Chapter Four
Hunt and Capture
Prey and Predators
Hag-ridden by terrors both elemental and existential, I flee through a hail of stones and spittle into the jungle.
I dodge unexpected snares and pit traps and collect another dozen minor wounds. Somehow I recollect my determination to survive as well. The sounds of the pursuit beginning behind me don’t lead me to collapse, cause me to veer off on a tangent toward the ocean or send me in search of the nearest natural predator. Instead they goad me straight on ahead into the depths of the island where I might best hide myself before my scant resources are exhausted. Reaching a fair-sized creek I wrench off that sickening garland and drink sparingly – enough to keep me going but not cramp me up. This restraint is exceedingly difficult. As
