They continued their trekking from hills to valley, from plains into thick woods. Heading to a direction thought to have led to the lion’s palace, killing whatever creature they came across. They came to a beautiful valley near a small cone-shape hill which could not permit more than five to seven animals standing on the top at the same time. However, depends on the size of the animals in question.
They were climbing the hill turn by turn to see the beauty the first witness were praising. It was practically breathtaking. Trees grow on a straight row according to the heights as if it was planted. And were mostly of the same kind. Shrubs and flowers of many colors followed the same pattern. But were all leveled at the top. Pink flamingos searched through the green reeds while colorful macaws floated above happily catching what could not be seen from the hill. At the upper end was a fresh waterfall. There was never a place like that. Not even a beautified palace was comparable. Animals goes up, see to their satisfaction then go down to meet others but the giraffe and some who refused to be satisfied remained on the hill. They had occasionally requested to go down to the place but the elephant warned them not to.
“We didn’t come here for fun. Do not be distracted” He warned.
Down the hill they rested, ate drank and prepared themselves for what’s ahead. As they do all these, the had discussions and plans were made.
While they still feed their eyes, the giraffe, having the longest neck saw something in a large group coming their direction. His eyes weren’t reliable so he Invited friend with keener sight to help out. It was confirmed to be their enemies approaching. Having realized what the glimpse was all about they quickly ran down to inform the others.
“What do we do” the gorilla asked.
“Let’s attack them aggressively” A bison suggested.
“Yes, let’s knock them down with our horns” The elk, buffaloes, ibex and every strong animal with powerful horns stood on that.
“That’s not the best idea. Some animals there are too fast and can vigorously leap high” zebra said.
“That makes it easier for us. If they leap we’ll then position our horns for them. How do you see it?” A buffalo suggested.
“Not fair enough. What about those without horns to defend themselves. Do you think those things coming are not smart too?. Remember hunting is their daily routine, right from birth. They are skilled and knows every technics of defeating their preys. We come here to fight and take our relatives back home safely and not to ignorantly waste our lives altogether. There are other perfect ways to deal with this bullies. Think please” zebra said.
“Whichever way do be fast, they are drawing closer” The gorilla prompted.
Many suggestions were made which includes shooting arrows, throwing stones, and many others but none was good enough to be considered. When they were out of ideas considered the hurling of stones, explaining how it should be done.
He send the rest down into the nearest thick dark forest to gather stones and logs, however heavy material they could find. They would tie them up in trees and release them when they come. The elephant would stay on the mountain with the giraffe to draw their attention. And they will surely believe that the rest are some where down the other side of the hill.
“We will pretend to be fighting so that they will think we are not seeing them. When they get very close then we will storm down the hill into the spot”
“When they get very close? Those things are like lightening. They will catch up with me. I am not that fast”
“You are faster than me. But don’t worry I am with you. We will be very observant” the elephant replied.
“You have to climb the hill so that they will not divert or ambush us for if they do, we’ve lost out plans. We don’t have to make mistakes. They understand all the forest technics more than we do and here is where they grow up, they knows every corner so we must not go far to hide. We are still going to stick together after the trap is set” the chimp said.
The same baboon who’s fond of taunting the giraffe returned again laughing in a very irritating manner.
“Didn’t I tell you? You are not better than being a bait”
“Fool, they chose me because of my height”
“That’s it. You look like a living pole. I believe you can even see out of these earth when you are up there. You are useful anyway”
The baboon was a very troublesome animal. He talks to an elder like he’s nothing. Though he’s older and also a warder officer but at least should have a little regard for an elder. Perceptibly he does that only to the giraffe, no one else. Why should it be so? It maybe they had an unsettled misunderstanding some times ago and which The giraffe can’t report him in other not to expose his dark secrets or mischief.
“What’s happening?” the elephant asked.
“Nothing!” the baboon replied. “I am encouraging my friend to be strong” he patted the giraffe’s leg as if what he said was true. “Don’t run before time okay?”
They were about a thousand animals at work. They were very fast and cooperative. The monkeys and apes were too good for the plan. The mighty animals contributed in elevating weights up. They made rope traps that can pull preys up when caught on the leg and other traps they could. They covered a very wide area, circled it and waited. As soon as they were through, the loudest animal whistled to the two animals up the hill.
As they waited up the hill simulating a serious argument. Suddenly the animals disappeared. They waited for some minutes but still did not see signs of them. Where could they have diverted or dispersed to? Does it mean they did not see them? What exactly happened?
“Let’s go down the hills. Those savages are not timid. They may be crouching under the vegetation to get close before they Sprint. And they may want to surround the hill so that there will be no way out” the giraffe thought.
“Your best idea ever” the elephant said. “What fear can cause. So then, let’s slide down before it’s late”
They hurried down the hill, stood at the base and watched around.
“I said it! Look there they are!” the giraffe shouted.
“You are beginning to have sense. Go! Go!! Go!!!” They took on their heels immediately. Giraffe kept repeating “I said it!”
They ran through the place prepared to execute their plans. They allowed the elephant and the giraffe pass before releasing their traps. The elephant stopped somewhere after crossing the dangerous area unlike the giraffe whom no one knew if he ever stopped running. They were careful not to miss timing. More than half of their enemies died at a spot. Most of those left alive were badly injured and were too weak to fight. However, fighting them to death was fun in a way. All their plans had been a flawless victory. It was so amazing to see that there still maintain their number. No one among them was missing. Just few were mistakenly injured from enemies' bites and scratches.
“Is everyone alright?” the gorilla asked. They began to check to know who’s not fine but couldn’t find anything worse that injuries.
“We are fine”
“Where’s the long one?” The gorilla asked again. That’s when they remember a member was not among them. They went looking for him.
“I can see him” the parrot yelled. He was flying above the rest. “He is hiding over there yet his head is still above the trees”
“What a funny height” the zebra said and they all laughed. They called the giraffe out of his hiding. He came out looking ashamed as they would see him as a coward for having ran so far to hide when others were stuck together fighting. What if one of their enemies succeeded to follow him and hurt or even kill him there?
“Try to control your fear. I have warned you before” Bara reminded.
“I will try”
“It’s for your own good” the zebra told him. And they left him.
The baboon appeared again. The giraffe expected his usual annoying taunts.
“You are very scared, but I know it’s not your fault it’s your nature. For having accepted to come with us to this battle proves your courage and desire to help. Even if all you can do is entice enemies, it’s a big role. I will always help you. Nothing will happen to you. It’s not that I am too strong for them and you are weak. Battle is luck. I may be amazingly skilled but that doesn’t ensure my survival. But I believe if we work together. Things will go smoother”
“I will try my best. Thank you”
The rest stared at them admiringly. They liked what they see.
“This is time for final elimination” the elephant said.