“No, their ugly bald leader wanted me to snitch to him if we saw them. But I say we cut out the middle bird and go right to the snake.”

“I can go with Malcolm, boss.” Isaac stepped forward.

Marlon was unsympathetic. “I’m afraid not, Isaac. We can’t afford to have you ruin this operation by lagging behind wounded. Go get your rest.” He looked Malcolm in the eye. “Will you do this for me, boy? The treasure that he gives you will no doubt be huge! All we have to do is turn those four over to him.”

Malcolm took a deep breath. “I’ll do it.”

“That’s my boy! Now go on, they’re waiting for ya.”

Malcolm gave his big brother a quick look and ran off to join the four. Isaac turned away, sobbing, and limped into the woods.

“Are you ready to leave?” Paco asked Malcolm.

“Whenever you are,” he replied.

“Okay, Malcolm. To the creek, then!” Benjamin said.

The four followed the raccoon into the woods.

Marlon lazily climbed back into his tree and watched Benjamin’s backpack until it was out of sight. “Bee sweat! I should’ve told Malcolm to bring that human’s bag back with him!” His mouth watered at the thought of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich he had devoured moments ago.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Cain’s Demise

THE SOUND OF FLAPPING WINGS drew nearer. The buzzard’s shadow fell across the open sill of the old barn, far above the ground. In the darkness a few rattles shook to acknowledge the intrusion. His feathery silhouette almost filled the window as he landed awkwardly from the long, tiring flight.

“Ahem…My Lord? Are you in here?”

“Sssebassstian?”

“Yes, Master.” He caught his breath. “I found their entrance.”

The voice moved around in the darkness. “You found it? Are you sssure?”

“Y-yes, My Lord. It’s not far from where I picked up the mouse–about an afternoon’s flight from here. I saw several field mice, a duck, and a groundhog together.” The buzzard felt many pairs of eyes on him. “When they saw me, they jumped inside a fox den beside a road. There was no mistaking it, My Lord. They’re in there.”

The giant snake emitted a long, satisfied hiss. “Friendssssss, we will leave at dusk. Be ready.” The unseen snakes hissed and rattled in the dark, musty room.

The nervous buzzard cleared his throat. “My Lord, is there still no word on the four travelers?”

“Sebassstian, you’re my guide tonight. You have enough to worry about already.”

“B-but, Master, what if the four come here?”

As the top of Farangis’s head rose up, a ray of sunlight caught its piercing red eyes. “You leave that to me, Sssebassstian!”

• • • • •