The cat moved carefully but quickly through the night. Although a path down from the canyon wall would be much easier to negotiate, it required a lengthy easy walk through the trees along the top of the lip of the abyss. He knew right away that it was the night wind close to that lip, and the fact that his own passage made so much covering noise, that had made him unaware of the pursuit until he was very close to where he wanted to lay in wait for dawn, to make his way down to the river below. That the human warriors could be so diligent, conclusive and then fast to react to his attack near their encampment, surprised him.
The forest floor vibrated with the bustling presence of the warriors, as they beat the ground with the bases of their spears. The cat listened to the performing line of warriors approaching. He hazily recalled seeing the same group behavior during daylight hours long ago, when other human warriors hunted some of the forest herbivores. However, it was only now occurring to him, and surprising to him, that he understood that witnessed event’s purpose. That understanding hit him like a small mallet on the top of his head. He was being driven toward waiting warriors silently placed downriver for him to pass by. Their death spears, thrown from the silent waiting brush, would never be seen. The cat breathed in and out, testing the air, taking a few seconds to consider.
Started reading Chapter 1 and didn’t stop till you did. Thoroughly enjoyable!
I am honored with your support, Cary.
Have you shared with friends?
Semper fi,
Jim
Yes. But I can’t do this Semper Fi thing. I was just a lowly Army medic that volunteered for DUSTOFF 70-71.
No one expects a ‘temper fi’ from men or women who were not Marines.
It is used as an honorific in address and closing. You don’t have to use it to get it.
Semper fi,
Jim
Wow! Hasti now does have a tribe. I am curious as to what next unexpected turn will appear.
Stay Tuned Chris.
We publish when new chapters are posted on our FaceBook page
James Strauss Writer
Thank you for the support.
Share our pages with your friends,
Jim
And the tribe doubles in size! I think they will greatly improve “our” tribe’s chances. Having lived in a somewhat less “modern” society (Igorot’s in the Philippines, a Stone Age group), I would NOT want to face some of their females. Hard working, and fierce as can be.
James, your story telling is amazing, and enjoyable. I was delighted to get not one, but two new chapters. Weaving a tale of and for the ages!
Couple minor edits, but you’ll figure them out. Many thanks, again, for writing this.
Again, Craig, your avid support is so appreciated.
Would like to hear more about your experiences.
Have you written about them?
Jim
This development reminds me of the history of the property we live on, Squaw Hill, Corning, Ca.
“Squaw Hill was named in the early days of the steamers coming up and down the River from San Franciso to Red Bluff. Two Indian ladies too feeble to return to the mountains in the spring with the rest of the tribe were left in a small shack at their camping site. They enjoyed watching the river boats and the river captains named the spot Squaw Hill.”
Our address is on Gardiner Ferry Road and house backs up to Squaw Hill Road. Of course, their shacks are long. gone. Gardiner Ferry Road at one time was an Indian path.
Thank you for this fabulous Story
Possibilities!
In a world where family and tribal boundaries were vague and temporary, and often the word for stranger was the same as enemy, you have created a compelling glimpse of the formation of a new tribe/clan.
Could it be possible this hunting group was expelled from their own clan? Are they looking for a place to put down roots? Are they marauders just wandering and reacting to whatever events transpire?
For all the possibilities above, are there negative ones?
You sir, have my complete attention.
Your attention to detail and compliments are very appreciated, Rob.
There will be interesting events occurring as the new “tribe” builds.
Jim
I like this story. It’s enjoyable to read and visualize.
Thank you, Lee
I need to back up. Somehow I missed the chapter of The Cat attacking. Excellent story line, but i’m really waiting on the Last 10 Days!
Buck, Hasti attacked an interloper in Chapter XI
Chapter XI, The Cat
Thanks for your support and share with your friends.
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Oh My, Jim! Our tribe has doubled in the blink of an eye! Now we will need food and lodging for 8 instead of 4.
But, many hands make light the load, as my great-grandmother (First Nations) used to say. Things will become both easier and more difficult.
You are surely building your story one brick at a time, and I am surely enjoying it. Many Thanks, and Semper Fi
Your comments are always so appreciated, Craig.
Societies grow for reason. It seems many forget the reason as they expand.
Have you shared this journey with friends?
Happy New Year,
Jim
The story is going in unexpected directions. Love it!
Small edit – missing a T in “ama backed all the way over to the lean-to, still intimidated by the size and the raw predatory look of the cat’s expression.”
Appreciate your sharp eyes, Ken.
Thanks for all of your support.
Remember to remind your friends about the Arch Patton series also.
Have a special on the Digital versions
Arch Patton Special
A clan of their own who would of ever seen this coming?
It will grow, Pete.
Thanks as always, for your input