Chipmunk Stew

A fleeting thought crossed Belboz's mind. If Checkers were human, then he would have added a little spice to the interaction amongst the three by casting spell of infatuation for Fred on her. He decided against it however. Gliders were different, and the spells that worked on humans often failed on them. Trying to bend her will through the use of known magic would likely backfire in some way. Most likely it would hurt or even kill her without producing the desired effect. More important to him, there was also an outside chance that if he were not careful, the spell could hurt him. It was much more prudent to leave himself to casting a spell on the horses, creatures that were at least predictable.

He had spent hours gathering material and packing, paying special attention to the little objects that would lighten his load and make his journey pleasant. He also had a few surprises in store for the trio - it had been a while since he could indulge his fancy for practical jokes.

Twilight had descended by the time Belboz had reached the surface. Charcoal glowed from the bottom of a pit in the rocks. A couple of chipmunk skins lay on one side, and a little pot of chipmunk stew was on top of the coals. He heard some rustling from a niche higher up in the hills. Belboz saw a flash from someone's eyes, and then saw a head poke out. It was Checkers. She spread her wings, and glided to the ground, some distance from the fire. Belboz wondered how she had flown up there, as she was obviously still not able to flap her wings, or control her descent very well. He hailed her, and she nodded and called back.

"Going exploring, up in the falcons' nests?"

Checkers nodded, and walked back toward the fire. When she had closed, she replied.

"I like to have a good view of my surroundings. If something happens, I can warn you all before danger comes. I was just trying to get some leaves and brush to form a bed. There is not too much of cover around here, but I think that I found enough."

"Where are Fred and Astra?"

"They were going to get Fred's horse. They left a few hours ago, and appear to be taking their time in getting back. I think they went toward the creek bottom toward the northwest."

"That makes sense," Belboz offered. "I hope that they do not get caught out in the weather."

"It looks clear," said Checkers, looking up at the stars starting to appear in the dark purple sky.

"Ah, but you know mountain weather. It can change at the drop of a hat."

1. "Especially if the hat that is dropped is mine," thought Belboz. "Apparently Fred and Astra have not gone for the horses." The weather did indeed change suddenly.
2. Sounds of shouting and confusion were heard to the northwest. "The spell on the horse must have had its effect," thought Belboz.

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