Game of life and Death

The brilliant sunlight streamed through the dense leaves of the sprawling hunting grounds, creating a peaceful ambience that was only interrupted by the melodic calls of birds soaring overhead. Yet, in an instant, the tranquillity was shattered by the sharp crack of gunfire. Each shot marked the end of a life, with some facing the danger valiantly while others dashed away in fear, seeking safety.

The hunters remained hidden from their prey, dressed in dark clothing that helped them blend into the shadows cast by the trees. Their presence was only acknowledged in bursts of loud gunfire that echoed through the forest. A bullet zipped through the air, swiftly taking down the last target. Almost as if on cue, several feet marched forward to carry the game back to the mansion. Yes, the grand estate loomed majestically at the heart of the grounds, with trees seemingly bowing to its presence—a sanctuary for the bloodthirsty hunters.

Philip leaned lazily against a towering tree, watching his sister as she carefully cleaned her gun's cylinder. With a satisfying click, she locked it back in place and blew off the remnants for what felt like the hundredth time that day. "What a pathetic gun," he muttered. "It would surely have protested after what you've put it through."

He sighed dramatically, pushing himself off the tree and strolling forward with his hands tucked in his pockets. Ely simply rolled her eyes at his theatrics and handed her weapon to a servant who slipped into the woods, seemingly aware of their surroundings. Philip teased, "Tired already? You are not showing your age sis."

Ely scoffed, " Well, your aim is not exactly legendary today. You have got to work hard."

"You—you! Those bullets were without powder!" he retorted.

"Empty shells, really? That's your excuse?" Their playful bickering carried them to the heart of the grounds.

The mansion towered proudly amidst the trees, its roof sweeping into the sky and its foundation solidly anchored in the earth. Its dark exterior gleamed like polished leather, glaring down at the siblings who gazed at it with a mix of nostalgia. It had been decades since their last visit, a hunting trip with their mother.

In unison, they exchanged knowing smiles before stepping inside.

In the opulent parlour, wine and grilled meat awaited them. They sat across from one another, gazing out the window at the serene woods, where birds and squirrels flitted about. While Ely admired the splendour of nature, she caught sight of Philip holding a fork aloft, a piece of meat skewered on it, as he scrutinized it with curiosity, oblivious to the savoury aroma wafting through the air.

"I wonder what its story was before it ended up on our menu." he mused.

"We aren't much different. We labour too, but ultimately, we return to the earth as our resting place," she replied somberly, glancing at her plate full of delicacies.

Stirring her wine thoughtfully in her hands, she took a moment to reflect before drinking it down. Ely's gaze drifted to the succulent, brown meat of the boar they had hunted, her brother's words igniting a train of thought within her.

What was the essence of life? Was life merely a game where they were all pawns, susceptible to be disposed of anytime or was it a chance given to them by the creator to explore the sophisticated world and explore their inner desires? Or was it a ruthless race in which the smartest, fastest and most cunning individual takes all?

A metaphorical image appeared in her head. Wasn't their activity the same as the criminals who kidnapped and killed people in her kingdom? Their lives were reaped mercilessly as though they were fruits on a tree. She contemplated the end and how she was to go about this, however, no idea popped up.

Surprisingly, this was not even a per cent of her worries. She could feel cold air passing through the cracks in her wall. They looked severe now, promising destruction if not mended. Her brother's occasional switches worried her the most. His worried sighs, gloominess and crazed behaviour added to her burdens.

She wanted to extend a hand which was why she quickly answered his request for hunting. The problem now lay in her inability to question him. She wanted to-she ranted to but she felt scared. Scared that he might change, scared that he might think that what happened that night was his fault and lastly, scared that he might look at her with suspicion.

So for that, it was best if she didn't even attempt. It was best to let sleeping dogs lie to prevent bitter barks and wrongful bites. She glanced at him and nodded to herself. He would tell her.