A splash of water and a spray of droplets flew all around Cr’oa as he left the creek behind him. He hoped he was far enough to avoid being found. He turned his head looking down the creek to see any movement. Nothing, just as he wanted. Ahead of him was a thick forest with thin trees and bushes at the base of the mountain. Its steep incline left very little doubt either a very impressive climber would only be able to get up the side right here, or all others would be forced to go around in either direction and find a new route.

Cr’oa worked his legs which were just as tired out of the water as they were when he was swimming. The break he was getting by walking gave his limbs some rest but their strength had not returned yet. He chose a path that was likely that he would be able to go from rock to rock. Surely his younger siblings would not be able to follow him.

Further away

J’Tal and S’Grirr led Hr’af to their brother. The two of them were constantly on the look for paw prints, smelling Cr’oa’s scent, and taking note of any changes in the direction. The wind was blowing sideways which did not help them at all. S’Grirr called out. He chose this way for a reason and I can see why. The three of them looked in the direction they were sure Cr’oa was going. The base of the mountain was very rocky. Footprints were going to be hard to track if he didn’t leave any.

Does this mean you give up? Hr’af was standing over the two of them as they made up their mind. J’Tal pressed forward but S’Grirr stood still. What about the creatures you talked about? Aren’t they out here as well? S’Grirr shied away from Hr’af knowing it wasn’t right for a hunter to be afraid but if he wanted to be honest to himself and to his brother, he wasn’t sure he had it in him.

They exist but it’s not supposed to be the time for them to be awake. The ones in the old stories are all nocturnal. We shouldn’t have any worries for a few more hours. Besides I am right here, what could happen with me at your side. Hr’af started to walk ahead of S’Grirr letting his words give confidence to the young Caitian.

S’Grirr sat for a moment thinking about the scary stories that he had heard and in all of them, they all started with storms, night, or up in the high mountains. Their families had left the upper mountains long ago and they now resided at the base of the mountain.

J’Tal scurried through the rough terrain as if she knew every rock along the way. Her sense of smell was superior to S’Grirr’s Cr’oa had indeed come this way. Every so often she would find a bit of fur or a partial print in a spot too far for Cr’oa to hide his tracks along the rocky surface. The sound of water ahead was getting louder. A rushing creek stretched in both directions.

The two triplets searched heavily on their side of the creek trying to find where Cr’oa went. The two of them determined he went into the creek. But which way? Across? Downstream? Upstream?

Hr’af waited for them to decide their course of action. He went into the river here J’Tal looked upstream then down. S’Grirr came up beside her. He went downstream. J’Tal shook her head. No he went across. She jumped in and swam across to the tracks Cr’oa had made. See he went this way. S’Grirr was still sure he did not go across he jumped over to take a look for himself.

He reached the other side watching the tracks and seeing it for himself he growled in anger. J’Tal gave a smug laugh and started to try to find his scent. S’Grirr barked wait, it’s a trick, you are dripping with water and it’s all over the place, why arent these rocks or the ground covered in water after he left? Hr’af watched impressed with the assessment.

S’Grirr thought about it, downstream would put more distance between them and upstream would keep them closer together. He went downstream. He knows we are all looking for him and I am the weakest and you wouldn’t leave me behind. J’Tal agreed and they worked their way downstream.

At the base of the mountain

Cr’oa jumped from one rock to another up the side of the mountain. The leaps he was taking were not necessary but he wanted to make sure his feet didn’t leave any sign he was there.

Above him a hungry Hucore open its many toothed mouth. The remnance of its latest victim still falling out of its teeth. Its fur shaded red by blood tracking what was surely going to be an easy meal.

Cr’oa was huffing and puffing as he worked hard to move up the mountain. He seldomly stopped if only to gauge his next move. As he reached his next rock he noticed a reflection. It was faint but it still caught his eye. He froze watching carefully not to attract any attention from down the mountain or whatever it was above him.

The Hucore did not know it had been spotted, its prey stopped just below him and just sat there. Even though it had just eaten, it was still hungry. It shifted slightly in its spot and lunged forward.