Death on the Trek Read Online Free PDF Page B

ones. In places it was sparse, but in other places dense. Small creatures scurried through the growth, unseen.
    If there was a large animal, we could spear it and eat it , Jeek thought-spoke.
    If there was a large animal, we could not see it in this tall grass. Let us be still and see if one of the small animals will appear. We could spear it. If it is good to eat, we can take it back. If it is not, that will be our practice.
    They crouched next to each other and listened to the busy animals. They smelled like rodents, which were sometimes good to eat, but usually small. One small vole, with fur the color of the dirt, peeked through the stems at them. Jeek reached for his spear with as much quietness and slowness as he could. The tiny black eyes followed the movement of his hand. When he had picked up the spear, he realized the vole was probably too close for throwing, but maybe he could stab it. As he drew his arm back, the vole scampered off and disappeared. They could track the progress of the vole as the grasses swayed and swished in a zig-zag pattern.
    Jeek and Gunda both laughed. Jeek shielded his thought that he did not care if he practiced, or if they hit anything. Being alone with Gunda was a joy for him.
    They sat together, not communicating anything, listening to the drone and buzz of insects, the rustling of animals passing them by, and soaking in the heat and the smells.
    In all of his memory, Jeek had liked Gunda. In more recent times he had daydreamed about mating with her, giving her his seed, and having babies together. Pretty Gunda, with eyes the color of spring leaves and thick hair like a waterfall of fire. She was often in his dreams as he slept. She had passed eleven summers and Jeek had passed twelve. Before too many more, it would be possible for them to mate. They would never have a First Coupling in the Holy Cave, though. It had been left behind. But he envisioned a new Holy Cave in the place they were going to. It looked much like the old Holy Cave in his mind.
    Gradually, Jeek realized that someone was near. He smelled them first, then heard them. The newcomers were not being quiet and must have not been alert to the smell of Gunda and Jeek. The slight breeze blew from the new ones toward them. The almost still air did not send enough scent to tell who approached. The two young ones both stayed motionless, not knowing who was coming.
    When Jeek heard a female laughing, he knew who it was, Vala Golden Hair.
    Gunda sent a private message. It is Vala Golden Hair and she is with a male.
    What male do you think she is with?
    Panan One Eye?
    Tog Flint Shaper?
    They were both wrong. Vala and the male lay in the grass not far from them and began to couple. When they were done, Gunda and Jeek were both able to receive their unshielded thoughts. The male was Bodd Blow Striker. He told Vala about his skill at making stone tools. He said he had been the best of the Gata tribe.
    Gunda sent another private thought. How would we ever know if he was the best or not? The rest of the Gata are gone. I think he is bragging.
    Jeek stifled a giggle, as did Gunda. We could ask his tribe-brother, Fall Cape Maker.
    That made Gunda giggle so hard she snorted out of her nose just a bit.
    Someone is here , thought-spoke Bodd with alarm.
    Why do you care ? asked Vala.
    I care because it is too soon to couple with another. Gung Lion Slayer has just died. I should be grieving for a time.
    I am helping you grieve.
    Jeek and Gunda almost giggled aloud again.
    We are leaving now. They heard Bodd straightening his garments and walking away. Angry waves came from Vala, but she soon followed him.
    The two young ones felt they should stay where they were for a long time. Vala and Bodd had not known who was listening to them and they did not want them to ever know. It grew dark. They were not sure which way to go, since all they could see was tall grass.
    I will have my brother, Teek Bearclaw, show us the way, Jeek thought-spoke. He will