Cave Dwellers

by Randall, Jonathan

  “I think it is.” Zaac was grateful for the light. “I’ve read of phosphorescent moss but I’ve never seen any. It grows in some caves.”

  “You want to stop here for the night?”

  “We might as well. This is the first time that I have been able to see since the cellphone died, apart from when we built a fire.”

  Ramira found a bedtime snack for both of them which consisted of some more bugs, and they settled in for the night. Little did she know the strange chemical reaction their new diet would create in them.

  8

  Zaac woke up first to a beautiful glow from the phosphorescent moss. It was nice to be able to see, even if only a little bit. Thoughts of his family and friends crossed his mind. His best friend, Matt, usually went out with him biking or mountain climbing. He was glad that Matt wasn’t with him the day the earthquake happened. It was a miracle that he had survived the fall. Matt might not have been so lucky. They would probably assume that he was dead. Would they keep searching for him? He was sure they would find the vehicle and his bike. His thoughts were broken when Ramira woke.

  Opening her eyes, she glanced over at him. “How long have you been awake?”

  “Just a few minutes. It was nice waking up and being able to see.”

  “No kidding,” Ramira said, rubbing her eyes.

  They finished off the last bottled water that was brought, donned their packs and started out for the day. Neither was in the mood for bugs first thing in the morning.

  They had traveled for no more than an hour when they heard a muffled sound. With each step, it grew louder. As they progressed, the sound became a continuous, vibrating roar. Turning a bend, they emerged onto a cliff ledge behind an immense waterfall that plummeted to an underground lake. The lake, at least seven acres in size, was only part of a colossal cavern of immense proportions, at least 89,000 square yards, equivalent to fourteen football fields. The whole place was illuminated by phosphorescent moss along the walls and parts of the floor.

  Some of the moss gave off a pale green glow, similar to the moss they had seen earlier. Some gave off a blue light. Other moss was incandescent yellow. Zaac and Ramira stood mesmerized at the spectacle.

  “I have never seen anything so beautiful,” Ramira said.

  “Neither have I. This is truly amazing. I didn’t know underground caverns could be so big.”

  “It’s huge.”

  It took them several minutes to get to the bottom. Once there, they could see a breathtaking view. The lake made up a third of the cavern floor. About an acre of dry ground was visible on the other side. Most of the land was on their side.

  Before they could start exploring, they were startled by a high-pitched squawking sound, and two large megapetomeinon flew off the ledge on the far end of the lake. The megapetomeinon, a beautiful large flying bird, had the colours of a rainbow, yellow and orange blending into red, blue and purple.

  The megapetomeinon belonged to the order Pterosauria. The ones in the cavern were a type of pterosaur descended from a group that had been trapped during the cretaceous period. A large cave passage allowed flight in and out of the cavern where a few of the large pterosaurs had dwelled before that, but an earthquake eventually closed the exit.

  The megapetomeinon had a wingspan of forty-two feet. It was larger than the Quetzalcoatlus which had been found in the Big Bend National Park in Texas. Claws on the front of each wing went unnoticed until they were unfolded. The claws were used for both offence and defence—and for climbing and clinging to rock walls.

  Ramira and Zaac rushed back to the cave corner and squatted, hoping the huge birds had missed seeing them. In fact they had been noticed by the megapetomeinon but mammals were not part of the bird’s diet. Megapetomeinon ate fish. As the birds swooped down, skimming the water, they each ducked their heads below the surface and came up with a fish. Just as they were rising up with their lunch, another five flew off the ledge and circled around the lake until each of them lunged down for a fish. While two of them flew back up to the ledge, two others landed on the side of the lake where Zaac and Ramira cowered, and the other crossed the water to enjoy his catch.

  As the smaller of the birds was finishing its fish, the larger one snuck up and pecked it on the tail. It then took off, running, with the smaller one in pursuit. Zaac noticed that both of the birds could run faster than he could. The chase lasted for a couple of minutes until the larger one went to the edge of the lake and the smaller one flew up, landed on the larger bird’s back and pushed it beneath the surface. The smaller bird then flew up and circled the lake with the larger one flying after it, darting toward it and then away.

  Zaac and Ramira watched in amazement at the show. The birds continued to fly in and out at one another until finally they retreated to the ledge.

  When Zaac and Ramira realized that they were not on the menu, they rose from their corner and stepped out cautiously, hoping to be inconspicuous. They glanced at the ledge where the birds apparently lived. Drawing no evident action from above, they started across the cavern floor.

  The floor was red-brown dirt with rocky outcroppings. Both Zaac and Ramira felt like intruders, leaving clumsy footprints, like an invasion from another time.

  The cavern seemed enormous. There were three upper ledges with tunnels opening onto them. The ledge the birds occupied was one of these, located on the opposite side of the lake.

  Zaac and Ramira started up an incline that ascended in two humps for a total of 200 feet. At the top was a hollowed out cave twenty feet deep. A layer of moss was growing along the edges of the floor toward the back.

  As Ramira reached the top, Zaac was half way up the lower incline. She walked to the sloped cave and stopped. Within the entrance behind a large boulder were the remains of previous fires. Rocks in a circle surrounded ashes and what looked to be coal.

  “You have to see this,” Ramira said to Zaac. He rushed to join her.

  “Wow. This shows that someone had a means of entering the cave years ago.” He squatted by the remains.

  There was a fine powdery ash within the fire pit, and a couple of pieces of coal outside it, glossy and black with a bright surface. Zaac and Ramira didn’t know it but this was hard coal. It burned slowly and evenly, giving off little smoke.

  On either side within the fire pit were rock supports with a flat rock on top.

  “They must have used this for cooking,” Zaac said.

  While Zaac examined a piece of the coal, Ramira headed toward the back of the cave. Along the left side of the wall were several types of pottery.

  “Take a look at these,” she said over her shoulder. She picked up what looked like a plate.

  Zaac joined her. He picked up a wide mouthed pot, probably used for carrying water.

  “I don’t know who lived down here but they were industrious,” he said, turning the pot in his hand.

  There were two wide mouth pots, two very large bowls, four smaller bowls, five plates, two large spoons, one ladle, two large platters and five smaller spoons.

  Turning around, Ramira noticed some small oddly shaped pieces of rock. She picked up several of them. Four were arrowheads, perfectly chiseled, with a wide, sloping base that curved until each side met at a sharp point.

  Looking more closely, she saw that two of the pieces were not rock but bone. She examined one of them closely. It looked like a small fish hook. She showed it to Zaac.

  “Is this what I think it is?”

  He turned it slowly, examining the details. It was about an inch and a half long. At one end was a carved indentation where a line could be tied. The bone curved around and back up to a sharp point.

  “If you’re thinking fish hook, I’d say you’re right. This is an old bone fish hook.” Zaac glanced out at the lake. “Whoever stayed here must have used these to fish in the lake.”

  “We know there are fish in the lake. The birds definitely enjoy them.”

  “If we can figure out some way to make a line, t
hen we will enjoy them, too.” Zaac would have given a lot at that point to have his fishing rod.

  “Like you said, these people had a way of entering.” Ramira had a hopeful look on her face. “Maybe we can find it.”

  “That would be wonderful.” Zaac’s stomach started to rumble. “While we are looking, maybe we can find something to eat. I’m hungry.”

  At the mention of food, Ramira realized that she, too, was starving. “In the excitement of finding this cavern, I forgot all about eating.”

  “We have lots of tunnels to choose from. We can start on the ground floor and then see whether we can get to the upper ledges.”

  “There was a tunnel behind the rock pile. Do you want to start there?”

  She asked.

  “That’s as good a place as any.”

  They grabbed a couple of waters and walked down to the tunnel. Moss illuminated the entrance but beyond that it was complete darkness.

  Zaac could see several bugs toward the end of the moss but Ramira could tell there were many more waiting in the dark.

  “I think we have found our dinner.” She started toward the bugs.

  Since they were both famished, they rushed into the tunnel, gathering as many bugs as they could. It wasn’t long before their appetite was satisfied.

  Zaac looked over at Ramira. “Could you tell whether that tunnel provides a possible exit?”

  “As far as I could see, it wasn’t blocked. It appeared to have an opening further down but beyond that I am not sure.”

  “You want to go down to the opening and see where it leads?”

  “It’s worth a try.”

  As soon as they got to the edge of the moss, Zaac placed his hand on her shoulder so she could lead him in the dark. After ten minutes, they noticed a faint illumination ahead. As they progressed, the glow grew brighter. Going around a bend to the left, the tunnel opened into a small cavern.

  The cavern was illuminated by moss growing on the walls on both sides. At the front of the cavern was a small ledge that traversed the cavern three feet off the floor.

  The wall was completely covered in lichen from floor to ceiling. There was another ledge at its top. At its back, a tunnel could be seen.

  “What do we do now?” Zaac asked, frustrated.

  “I think we should go back and call it a day. We have been going pretty hard the last few days. After a good night’s rest we can have a fresh start tomorrow.” Ramira was weary in every muscle.

  “Sounds like a plan.” Zaac said. He, too, was bone-tired. “Lead on.”

  They left the tunnel and headed back to what was to be their usual resting place, the big boulder outside the cave.

  Before they turned in, they caught a few bugs to pacify their hunger during the night. After eating, they both went into the cave and got ready to settle down for the night. Ramira chose the moss on the left. Zaac was getting ready to sleep on the right side when he noticed a couple more arrowheads and another, longer piece of rock.

  The arrowheads were just like the ones Ramira had shown him. He picked up the longer piece and looked at it more closely. It was about eight inches. The top five inches had a curved shaped. It resembled a chiseled bow type knife. It could either be held by the hand or fastened to a handle. He was sure this might come in handy at some point.

  Laying it back down, he stretched out. Before long both he and Ramira were fast asleep.

  The chemical reaction was even stronger now. It would only be a couple more days until it was fully developed.

  9

  Zaac woke first and turned to watch Ramira sleeping peacefully. After several minutes, he went to the edge of the lake, knelt down, washed his face and returned to the boulder. He sat there quietly until he heard a rustling inside. He got up and walked in just as Ramira was finishing a big stretch.

  “Hey sleepyhead,” he greeted her.

  “I slept like a log,” Ramira said. “How about you?”

  Zaac sat down on the moss that had been his bed. “A lot better than I have the last several nights. It feels good being in this cavern. It seems comfortable.”

  “I know what you mean.” Ramira felt the same. “Maybe it is knowing that other people have been here before. I’m not sure but it feels right.”

  “I went down to the edge of the lake and washed my face. The water is a little cool but it felt good.”

  Ramira put on her shoes and stood up, “I’ll give it a try. It will feel good to finally wash my face. It would feel even nicer to have a shower or a bath.”

  Glancing over at the rock circle where past fires had been built, Zaac had an idea. “If we can find some more coal, we can build a fire and take a bath in the lake. It might be cold but we can always warm ourselves afterward by the fire.”

  “What about privacy?” Ramira asked.

  Zaac blushed. “I’m sure we can work something out. We can always build fires at separate places. This cavern is so big, we wouldn’t be able to see each other.”

  “That’s true. It is huge. If one of us got on one side and the other on the far side, we would barely be able to see each other. For now, though, I am just going to wash my face. Then we’ll see if we can find some breakfast.”

  She had only taken a few steps when she heard a squawk from the ledge above the lake. She looked up to see three of the megapetomeinon launch themselves, followed by the other four. She quickly retreated to the edge of the cave where she could dash in if needed. Zaac, who had been relaxing by the boulder, hastily joined her.

  They watched as the megapetomeinon circled. They were majestic creatures and truly amazing as they soared at the top of the cavern.

  Hearing a high pitched squealing sound coming from the ledge, Zaac and Ramira looked up. There were two smaller birds apparently watching their parents. They must have hollered for food because one megapetomeinon flew down, snatched a fish and headed back up to the two little ones.

  The two playful ones got themselves a fish and returned to this side of the shore where they ate their breakfast. This must be their opportunity to get away from the little ones on top and enjoy their meal, Zaac thought. They started playing, taking turns chasing each other, just as they had the previous day. They stopped when Ramira repositioned herself, drawing their attention. Suddenly they looked with new-found interest on the strangers, seeming to wonder what creatures they might be. It was their first encounter with humans and they were definitely curious.

  As they started toward Zaac and Ramira, a squawk from above stopped them in their tracks. They quickly retreated and returned to the safety of the ledge where their parents awaited. A little commotion commenced with several squawks and a few squeals. No doubt the two younger ones were being rebuked for their curiosity.

  After the brouhaha settled down, Zaac and Ramira rose from their spot. Ramira hesitantly started down the incline toward the lake, keeping her eyes on the ledge. Zaac followed, not sure what he would do if they were attacked. Ramira made it safely to the lake and commenced her washing.

  With clean faces, they found some breakfast—more bugs—and started their exploration of the cavern and emerging tunnels.

  They found a ground floor tunnel illuminated with moss as far as the eye could see and wide enough that they could go in side by side. When the light from the moss ended, Ramira would lead the way.

  She could sense that her echolocation was growing stronger every day. She wasn’t sure how much good it would do when they got out of here but it was definitely useful in the caverns and tunnels.

  There were brief periods when they had to walk in darkness but for the most part, moss illuminated the passageway. After more than an hour in the tunnel, Ramira came to a halt. She held up her hand for Zaac to stop, too.

  Leaning over, she whispered in his ear. “There are some bugs up ahead with a couple of little animals feasting on them.”

  “Can you tell what kind of animals?” Zaac whispered back.

  “I’m not sure. They seem to be the size
of a raccoon or opossum.” She answered. “Let’s be real quiet and see if we can see them.”

  The tunnel was lit fairly well by the moss and Zaac could see with no difficulty. They started forward, making as little noise as possible. It was ten minutes before Zaac saw the first bug. It wasn’t long before many more came into sight.

  Ramira stopped again and started using hand signals. She had never used hand signals before but her family played Charades, and everyone always seemed to be able to guess what she was trying to portray.

  She motioned with her hands that the tunnel went straight and then had a bend to the right. After the bend, it branched out into a small cavern. The animals were on the left side of the cavern eating bugs.

  Zaac followed intently all of the hand signals, understanding the motions. When Ramira mimicked the animals eating bugs, the hand and body motions were so funny he started to laugh. Of course the sudden sound sent the animals scurrying away.

  Zaac in turn received a good whopping from Ramira.

  “Why did you laugh?” Ramira demanded. “We could have gotten a good look at those animals.”

  “I was doing fine until the bug-eating part. If you had seen yourself, you would have laughed, too,” Zaac protested.

  Ramira grinned. “Maybe. But I didn’t and you did. Now we have blown our chance of seeing what kind of animals they were.”

  “I bet we’ll get another opportunity. We know they love to eat bugs. They’re probably the same animal we caught a glimpse of a few days ago.”

  “Probably.” How many varmints would be running around down here in the tunnels that were the same shape and size, she thought. “You want to continue up this tunnel and see where it goes?”

  “Why not? Our chances are as good in this one as any.”

  After two more hours with no end in sight, they decided to turn around and try another one. They made their way back to the cavern eating their fill of bugs on the way and rested by the boulder for an hour. Starting their exploration again, they passed the tunnel just exited and reached the end of the ledge, where they found the remains of an old-fashioned oven, constructed of rock.