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In our haste to gather seeds, and the general distraction brought on by the grandeur of the Healinwood tree, neither Hank nor myself had paid any attention to our surroundings. There were, in fact, at least three other tunnels that exited out into this expansive room, the same way that our tunnel had. And now someone, or something, was making its way out of one of these tunnels on the far side of the room. The tree and it's hanging boughs obscured my view, but I could clearly hear the sound of movement opposite me.
For a brief moment, I didn't dare move or risk making a sound. I could barely see Hank out of my peripheral vision and noted that he too had ceased movement. But, I could not maintain this posture permanently. Not only that, but we would have to get out of here sooner or later. I figured I should at least figure out what it was that was moving on the other side of the tree.
Moving imperceptibly, I slid my body sideways, an inch at a time, until I could sufficiently peer through the branches at what lurked on the other side. As soon as I saw what was making the noise I wished that I hadn't.
Prowling on the other side of the Healinwood tree was a massive cat, larger than any I had ever seen. Its tawny coat was a golden color, and its eyes were a fierce red. It had large paws, with razor-like claws, and two enormous fangs that jutted out from each side of its mouth. But the worst part of this whole situation was not the size or ferocity of the animal.
It was the fact that it was looking directly at me.
The mouth of the big cat pulled back, exposing a row of fangs, perfectly designed for tearing flesh from limbs, and a low growl rumbled deep in his throat. The short tail flicked back and forth and he began to sink his body low to the ground. The beast was about to leap.
“Hank, RUN!!!!” I cried, whirling around and sprinting for our exit.
I heard the sound of heavy breathing and large paws striking dirt behind me as I raced for the tunnel. Hank, who had not seen the cat, sensed my fear and ran without looking back. We bounded into the tunnel at the same time, jostling each other, and causing the seeds we had gathered to scatted, not that that was of any great concern to us at the moment.
I could hear the animal behind us as we ran. When it entered the tunnel it's heaving breathing became more amplified, making it seem like it was directly behind us. Perhaps it was, I had no plans to stop to find out. In all likelihood, the cat would have easily caught and killed us had it not been for the vines in the tunnel. Ironically, the same thing that had held us up on our trip in, was now doing the same to the big cat! We knew what to expect and ran deftly through the maze of vines, while the cat snarled and bit at the vines which wrapped themselves around its body.
“We're nearing the exit!” Hank called over his shoulder.
Moments later we burst out of the tunnel and back into the original main cavern. I could see the light from the mouth of the cave just up ahead. Simultaneously, Hank and I ran for the exit, both hoping that the big cat had given up the chase.