Chapter Three:

Berry Thief and Upright Vicious Lizards

Hmm… I like the red ones because they remind me of wild raspberries that used to grow by the house. The yellow ones are like the chokeberries. A bit tart and bitter, but I bet they would taste real good in a cobbler… If I could make one, she rolled her eyes, The blue ones are like blackberries and very juicy. Tart, but has a nice sweetness to them. Wonder if I can get the sugar out of them? Sigh… I really need to stop thinking about things that I can't make, her stomach started to grumble loudly.

Popping a few purple berries into her mouth, she happily munched on them. They were by far the sweetest and juiciest of berries that she had found. They had a full bodied flavor that filled her mouth entirely. Very reminiscent of the wild plums that her grandpa planted around the garden. Their sweetness was that of a mulberry though. If anything could be made into a sugar, these plump purple berries would be it. Jory tried to enjoy them as long as she could. Not only did they fill her belly, but also gave her throat a nice shot of moisture. They seemed to be the rarer of the berries that she found.

"That and those black ones seem pretty rare too," she snorted, "Those really threw me for a loop. I didn't even know I could sleep like that… best night's rest I've had in a long while… involuntarily as it was."

Of all the berries she had found, the black ones were the only ones that had a negative effect on her. She had been cautious when trying the different ones. They all seemed safe as she didn't suffer from any side effects. Nothing coming out either end which was good by her. It was the only black ones that seemed to do anything to her. It was quite the nap she took. She had probably only eaten about five of them, but she was soon sawing more logs than a lumberjack. It was about noon when she was experimenting with the variety of berries she had collected that day. After consuming those black berries the last thing she could remember was staring at the campfire and then everything going black. By the time she woke up the moon was high in the sky. The fire had gone out. She wasn't sure how long she slept, but there were still some burning embers so it was still the same day. The meat she had been cooking was now cold and burnt to a crisp. It more or less looked like a cow patty that had been baking in the summer sun for a week. About as hard as one too. Completely inedible. She learned her lesson that day.

"Never want to do that again," she grumbled as she spat out the seeds, "Something could have crawled in there and had me for a meal… guess I should figure a way to close that off the entrance," she scratched her head, "It's not very secure and there's no way to get out if I get cornered in there. That's why I'm out here though," she sighed as she leaned back.

She wasn't too worried about something sneaking up on her. She had scaled a small cliff and perched on a small outcrop where no beast could get to her. She hoped. From what she could tell, something would have to fall from above her and even then it would have to fall at such an angle that it would be impossible. She climbed up there to take a break and have a bit of food to satisfy her belly. She regretted not bringing some meat. Though there was no way to preserve it properly and any meat had to be made as soon as she got it. She has tried smoking the meat, but without salt it didn't last very long.

"Grandpa and I would make some tasty jerky," she smiled as she continued to gulp down the delicious purple berries, "Sell most of it, but we always kept a portion for our own use. One of my favorite snacks when working," she swore she could taste that jerky.

A saltiness that finished with a gentle smoke. The perfect balance of spice and sweet. Grandpa's own special blend that he had developed over the years. It was kind of sad that she probably wouldn't be able to reproduce it… even be able to taste it again. She shook her head. It wasn't time to think about things that she couldn't have. What she had was more important.

"Can't see nothing down there," she scanned the area for threats, "No movement…," she still was cautious.

Jory carefully climbed down from her perch. Stopping on the occasion to listen and watch. Her fingers ached as she came down to ground level. She ignored the pain and gripped her spear tight and ready for a fight. Not that she was looking for one. She never looked for trouble. It always seemed to find her. As cliche as that sounded. That was just how life was, she supposed. Looking to the west, Jory could see that the sun was getting low and she could feel the air beginning to cool.

"Better mosey on to Home-Sweet-Home," she snorted as she dug into her pouch for the last few purple berries she had, "Hmm?" she thought she heard something rustling coming from some nearby bushes.

She readied her spear and prepared for whatever may come out. Her instincts went into overdrive as she watched and listened. She steadied her breathing and calmed her heart. Panic would only cause her to make a fatal mistake. She didn't feel like dying today. The bushes rustled once more, but she couldn't see anything. Maybe it was a small critter just passing through or maybe it was hiding. Hiding from what was the question. She still couldn't see anything lurking about, so maybe the unseen critter was just looking for something to eat. There were a lot of berry filled bushes around. Still, she didn't want to take a risk. She decided to back away slowly and let whatever was moving through the bushes do what it needed to do.

Screech! Screech! A shrill shriek rang through the air

Jory was surprised as a creature sprang out of the thick brush. She didn't have time to react. It tackled her hard enough to knock her off balance. Luckily she was able to catch herself and land softly. That was the least of her concerns. She could feel the little beast's claws digging into all of her pockets and her pouch. She managed to get a hold of whatever was attacking her. It latched onto her hand and bit down hard. A normal person would have flailed about and screamed out in pain, but that was the last thing that Jory wanted to do. The sound of a struggle could draw in larger creatures. She bit her lip and calmly raised her hand to see what was latched onto her. It was a very strange critter that was hanging from her hand.

It was probably about two feet long and covered in what looked like quills or bristles like hairs that went from its head down to its tail. The main body was like that of chicken mixed with a lizard and a rat. Though its feathers were more like down than true feathers and there did seem to be some finer hairs on its body. It seemed to walk on two legs as they were large and muscular. No wonder it was able to pounce so quickly and knock her over. The forearms were lean, but the digits on its hand looked pretty dexterous. That was probably how it was able to poke through her pockets. Its face kind of reminded her of a vulture, but thicker and stouter. The tail was about half the length of its body. Most likely to balance the odd little beast while it walked. Its 'beak' dug into her palm, but didn't seem to pierce her skin. The teeth however were causing her to bleed. If she could get the beast to let go, she knew that her hand was going to start bleeding pretty badly. She had enough forethought to bring extra cloth for such things, but she didn't think she would have to use it so soon.

"Alright," Jory lowly growled at the little creature, "We've both got one another. You better than me," she admitted, "Let's just say this is a draw before I smash your head into the rock wall. That sound good to you?"

The chicken rat's beady little eyes shifted back and forth between Jory and her hand. It definitely was considering her words. Animals were not as stupid as people like to think. It must have come to a conclusion as it decided to let go of her hand and back off. It took a defensive position and kept its eyes on Jory. She quickly took hold of her and inspected the damage. As she expected, the beast's teeth had punctured the palm on her hand. She poured the rest of her water on the wounds. It wasn't enough to clean them properly, but it would have to do for now. Reaching into her pouch, she pulled out the strips of cloth she had prepared for these kinds of situations. A few things fell out including the purple berries she didn't get to finish. The chicken rat noticed the berries and let out a squeal of delight. It quickly jumped on them and picked them all up. Running as fast as its two legs could carry it, the little thief ran off into the bushes.

"You little!" Jory rushed after it.

It wasn't so much about the creature stealing her food, but the fact that it was so bold to steal after it had bitten her. She didn't let her anger get the better usually, but maybe it was the combination of the heat and pain. She just wanted to wring that little chicken rat's neck. Following it through the bushes and large rocks, Jory tried to catch up to the thief. The chicken rat just kept running and bouncing through the obstacles like it was nothing. Jory was in pretty good shape, but she still wasn't used to the sandy terrain. Her footing wasn't as sure and she could feel her feet slipping. However, she wasn't about to let the little thieving beast get away.

The chase went on for a little while before Jory's body began to tire. Her muscles started to ache and her mouth was drying at a quickening pace. There was no way for her to continue in her pursuit. There really wasn't even a point in it. She knew that. She just let her temper get the better of her.

"Jory you stupid…," she muttered to herself as she had to stop and lean against a large rock to catch her breath.

She watched as the chicken rat ran off and disappeared out of sight. Cursing herself one more time, she reached for her water skin.

"Damnit!" she cursed loudly as she had already forgotten that she used the last of her water in an attempt to clean her wounds.

She was a little louder than she wanted. Her voice echoed through the canyon. Probably everything in there could hear her cursing. Waiting and listening for any sort of movement. It seemed quiet though. Nothing moved and she could hear anything shifting through the sand and stones. Maybe she got lucky and nothing was around.

Nah… I ain't that lucky, she started to slip back to where she came from, Alright let's get on out of here before something gets curious.

Jory gripped her spear tightly as she tiptoed through the canyon. She slipped behind every large boulder that could mask her body. For a moment she thought luck was on her side. There didn't seem to be anything in the canyon. From her earlier perch, she didn't see anything lurking about. But that didn't mean there was nothing down there. It was better to be cautious than to rush. She finally came upon the spot where that little rat chicken had jumped her. There was still blood and water from where she had cleaned and bound her wounds. She snarled at the sight of her own blood. She regretted not just smashing that beast's head when she had the chance. Nothing she could do about it now. Just make her way back home and properly clean the puncture wounds, fill her belly and get a drink of clean water.

"Wonder if I should try going around to the… Huh?" Jory thought she heard something walking on the sand and stone.

She quickly ducked behind a large boulder. She had started to tell the difference between certain beasts' footsteps. There were the large humped ones that walked on all four. They stomped and snorted, but they actually walked pretty lightly across the sand. She could only guess it was because their feet were wide and flat. More like a pad than a hoof. Something like a camel's foot. She only knew how they looked because Jamisons a ranch over had some exotic critters they kept as pets. These humped beasts weren't camels, but they did have camel-like features. Kind of a mix of a camel and cow. They did seem pretty adapted to this desert landscape. Their size and ease of moment could save them from the predators of the land. Giant cats with canines the size of her forearm. They barely made a sound when they were prowling about. Jory could only tell if they were nearby by their purr like breathing. Their dark fur made them blend in with the shadows of the rocks and cliffs so it was often too late for a poor beast to know they were there.

They still ain't the scariest things out here though, she peaked around the boulder and listened intently.

At least the giant cats were creatures that she recognized. Sure the humped beasts are nothing like she had ever seen. But those two legged lizards. They made her skin crawl. They were vicious and savage when they hunted down their prey. Hunted in packs and strategically moved through the desert sands. Their eyes were cold, but complex thoughts were definitely behind them. Jory never doubted the intelligence of beasts. She didn't doubt their's either.

This is them… I know it… I can hear that big ole claw tipping on the occasion. The cautious and thoughtful steps… it's like they walking on their tiptoes… Damn…, she cursed mentally, It sounds like two of them, but it was still two too many… wonder if it's that pair that's been haunting the area I've set up in… those vicious lizards are persistent… nearly got me a few times now, she recalled those death runs she was forced into, Thankfully there were other more tasty and slower critters… I don't seem to have that luxury here though.

It was true. Other than that rat chicken, she hadn't seen much else. It was oddly vacant in the canyon. Since even the smallest sounds carried through the canyon, she thought it was best to remain still and listen for where the footsteps were coming from. They definitely were coming from the mouth of the canyon. Right where she needed to go. She would just have to be quiet. She would just have to be patient. Maybe she could slip out behind them if they went down far enough. There was no way that she could possibly out run them. She had only been lucky in the past and she knew it. She rather not push her luck today.

She let her breaths go gently as she listened to the slight echoing of the shifting sands and scraping claws. There were definitely only two. She could hear their slight purring breaths with small snorts from when they obviously were smelling the air. Hopefully all the time that she had spent in the desert, she had started to smell like it.

Oh no, a terrible thought came to Jory, my blood! They gonna be able to pick up my trail from where that little rat bit me? Shit! She knew that she was in trouble.

The footsteps had paused. She swore she could hear them heavily sniffing the air. Now was not the time to panic. She had to think, and quickly. There were some loose stones at her feet. If she could throw them as far as she could and remain unseen, she might be able to make a break for it. Slowly bending down, she picked up a few of the stones. Taking one that easily fit in her hand and wasn't too heavy, she peaked around the boulder. The upright lizards had already passed where she was and probably about ten or so feet away. They luckily hadn't turned in her direction. Taking in a deep breath, Jory gripped the stone and prepared to throw it as hard as she could. Launching it high into the air, she hoped that it would travel far enough down the canyon for the giant lizards to investigate. The rock bounces off a couple of the large boulders down the way. The bangs echoed and the sound carried for some distance. The two predators listened intensely. The rust colored one seemed very interesting in the sounds. It lowered itself and wanted to go in the direction of the sounds. The other one, a deep yellowish green colored one, wasn't so interested. Instead it continued to stiff the air like it could smell her.

It dipped its head down and took a deep whiff. Jory began to panic as that is where she had been attacked by the rat chicken. It seemed very interested in the wet blood stained sand. Waving its head back and forth like it was trying to tell from which way the scent was strongest. It peeked over to where Jory was hiding. Its golden yellow eyes narrowed like it was thinking. It took a step closer to the boulder she was cowering behind. Taking the other stone, she quickly lobbed it as far as she could. The rust colored became very excited and called the other one to follow. It didn't pay much mind and drew closer to Jory's hiding spot. This must have annoyed the rusty one as it came over and bit at the green one's neck. It recoiled and lowered its head submissively with a low purr. Having no choice, the green followed after its companion.

Jory listened carefully to make sure that the creatures' footsteps were far enough away. They faded into the distance until only the slightest of echoes could be heard. It was time for her to make her escape. She couldn't run though. They could still probably hear her if she made too much noise. She ducked behind every large boulder that she could. Trying to slither through the sand to avoid making noise. She soon found herself back in the open. Luckily there didn't seem to be any dangerous critters waiting for her. Just some of the camel cows and upright funny faced duck billed creatures. Both were harmless to her for the most part. The duck bill critters ran from everything that even seemed remotely dangerous. The camel cows would call all their family and friends to beat up on the aggressor. So it was best if Jory didn't make them mad.

She quickly looked over her shoulder to make sure that those vicious lizards weren't following her. Her heart dropped. The green one was slowly stalking through the thick scrub. It must have noticed that Jory saw it because it suddenly stopped and dropped low to the ground. It had begun its hunt. Jory knew that she was only going to get one shot to get away. She could run for the duck bills and hope that the upright lizard would be more interested in them. Or she could try to rile up the camel cows. They could fend off the hungry critter while she ran. Both of them were just waiting for the other to make a move.

Don't. Stop. Running. Jory, she told herself as her muscles tensed up.

It happened in a flash. Jory pushed off from where she was rooted. Her legs moved quicker than she thought was possible. But she could still hear the distinct shifting of sand under a set of deadly claws. It was closing the distance quickly. All she had to do was reach the camel cows. Just keep running and she may be able to survive this. The large beasts took notice of the chase and turned their attention to the pair. This was good for Jory. She could read their body language and they were squaring up. They were snorting and lowly bellowing their displeasure. The closer that she got, the more agitated they became. They presented their sides and pawed at the ground. Their snorts grew louder and louder. She would have to ignore their aggressive display. Her escape route was narrow and she hoped that she would be able to avoid the stomping feet of the camel cows.

SNAP!

The bipedal lizard snapped its jaws at her. It was only a breath away. Though her muscles were beginning to seize up, Jory pushed her body to keep moving. She ignored the soreness and kept her eyes forward. The low toned bellowing from the camel cows was radiating throughout her body. It started to make her stomach twisted and churn. Whatever that was in her stomach wanted to come out, but she had to fight that sensation. Hunkering down, Jory prepared to duck and weave like she had never before. She pushed past the first camel cow and ducked under the second. She had to jump and swerve to avoid the third. She was nearly caught under foot when the third one rose up onto its hind legs and came stomping down. The ground trembled with the mighty stomp. Jory nearly fell to the ground, but she was able to hold herself steady. She didn't stop though. She just kept running until the sounds of bellowing, screeching and stomping was far behind her. This wasn't enough though. She quickly scrambled up some tall steep rocks to make sure that nothing could follow her. Collapsing to her hands and knees, she scanned the scene to see if anything had followed her. To her relief the upright lizard had been caught in the middle of the camel cows' rampage. It was too engrossed in trying to not be stomped to death to worry about where Jory went. It was sent flying by the biggest of camel cows. One good headbutt, the green vicious lizard was thrown into a batch of cacti. It struggled and screeched in pain as it pulled itself out of the cacti, but it could stop to lick its wounds. The camel cows came charging at the defeated beasts. It had no choice but to run if it wanted to live. Before it disappeared from sight, the upright lizard looked over to where Jory had managed to escape. It curled its lips and let out an angry shriek. With a snort, it ran off.

"Same to you bitch," Jory cracked a smile, "Same to you…"

Somehow she survived this deadly encounter.

"That's why they were so aggressive," she noticed the camel cow calves, "They were just protecting their babies. Good on them," she laughed, "Thanks for driving off that mean ole lizard," she called out to them.

The biggest one, which she assumed was the bull, looked over at her and let out a loud bellow. It wasn't a friendly one. She understood not to come near his herd again. Not that she would want to tangle with them. Even the small ones towered over her. She had been around enough animals in her lifetime to know that messing with such big critters was a one way ticket to a wooden box in the ground.

"I wouldn't even get the luxury of a wooden box out here," she sat herself down on the tall boulders so she could catch her breath, "Just torn to shreds and left to the vultures to finish off… no thank you," she reached for her water pouch.

It was still empty.

"Damnit," she cursed her luck, "Alright… One: Survive the vicious lizard. Check. Two: Find water. Third: Get my arse back home as soon as possible."

That's all she had to do.

"Yeah… that's all I have to…," she grumbled loudly at the thought of how all that was easier said than done, "It's going to be a LONG walk back home," she sighed.