C. T. Suddeth

“Oh-see-rah, I just came from your cave,” said Ah-koh-rah. “Can my family dwell in the cave, too?”

Lord of the Caves Part 9

“We have a huge cave,” said Oh-see-rah. “Please move in with us. We’re taking Hah-nah-pah’s belongings to my cave.”

Ah-koh-rah clapped. “Yes! Thank you!”

“Hurry, you don’t want to be out and about come morning.” Oh-see-rah wanted to avoid mention of T-Rexes.

“I heard about the Terrible Thunderers, which is why I don’t want my family left alone in our cave.” Ah-koh-rah added, “I will bring my mate and our baby.”

Oh-see-rah and his brother, Ha-nah-pah, continued to the big cave.

“Let’s call your cave Tiger Rock Cave,” said Hah-nah-pah. “Tiger Rock will shield us.”

“Great idea,” said Oh-see-rah as he continually glanced around for more saber-toothed tigers or T-Rexes. Most beasts were asleep, save for those whose empty bellies forbade sleep.

They soon returned to Tiger Rock Cave. They told everyone about Ah-koh-rah and his family. Everyone cheered. The more folks, the safer everyone felt.

Minutes later, Ah-koh-rah, his mate, and their baby arrived. Both of them carried full loads of furs and bags of belongings.

“Let me help you,” said Oh-see-rah. “We’ll bring your other belongings.”

Ah-koh-rah shook his head. “We haven’t been together long. This is all we have.”

The women found the new arrivals a cozy spot in the cave. The three men gabbed and made new throwing spears, which was always in short supply.

Soon, the fish they’d caught were broiling over the fire. Someone else added a freshly bagged hare. Then millet and emmer seeds were ground into a paste and cooked on a flat rock until they became tasty cakes.

Everyone ate their fill. And chatted. And laughed. Oh-see-rah soon forgot the terror of life outside the cave. Someone began a story, and tales wafted over the campfire. Then more laughter as little ones romped.

Oh-see-rah laid back and sighed—life was good.

Hah-nah-pah sat up. “Where’s my boy?” The boy had already seen three winters and liked to toddle about.

Oh-see-rah stood. The boy was beelining for the cave mouth, only a few steps from the paling stakes.

Oh-see-rah dashed after him. Glancing at him, the boy darted out. Just as Oh-see-rah reached Tiger Rock, the boy passed between the paling stakes.

“No,” screamed Oh-see-rah as he sprinted as fast as he could.

Dawn had just begun to break through the morning fog. The boy hurried on.  

Oh-see-rah leapt over the paling stakes until he was only a few paces from the boy.

ROAR! The T-Rex buck charged toward the boy. Oh-see-rah could easily see its wounded left eye. It wanted revenge.

Oh-see-rah felt for his spear thrower. He didn’t have it. The T-Rex kept coming.

Oh-see-rah reached the boy and scooped him up. By then, it was almost close enough to stomp them into the mud.

ROOOAR! The T-Rex opened its jaws wide.

Oh-see-rah shielded the boy with his body and waited.

TO BE CONTINUED

Copyright 2021 Charles Suddeth