We both unpack our bags, then stand, surveying the contents. I attach a selfie stick to my GoPro and turn it toward me. “So, Princess Arabella and I have been dropped into the middle of the Zamundan Congo with supplies that have been chosen for us by the network. While they did a pretty good job of choosing items, there are a couple of things we don’t need and a few that we’ll definitely miss.”
I crouch and aim the camera at our supplies. “Believe it or not, this small pack contains a tent, which in my book is a luxury item that I normally wouldn’t bring, but because I think my companion will want it, it comes with us. Toothbrushes and toothpaste—you can survive without, but who would want to? I see they’ve packed a makeup kit in Princess Arabella’s bag. Totally useless, so it stays here.”
I pause for a moment, assuming she’ll protest, but she doesn’t.
“We’ve got two emergency blankets made by Wellbits. These guys are super handy, weighing in at less than an ounce. They double as rain ponchos, which, as you might imagine, will be extremely helpful in a rainforest. We’ve also got our map—again, a nice-to-have item, but because I’m out here with a survival novice, I’m not taking any chances. I’m bringing it.”
I point to a metal pot. “Another luxury. If you find yourself stuck in the wild, you can make one out of any number of things found in the forest. Looks like we’ve also got two head lamps and a super-charged solar power plant.”
“Say, that’s made by Bear Grylls!” Princess Arabella adds.
I stiffen slightly. “I doubt very much thathehad any part in the design or manufacturing. It’s more likely he just slapped his name on it. Anyway, we’ve got biodegradable soap shavings in this plastic container, two Ziploc bags which we can definitely use for collecting herbs and sap along the way, four backup batteries for the GoPros, and a machete, which is a must out here. Also, we’ve got his and hers Swiss army knives with nail clippers and tweezers in case you get a hangnail,” I say with a wink in Arabella’s direction. Oh, she didnotlike that. “It also comes with scissors, a corkscrew, which we won’t need—”
“—Too bad,” she interjects. “I, for one, could use a bottle of wine right now.”
“Same here, except make it a case.” I pick up a small rectangular canvas bag and slide the contents out into my hand. “You’ve probably seen one of these before, yes? Maybe in the throne room, or your private library.”
She says nothing but gives me a look meant to show me she’s above pettiness. Huh, that actually worked. I feel bad. I clear my throat. “This is called a Muncher. It's one of the greatest multi-tools ever invented. This end here is called a spork—it’s both a spoon and a fork —
“—I know what a spork is.”
“Of course. I’m sure you use them at all your state dinners, don’t you?”Dammit, Will. Stop being a prick.
“I've seen them on the telly,” she says.
“Great. Out here in the wild, it’s for every course from soup to nuts.” I point to the opposite end of the tool. “You’ll notice the tip of the serrated knife is flat, so it can be used as a screwdriver. This is a flint which we’ll definitely need—”
“—You will. I won’t,” she says.
I look up, thoroughly confused as she digs into her shirt. She produces a lighter and spins it in between her forefinger and thumb. “Knicked it off the helicopter pilot.”
My mouth hangs open, and I find myself speechless.
She smiles shyly. “I don’t normally do things like that, but Dylan did say to be resourceful. Plus, smoking kills so I can justify it.”
I fight the surprised laughter inside, reminding myself I don’t want her here. Continuing on, I look back at the Muncher. “Potato peeler, can opener, which we won’t be using this trip. And finally, this hook here is perfect for cutting cords. We’ll use it to cut one of nature’s most useful inventions—the vine.”
I pick up the empty green backpack that has the word “Bearz” emblazoned across it. “Huh, this is a lot heavier than it needs to be. I’m surprised he’d put his name on these.”
Arabella lifts hers, as though testing its weight, although I don’t think she has anything to compare it to. “Doesn’t feel bad to me,” she says with a satisfied smile.
“Well, that’s because you’ve never used a proper backpack,” I mutter. Turning the camera on myself, I say, “Okay, we’re going to get everything packed up and hit the trail. Princess Pickpocket and I have a long trek ahead.”
* * *
Once we start walking, I hold up the selfie stick. “We’re going to head east for the next several days until we reach the town of Mbambole. Now is the best time for me to remind my companion not to touchanything, and I mean anything, without asking me first. These plants may be beautiful, but many of them are deadly.”
I walk quickly, slashing at the heavy brush ahead with the machete. “Stay behind me, okay, and keep up.”
“That’s what I’m doing,” she says, already puffing a bit.
“We’ll be hiking downhill for hours and Mother Nature is not going to make it easy for us. The ground is wet and spongy because it’s covered in layers of fallen leaves and sediment. It’s already tough, but at any moment, it could start pouring, which will make it all the more difficult.”
“You’re rather dramatic, aren’t you? It’s notthathard,” she says.
I slide down a few meters then regain my balance and turn to catch her, knowing she is likely not going to make it. But much to my surprise, she manages to stay on her feet, skidding down toward me like a pro.
“Excellent balance, Your Highness.”
