Page 117 of Wind Rider

Danita ruffled the big feline’s fur and laughed. “He saidalmost.”

“They’ll be on the dock as you approach, and they’re smart, which is why I want you to shoot an arrow over their heads as you paddle up,” Antreas said. “They’ve had enough run-ins with humans to know that arrows can kill them.”

“And we’ll take our slingshots with us,” Spencer said, holding up hers while Mason and Jenna nodded.

“As I said before, Monkeys don’t usually attack humans on land. They’re small, and out of the water they’re slow. Plus, they’re cowards. And the reason there will still be blackberries and potatoes for you to harvest is because Monkeys move awkwardly on land—so awkwardly that they’re easy prey to one of the main predators on the island.”

“Rattlesnakes,” Jenna said with a shudder.

“Yes. It’s early in the year, so most of the snakes are still in their holes. Later in the summer it would be stupid to try to harvest anything without a team of Warriors going ashore with you as protection. Still, be vigilant, and if you hear anything resembling a rattle load your slingshot and get ready to fire.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be careful,” Spencer said.

“At least we won’t have to worry about the Monkeys while we’re on land,” Mason said.

“On land you won’t, even though they’ll probably call to you from the trees and try to get you to come to them.”

“Why would they do that if they’re so awkward on land?” Mari asked.

“If they can get you under the canopy of one of the trees, every Monkey in that tree will drop on you. Awkward or not, their teeth are sharp. A group of them can definitely kill you.”

“Not going anywhere near the trees,” Mason said.

“In the water they are vicious little thieves. Keep the boat at the dock. Monkeys live in dens they make either in the ruins of a city where some of the buildings are still above water, or here, where there isn’t a city, and where they build dens at the waterline. They can only be accessed underwater. Strange but true fact—one of the staples of their diet is Mouth eggs. The Mouths lay them in shallows near islands or in the ruins of cities. Monkeys devour more than half of them every season. And from about now until midsummer Mouths will be laying eggs, which means the Monkeys will be fat and lazy—especially on land.”

“That’s a good thing,” Nik said.

“It is. Remember, you’re going to be in the most danger when the group comes back and loads the boat. Move fast. Nik, Wilkes, don’t help them. Let Mason do that. The two of you, don’t take your eyes off the water around you,” Antreas said.

“And on the return trip Spencer, Jenna, and Mason will paddle while Wilkes and I continue to be ready to shoot,” Nik said.

“Yes. The water is clear here, which works in your favor, but the Mouths are dark colored and many times look like shadows, or even ruins below the water,” Antreas said. “Watch for their tentacles. They’re easier to spot.”

“Because they’re light colored, right?” Mari asked.

“Well, the bottom side of their tentacles are white. The top of them are the same dark color as their bodies, but when they lift them from the water you’ll be able to see the white. Don’t wait. Shoot.”

“Aim for their eyes,” Nik said.

“Or their open mouths,” Antreas said. “But the eyes are the best shot. Their skin is so thick you can rarely get a fatal shot, but their eyes aren’t on the sides of their heads like most fish. They’re on top so that they can see their above-water prey.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t miss,” Nik said grimly.

“Well, save your arrows unless one of the damn things attacks,” Wilkes said. “You might get lucky and they will have already fed. They only hunt when they’re hungry—though the Monkeys are always bothersome. Unless a group of them can trap you they won’t kill, but they will steal from you, and they’ll also attempt to unbalance your boat. My best advice is if the little bastards start messing with you—shoot one. Kill it. The Mouths will feed from it and the Monkeys will take off.”

“We’ve got it,” Nik said.

“We’ll handle them,” Wilkes added.

“Are all of you ready?” Mari asked.

When the five of them nodded, Antreas and Danita paddled to the boat Wilkes shared with Mason and Spencer. Danita quickly switched places, and Bast nimbly jumped from one boat to the other. Then Wilkes, Mason, and Antreas paddled to pick up Jenna before heading to Mari and Nik.

Mari took Nik’s face between her hands. “Donotdie. And I’d prefer it if you didn’t get hurt, either.”

“I’ll do my best,” Nik said, kissing her soundly before he and Antreas changed places.

“Okay, head straight at the island from here. You’ll see the dock. From there the blackberries and potatoes aren’t far. Like I said before, they’re just up from the beach, but well outside the tree line. I’ll take the Pack past the island and then we’ll circle and wait for you,” Antreas said. “Be smart and be safe.”