Chapter 35: Food! The grown-ups had agreed on a plan after debating for a long time: The female Flyer would lead the herd to the place where she had discovered signs for their children still being alive. They would discuss everything else once they would have arrived at their destination. They would have to walk for a whole day at least though since the way through the oasis was obviously blocked on the one hand so they had circumnavigate the cliff that continued for a fair distance, and since there was simply no path leading up to the plateau on the other hand, the way to go would be even longer. The herd set out on their way. Littlefoot and Spike slowly but progressively made headway. The path was very long and their legs became heavier with every step, but Spike having an extremely good sense of smell could smell fresh air, as did Littlefoot. Spike could even smell food so they urged each other on until they saw the end of the path. Spike uttered an elated cry and stormed towards the exit as if he hadn't been so exhausted all the time. Littlefoot rejoiced as well though he couldn't take on Spike's incredible speed. As the little Longneck eventually caught up with Spike at the exit, he was out of breath. It was already getting dark outside; the first lights on the sky began to sparkle. Littlefoot scanned the surrounding area. He looked upon a deserted landscape - there were hardly any plants. Those there were withered. To his right, he could spot the Big Water some distance away, to his left, the remains of the wonderful sunset in contrast to the dismal landscape. The Longneck turned around and looked upon the steep wall of solid rock. "That ought to be the other side of the oasis..." He looked into the extensive wasteland again. "So... here is... was the Great Valley..." There was the loud sound of chewing; Spike had started to munch on a farn. Food. Littlefoot had totally forgotten it in his euphoria. Feeling his hunger more than ever before, he started to pluck the leaves from a bush. Though they didn't taste as good as the leaves he was used to eating in the Great Valley by far, they were quite edible and satisfied his hunger. They ate a fair while until their stomachs were filled. They would need some more of those feasts to regain their full strength. Spike poked Littlefoot who had just been about to get some rest. "Oww, what is it, Spike?" the Longneck muttered sleepily. Spike pointed at the food and then at the cave's entrance. "Of course..." Littlefoot exclaimed and got up again. "We... I completely forgot Cera! Ducky and Prtrie as well..." he sighed. "Spike listen. I'll gather some green stuff and you'll carry it, agreed?" "Hmm Mmh," Spike answered. "Alright, follow me," Littlefoot told. The two dinosaurs gathered all sorts of green food they could find. A huge farn served as support. Littlefoot bundled leaves, more farns, grass and even some berries onto the back of the young Spiketail. They walked back to their friends as soon as they considered they had gathered enough food for everyone.