Chereads / Silva's Peak / Chapter 7 - Creative Camping Culprits

Chapter 7 - Creative Camping Culprits

Silva, Oro, and Salv are walking along the bottom layer of Rattlesnake Canyon in search of anything edible for the night. Salv picks up a boulder in hopes of finding a critter underneath. A few scurry right into Salv's giant hands.

Salv: Oi, Silva I think I found some food for us!

Silva: (stomach gurgles) Really?

Salv: Yes of course! These are the rare lizards known as the Glass Guanas. I read about them once in a geological journal. They like to live under valley limestones and they are a great source of protein!

Silva: (curiously) Ah I see.

Salv: Alright, time to feast! Why don't you go find some firewood for us in the forest.

Silva: Dontcha worry 'bout that Salv! I got us covered. Silva grabs a few twigs from his bag and finds some nearby leaves. He starts concentrating his mind on how excited he is to finally eat. Suddenly, the leaves start smoking and a medium sized flame is produced.

Salv: Hey how did you do that? Is that your power?

Silva: Yessir, I can heat up my body temperature based on my emotions.

Salv: That's a pretty convenient gift! Glad I found ya kid.

Silva: (grins) It does come in handy sometimes.

Salv and Silva cook the lizards and start chowing down.

Salv: These have a unique taste to them.

Silva: Ya know I agree, never tasted anything like this before.

Salv and Silva both gulp down their first couple of bites simultaneously. They both look at each other wide-eyed as they feel a sudden rush of pain in their throats.

Silva: (loudly) Ahhhhh what the hell?! Why do I feel like shards of glass are pouring down my throat? What are these things made of?

Salv: I don't know I feel the same way! (pauses) Huh. Wait a minute. I think I know why they are called Glass Guanas. They must have something in their system as a defense mechanism against predators that feels like shards of glass when consumed.

Silva: (sarcastically) Great thanks for that useless information, that doesn't stop this pain!

Salv: I thought you said you grew up in this region?! You should know what creatures not to eat around here!

Silva: Hey don't blame me, I don't know anyone else that can just move giant rocks for food! I've never seen these lizards in my life!

The rain gets heavier enough for Silva and Salv to notice that their campfire is now a drenched pile of leaves and twigs.

Salv: Well that's just great! We should find cover, I do not mix well with water!

Silva: What's that mean?

Salv: I am walking armor, parts of my body are permanently metal!

Silva: Ah, okay let's find shelter!

Oro runs ahead of Silva and Salv as they desperately look for shelter.

After a few minutes, Oro barks at Silva and Salv from afar. They receive the faint signal and quickly head towards Oro.

Silva: You find somethin' Oro?

Salv: Let's hope it's not just a bone.

Silva: Nah, I believe that my buddy will help us, he's sharp like that!

Silva and Salv notice a small cavern.

Salv: Oh wow no kidding.

Silva: Alright, finally! (Silva pats Oro on his head) Good boy!

Salv: Perhaps there is some food here.

Silva: (sarcastically) What, are you gonna find us more Glass Guanas again?

Salv: No need for sass mister, I am certain this can be the place we camp out in for the rest of the night.

Silva: (mouth slightly waters) Hey Salv do ya smell something delicious?

Salv: (sniffs) Hmm now that you mention it I do.

Salv and Silva start sprinting towards the culinary aroma to find a seemingly abandoned campsite with a dimly lit fire and a good amount of leftover food and an empty tent.

Silva: Hey is anyone there?

The cave is still in complete silence for a few minutes.

Salv: Guess not.

Silva: You thinking what I'm thinking?

Salv: (half jokingly) I'm sure they wouldn't mind sharing with nice guys like us?

Silva: (half jokingly) We can even say that we watched over the rest of their stuff so it wouldn't get stolen.

Salv: Good plan.

Silva, Oro, and Salv start munching on everything on site: animal ribs, berries, salad, and plenty of water. They finish everything off until just one singular rib is left. Silva, Oro, and Salv all look at each other.

Silva: Since I noticed the scent I should be the one to eat the last rib.

Salv: (stomach rumbles) See, I am much larger than you thus I need the extra food to satisfy my superior hunger.

Silva: No way I am letting you have the last bite! You were the one who got us to eat those stupid Glass Guanas!

Salv: (rolls his eyes) Oh, would you let that go already?!

Silva and Salv bolt towards the rib but they start rough housing until neither of them can physically reach the table for a rib. Silva heats up and Salv struggles to keep him in check. Faint footsteps begin but they are drowned out by the commotion. They both notice a munching sound after a few minutes of fighting.

Silva: Hey! Oro, leave it!

Salv: Ahhh come on, the mutt got the last bite while we were distracted!

Oro happily munches on the rib until it's just bone. Before they knew it, a seafaring looking man appeared before them.

Mysterious man: Who the hell are you guys? Don't tell me you good for nothin's ate my leftovers!