A couple of the returning zebras nodded their appreciation. For the rest of us, the newcomers, the message wasn't lost. There was no respect in quitting.
Led by the experienced zebras, the herd wandered away from the stand of tree and closer to the hill, before it slowed and zebras started to sit on the grass. Some of the girls quietly talked between themselves, some stared around, nervous and alert, and some, particularly the more experienced girls, lay back and rested. I sat near Holly who lay out on her back ankles crossed and arms out. One by one the talking girls feel quiet. Across the hill, almost at the edge of hearing, drifted the quiet moans of a young woman in the throes of passion. All of us strained to hear and, over time, the moans became louder and louder until her grunt and moans were clear.
Stacey sniggered. "What a slut," she said.
Jenny and Holly flashed a look at each other, their faces hardening as if an unspoken message had passed between them.
We rested as the moans rose and fell in volume, stopped, restarted, changed to rapid grunts then back to into moans.
"Holly, what is happening?" I whispered.
"His prize is getting fucked," she said. "Enjoy it."
"Enjoy it?"
"Sure. While she's getting fucked, we aren't getting chased." she tipped onto her side. "Also, the first captures get most heavily gang fucked." She lay back down on her back. "Rest, Jemma, I reckon they aren't even half done yet."
I sat in silence, aware how close that had been to me. The stakes in the game had just increased. Don't get caught early.
Eventually the moans reached a crescendo then fell silent. At that point, Jenny and Holly stood. We were back in the game and within a few minutes, and group of men reappeared on the line of hills, binoculars out. This time a chill ran up my spine. I became convinced the binoculars spent most of their time focused in my direction.
I moved up alongside Holly. "They're looking at me," I whispered.
"Whatever you did to avoid capture, it must have impressed." She gave a short laugh. "Welcome to the game, Jemma."
The warm glow of pride surged through me. I was desirable. Then the pride was replaced by fear, if I was desirable, then I could be next.