Ch. 5 ED

                Deron picked the highest peak he could see across the vast valley and headed in its general direction.  The sun was relentless, it was a hotter day than Deron had ever felt back home.  His thirst kept him moving forward.

         Deron eventually reached the foothills of the little mountain range, and he started to climb.  He picked what appeared to be a deep draw carved by water, no doubt.  Deron struggled on over the numerous black rocks and little pokey bushes.  Here there was a little bit of grass, and Deron took a mouthful now and then.  He would properly fill his belly when he reached the stream. 

         Deron arrived at the steep draw, meandered into it, certain he would be rewarded with a cool drink once in the bottom.

         Deron stood staring in disbelief at the bottom of the draw.  Water had been here once.  The sand in the bottom had been swirled and washed.  However, no drink could be found here now.  Deron followed the draw up at least another quarter of a mile, and found no sign of water.  Fear climbed into Deron’s mind as he hastily headed toward the next draw.

         Upon arriving in the next draw Deron found the same thing as he had in the previous; a wash where rain water must have occasionally collected, but nothing today.  Deron, now approaching panic, climbed the next ridge and headed toward yet another draw.  He must have a drink soon. 

         At the top of the Ridge Deron looked out across the desolate valley toward another range of mountains.  He realized that he may have to trek back across the flat to find water; he spotted a trail of dust in the distance.  Intently he watched, and realized the dust was approaching in his direction. 

         Deron continued to watch as the dust neared closer, disappearing into the rolling hills below him.  Deron strained to spot the dust.  After a minute or two he’d decided whatever was coming had turned.  He was about to continue on when a brown and white blur streaked toward him.  Deron’s heart dropped.  He tried to decide if he should run or fight, but before he could decide the streak of dust ended inches in front of his face; before the dust could even settle a voice called out, “Is you an Antelope?”

           The beast standing in front of him was very strange looking to Deron.  A black nose, white and brown face, topped with horns nothing like Deron’s.  They were black, curving inward, covered in little bumps, with one little spike about halfway up the horn.  Deron’s jaw was nearly touching his chest in disbelief.  Again the voice called out.

         “Is you an antelope?”

         “N-n-n-no,” Deron stammered. “I don’t know what an antelope even is.”

         “Why, I is an antelope!” bellowed the odd looking critter, all the time wearing the biggest goofy smile Deron had ever seen, “Ed the antelope!”

         “Oh, I’m Deron the moose,” Deron said, trying now not to laugh at the funny looking beast with the ear to ear grin.

         “Moose?  Are you sure?  “You kinda look like an antelope to me.”

         Now Deron did burst out laughing, talking between gasps for breath.  “No, (Ha gasp) I’m definitely (Ha-ha gasp) not an antelope. (Gasp gasp ha) but I am glad to see anyone right about now.” (WEEZ Gurgle)  Deron gained control, and asked a bit more seriously, “Can you help me find a drink of water?”

         “Sure,” replied ED, the grin remaining. “I know a good spot.”

         “Thanks, I appreciate it,” Deron said very honestly, realizing that this character’s grin might be a permanent feature, for it still remained. “Lead the way.”