. “And all because of a dumb egg. I swear karma’s out to get me.”
“Because of the hunt today?” Seth said.
“Exactly. And guess what I got for breakfast?”
“I’ll go out on a limb here,” he said with a teasing grin. “Eggs?”
“You got it. I nearly choked on them too,” Rogue said with a shudder.
He chuckled. “I’d have loved to see your face.”
“I bet you would have,” Rogue said, a smile tugging at her lips.
Despite Brittany’s snide comments, she felt better already. Seth had a calming effect on her, and she enjoyed their constant banter. If only it wasn’t so damned hot.
After a while, the path broadened out, and the forest receded to arm’s length. When they reached a small clearing, Ric paused to let everyone bunch together. “We’re taking a five-minute break, people. Keep it down, and don’t wander off, please. This is Dryptosaurus territory.”
Rogue flashed Seth a wild look. “Dryptosaurus?”
Seth frowned. “Just stick close to me.”
Rogue obeyed, squatting next to him in the shade of a small bush. She opened up her backpack and discovered a bottle of water, a couple of wrapped sandwiches, and an apple. There was also a knife and a thick roll of cloth.
“What did you get?”
“The same,” Seth said, rummaging through his items. “Your mom packed for me.”
“Me too,” Rogue said, taking a few sips of water.
“At least, I got my crossbow back,” Seth said, pointing to the weapon with its quiver of bolts on his back.
“I’ll hide behind you if we get attacked,” Rogue said with a nervous smile.
“You do that,” Seth replied. “A Dryptosaurus is no laughing matter.”
“I know,” Rogue said, swallowing hard. The average Dryptosaurus was eight feet tall, seven and a half meters long, and weighed more than a ton. Its claws were big enough to tear a man in two and accounted for its name: Tearing lizard.
Olivia appeared next to them and hunkered down. “Mind if I join you two?”
“Of course not,” Rogue said.
“Um, Lillian. About earlier with Ric…” Olivia said with a hesitant look.
“I’m sorry I called him an asshole, but he didn’t have to humiliate me in front of everyone like that,” Rogue said, switching to defense mode.
“I know, and I’m sorry about that. He can be a difficult man.”
“No kidding.”
“Anyway, all I wanted to ask is that you give him a chance. His heart is in the right place,” Olivia continued.
“Really?”
Olivia nodded. “He cares about the community, and he’d do anything to protect it.”
Rogue sighed. “I suppose I can understand that.”
“Just try to get along with him. For me, please,” Olivia added.
“Fine. I’ll try,” Rogue said. For a moment, she debated mentioning
Brittany’s snide comments but decided against it. There was no point unless the situation escalated further. Besides, I can’t let a bunch of teens upset me like that.
Olivia squeezed Rogue’s hand. “Thank you.”
Rogue decided to change the subject. “By the way, what’s the cloth for?”
“To wrap your eggs in,” Olivia said. “We don’t want any to get smashed on the way home.”
“Ah, okay,” Rogue replied, fingering the thick material.
Olivia settled down next to her while Seth devoured his sandwiches. Rogue debated eating her apple, but her stomach churned at the thought of food. Not with a carnivore roaming the area. She stared into the depths of the forest. Within its gloom, she imagined a predatory form, ready to pounce.
Olivia noticed her unease. “Don’t worry, sweetie. Ric posted guards. We’ll know if anything comes our way.”
That news did little to allay her fears, and Rogue toyed with her shoelaces. When the break was over, she jumped to her feet, eager to move on. This time, Ric kept the group moving close together with armed guards circling the perimeter.
The minutes dragged on as they walked, and Rogue zoned out after a while. It was hard to stay alert all the time. Luckily, Seth had no such problem. When a loud crack sounded in the distance, he grabbed Olivia and Rogue by the wrists. Yanking them to the ground, he hissed, “Stay down.”
Rogue’s heart pounded in her chest as she huddled next to Olivia. The rest of the group had also hunkered down while Ric and the guards stood poised to fight.
Seth gazed at a spot not far from them, his eyes narrowed. He glanced at Rogue and tilted his head. She looked at the bushes, noting the way the leaves quivered. Her breath stuck in her throat when she saw a set of yellow eyes glaring right at her. A jaw full of serrated teeth glinted in the dappled light.
Suddenly, Seth raised his crossbow and let loose a bolt. An enraged roar ripped through the air, and people shrieked with fright. Rogue scrambled backward, dragging Olivia with her. Within seconds, the ordered walk had turned into chaos.
“Over here,” Seth cried to Ric and the guards, firing another bolt.
It lodged in the carnivore’s snout, and the creature snarled with fury. The Dryptosaurus shook its head from side to side, clawing at the offending missile. Ric and the others ran closer, hurling spears at the beast. Several pierced its thick brown hide, and it screamed with pain. Blood flowed from the numerous wounds, the metallic scent heavy in the dense atmosphere.
Enraged, the Dryptosaurus charged its attackers. Men and women spat in all directions as the crazed dinosaur went on a mad rampage. It swerved toward Rogue and Olivia, each thunderous step causing the ground to vibrate.
Seth shot off a hasty bolt, but it glanced off the dino’s back and zinged into the distance. The two women stood frozen in its path, and the closest guards were too far away to help.
“Lillian, run,” Olivia cried, but there was nowhere to run to.
Rogue glanced at her mother’s frightened face, and a wave of protectiveness washed over her. I’ve got to do something!
Rogue yanked the machete from her belt and turned to face the carnivore. At the last possible moment, she shoved Olivia to the side. The woman went tumbling across the ground, out of the creature’s path. “Lillian, no!”
The Dryptosaurus snapped at Rogue. She dropped to her knees, and its jaws slammed shut mere inches above her head. Thick legs wooshed past her on either side, its terrifying claws as sharp as razors.
With a loud yell, Rogue swung the machete at one meaty ankle. The blade hacked into the heel, and the Dryptosaurus crashed to the ground with an agonized squeal.
Rogue rolled forward to get away from the downed beast. Unable to regain its footing, it thrashed on the ground until a lucky spear pierced its eye and penetrated the brain. With a final defiant roar, the Dryptosaurus sagged to the earth and breathed its last.
Silence descended on the group as each stared at the dead creature. Finally, one guard let out a wild yell of triumph, brandishing his spear in the air. The rest followed suit, all except for Ric.
He rushed to Olivia’s side and raised her to her feet. After a quick examination, he dusted her off. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. What about the others?” Olivia asked. “Where’s Lillian? Lillian!”
Rogue raised a hand. “I’m okay, Mom.”
Olivia sagged with relief. “Thank goodness.”
Ric addressed the others. “Is anyone injured?”
Heads shook, and it soon became clear that the group had been lucky to escape harm. Apart from a couple of scrapes and bruises, no one was hurt.
Rogue leaned forward with her hands resting on her knees, struggling to catch her breath. Blood dripped from her machete’s blade, and she wiped it clean on a clump of moss. Straightening up, she noticed Ric walking over with Olivia in tow.
His voice was gruff when he spoke. “You saved Olivia’s life. I owe you for that.”
“Of course, I saved her. She’s my mother,” Rogue said with a hint of indignation. “And you don’t owe me anything.”
“Now, now,” Olivia said, raising a hand. “He didn’t mean it like that, I’m sure.”
“No, I didn’t,” Ric said, his face turning red. “I meant, thank you.”
He sounded sincere, and Rogue nodded. “I’m just glad it all worked out.”
Ric grunted. “This is some mess, however. It’s been years since we’ve been attacked on this trail. I’d better get everyone sorted out.”
He hurried away, and Olivia followed. Between them, they got the group back onto its feet with a defensive perimeter set up. A couple of runners were dispatched to the Zoo while two more guards offered to stay with the carcass. A team of volunteers would come out to butcher and transport the meat and hide back to the settlement. In this world, nothing was wasted.
Rogue stared at her feet. Her blood was still up, and her every sense was on high alert. It would take a few minutes for the adrenalin rush to fade away. She concentrated on her breathing, seeking the calm in the storm. In and out. Repeat.
“Are you okay?”
The question broke her focus, and Rogue whirled around to find Seth standing behind her. “I…I’m okay.”
His dark eyes searched hers for a long moment. “Don’t ever do that to me again. I thought you were dead for sure.”
“It was a close one,” she admitted.
“Too close.” He gazed around the group. ‘You’ve won a few fans, however. It seems these people admire suicidal acts of bravery.”
“Hey,” Rogue protested. “It wasn’t like I had a choice, you know?”
“Maybe not, but be more careful next time. I couldn’t stand to lose you,” he said before striding away.
She stared at his retreating back with some confusion before calling out, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Figure it out,” he replied over his shoulder.
“Ugh,” Rogue said, rolling her eyes. “I don’t have time for this right now.”
At that moment, Ric shouted, “Come on, people. Gather around. We need to hurry up if we still hope to accomplish our goals.”
Rogue retrieved her backpack and slung it over her shoulders. After facing the Dyptosaurus head-on, the egg hunt no longer seemed like such a big deal, and she wanted to get it over with. One thing was clear, however. She had won some admirers. It was obvious in the nods and smiles directed her way.
She fell into line behind the rest, her heart swelling beneath the proud look Olivia bestowed upon her. It felt good to be accepted, and she faced the coming ordeal with a growing sense of confidence. Maybe the hunt wasn’t such a bad idea, after all.
“Are you ready, Lillian?” Olivia asked.
“I’m ready,” Rogue said, and this time, she meant it.
Chapter 8
“That’s it?” Rogue asked in a low whisper. She crouched behind a thick row of ferns, hidden among the shadows.
“That’s it,�
�� Olivia confirmed, her eyes shining with excitement.
Rogue studied the nesting grounds in minute detail, noting the terrain and possible obstacles. She wanted to be prepared for anything. A lot depended on the success of the hunt, both for her and the community. I can’t afford to screw this up.
The open field formed a rough triangle sided by the river, a steep cliff and waterfall, and the encroaching forest. The ground was mostly flat and covered with tufts of grass, shrubs, and sharp rocks.
Across this were scattered the nests of several species of herbivores. They ranged from the huge but mild-mannered Lambeosaurus to the small and aggressive Zuniceratops. She noted Triceratops, Styracosaurus, Stegoceras, and Parksosaurus’ as well, all gathered for the annual hatching of their offspring.
Most of the adults were gathered along the river’s edge with its rich plant life and fresh water. But many more wandered between the nests or kept watch for predators. It sure didn’t look like an easy score to her. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Hold on,” Olivia said, disappearing to speak to Ric. After a couple of minutes, she returned.
“And?” Rogue pressed
“Since this is your first hunt, Ric wants you and Seth to go with Brittany and her friends,” Olivia said.
“Are you serious? You want us to hang with that bunch?” Rogue asked.
“I don’t see a problem with that. They know what they’re doing and can show you the ropes,” Olivia said. “Plus, they’re going after Parksosaurus eggs, the easiest of the bunch.”
“The problem is, they don’t like us at all,” Rogue replied with a frown.
“What makes you think that?” Olivia said. “It was Brittany’s idea for you to join them.”
“It was?” Rogue asked, alarm bells ringing in her head. “That doesn’t sound right.”
“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think,” Olivia protested. “Besides, this will give you the perfect opportunity to bond.”
“I don’t want to bond with them, Mom. I don’t like them, and they sure as hell can’t stand me,” Rogue insisted. “We need another plan.”
The Extinction Series | Book 2 | Primordial Earth Page 4