The Headhunter

By Aaron Abilene

A serial killer who lives in the jungle meets his downfall when he meets the brother of one of his victims. My take on the story of Tarzan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aaron Abilene
• Release date: May 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215445235

Book preview

The Headhunter

Aaron Abilene

Published by Aaron Abilene, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE HEADHUNTER

First edition. May 26, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8215445235

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

The Headhunter

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The Headhunter

Written by Aaron Abilene

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The humid air clung to Zartan's skin as he crouched low, his gaze fixed intently on the wild boar that unknowingly grazed ahead. The dense foliage of the Amazon rainforest enveloped them both, providing ample cover for the feral hunter. Zartan couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction at the thought of the chase, the hunt being the only thing that truly made him feel alive.

Patience, he reminded himself in a guttural whisper, his voice barely audible above the hum of insects and birdsong. Strike when the moment is right. He narrowed his eyes, his focus unwavering from the unsuspecting prey.

In the blink of an eye, Zartan leapt from his hiding spot, swiftly scaling the trunk of a nearby tree with ease. His calloused hands gripped onto rough bark, feeling every contour of the ancient wood beneath his fingers. He swung from branch to branch, each movement fluid and precise, closing in on the wild boar below.

Almost there, Zartan thought, adrenaline coursing through his veins, fueling his desire to succeed. He knew that failure was not an option; it never had been since he learned the ways of the jungle.

His heart pounded in his chest, not from exertion, but from the thrill of the hunt. The feeling of power over another living creature invigorated him like nothing else. It was this sensation that drove him, pushing him to become the terror that haunted the nightmares of neighboring tribes.

Few steps more, and you're mine, he whispered, almost playfully, as he calculated the distance between them. His muscles tensed, ready to pounce at any moment.

As the wild boar continued to graze, oblivious to its impending doom, Zartan prepared to strike. It was only a matter of time before the predator and prey would meet, their dance in the shadows finally reaching its bloody crescendo.

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Zartan's eyes narrowed as he studied the wild boar, blending into the shadows of the dense foliage around him. The dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above played tricks on the forest floor, creating a shifting tapestry of light and dark that concealed his presence from his prey. He breathed slowly, deliberately, his patience rivaling that of the ancient trees themselves.

Wait for it, Zartan whispered to himself, his voice barely audible even to his own ears. Wait for the perfect moment.

As he waited, hidden in the darkness, something stirred within him – a memory from long ago. A time before he was the feared hunter stalking through the Amazon rainforest.

Zartan saw himself as a child, barely old enough to walk, abandoned and alone in the unforgiving jungle. Tears streamed down his dirt-streaked face as he cried out for someone, anyone, to save him from the horrors that lurked in the shadows. Terror gnawed at his heart, threatening to consume him whole.

But the jungle had other plans for Zartan.

He remembered the day when they found him: a mysterious tribe of cannibals, their bodies adorned with eerie symbols and their faces obscured by bone masks. They had approached cautiously, unsure of what to make of the strange, helpless child who had somehow survived the deadly embrace of the Amazon. Instead of feasting upon his vulnerable flesh, however, they chose to spare him, taking him in as one of their own.

Look at you now, Zartan thought, his mind returning to the present, a twisted smile spreading across his lips. No longer the pathetic, whimpering babe you once were.

The memories of his past only served to fuel his resolve. This was his world, his domain – a place where only the strong survived, and the weak perished. And Zartan had no intention of becoming prey.

Your end is near, he murmured, his eyes never leaving the boar as he prepared to strike. In the space between heartbeats, Zartan knew that the moment had finally come.

Your life... is mine.

––––––––

As the boar turned its head, Zartan leaped from his hiding spot, landing on its back with a sickening thud. The animal let out a piercing squeal as it thrashed, trying to shake him off, but Zartan held tight, his fingers digging deep into its flesh.

Die, he growled, twisting his hands hard and fast until he felt bone snap beneath his grasp. The boar went still, its eyes rolling back in its head as it slumped to the ground.

Excellent, Zartan muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. Another kill for the tribe.

He stood up, his body pulsing with adrenaline from the hunt. It was moments like these that made him feel truly alive – the thrill of the chase, the taste of victory, the rush of power.

As he made his way back to the village, carrying the boar over his shoulder, Zartan couldn't help but revel in the looks of awe and admiration from the other cannibals. They knew what he was capable of, knew that he was one of the most skilled hunters among them.

Zartan! someone called out, interrupting his thoughts. There are strangers at the edge of the village!

Strangers? Zartan repeated, his grip tightening on the boar's carcass. What kind of strangers?

Warriors, the other cannibal replied, his voice tinged with fear. From a neighboring tribe.

Interesting, Zartan said, his mind already whirring with possibilities. Lead me to them.

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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows across the dense Amazon rainforest, the neighboring tribes huddled together around their campfires. The flickering flames illuminated their faces as they whispered tales of terror and intrigue.

Have you heard of Zartan? one elder asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if even speaking the name would summon the creature himself.

Zartan? a young warrior echoed, his eyes widening with fear. The feral hunter who stalks the jungle?

Indeed, the elder replied solemnly. He is said to be more beast than man, raised by cannibals and taught their dark ways.

His hunting skills are unparalleled, another warrior chimed in, his voice tense. They say he can leap from tree to tree like a jaguar, and blend into the shadows like a chameleon.

Many have tried to challenge him, but none have succeeded, the elder added. His territory remains unclaimed, guarded by the tribe that worships him as a god.

Perhaps it's time we caught a glimpse of this legend for ourselves, a brave warrior suggested, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and ambition. We can learn from him, or perhaps even join forces with him.

The others exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes. But the thought of witnessing the prowess of such a legendary figure proved too enticing to resist, and soon, a group of warriors had gathered their weapons and set off towards Zartan's territory.

***

As they moved cautiously through the underbrush, the warriors could feel the weight of the jungle pressing down on them. The air was thick with tension and the sounds of unseen creatures rustling through the foliage.

Are we truly prepared for what we might find here? one warrior whispered, sweat dripping down his face as he gripped his spear tightly.

Courage, brother, another responded, his voice steady despite the unease that gnawed at him. We have come this far – there is no turning back now.

Besides, a third warrior added, if we can learn from Zartan or earn his favor, our tribe will be all the stronger for it.

Just as they were about to press on, a rustle in the trees above caught their attention. The warriors froze in place, their hearts pounding in their chests as they strained their ears for any sign of movement.

Did you hear that? one whispered, his breath ragged with fear.

Quiet! another hissed, scanning the canopy for any indication of what might be watching them.

Could it be him? the third wondered aloud, his voice barely audible.

They waited, hearts pounding as they stared into the darkness, searching for a glimpse of the legendary figure they had dared to seek out.

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The warriors held their breath, their muscles tensed and weapons