Coyotes: Denis

Chapter 2: Rattled Cages

   I left early in the morning, while there was still a chill in the desert air. Perhaps some bugs or other small creatures would still be out before retiring for the day, and become easy prey.

   It was important to take a few moments before running outside the village to stretch and wake up the muscles. Injury out in the Sun could spell disaster.

   During this ritual, I saw a few neighbors come outside to bring in clothes from their lines, smoke tobacco out of their pipes, or enjoy coffee in clay mugs.

   Hunting is a practical skill that is seen is a positive light by our communities, but when you are impoverish it is absolutely a necessity. Which is why my short, scrawny, mangy butt has to get out there and toil. Some of these families could afford to trade, or they didn't have the burden of four children to care for alone like my mother.

   I try not to think on it too much. I just didn't feel like getting back out there, so I was complaining. I tied my pack around my body, hooked on a belt with a canteen holder for water, and set off.

***

   The sunsets and sunrises here must be the most magical on Earth. However, the beauty is short lived as the sunrise is replaced by the burning afternoon rays. There were few clouds in the sky to protect me, and my skin was already itching.

   Ignoring this, I set my nose to the ground, and kept my eyes peeled. When I came up to a branch, or a big rock, I was careful to maneuver it to see if any creatures had taken shelter in the shade.

   Lucky for me, I was already having success. A few pinched off stingers, and a blow to their faces left a few limp scorpions in my pack for tonight's dinner.

   Just as I was lifting up another rock, I felt a tingling on the back of my neck. Different than the heat rash, it made my hair stand up on end.

   Dropping the rock, I turned my nose to the sky. Unfortunately, I was upwind of whatever might be setting off my instincts. I looked around, but saw no movement.

   Now more vigilant than ever, I pressed on to see if I could find a better morsel, like a bird. I hoped that the feeling did not follow me any further.

***

   About two hours had passed, and all I had to show for it was the scorpions, a millipede, and some medicinal plants. I paused under a little shade tree, and took some sips out of my canteen.

   I was wiping the sweat from my brow when I froze, seeing nothing, but feeling that eerie sensation once again. This time, I looked around slowly, and opened my mouth to better take in the scent of the air.

   My blood ran cold once I picked up a noise from the source. A rattle. Quiet, but growing in volume.

   Just as I had turned around to investigate, I screamed. There was no time to react any other way before I felt an inferno explode in my foot.

   The creature was there, coiled and ready to strike me again if I made any moves, and it took everything I had to roll away, reach for a branch, and try to defend myself at arm's-length.

   What was I doing? What should I do? I could barely think over the white hot, throbbing pain radiating from the bite near my ankle. I slashed the stick at the snake before I started to pass out from the pain.

***

   I was coming in and out of consciousness. Vaguely aware of the environment moving around me, but too focused on the pain to care. I felt as though I was lifted into the air on a soft and firm bedroll.