A Prehistoric Odyssey

Although this could have been any part of North America, the scenery appeared alien. Everything from tall evergreens to the distant mountain range seemed out of place. The screeches and calls echoing through the undergrowth were of another era. The very air belonged to the past. At first, Matthew had believed that a substantial increment in oxygen level would be beneficial, making their bodies more tolerant to exertion, but he felt more giddy that perky. It was also affecting the rest of the team. They were growing careless and becoming rowdy as they proceeded, oblivious of their surroundings. Matthew heard something, of that he was certain. And they had ventured into treacherous terrain; steep slopes rising on either side were still wet with morning dew. Why had he not seen it before? He scanned the trees and the brooding skies overhead. It set his nerves on edge. There it was again; a rustle. It could have been a rodent scurrying in dead leaves, but Matthew sensed it was something far more ominous. He broke into a cold sweat. Something was very wrong here. The faintest of movement attracted his attention and he turned towards its source. There, poised between large bare trunks stood a nightmare. Black and tawny pebbled skin; short of snout and deep of skull; and two blunt horns jutting above the eyes. This couldn’t be! This could not be!