Borealis 2015-2016

The first three coffins revealed skeletons that seemed ages old. But the fourth opened and the girl fell out and landed heavily on the ice floor. Dolan had his spear at the ready and Hob took a heavy step backwards. Jacks stood rooted in the spot not knowing what to do. The girl shook her head and wiped her face. She looked up and pounced on Jack. Jack felt his breath leave his body. The girl looked small but she hit like a hammer. She slammed Jack against the ice wall of the cave then flipped him over her shoulder and slammed him into the floor. The girl was about to bring her foot down on Jack’s face when she felt a sharp stone pressed against her neck. “Make another move and you die.” growled Hob. How did Hob move so quickly!! He was on the other side of the machine. wondered Jack. Even Dolan was surprised by the speed of the old man. As far as he knew, Hob was the drunk of the village who acted as a sort of uncle to young Jack. He was never known to be a hunter or warrior at all. The girl shuddered slightly. Jack saw her eyelids droop and she collapsed in a heap onto the floor. Jack groaned as he stood up. He could feel some bones shift in his side but he couldn’t tell if that was from getting punch in the ribs or being slammed so hard onto the ice. Hob hovered the girl ready to strike if needed. “Don’t hesitate old man.” said Dolan. “End her now.” Dolan could see the shock on Hob’s face. “She is dangerous, and who knows if she is really a she or something else. End her.” “Don’t Hob.” groaned Jack. “I claim my rights.” Dolan’s brow furrowed. “What boy!?” Jack cursed as he felt a sharp pang go through his side. “I said, I claim my rights. By the law of Tundra, since I am now a man, I have the right to the spoils of any hunt or conflict. You can have all the cleaver meat, claws, even the fur. I claim her.” “She is dangerous, boy.” “She is helpless, Dolan.” “I will not allow. Hob if you don’t kill her I will.” Hob shrugged then got between the girl and Dolan. “Then you break the law Dolan. Jack has claimed his rights as a man. If you deny it then the village can put you on trial for denying the law. And the last thing we need is the chief ’s nephew and heir on trial, don’t you agree?” Dolan face grew red with fury. He slammed his spear into the ice and stormed out of the cave. Jacks just realized he was holding his breath and he let it out in one big gush. Hob came over and put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry boy. Dolan can be moody but he has the village’s protection at heart.” Jacks nodded and winced again. “I think she broke a rib.” Hob laughed. “C’mon Jacks, let’s go home.” Josh Mungie 9.17

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