My escape

I started planning my escape. "Is there a town nearby?" I asked Tinny. She confirmed with a soft mechanical tone.

"How long will it take to get there on foot?" I questioned.

"One to two weeks," she replied, "depending on the road conditions and the dangers along the way."

I calculated in my mind: if I spent the next three to four days storing up food, I could be ready soon. The plan was beginning to take shape. I laid down on the stone bed, my mind racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. Sleep eventually overtook me. When I woke up, it was already morning.

As the first rays of light touched the cave walls, I stretched and sat up. There was no time to waste. Today would mark the beginning of my preparation for the long journey ahead.

With Tinny's guidance, I ventured out early while most of the tribe was still asleep or occupied with their daily routines. The dense forest around the eagle tribe was filled with life. Small animals scurried through the underbrush, and the fruit trees were heavy with ripening produce.

The first task was to secure protein for the trip. Armed with a sharpened wooden spear I had fashioned from a strong branch, I carefully tracked a group of small creatures—similar to rabbits but with longer ears and silver fur. My military training came in handy; my steps were silent, my breathing steady. In a quick motion, I threw the spear and managed to take down my first target. Over the next few hours, I hunted several more, collecting enough meat to last for days.

Back at the cave, I carefully skinned and cleaned the animals. Using some flat stones near the fire pit, I constructed a makeshift drying rack. I sliced the meat into thin strips and hung them over the rack, letting the heat of the fire and the warm air slowly dehydrate them into jerky. This way, the meat would stay preserved for the journey without spoiling.

Next, I focused on gathering fruits. The surrounding forest was abundant with vibrant berries, thick-skinned fruits, and a peculiar kind of nut that Tinny confirmed was safe for human consumption. With a handwoven basket I had made from flexible vines, I gathered as much as I could carry.

The fruits that were too delicate to survive the journey fresh, I dried in the same method as the meat, slicing and spreading them out on heated rocks to dehydrate under the sun. The tougher fruits and nuts were packed into makeshift pouches, ready to sustain me during the long trek.

Every evening, after the day's work, I sat by the fire and calculated my progress. Tinny assisted me, keeping track of how many days of rations I had managed to prepare. Slowly, my supplies grew, and so did my confidence.

By the third night, I had enough dried meat, fruit, and nuts stored away to last at least two weeks. My body felt stronger from the daily activity, my senses sharper. The time to escape the eagle tribe was drawing near.

All that remained was to wait for the right moment — when the tribe's attention would be elsewhere — and then I would slip away, disappearing into the vast unknown of the beast world.Here's your passage, fully edited and expanded into a polished narrative:

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**The Escape Preparation**

During the time I was preparing for my escape, I kept everything a secret from Sarah. I feared that if she found out, she might try to stop me out of loyalty to the tribe — or worse, alert the others. Each night, I would accept the meal she kindly offered me, forcing a smile on my face, and quickly come up with excuses to make her leave the cave early. She never suspected a thing.

During the day, we would often go out together, wandering through the village or the surrounding forest. While Sarah busied herself with the latest gossip and chattering with the other females, I would quietly slip away to gather fruits, nuts, and other edible plants. With Tinny's help, I managed to identify the safest and most nutritious options. Each time I returned, my supplies grew, and so did my determination.

The days passed quickly, and the moment for my departure finally arrived. I had prepared everything as best as I could. Tinny, with its spacious compartment, carried all of our supplies so I wouldn't arouse suspicion by hauling large packs around. We had dried meat, fruits, and nuts to last for weeks. I had carefully filled three large animal-skin water containers, which I wrapped securely to prevent any leaks.

As I secured the water bags, a new wave of anxiety washed over me. If anything were to happen—if those skins burst or leaked—Tinny's internal systems could be badly damaged. I looked at my loyal companion and whispered, "Tinny, please be extra careful with the water. We can't afford any mistakes."

"Yes, Alexia. I will ensure the cargo remains intact," Tinny replied in its calm, robotic tone.

The day of the escape felt surreal. My heart pounded as I acted out the same routine I had perfected over the past few weeks. As always, I asked Sarah to go out and join the rest of the women, who gathered in the village square to gossip and socialize. She didn't suspect a thing, simply smiling and nodding as she left, humming softly as she walked away.

As soon as she disappeared from sight, I exhaled deeply. This was it. The moment I had been preparing for had finally come. My long, dangerous journey was about to begin.