Chill

I feel a cold chill run up my spine. It's starting to get dark. I must dig a trench for the night, or risk being killed by either the cold night or one of the many predators that stalk the area. The beasts are all around at night, but there is no sign of them during the day. I wonder about that....

Morning. I walk on. There is nothing but white sand as far as the eye can see. With luck, I will find where the beasts hide during the day. I still have my sword. If I can find where those creatures are during the day, I might be able to obtain food. I finished the last of my pack the day before. Unfortunately, I can't find any trace of the animals during the day, not even prints....

Midday. Still no signs of life. My water is running out. There has to be some source of water here, but I have been unable to locate it. Time is not my friend. I must rest. I cannot allow fatigue to set in. It will be the end of me.

Night. The beasts are all around. Perhaps I can follow one to it's resting ground. It might be my only chance. I cannot survive much longer without food.

Morning. First kill. I now have food, but water is still an issue. I bottle the creatures fluids. It might be my hydration. It might also kill me. I'll find out soon enough. I must continue on.

Midday. Feeling better. Brought animal pelt. Pain to carry around, but will help during the night. The food helps a great deal. My mind is clearer, more alert. As soon as I run out of food, I must attempt hunting again. Dangerous. But its the only way to survive.

Afternoon. Only one thought drives me forward. Only one reason to stay alive. Revenge. Revenge against the man who stole my wife. Revenge against the one who removed me from my job, killed my children, and then planted me in this hellhole to die. Well, I didn't die. That was his fatal error. Once I leave this hell, he will taste my sword. Then, I will come back here. There will be no reason to live.

Evening. Still no end in sight. I must prepare for the night. This hell cannot go on for ever. There must be an end. I will reach it. Even if it takes years.

Midday. It has been many days with no end in sight. I see something up ahead. It appears to be buildings. Might only be a mirage. I will find out by nightfall.

Evening. They aren't a mirage. I have found some form of civilization. With luck, the people will be friendly. If not, I still have my sword. Either way, my long trek is over.

END PART ONE