The twin moons of Tansa cast a powdery light over the jungle surrounding the new village of Aden. A light breeze spiralled down through the canopy to cool the naked bodies sleeping below. The nocturnal sounds of chirping insects and of hunting jaguars were conspicuous by their absence; silenced by a solitary figure moving with preternatural speed through the darkness towards the village. Lured by the smell of living flesh it hovered at the edge of the small clearing, sniffing the air. Its heartbeat grew rapid at the scent of blood; saliva spilled from between its fangs. But the first rays of the morning sun had begun to steal over the horizon. It would have to wait until darkness once again claimed the land; though waiting was a skill it excelled at.
* * * *
Brock lay awake listening to
