Chapter Four

Several hours later, the sun decided to make its appearance. But Kiva had been up long before, with Jorgen and Turq; making plans to leave the Rainy Basin. Turq translated for Kiva, who was still in slight pain from the strain her shout had placed on her vocal chords.

"What's your plan, Kiva?" Jorgen asked.

"Do you still have an Archaeopteryx Messenger?"

"Yes. Two of them. Why?"

"Perfect. One was good, but two is better. We'll need them to send a message to Bonabba and Waterfall City."

"Why?"

"To announce me and my two brothers of course. It's bad enough that the citizens of Dinotopia have to contend with one rogue Giganotosaurus. I don't want them thinking they're being invaded by all the meat-eaters of the Rainy Basin. We'll go to Bonabba, and then head to Waterfall City."

"Why Bonabba? We were heading back towards Treetown."

"Right now, we're closer to Bonabba than Treetown. If we headed back towards Treetown, it would add several days onto our mission. Reaching Bonabba, we could skirt the outer edge of the Rainy Basin along the Polongo River until we reach Waterfall City. There's no time to ask for permission, we need to do this now."

Jorgen walked over and awoke the two Archaeopteryx messengers he always brought with him. Giving them both the same message, he set them free and watched as they flew off in different directions. He then returned and sat next to Kiva.

"Don't worry. Glide and Skywing will make sure they get our messages."

Kiva stared at him for a moment. She then began to speak in her Human dialect.

"I am not afraid, Jorgen. Though Claptrap is rambunctious and a little hot-headed, he is harmless, and I know he would not harm anyone. I am merely concerned for his well-being. There are not many who have learned the dialect of the Rainy Basin carnivores. Claptrap will have a hard time finding food. That is the only time I fear for him. He's not exactly the best at fishing."

Jorgen laughed uproariously at this, until he saw the serious look on Kiva's face. He tried to cover his mirth with a bout of coughing and quieted down, mumbling an apology.

"There's no need, Jorgen. I know you meant no harm by it. I'm just worried. This is a new adventure," Kiva said, bowing her head and closing her eyes. "I'm just... unsure."

Jorgen placed a hand on Kiva's shoulder and opened his mouth to say something, but the sudden sensation of hot, putrid air on the back of his head made him freeze in terror. Turning his head slightly, he stared deep into the rich, amber eyes of Thunderhead. Jorgen stood up shakily and backed away from the massive carnivore, who moved forward slightly to rub his muzzle on Kiva's arm. She looked up and smiled, gratefully. Kiva grinned when she saw Jorgen's face.

"It's just something you get used to."

He nodded, a little too quickly. "Yeah. I'm sure. Well, I'll go wake the others." Jorgen walked away, briskly, and Kiva sighed.

"Did I do something wrong, Kiva? I didn't growl or anything."

"No, Thunderhead, you didn't do anything wrong. Jorgen just isn't comfortable around Saurians like you." 'Will anyone ever be comfortable around me?' Kiva thought.

"Oh," he replied, dejectedly. "Snaptrap and I are ready to go. The rest of the clan has already said their good-byes. Just say the word, and we're off." Snaptrap walked up at that moment and grunted in affirmation.

"You two go on ahead. I'll be along in a moment. I want to say good-bye in my own way."

Kiva walked to the middle of the clearing and stopped. Pulling out her Dragon Flute, she weaved a soft melody of farewell. A song which came purely from her heart, with no afore assigned notes.

When the last note echoed into the forest, the rest of the clan awoke to find three of their own gone. Three brave journeyers, daring to brave the almost certain hardships and prejudice that lay ahead. As one, they lifted up their voices in an encouraging song that echoed across the Basin.

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Sorry it's so short. I'm working on another Dinotopia story called "Shadow of the Moon," which is due out sometime soon, and both stories are vying for attention right now.

I'll have more later, I promise. Just be patient.