C. T. Suddeth

Lord of the Caves Part 6

The T-Rex buck halted, leaning back on its tree-like hind legs, mouth open wide.

Oh-see-rah’s arm went limp and his heart thundered as he slowly backed toward the cave’s mouth. Though the doe stared at him, she moved not a muscle.

The buck was closest and was trembling—afraid of the flaming spear. Oh-see-rah wished he could light this spear. He wanted to smile, but that might enrage the beast, so he continued backing up. Living through this night was a sweet prospect.

Oh-see-rah’s calf bumped into a paling stake. Slowly working his leg around the sharp point, he kept his spear ready in case either beast gave into their urges and attacked.

Once on the safe side of the paling stakes, he turned around and tiptoed into the cave, tossing a few sticks onto the front cave fire to make sure the T-Rexes saw it and wouldn’t try to break into the cave.

Ee-shee-nah was watching. “If they’re stalking you at sundown, it’s going to be a long night.”

He dropped his spear onto his sleeping fur. “A long night without being able to find food.”

She shrugged. “I have a few things stored. We’ll be all right tonight.”

He added sticks to the inside fire and hugged his four offspring. If one of the T-Rexes got him, his offspring would surely perish.

Ee-she-na fixed their sundown meal: a porridge of blackberries, walnuts, and chopped roots. Though he liked his meat, this was tasty.

Then he checked the outside. The blessed darkness had returned. T-Rexes hated the night—they couldn’t find prey and were subject to attack from men and beasts who could see well in the dark.

He gathered his throwing spear and other gear.

“Is it wise to leave the cave?” Ee-shee-na asked.

“Only fools perish from hunger.”

She eyed him without replying.

He kissed her cheek. “I will be careful.”

She smiled.

He lit a torch, grabbed what he needed, tiptoed to the paling stakes, and halted. The night was as dark as an unlit cave—Lady Moon must’ve fled into the clouds. He listened—the calls of winged beasts filled the air—they would not be about if T-Rexes were nearby. Just to be sure, he sniffed—just the night fog, but it masked most smells. It also meant the many beasts out about could not find his odor and hunt him.

He stepped out of cave and halted again, his shoulders rubbing against the mountain’s rock side. Nothing so far. Though he hankered for a fat hare, he stood no chance of finding one, let alone bagging it. The creek was not far, and he could fish without the use of his eyes.

He missed the dusk with other men and women hunting and gathering food and firewood. Whispering to each other. Though he hadn’t spotted other torches, he didn’t blame them. They likely were in their caves, bellies full, warming beside a fire, telling stories, being with their mates and families.

His torchlight frightened a squirrel that skittered from tree to tree in a circle around him. Though a roasted squirrel would do nicely, he didn’t care to have the night swallow his spear.

He heard the gurgle of the rocky creek long before he reached it, his torch barely shining on the slow flowing water. A deer coming for a drink would’ve made a nice catch, but the torch likely scared them off.

Sticking the torch into the ground behind him to frighten attackers, he stuck both hands in the chilly waters and noodled for a while, his fingers grappling around a whiskered-fish. He yanked it out of the water. Though it wriggled and fought back, he crammed it into his bag and noodled again.

His hands hurt from the icy water, but he needed food for his family. Leaning forward, he shoved his hands deeper into the murky waters.

A branch snapped behind him. He started.

Where did he put his spear?  

Whirling around, he felt for a stone, anything to defend himself with. Nothing. He rose to his feet and peered into the vast blackness.

Determined to survive, he clenched his fists.

Another branch snapped.

TO BE CONTINUED

Copyright 2021 Charles Suddeth