Chapter Six

By the time the sun rose, the convoy was well on its way again. It would take a couple of days to reach Waterfall City, But they were making good time, and Kiva didn't seem quite so worried anymore; much to the relief of Jorgen. Kiva, ever at her perch atop her brother's head, chatted cordially with the other members of the convoy, who were also growing accustomed to the presence of the two theropods.

As the day wore on, it became oppressively hot and humid. As a result, conversation dwindled to a bare minimum and everyone was on the lookout for somewhere to rest and cool off. Thunderhead, Snaptrap, and Kiva held a brief conversation, before she turned and asked the navigator for a map. After studying it for a moment and then allowing her brothers to see it, the three of them continued their conversation. Kiva then stood and turned back to the navigator.

"There's a lake not too far from here. I think it would be best if we stopped there to rest a while."

The navigator looked at the spot on the map where Kiva pointed and shook his head.

"There's nothing there. The map doesn't say there's any body of water in that area."

Kiva's face turned stony. "Are you calling my brother a liar?" she said, her voice menacingly quiet. Thunderhead couldn't understand a lot of what Kiva was saying, but the tone of her voice did not sound pleasing. He stared hard at the navigator and a low growl emanated from his throat. The navigator audibly gulped and shook his head. Jorgen witnessed the whole scene from his perch atop the female Brachiosaur's head.

"Hey Mitchell, I think it's best you do what she says. Kiva and her brothers know this land better than we do."

Kiva smiled up him, and he returned it. This was not lost on her brothers, who gave each other a knowing look. As the convoy resumed its pace, Thunderhead took the lead with Snaptrap in the rear, watching out for any predators. And sure enough, a little ways ahead, they came to a small clearing with a crystal-clear lake just off to the side.

Everyone was glad for the chance to rest. Jorgen and the other members of the convoy helped remove the saddles from Skyhigh, and then informed everyone that they would camp here that evening and make a hard press for Waterfall City in the morning. As he commenced to start a fire, he watched as Kiva waded out into the lake. He was confused at first, because Kiva merely stared intently at the water. Slowly, she crouched down, holding her hands out slightly in front of her. Suddenly, her hands shot into the water and she pulled up a wriggling fish.

She did this several more times, all the while her brothers watched her. When Kiva had caught several fish she returned to the campsite and commenced cooking them over the fire. Snaptrap, not wanting to be outdone, decided to copy his sister's feat. Gingerly, he stepped into the water and slowly waded out a little ways. Beneath the surface of the water, he espied some fish swimming, unaware they were being hunted. He balanced on the tips of his toes ready to pounce, when suddenly, he was nudged from behind. Thrown off balance, Snaptrap plunged into the water which, fortunately, was not very deep. Looking up, it didn't surprise him to see Thunderhead standing over him, a mischievously innocent look on his face. With a playful growl, Snaptrap launched himself at his brother, and the two tussled with each other; careful to stay away from the convoy.

Jorgen watched in fascination as the two theropods lunged at each other, snapping and growling ferociously. "Incredible," he breathed.

"Nah. They're just showing off. Don't let all the bravado fool you," Kiva said as she began to prepare the fish. "They can be so sweet at times."

Jorgen sat down next to Kiva and helped her with the fish. "We should reach Waterfall City by tomorrow," he said, unsurely. "What are you going to do once we get there?"

"I'm going to talk to the Council and see what we can do to find my brother. I have to find him, Jorgen. His very life might depend on it."

Jorgen tentatively put his arm around Kiva's shoulders. He waited tensely for her to pull away, but was surprised when she relaxed into the embrace and leaned her head on his shoulder. He rested his cheek on her head and stared contentedly into the fire. After a few minutes he realized that she had fallen asleep against him. Not wanting to wake her, Jorgen carefully lifted Kiva's light form, carried her over to her sleeping pallet and gently laid her down, covering her with a blanket. He gazed at her for a moment, before returning to the campfire to determine who was keeping watch, and when.

Snaptrap and Thunderhead had long since ceased their playful squabble and had witnessed the whole scene between Jorgen and their sister. Snaptrap was pleased with the whole thing, but Thunderhead seemed a little uneasy about it.

"Why do you worry, brother? I should think you'd be happy for her."

"I know I should be, Snaptrap, but I just... I don't know. I can't explain it."

"I can," Snaptrap said, tauntingly. "You're growing jealous. Jealous of the fact that Kiva may have found someone she likes better than you or me."

Thunderhead didn't even bother to give a rebuttal, because he knew that his brother spoke the truth. He was growing jealous of the fact that Jorgen was seeking and stealing Kiva's attention. 'It's all happening so fast,' he thought, forlornly. 'First Clapjaw runs off, and now Kiva is being slowly taken from us... from me. I don't know if I could stand losing her like this.' He tiptoed gently over to where Kiva slept and curled around her sleeping form, creating a protective circle around his only sister. 'But I know I can't stop you from growing up, Kiva. No matter what happens, you will always be my sister. Nothing can change that. I won't let it.'

It was a long time before sleep finally claimed him. A deep, dreamless sleep; which only an exhausted and worried mind can mercifully grant.