THE FOUR FRIENDS climbed over the dead boar to reach the exit. Its belly retracted to the push of feet, hooves, and paws. “I don’t know how many more surprises I can take,” Benjamin said. “I thought we were as good as dead!” He hopped off the body and onto the flat rock in the creek.

“Oh, Your Majesty! There was nothing to worry about,” Clementine said confidently. “I knew this monster was–” Air shot out of the giant boar’s mouth in a great Aaaghhhhh! Clementine jumped off and ran.

“Clementine!” Paco called. “It’s natural for a dead body to release air.” Sniff, sniff. “Albeit disgusting air.”

Roscoe poked his snout next to Paco. “Hey, that’s nothing! Have you smelled Clementine’s breath?”

They stood in the middle of the dry creek bed, looking at both winding ends.

“Any guess which way is upstream?” Roscoe asked.

Paco couldn’t answer. “I don’t know. Any thoughts, Sire?”

“I wouldn’t even know how to guess.”

“Then we’ll just have to pick a way and go with it,” Clementine said.

Paco sighed. “Unfortunately, pig, you’re right.”

They set out to their right, unsure if they’d made the correct decision. Before long they were hungry and extremely tired.

Roscoe was limping. “King Benjamin, I’m not sure how much longer I can walk.”

“Me either, Roscoe. Paco, do you think we could find a camping spot on the ledges above?”

The rat-terrier looked at the walls of the creek and saw a cluster of exposed tree roots. A large mound of dirt had eroded under the roots, allowing Paco to crawl to the top. “Come this way!” He peeked over the side. They hiked up and walked until they found an open grove with short grass, surrounded by thick trees. Moonlight shone through an opening above. They huddled together on the soft ground.

“Ah, much better!” Clementine said in relief.

But Benjamin’s teeth chattered from the cool night air on his bare legs. “Would you mind if I made a fire here?” They looked scared. “I’ll keep it small.”

“It’s true you don’t have fur like us. Is there anything we can do?” Paco asked.

“It’d be great if you could find some dead sticks lying around.”

The three combed the open ground for wood while the boy found some large rocks and carried them to the camp in his shirt.

“Here you are, Sire.” Clementine spit a mouthful of sticks onto the ground at his feet. There was enough wood after Paco and Roscoe threw their sticks on the pile. Benjamin laid the sticks inside the rock circle he’d made, threw on a handful of dead grass, and pulled the lighter out of his pocket. Flick! The dead grass caught and their faces glowed in the tiny fire’s light.

“Ohhhh, that feels pretty good!” Roscoe said with satisfaction.