finally got the next chap done...
Chapter 12
Before them was a huge enclosure and it went as far out as they could see. They could see a chain link fence topped with barbed wire going out from each side of the double doors they just came out of.
"Well..." Spider said impressed as he and the others walked in, "yer certainly out did yerselves. How big is this?"
"The enclosure encircles a good 20 miles worth of land and we made every attempt to include as many different habitats as possible." Steinix answered, "and we have guards patrolling the outside perimeter to keep any trespassers out. Would you like a little tour?"
Spider and the others nodded and Steinix beckoned for them to follow him. He lead them pass a small forest, a stream, there was even a small lake. Spider and Shriek were taking casual glances around and concentrated on keeping up with Steinix. The others moved more slowly and cautiously. They moved in a more submissive posture and were investigating everything; this was all brand new to them. Finally Steinix stopped at the top of a hill and Spider looked at first in shock, then laughed.
"Heh, yer even got an elum herd in here." he said.
"A what herd?" Kilk asked.
"Elum, they are one of the many species of wildlife that roam out here." Steinix answered.
"Ok...but why are they in here with us? They are not dangerous are they?" Invy asked.
Spider grinned as he said, "No they wouldn't attack anyone outright and the reason they are in here is because we are goin' ter be huntin' them as food."
"You mean..." Hoth said, looking a bit shocked.
"That's right. I goin' ter be teachin' yer how ter survive out here and that includes huntin' prey animals fer food."
"But...they're living beings..." Invy protested.
"What have yer been eatin' every day of yer lives?"
"Meat." Charr answered, licking his jaws, "Nice..thick..an' bloody meat."
"And where der yer think meat comes from?"
They all went very quiet. Finally, after a long moment, Lunic spoke.
"You mean...we been eating these...'elums'...the whole time?"
"That is correct." Steinix replied, "Out here though Spider will teach you how to hunt not just elums...but all sorts of prey animals. Animals we will be placing in here as time goes on."
"Wow cool." Charr said, "What other animals would we be eating?"
"Scrabs, paramites, various types of fish, and several others. The scrabs will be introduced much later...as they are aggressive and can be very dangerous."
"I don't think I can do this...." Invy whined.
Spider walked over to Invy and nuzzled her sympathically.
"I know this is a dramatic change fer yer....all o' yer. But we are predators and predators kill and eat other animals ter survive. It's the law o' nature. There is nothin' else we can eat indefinitely, our bodies are not designed fer it."
"I'm sorry..." Invy sniffed, "This is all so sudden for me..."
"We will be providing you with food like we always had while Spider is teaching you, so you can get used to your new surroundings and other things before you have to start seriously hunting on your own." Steinix said.
"Yer don' have ter worry 'bout killin' anythin' fer a while, as I need ter teach yer lot a few other things before yer reach that stage."
"You mean we have to wait before we hunt? Ah man..." Charr whined.
"Not everyone is as eager as you are Charr." Delta snarled.
"So when does the training start?" Hoth asked.
"After we eat tonight." Spider answered, "Until then, we need are goin' ter get ter know this place."
"Dinner will be provided at the doors you came in here from." Steinix said, "We will be monitoring your progress and will come to your aid immediately if any serious injuries should happen to occur." he saw them nod with understanding, "I must go now. Teach them well Spider."
"I will." Spider said, "I will."
[ September 23, 2001: Message edited by: Dragadon ]
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