suggested to Brandt that he try to look less intimidating, although Pik knew the source of the Lizard Men’s angst. They were created by the humans to do their bidding.
It seemed that they weren’t quite over their innate mistrust and fear of the humans.
Braden shook it off. Pik would keep at it and eventually, they’d overcome their hesitation. Then they would truly be equal.
The companions were always overjoyed when the rain stopped. It meant they were close to leaving the confines of the rainforest. It was also the point when the Hawkoids flew the green tunnel to the freedom of the open skies.
Even Max and Speckles hurried toward the sunshine ahead. Brandt ran at full speed, pounding away from the caravan until he basked in the bright light of day, stinking as only a wet Aurochs could.
As the cart raced onto the rolling plains leading to the Sanctuary ruins, the twins politely asked Speckles to stop so everyone could dry out. Braden and Micah appreciated the break as they were soaked to the skin. Ax and ‘Tesh started taking off their clothes before they were helped down from the cart. G-War took Shauna and Klytus hunting, insisting that each of them get a squirrel before they could return.
Braden and Micah stripped bare, knowing that before long the children would be too old for such displays. But until then, they did as they always had.
The Rabbits bounded into the plentiful greenery that existed at the edge of the rainforest, looking for anything fresh to eat. The Amazon’s torrential rains were always such a trial for any of the Rabbits. Ferrer and Brigitte were already legends among the Rabbit population for their exploits in the rainforest during the War for the Amazon, being able to survive for a full moon, keeping the child Bronwyn safe, and returning without a scratch.
They stretched while Brandt dug into the foliage, competing with the Rabbits for the choicest bits, although he was letting them win while they raced to and fro.
The Hawkoids danced in the sky far overhead.
The twins screamed and started running toward the cart as fast as their little legs could carry them. Braden and Micah turned and bolted as one to intercept Ax and ‘Tesh. A loud snort came from the underbrush as something heavy crashed through. A wild boar, larger than normal, appeared in the bushes, running parallel to the plains. It continued to run, crazed by the pain from the claws and fangs of two small Hillcats clinging to its back.
G-War vaulted into the open and ran to get in front of the boar before disappearing back into the greenery. A horrible squeal soon followed.
The wild boar ripped back through the bushes and into the open. It now had three ‘cats hanging from it. The large orange one wrapped tightly around its neck was rapidly delivering its death slashes. The boar staggered from the loss of blood, wedging into the ground as it fell. All three ‘cats jumped, landing gracefully on their feet. Klytus sprinted back to the attack, slashing the dead creature further. Shauna immediately started cleaning her face as ‘Tesh ran toward her, ready to comfort her little princess.
G-War nodded toward the adults, requesting that they clean the animal and prepare it for the evening meal. Braden looked at his naked partner, wondering if she would be the first to go back to the cart for her knife.
“You know I can hear you, right?” Micah told him.
“Crap! Okay, I’ll get them,” Braden conceded. Their clothes were far too wet to put back on. “This will be a first.”
G-War hauled his son off the carcass, dragging him to the side. ‘You have to go for the neck. You see what happens when you jump on their back! I thought I taught you better than that,’ he scolded in a gentle thought voice.
Ax had picked up a stick and was heading for the boar. Braden was back at the cart digging out the knives and Micah was with ‘Tesh. As fast as the toddler could run, holding his stick like a spear, he barreled into the