He dreaded going near the river again. It had swallowed his flitter, or rather, whatever was in it had taken the vehicle. Even if he had left that creature behind, the expanse of water could harbor other animals, possibly of huge dimensions.
The moon was only a sliver in the starry sky. The night was so black he couldn’t see the water very well. If he ventured to the edge to drink, he would have to be very careful and very quick. But to the water’s edge he had to go. He wouldn’t survive for long without water.
Pointing his weapon forward, Ethan stepped slowly over the arching roots in the sandy earth. The rushing, swishing sound of the river grew louder as he drew closer. The surface was oily and black.
Tucking his weapon under his right arm, leaving his finger on the trigger, Ethan for
