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Description

After sharing M’vita’s story with N’dugu and Soji, we decided to move closer to the lake. We knew we had to be vigilant, both because of the lions who were patrolling the area and because the rains would be returning soon. As it was, much of the herds stayed near the lake since it was the best source of water and the grass was still relatively green. This was why the lions were there. Once the rains came, however, the plain would flood and those nearest would need to move to higher ground. Still, we were confident if we stayed closer to the main river that fed the lake, we could still hunt without causing a problem for the lions.

The next few weeks, we hunted and slept constantly on alert. While we didn’t really see the lions during the day, we knew they were there. At night, the male would roar for all hours, bringing back unpleasant memories from our childhood. I wished we could go back to the time before I met M’vita, when we thought we were safe in our new world.

One night, perhaps a week or so after arriving at our temporary shelter, the lions ran a night hunt. They came perilously close to where we slept and the agonizing cries of their dying prey kept us from sleep. The next day, we moved further downriver. The prey was thinner and our choices more limited. The water was also ripe with crocodiles. Simply bending down for a drink was to risk one’s life.

After a second unsuccessful hunt, Soji and I collapsed in the shade of a tree. We took in deep breaths, trying to both cool our overheated bodies and to slow our pounding hearts. N’dugu sat off to the side. He panted as well but he did not run as far as we did. By the time he joined the chase, it was clear the antelope would outmaneuver us.

My stomach grumbled in protest. As if it could hear me and had a mind of its own, Soji’s stomach shared the sentiment, adding its own grumble. I looked at Soji and then turned to N’dugu. His back was to us as he stared off at the agitated herd.

“N’dugu, brother,” I pleaded. “What are we going to do? We can’t miss another meal. I’m too exhausted to run anymore.”

“I know, sister,” he answered, keeping his eyes on the herd. “The lions have forced us away from the best hunting grounds. The terrain here isn’t ideal for our speed.”

Without another word, he left Soji and me and disappeared into the grass. I looked at Soji with a worried expression. He just shrugged his shoulders, as confused as I. With no energy, I laid my head on the hard ground and closed my eyes. Sleep engulfed me almost before my lids were completely closed.

I woke up some time later to a thump near my head. Startled, I jumped to my feet. Unfortunately, my lack of food left me slightly dizzy and I swayed before getting my feet under me. Once my eyes focused, I spied what had wakened me. N’dugu stood before me looking at the hunk of meat and bone at my feet. Before I thought to even say thank-you, I dived into it. I barely registered Soji with his own meat, nearly devoured already.

“If we hurry, there may be some left,” N’dugu said. “Supposing the scavengers haven’t found it yet.”

Eating quickly, we finished our meal and followed N’dugu to the rest of the carcass. Luckily, he’d managed to hide it in a way that no scavengers had yet found it. It was a very fresh kill and we all ate our fill. After that, hunting became easier. A few days later, the rains returned.

Description

After sharing M’vita’s story with N’dugu and Soji, we decided to move closer to the lake. We knew we had to be vigilant, both because of the lions who were patrolling the area and because the rains would be returning soon. As it was, much of the herds stayed near the lake since it was the best source of water and the grass was still relatively green. This was why the lions were there. Once the rains came, however, the plain would flood and those nearest would need to move to higher ground. Still, we were confident if we stayed closer to the main river that fed the lake, we could still hunt without causing a problem for the lions.

The next few weeks, we hunted and slept constantly on alert. While we didn’t really see the lions during the day, we knew they were there. At night, the male would roar for all hours, bringing back unpleasant memories from our childhood. I wished we could go back to the time before I met M’vita, when we thought we were safe in our new world.

One night, perhaps a week or so after arriving at our temporary shelter, the lions ran a night hunt. They came perilously close to where we slept and the agonizing cries of their dying prey kept us from sleep. The next day, we moved further downriver. The prey was thinner and our choices more limited. The water was also ripe with crocodiles. Simply bending down for a drink was to risk one’s life.

After a second unsuccessful hunt, Soji and I collapsed in the shade of a tree. We took in deep breaths, trying to both cool our overheated bodies and to slow our pounding hearts. N’dugu sat off to the side. He panted as well but he did not run as far as we did. By the time he joined the chase, it was clear the antelope would outmaneuver us.

My stomach grumbled in protest. As if it could hear me and had a mind of its own, Soji’s stomach shared the sentiment, adding its own grumble. I looked at Soji and then turned to N’dugu. His back was to us as he stared off at the agitated herd.

“N’dugu, brother,” I pleaded. “What are we going to do? We can’t miss another meal. I’m too exhausted to run anymore.”

“I know, sister,” he answered, keeping his eyes on the herd. “The lions have forced us away from the best hunting grounds. The terrain here isn’t ideal for our speed.”

Without another word, he left Soji and me and disappeared into the grass. I looked at Soji with a worried expression. He just shrugged his shoulders, as confused as I. With no energy, I laid my head on the hard ground and closed my eyes. Sleep engulfed me almost before my lids were completely closed.

I woke up some time later to a thump near my head. Startled, I jumped to my feet. Unfortunately, my lack of food left me slightly dizzy and I swayed before getting my feet under me. Once my eyes focused, I spied what had wakened me. N’dugu stood before me looking at the hunk of meat and bone at my feet. Before I thought to even say thank-you, I dived into it. I barely registered Soji with his own meat, nearly devoured already.

“If we hurry, there may be some left,” N’dugu said. “Supposing the scavengers haven’t found it yet.”

Eating quickly, we finished our meal and followed N’dugu to the rest of the carcass. Luckily, he’d managed to hide it in a way that no scavengers had yet found it. It was a very fresh kill and we all ate our fill. After that, hunting became easier. A few days later, the rains returned.