Pode roared as he stumbled out of my hut. "Stop that maggot!"

Few people were outside to hear him, and those that were merely stared as I hurtled past them. I heard his heavy footsteps as he began pursuing me.

I ran faster than Pode, but he was fueled by rage. I didn't have to turn my head to hear the determined chunk chunk chunk of his gait. Even if he couldn't catch me now, I knew I would eventually tire before he did. He may have been a broad man, but he was no slouch either.

Plus, they kept us undernourished for a reason.

I frantically scanned my surroundings for a place to hide, but it was pointless. He would see where I went, plain as day. Even with my camouflage, he'd still know where to look.

I considered my options. The only thing I had with me was the hide I'd snatched from my mother's bed. I couldn't possibly stop him with it. My stomach churned as I realized killing him was the only way I'd be free of this place.

I was no warrior. I was only twelve! What could I possibly do to the lumbering bear behind me? If only I had something—

My bow!

I suddenly remembered the weapon I had taken from the Zurbo tribe, and changed direction to where I'd buried it. The hide I still carried flapped in the wind as I sprinted.

My legs began tiring. I couldn't keep up this pace much longer.

My lungs burned. By the time I slid next to the pile of rocks, I could barely see straight. Pode hadn't slowed at all. He was some distance away, but his resolve was clear. He wouldn't stop until he'd wrapped his hands around my neck.

I pushed the rocks aside and unearthed the bow. I didn't even bother shaking the dirt off it before nocking an arrow and aiming at the charging beast of a man.

Thwip!

The arrow flew across the grass between us and landed by his feet.

He didn't even blink.

Cursing, I dug another arrow out of the ground and fired it at him. I watched as it arced through the air. Don't miss, don't miss, I chanted to myself.

The arrow sank into his thigh, and he howled in pain.

I was about to punch the air in victory when he bellowed, "I'll rend you limb from limb!" And he began limp-jogging toward me, his pace only a little slower than before.

Alarmed, I reached for my last arrow.

Where was it? I pawed through the dirt. I remembered carrying three arrows. It had to be here!

I glanced up and couldn't believe the distance that Pode had closed in such a short time. He would be on me in a few more blinks.

My fingers brushed against a dusty feather, and I yanked the arrow out of the dirt. My hands shook as I raised the arrow to the bow. Clumsy fingers fumbled to nock it. Pode was barreling straight toward me, pure hate in his eyes. "You'll not kill me, maggot!"

I raised the bow. But it was too late. I was too slow.

My arm had barely pulled back the string when he tackled me like a stampeding buffalo. The bow flew out of my hands. I landed hard on my back, my breath knocked away. I lay there, stunned, unable to breathe. Pode had me pinned to the ground.

When at last I dragged in a breath, a foul stench invaded my nostrils. Pode's arm draped across my face, while his hairy armpit hovered next to my chin. I shoved the offending arm off and turned my face away from the stink.

Only to come nose-to-nose with Pode's bloody face. I jumped at the shock of it, but still couldn't scoot away. Pode's bulky body smothered me with its weight.

My pulse galloped out of control as I struggled to get free. I couldn't look away from the one eye that stared sightlessly past my ear. His entire face was propped up by the arrow that protruded from his other eye socket.

So much blood.

After way too much grunting, I managed to push free and scramble away from Pode's unmoving bulk. His head remained twisted at an odd angle. In his haste, the lumbering oaf had managed to impale himself on the arrow just as I released it.

And now he was dead.

I got to my feet, still shaky from the encounter. I wobbled over to where the first arrow had embedded itself into the ground. My hands felt numb as I pulled it out of the dirt.

I stared at it. Brushed the striped fletching with my fingers. Looked up toward the tribal compound.

No one else came after me. The only movement in the dawning light were swooping sparrows.

Flying free.

Like me.

Ahh freedom tastes so sweet! (Kinda like votes.)