The return to their encampment took much longer than the trip out. The body of the animal suspended between them was heavy and ungainly. They could not travel too fast across the forest floor because the hanging body would begin to swing to the point where they could not travel in a straight line together. There was a cadence that had to be met, and therefore a forward speed much slower than they might otherwise be able to travel. The cat traversed back and forth across their direction of travel, staying just ahead of them, nearly invisible except when not directly searched for. The boy would catch a tiny glimpse of something moving to the front and he would know. It could only be the cat, as anything else would have made its presence known somewhere much earlier along their course of travel. The warrior walked in back, controlling the swaying of the deer’s body as best he could from behind, allowing the boy to choose their path through the forest. The way was clear down along the inner edge near where the river waters still ran fast, cold and deep, although the bank was too dangerous to move along. There was no point in letting the other nearby tribes know they were bringing in a large chunk of the hunted game. The forest further inland was covered with stacks and broken strands of pine trunks and other nearly impassible debris, able to be moved through quickly but only if using one of the age-old paths that had been cut long before either the warrior or the boy had been born, and those paths usually didn’t go where one intended to travel. The aroma of the river water, blown by a mild wind from that direction, and the loamy forest floor itself brought a smile to the boy’s face. He loved the forest and everything about it, except for the uncommon but always problematic interaction with other humans.
The cat appeared in front of the boy, not ten man-lengths ahead. It was stopped, facing sideways to their direction of travel. Its face was turned toward the boy, its dark eyes piercing into his own. The boy jerked to stop, unbalancing Cetan at the back to the point where the warrior let out a disgusted growl.
Where is the rest!!! I love this series. I have cats..lol and sometimes they make me wonder. All animals are amazing.
Coming. Hold on.
Semper fi,
Jim
I’m really enjoying this series. Thank you, James. I’m thinking the antlers from the buck might be useful in knapping the obsidian. Keep up the good work.
Always appreciate your input and support, Dan
Semper fi,
Jim
Love This Kind Of Story Jim. First Time I Have Seen This One. Thank You Sir !!!
I really ppreciate your comment, Gary.
I have also written a series with a similar theme only set 25,000 years ago and focusing on the coming of Age of young man.
The first Two Volumes are now available at discounted prices in both paperback and Digital Versions
The Mastodon Series
Thank you again.
Semper fi,
Jim
What a delight to find this chapter of The Cat in my FB feed today. I am really enjoying this saga of human and animal interaction in order to survive and actually prosper.
Thanks a lot Janie, it means a lot motivationally to receive comments like yours.
Semper fi,
Jim
Obsidian makes some truly impressive points and knives but is brittle to work with. One of the first stones used by man to shape and use as tools. You a masterful story teller. The alliance of the boy and cat appears will reach legend status with his former tribe soon.
Thanks Peter. I have a piece of obsidian right here under my monitor now and the edge is just something.
Paper cuts with the merest whisper of pressure, although the serrated edge makes for messy cutting in the kitchen!
Semper fi, and thanks,
Jim
Oh, James! What a nice surprise on this overcast “spring” day!
Again, you envelope us in your story, leading us along, wondering where the path shall take us.
The Cat is, indeed, a strong member of the tribe. Performing overwatch duties, guiding, pitching in on the kill of the deer. Time alone – and your author work, will show us what tribal function the beaver performs, other than as an amusement for the girl children.
And now they have a trade function! I have seen some red obsidian, and it is a beautiful stone indeed. Won’t make sparks for my flintlock long rifle though!
Keep up the good work, and again, thanks for the new chapter. Semper Fi, my friend.
Thanks, Craig, for this very satisfying comment.
Yes, I am enjoying the writing of this novel a great deal.
Helps to have the anthropology background!
Semper fi,
Jim
Have been looking for chapters of “the cat” past chapter XVll with no luck. Has the book been shelved? Was enjoying the story.
Not shelved just next in line. Thank you for your loyal support, Janet
Jim