Chamberlain's Struggles

Chapter 18

It took another two days for Sil to find a more suitable path out of the canyon. A more walk-able trail. Once he and his babies were out of it, he looked down into it and saw it was one long canyon.

But for now, he began his journey back to the cave. He would at least have a meal or few before he left the Gelflings. He hadn't eaten in the past few days and just made sure Ka and Lil were fed. But he was losing his own reserves and needed some back before he left. Now that he was out of the canyon, he might be able to catch something.

He would continue on his way back to the lair, but he would keep an eye out for something to catch and eat.

He soon saw a small creature. He eyed it hungrily, but the hard part was finding a safe place to put his babies to catch it. This was too hard a decision. He went instead to find some plant materials to eat this time.

Another day passed and Sil finally made it to the cave again. He was wore out from walking all this way back. He needed rest. It hadn't been easy trying to sleep at night when there were so many other creatures out there.

He didn't see Byron or Wyneth in there, so he figured they were out doing their chores. He had to go find them. But the twins were getting fussy again and he settled down to feed them, then, carrying the twins with him, he went to find his friends. Sil knew he could have left them in the cave, but he wasn't taking any chances on something finding them there.

Sil found Wyneth collecting food for the evening meal in the field. He didn't see Byron.

"Wyneth!" Sil called out.

Wyneth jumped. It was from a voice she didn't think she'd hear again. She turned to see the big Skeksis carrying his two little bundles of joy.

"Chamberlain! Where have you been?" She asked.

"That one Gelfling that was here some time ago, had a baby, and moved on, she was at the cave again while you and Byron were gone and she stole my babies. I went after her. Didn't find her, but found babies before they died in a canyon. Took me awhile to find way out." Sil explained.

"We had thought you left. But it was strange you didn't say goodbye. But it was understandable. I never thought she would have been back or sunk that low to attacking innocents. You had to go after them before the trail got cold."

"Wyneth, after what happened, maybe it is time I left. Too many Gelfling see me and not trust me. My babies were target this time. Not happening again. I need to go." Sil said.

Wyneth knew he had a point. "Okay. But won't you stay for a few more days anyway? You look like you could use some food."

"Hmm, yes. Not eaten much in last few days. Food hard to find."

"You go back to the lair and just relax. Byron and I will be back soon. He's out with the Mounders." Wyneth said.

"Thanks." He said and took Ka and Lil back to the cave.

Chamberlain just fell asleep, exhausted when he got into his own sleeping blankets. Ka and Lil fell asleep too. The bedding had never felt so good.

When Byron and Wyneth returned in the evening, they found Sil and his offspring sound asleep.

"He must have been exhausted." Byron said.

"He had to hurriedly save his children. He couldn't wait for us." Wyneth said.

"Should we wake him?"

"Maybe not tonight. He might be hungry, but he seemed exhausted. If he wakes up for dinner, then we'll feed him, but just let him sleep. He needs it." Wyneth advised.