Matt Black - Book 1 of Re-Forge

Neanderthal

60,000 BC... A male Neanderthal squats on his haunches at the edge of a sheer thirty metre drop. To his rear is a broad level surface that leads to the narrow entrance of a modest cave that has a small spring fed pool at its deepest point. The cave is isolated from most predators as a narrow winding ledge serves as a path that descends to the plain below.

From this vantage point, the proud alpha male surveys the grass covered plain that stretches toward the distant horizon. He is not enthralled by the vibrant sunset colours but is focussed on the tall savannah grasses below being stirred by an intermittent breeze.

The Neanderthal sniffs at the breeze as it ruffles his matted hair and utilises his keen senses to alert him to lurking threats. He understands that his role is to protect his small family from the many dangers presented by this wild and savage world.

Satisfied that his family are reasonably safe, the Neanderthal turns part of his attention to weapons maintenance. He inspects his favourite weapon first as it rests in a calloused hand. He notes that the stone tipped spear head is worn from use and age, but secured tightly in a shaft that remains strong and perfectly balanced. Content with its condition, he wedges its butt firmly into a crevice to his right and leans its length against a rock placed specifically for that purpose.

Next, he slides his sturdy axe from the braided leather loop at his left hip and studies its overall condition with an experienced eye. He is pleased that its carefully worked stone head is still sharp and braced securely in the split and bound wooden handle. The animal hide lashing he applied when wet, had dried, and shrunk perfectly. The result was a solid and deadly weapon.

He hesitates as he notices the bindings holding the axe head to the short handle are caked with dried blood. After sniffing the pleasing aroma, he begins dislodging flakes carefully with a thumb nail and feels immense gratification as the crispy dry flakes dissolve on his tongue. Satisfied with the inspection and maintenance of his weapons, he returns the axe to his belt and stands to relieve his bladder onto the plain below.

With nature's necessities out of the way, the young male turns his attention to his family. His two females are tending a fire that rests close to the narrow opening leading into the small cave. The fire near the cave entrance is set back into the cliff face where the generous ledge narrows and is sheltered from the prevailing winds.

The oldest of his females is heavy with child. She looks awkward and ponderous as she goes about her tasks. The proud male pauses to contemplate the additional hardship another mouth will bring, then his eyes drift to focus on his second mate.

She squats by the cooking fire, grinding crushed grains gathered from the grasses on the plain below. The hard-crusty bread she makes will complement the meat sizzling in the glowing coals.

His mouth waters with anticipation as the aroma floats past him on the gentle breeze. He swallows saliva and feels hunger grip his stomach as he recalls the flavour and texture of grainy bread soaked with fatty juices.

Small children play quietly near their mothers and share the warmth from the fire as it battles the cooling evening. The cave behind his family is their home and serves as the final line of defence against predators.

The Neanderthal male feels satisfaction and pride swell within him as he absorbs the sounds of his happy and content family. The noise is the pleasant result of a successful hunt. The grazing beast resting in the coals is a rich prize. A fresh kill like this one rarely came his way, as often, he must abandon his kill to stalking predators in exchange for his life.

His peaceful state of mind began transitioning to worry, laced with fear, and a sense foreboding wrapped around his chest like a tightening net in the cooling night. The hair on his arms, scalp and then the rest of his body lifted to stand on end as an unknown danger stoked his instinctual warning senses.