I waited patiently until it was certain that they were all gone. Seconds passed by, and what seemed to be minutes, felt like hours. I was getting very hungry, but I couldn't give in to my hunger.
My stomach growled loudly in protest. I put my hand over it, trying to muffle the sound, worried that the men might still be close enough to hear. I couldn't risk being discovered, not yet at least. Not until I knew more about where I was and what dangers lurked in this underground cave.
I took slow, deep breaths, trying to focus past the hunger pangs. My mind drifted back to the gym, the last place I remembered being before waking up here. I had been alone that Christmas night, getting in one final workout before the holiday.
Then, nothing but darkness, until I opened my eyes here in this cave, reborn into the body of a child.
I looked down at my small hands, flexing my tiny fingers. This couldn't be real, could it?! Maybe I was dreaming or hallucinating in the moments before death. But the hunger sure felt real enough.
I rubbed my grumbling stomach, feeling the leather-like texture of the tunic that I was wearing.
Finally, I peered out from my hiding spot, looking for any signs of the men coming back. The cave appeared empty and silent. Far in the distance, I could see the faint flicker of the men's torchlight as they receded further into the tunnels.
Now was my chance. I had to find food and water if I was going to survive down here.
Right as I was about to go, I froze in place as the familiar glow of torchlight and murmur of voices drifted down the passageway. Two of the sword-wielding men were coming back for some reason, their footsteps echoing off the damp cave walls.
I shrank back into the crevice, barely daring to breathe. They strode past my hiding spot, the torch flames casting flickering shadows across the rock.
About ten paces beyond me, they halted. I tensed, certain they had spotted me, but no shout of discovery came. Instead, they conversed in hushed tones, their language strange and lyrical to my ears. After a brief exchange, one of the men clasped the other's shoulder, then turned and headed back the way they'd come from, his torch receding down the passage.
The remaining man moved to the cave wall opposite me, leaned his torch into a rocky crevice, and settled with his back against the stone. A sentry. They were waiting for me.
My mind raced. How could they know I was here? I had made no sound, and left no trail since awakening in this unknown place!
A terrible thought struck me - did they intend to harm me? But no, the patient posture of the sentry, the orderly search implied I was expected, anticipated. But why? How could they know of my bizarre reincarnation? I longed to emerge and demand answers, but caution stayed by my feet.
For now, I would remain hidden, watching and waiting. The answers I sought must eventually come to light.
My stomach rumbled loudly, the sound echoing off the cave walls. The sentry stood abruptly, his head whipping around towards my hiding spot. I could see the realisation flash across his face - I knew at that moment he was certain someone else was here!
His eyes narrowed as he peered into the shadows where I was concealed. I held my breath, willing myself to remain perfectly still. I couldn't risk him discovering me now. My mind raced, weighing my limited options. I could try to slip away into one of the adjoining tunnels, but the slightest noise would give me away.
No, my best chance was to stay put for now. The man knew I was near, but not my exact location. I still had that small advantage at least.
The sentry took a few cautious steps forward, hand hovering near the hilt of his sheathed sword. He scanned the area slowly, squinting to see into the dark recesses of the cavern walls. I pressed myself deeper into the crevice, praying the flickering torchlight wouldn't expose my hiding spot.
The man's movements were careful but not fearful. He seemed more curious than alarmed by my presence. I realised he likely didn't view me as a threat due to my young age. That could work to my advantage.
My eyes darted around, searching for anything nearby I could use as a weapon. A few loose stones lay scattered near my feet. If I could lure the man just a little closer, I might be able to grab one and strike him from behind while his guard was down! It wasn't much of a plan, but it was the only option I had.
I watched him creeping slowly towards the crack in the wall where I was. At the same time, I was biding my time. Just a few more steps…
Suddenly he paused, brow furrowing as he examined the ground. I glanced down to see what had caught his attention - a small pebble lay just before the opening of my hiding place. It must've dislodged when I initially squeezed myself into the tight space.
The man's eyes followed the direction of the stone back towards the crevice. He had found me!
My heart hammered against my ribs as the sentry took one final step forward. This was my only chance. With lightning speed, I snatched up a jagged rock near my feet and hurled myself from my hiding spot with a primal cry. But the man was faster - he spun around at the sound, already drawing his sword.
I managed to land one glancing blow across his shoulder before he kicked my feet out from under me. I crashed hard onto my back, the air exploding from my lungs in a pained wheeze.
In a flash, the point of the guard's sword was pressed against my neck.
He gazed down at me with loathing in his eyes. I was certain he desired to end my life, but for some reason, he did not deliver the killing stroke. He held his blade, motionless. Keeping his scornful, hate-filled eyes locked on me now that I was at his mercy.
It was not long before the other soldiers arrived. My shout and the scuffle from earlier had attracted their notice. To this result, I could only sigh resignedly in my heart. It was now clear to me that I was certainly not some lost youngster that these men were looking for. I was a despised and hunted being!