Nearing the trap, the air cooled as the sounds of grunts filled the air. The light dimmed in the tree canopies as the grunts slowly turned into low echoing grumbles. Slowing to a cautious walk, each snap of a twig and crunch of leaves sent a shiver down his spine.

  As Girry got closer, the stench of chlorine mixed with a rancid copper scent got thicker. Sweat formed on his brow, he swallowed, and squinted into the darkness.

  In the distance, he saw his trap wriggling with something caught within. A sudden loud screech made him stumble to his knees. He paused for a moment, panting while scanning the area. In the corner of his eye, he spotted a large, heavy stick and lunged for it. Gripping it tightly, he stood and walked forward with renewed courage.

  When he got closer, a loud snap halted his movement instantly. As the grumbling died down there was only the sound rustling of leaves. Then he heard a voice call out—

  “Hello? Someone there? Be a champ and help us out, will you? I seem to have eaten something that made my tummy rather upset with me.”

  Girry blinked, wiped his nose, and scratched his head. “Uh, sure. How did ya get in my trap anyway?”

  “Ah, you see, I was chasing one of those feathered lizard things. I’d heard that they make a fantastic roast.” He paused as Girry started untying the trap. “Anyway, I jumped at this little bugger, we tumbled onto your trap, and I got caught.”

  “Sorry bout that. I wanted to catch the animal for my food stall.” He said apologetically.

  “Not to worry, no harm done. But I really must use the loo…”

  Girry smirked as he moved faster to free him from the trap. After about three minutes, he successfully freed the gentleman who shot out of the trap and behind a nearby tree.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Peeking around the tree. “My good sir, my trousers owe you a debt of gratitude.”

  Girry frowned, “Don’t mention it.”

  While the gentleman finished his business behind a tree narrower than I think even he realized, Girry turned his attention to the lizard-like creature in the trap.

  Even though he was pleased that the trap worked, he contemplated adding a sign nearby. Just in case another gentleman, or lady, got caught again whilst hunting the creature.

  Bending down over the trap, he noticed the lizard-like animal calmly eating the nearby algae. It noticed Girry, blinked, and ignored him completely to finish eating.

  As he observed the animal, the gentleman walked next to him. “Spiffy is my name,” he extended a lanky, three-fingered hand, “and whom might you be?”

  Extending his own four-fingered hand, “Girry, good to meet ya. Say, do you mind if I cook this?”

  “Not at all,” he bellowed, “it was your trap that caught us.”

  Lowering his hand, “I do feel a bit bad that ya got caught.” He paused. “How bout ya join me for a meal?”

  Gasping slightly, “What a splendid idea! I would love to join you. Will we be dining on the lizard creature?”

  “Yeah, I want to try roasting it.”

  Spiffy leaned in, “I hear that the natives roast them with nothing but salt.”

  Girry thought that for a moment, smirked, then pulled out a knife. Spiffy jumped back slightly as he watched Girry neatly and cleanly slaughter the animal. Making clean cuts, the blood was drained and the feathers were removed.

  A few moments later, Girry wiped his hands clean and reset the trap. Fastening the kill to a stick, he motioned Spiffy to follow and headed for the ship.

  “Is there a particular reason as to why you drained the blood?” said Spiffy with a raised brow.

  “Too much blood in the meat, and it tastes bad,” he said.

  Rubbing his chin, “Is that so? I always just cooked right after slaughtering.”

  “If ya don want metal-tasting meat, drain the blood.” He said with a wink.

  Spiffy smiled while deep in thought. The two walked in silence whilst enjoying the screams of nature.

  To the left of them, the sounds of crashing waves followed by scents of water and chlorine.

  To the right, yodeling insects started singing in the hopes of finding a mate.

  Straight ahead, about twenty minutes away, was the ship and temporary campsite.