Prompt Entries

It was a hot and humid day and despite of the shade the leaves above me provided, I could still feel the sweat pooling into droplets on my skin.  I was nearing the halfway point in my long journey.  Although I was fit and had a steady pace I noticed my breathing starting to become a bit labored.  The thought of taking a break crossed my mind and I shut my eyes tightly for a moment and shook my head, as if attempting to shake out the thought.  

I had to complete my job.  I did not know what the end goal was, my master was always so secretive, but I had to do what he wanted of me.  After all, I was brought into this world to do as he asked.  I always had this blind desire to please him, perhaps it was due to the nature of my birth.  It seemed like I was completely unable to question his motives, which bothered me.  I stopped in my tracks suddenly and closed my eyes yet again.  I lifted my head up somewhat and took in a deep breath, attempting to clear my thoughts.  My head ached as contradicting thoughts flooded my mind and fought for attention.  

I dropped my head and sighed.  My own mind felt constrained, as if certain thoughts and feelings were being blocked out.  However I was not fazed by this, it was a daily occurrence.  But perhaps I was not bothered by it because it blocked out? Another flash of pain in my head stopped me from continuing that thought path and I focused on my task.

The path took me down a steep hill and my eyes were set on the uneven and unsecure stony ground below my paws.  When I looked up I found myself in a small clearing dominated by a pond.  Sunlight streamed onto the forest floor where the trees could not hold it back.  The water shimmered in that light, reflecting it back into my eyes.  The water was clear and pure, unnaturally so.  I could see every pebble and every minnow.  Even the surface was free of mess, not a single twig or leaf could be seen floating in the liquid.

I squinted somewhat as a neared the water’s edge, searching for my prize.  There it was, in the center of the pond, completely emerged in water.  An egg dotted with whites, blues and greys and undoubtedly a viscet’s.  Why would anyone ever leave their egg out here.  Surely it would freeze and if by some miracle it hatched the hatchling would drown.  

I took off the leather bag I had slung across my chest and hesitantly stepped into the water.  The surface had been warmed by the sun’s light but the deeper you went the colder it became.  The cool water was refreshing and welcomed.  I dipped my head down and lapped up some of the water.  I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was, when was the last time I drank? Or even ate for that matter.  Why did I always put my task above my well being?  Why was this so important?  I shook my head once more, flinging water droplets as I did.  This wasn’t the time for this.

I paddled out to above the egg and looked down through the translucent water.  I took a deep breath and dived.  I easily took hold of the egg and held it close to me and I kicked off of the pond floor, rocketing back up to the surface.  It was difficult to make my way back to out of the water without the use of my front paws and I struggled to keep my head above water.  Panting heavily, I dragged myself out of the pond and placed the egg on the ground.  I shook myself, trying to rid my pelt of the water clinging onto me.  Still breathing deeply and quickly, I sat down and looked over the egg.

How did my master know that this egg was here?  He had described the location perfectly.  Why did he want this egg so badly and why did its parents abandon it?  What did he plan to do with the hatchling?  That is if something managed somehow to still be alive inside.  What am I doing? My life has always been following blindly with little to no explanation for what cause.  I stared blankly at the egg for a few more moments before opening my bag I had discarded and carefully placing it inside.  I put it back around my neck and started my journey back home.  My mind and heart full of doubt but no drive to take any action because of it.