Book 3 Chapter 25: Meat

Book 3 Chapter 25: Meat

Bastien watched as Leandros finished his vomiting, and let out a long and hardy laugh, followed by an equally long and hardy belch. He gestured to the crowd, speaking a bit in Kaijin, then turned to me.

I will give you this one. I think if thered been a third gator to eat though, I wouldve won.

I picked at one of my teeth, pulling out a piece of bone and flicking it away. Sure Whats next?

Bastiens expression flickered for a moment, but then he smiled and drew himself up to his full height, near the same as my own. We will rest for an hour, and let the feast turn to fuel. After that, he paused for dramatic effect, a hunt!

A hunt for what? I asked.

Meat, of any kind and we hunt with spears only. No weapons to make up for the lack of skill you wasters are afflicted with.

I nodded, ignoring the insult, especially since in my experience it was generally true, just not in my own case. See you in an hour.

I walked away, ignoring the equal mix of dirty and impressed looks I was receiving from the crowd as I moved. I made my way back to the tree, placed my pistol in my hand, tipped the brim of my hat over my eyes, and started taking deep breaths. The heavy weight of the meat in my stomach and the lack of sleep working together to drag me swiftly into the darkness of dreams.

I awoke to the sound of a spear thudding into the tree above me head. I calmly pushed the brim of my hat out of my eyes and saw Bastien standing, holding a second spear jauntily in his hand.

Ready for your second challenge? he asked.

I grabbed the spear above my head and yanked it free with an easy motion, then brought myself to my feet. I took a large sack I had folded into my back, and cracked my neck. Any other rules aside from, whoever has the most meat wins?

We have until sunset. Though youre welcome to concede before that.

I yawned, adjusting my hat with the tip of the spear. Same to you.

His jaw clenched and unclenched, then he gestured further into the village. I followed him, watching as he spoke to his people, winked at the younger women in the crowd, and threw out a few flexing poses here and there for good measure. I had no way to know whether or not he was a good leader, but from what I could see he was at least a beloved one. Its not something I wouldve ever expected to see, but the Kaijin were different, and didnt have the same issues with Deadmen that the average waster did. It made sense that Deux had got along with them so well.

Bastien bared his teeth. I would never cheat on a challenge such as this.

TRUTH read my lie detector ability.

You attacked him? Bastien asked the man.

He looked as if he was about to lie, then nodded instead.

You have so little confidence in me? In your chief?

He had no response for that.

Bastien turned to me. His life is yours.

I walked over to the man, his eyes were pleading, and he began to open his mouth to beg.

I lifted my spear and swiftly drove it through his skull, killing him instantly, then I lifted his body and tossed it on top of my meat pile. I looked over to the Chief. You didnt specify what kind of meat. Id say he counts.

Bastien grimaced, but let out a grim chuckle. I suppose I didnt. he looked at his pile, and my own. It was clear that with his former follower on mine, I had the advantage. You win this challenge, though had it not been for that fool, victory wouldve been mine.

I nodded, letting that sit, but Angela approached along with a few of her men.

You going to have an excuse every time Donny wins?

Bastien frowned, clearly no longer in a mood to smile. Another hours rest, then we will have the final challenge.

Name it. I said simply.

A fight. No weapons, or armor, just hands. The truest test of strength.

A smile pulled at the edges of my mouth. Finally.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only