Sorry about the lateness of this chapter, I've been neglecting my work lately. Still don't own anything related to K A Applegate.
Chapter Three
We swooped down to the Lava Rivers and began skimming the surface, keeping watch for snakes. I swept between two trees and narrowly avoided entangling myself in vines. I saw Ladfar race ahead of me, her first Jamin Snake clutched between her talons. I strained my eyes to see between the trees, but could see no movement. Suddenly…
Yes! I grabbed the wriggling lizard in my claws. Tucking it into my belt, I mentally checked my first kill, and raced after Ladfar.
The Hunt was on.
On and on it went, each of us grabbing snakes as we went, sometimes catching up with each other. I was swooping through the trees; seven snakes tucked under my belt, and were looking for another. The first one to reach eight would be the winner of the Hunt. I saw a sudden movement in the trees, but it was only Ladfar. However, as I looked closer, I saw she was trapped between two vines. I considered going in to help her, but then again it could be a ruse. I saw she only had five snakes under her belt. She could be looking to steal mine. She did really look as if she was in trouble; there was blood coming from one of her wings. I was about to swoop in to look closer, when I saw another movement in the corner of my eye. I looked again, and this time, it was a snake! I left Ladfar - she could probably get herself free - and went after the snake.
This one was fast. I weaved between the trees, trying to find the right time to swoop down and grab it. There was a gap in the trees ahead. If I timed it right, I could just get it. I braced my self for a split-second change of direction. The gap was getting closer. I readied myself and dived, passing through it and snatching the snake between my talons. I cracked its skull and tucked it beneath my belt. I had one this hunt.
I looked around, but could not see Ladfar. She had probably freed herself and was on her way back to Crystal Green-302. I winged my way upwards towards the floating crystal. The cool evening breeze whipped my face. I hurried forward; if I was not in my crystal by the first sunset, then I would be reprimanded and fined. I felt the ring around my neck. The sensor connected to it kept track of all Ketrans from Ket to Capasin. At the Centre Crystal, officers monitored where every Ketran was and recorded any faults we do. I, fortunately, I figured out how to disable it, so I can pull off my heists.