Savage Eden by K. M. Ashman

Author:K. M. Ashman [Ashman, K. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-11-11T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

Throughout the day, the six pursuers descended the rocky internal slopes of the slumbering volcanic crater. The path they followed, worn deep into the soft volcanic rock by countless feet over thousands of years, wound down the steep slope, doubling back on itself repeatedly like a coiled serpent. They crouched down behind a rocky lip, peering down the next stage, looking for any sign that they had been spotted before continuing their descent.

‘Do you see anything?’ whispered Golau.

‘They would be beneath the trees by now,’ responded Kraiach peering down into the crater. ‘There could be many eyes watching us and we would not know.’

‘I see no other way down, we have no choice,’ said Golau. He stood up and dropped down to the next level as gently and as quietly as he could, spear held in one hand, whilst using other for support as he moved.

For two hours they descended, knees aching with the constant impact. Eventually, the ground levelled out and they walked through swathes of luscious grass growing in the rich volcanic soil. Before them, lay the edge of the dense woodland and they paused to take a drink, examining the strange phenomenon.

‘It is warm,’ said Kraiach removing his thick winter furs, and draping them over one shoulder. His fellows followed his example. ‘The air is heavy with water.’ As if to confirm his judgment, the heavens opened, pouring a deluge of heavy rain into the crater.

‘Quick,’ said Golau, ‘we can shelter in the forest,’ and they all ran toward the tree line, forcing their way through the dense undergrowth and into the forest proper.

The gloom was immediate and the only light that seeped through the leaves gave the cavernous forest a green tinge. A lower undergrowth of sapling bushes and vines competed for room with the enormous tree trunks supporting the dense canopy high above. On the floor, fungi of all shapes and colours were abundant, sprouting through the carpet of pine needles and filling every available damp nook and cranny that was so perfect for their species.

‘There is life everywhere,’ said Brola and he scraped a trough through the detritus with his foot. Beneath the thick carpet, the ground was alive with myriads of tiny creatures feverishly bustling about their business.

‘Where there is life there are Rheibwr,’ he said covering the creatures back up and looked around carefully, examining his surroundings.

They were all experienced enough to know that although the prey were tiny, their predators would be bigger. This rule was repeated right up through the food chain to mammals and where there were mammals; there were always large carnivores that preyed on them.

‘We must take extra care now,’ said Golau, ‘we must watch for predators as well as the Baal.’

The group moved on once again, following the Baal’s trail deep into the forest through the thick layers of fungi and tangled thickets of thorny bushes. The going was tough and their clothes were soaked in sweat within minutes. As evening approached, Kraiach dropped to his knees, closely followed by his colleagues.

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