Page 51 of Blue Arrow Island
There’s a big rock formation about a hundred feet away. Every step I take toward it, I worry I’m going to get a spear in my back.
Finally, I reach the massive rocks, which have moss and small vegetation growing in their cracks. At its tallest point, the formation is about twenty feet tall, only a few cracks of sunlight breaking through the canopy of trees to illuminate it.
The sense of alarm hits me again, this time like a punch in the stomach.
Go.
I run my hand over the rocks, my stomach dropping with panic. There’s no hiding place here.
Racing to the other side, I find a thick wall of vines, bright-orange blooms giving off a heavy, sweet scent.
Maybe I can hide behind them. It’s the best option I have right now. I slide behind the curtain of twining green branches and leaves at one side, being gentle so I don’t destroy my cover.
I keep walking, my palm out in search of solid rock. But after a few seconds, a damp, earthy smell fills my nostrils and I realize I’m entering a cave.
The path turns into a decline, cooler air washing over my skin. I breathe a sigh of relief as I continue down, small rocks crunching beneath my boots.
Trickling water sounds from deeper inside the cave. It’s completely dark in here, but somehow I can sense the space around me and I know I’m not about to walk into anything.
I descend about a hundred feet and then the ground levels out again. A single crack of light filters into the space, allowing me to see dim outlines.
Squinting, I creep closer to a flat rock at about my waist level. My breath catches in my throat when I see what’s on it. There’s a sheathed knife, the craftsmanship on the leather case like nothing I’ve seen on this island. Beside the knife, there’s a big bowl turned upside down and...I run my fingers over the surface of the other item, which is so dark it blends into the rock. It’s a flint for starting fires.
I swipe the knife and turn, looking over one shoulder and then the other. My heart hammers, fear gripping me by the throat. Is someone about to lunge at me? I wouldn’t even see them coming.
Close your eyes. Use your other senses.
I release a slow breath and look down, shuttering my eyelids. It’s not as scary as I thought it would be. There’s the faint trickle of water. The musty smell of bat dung floats through the air and welcome cool air takes the sting from the scratches on my face.
I don’t know how I’m aware of this, but somehow, I know that if there was someone else in here with me, I’d be able to feel them moving. The cave is still, and with every second that passes, my heartbeat slows.
Unsnapping the knife sheath, I pull the weapon from its case. When I’ve moved the bowl and flint to the ground, I sit on the smooth, cold rock and put the knife beside me.
Just knowing I have a weapon makes me breathe easier. I reach down and untie my boots, pressing my lips into a thin line. It’s going to hurt, but I have to do it.
Gingerly, I slide each boot off, then make quick work of the socks. Tiny needles stab my feet. They’re dry, though. And I should be safe here.
Unless the cave’s occupant returns. I wrap my hand around the knife’s hilt, the solid feel of it grounding me. I need to stay awake and alert, but now that the adrenaline has worn off, fatigue is calling out to me.
I can’t give in. I can rest here, but I can’t sleep.
17
Training during this course will progress from static drills to dynamic scenario work. Safety protocols will be strictly enforced throughout all practice sessions.
- Excerpt from a police training manual written by Ben Hollis
Lochlan is climbing over me. He reeks of sweat and alcohol and his large belly crushes the air from my lungs. I turn my head to the side, steeling myself to endure what’s about to happen.
I gasp in a breath as I wake up, startled. The knife in my hand is poised to strike, and it takes me a second to remember where I am.
The cave. I must have fallen asleep. Since it’s always dark in here, I can’t get a sense of how long I slept. I’m groggy and thirsty, my throat uncomfortably dry.
For the first time since getting to the island, I didn’t wake up drenched in sweat. This cave is going to make a nice shelter for me as I heal and figure out my next move.
I’ll have to venture out to find food, but I’m hoping to get my water from in here. I ease my feet back into my socks and shoes, the pain not better or worse, and stand up.
I’m lightheaded, probably from lack of food. I’ll eat a papaya after I get some water.
