Nearly there

Keith's Ramblings

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Nearly there. So near yet so far. If only he could make it back to the cave. 

He’d been warned not to leave the safety of the hideaway, but did he listen? Well, he was listening now, listening so hard he could hear his heartbeat. If only he had stayed put. He was angry with himself for being so foolhardy.

He’d ignored his colleagues and crept out into the pitch darkness of the night alone, armed with nothing more than a rifle and a few rounds of ammunition. He thought he’d be the hero that eliminated their rivals single handedly. After all there were only a few of them.

As he crossed an open field, unseen, there was a sudden break in the clouds. A silver moon shone as brightly as a spotlight on a stage. He heard shouts. The foe had spotted him and several armed men began rushing down a hill. He felt the pounding of their feet as they rushed towards him. Then, as if a switch had been flicked, the clouds closed in again and he was plunged into blackness. 

Torchlight criss-crossed open plain. He crouched behind a tree then began to crawl through some long grass. Suddenly, he slipped and tumbled down a bank landing in a pool of fetid mud. A bird squawked and flapped its wings.

He heard a shout, a command. It fell silent. They were listening out for him. He was paralyzed with fear. 

If he was to get back to safety he had to make a move, but he’d become disorientated. Which way should he go? Like a guardian angel a star briefly appeared in the sky. He took it as a sign and started to crawl in its direction.

He could just make out some familiar rocks. Nearly there, nearly back at the cave.

Suddenly he was blinded by a light. His mates had come to his rescue. 

Shielding his eyes he staggered to his feet. But why weren’t they moving? Why were they saying nothing? 

Come on lads! Guys? Hey ……….

 

Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?

21 thoughts on “Nearly there”

  4. Sadje's avatar Sadje Sep 16, 2024 / 17:37

    Oh, you’ve ended it at a very crucial juncture!!!!’ I want to know did he survive?
    What a masterpiece of suspense Keith. Loved your take. Thanks for joining in.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Dale's avatar Dale Sep 17, 2024 / 00:24

    You had me holding my breath! And then, whoosh. And then… wait! What? How could you?

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. messymimi's meanderings's avatar messymimi's meanderings Sep 17, 2024 / 00:34

    Yikes! Did they already get his comrades? Did he blunder into the wrong place and these are his foes? Scary and well written!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
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  10. Kritika Maheshwari's avatar Kritika Sep 23, 2024 / 07:59

    This is an intriguing story. Amazing.

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