Nero and Lucinda waste no time in paddling back to the grassy strip near the lake where they left their companions. Brango, in particular, is happy with the news, as he leads the expedition and is responsible for the party’s safety. Any place that guarantees safety for the coming night is most welcome. The cats spent the morning fishing in the lake and looking for insects in the surrounding grass and trees.
They have few of their original supplies left. Many items were abandoned when they rushed for shelter as the landslide threatened, and then some were swept overboard in the battle with the eels as they crossed the lake in the cave. And last night the invading lizards had made off with anything edible as they passed through.
‘Let’s eat well before we leave here,’ says Brango. ‘Then we can sleep with full bellies tonight.’
The cats decide to cook the fish they caught. They pluck bundles of green grass and dampen them with lake water, then, after wrapping the fish, they tie the bundles together securely with braided grass stems before placing them on top of the hot ash and embers of their fire. They cover the bundles with more hot ash and embers and wait.
Those who fancy themselves as cooks stare nervously at the pile of fish and make sure they are well covered with hot ashes. At last, a trial unwrapping shows the fish are ready.
Previous visitors must have eaten here, as the cats have found a carved stone table with several smaller carved stones perfect for serving their feast. After eating, some of the older cats settle down for a nap, so Brango calls it break time for everyone. Eventually everyone rouses and boards the rafts.
The original raft is now larger because they strengthened it, so everyone can travel together without leaving some behind. Brango is reluctant to divide the party again. But it is late in the day before the two rafts arrive at the bush cabin by the lake. Nero wishes they had started earlier, but it was hard to hurry. Hopefully they will rest well and find a trail leading down to the coast in the morning.
The images and videos were generated by AI from the author’s prompts.
