Flamingbirds?
I suddenly remembered the giant monster birds that had attacked us before, could it be them?
Once I recalled that memory, Xu Jiaojiao's tragic death flashed into my mind. That was the first time I deeply hated myself for being powerless!
After much deliberation, I discussed it again with everyone and finally decided to go to the northern mountains to see what we could find.
After all, opportunities don't wait.
Besides, I was no longer the weakling I used to be. Even if I encountered the Flamingbirds again, I could take revenge for the previous killings.
Xu Jiaojiao's death had always been a thorn in my side. If I couldn't remove this thorn, I wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully in the quiet of the night.
This revenge, I must have!
I quickly packed some things with Zhuo Ya and instructed Shangguan Yao and the others. Then, we set off towards the northern mountains.
It's strange, though, how quickly the weather changes on this island.
As far as I remembered, there had been a blizzard not too long ago, and it was terribly cold. In the blink of an eye, spring had arrived, and everything was reviving.
Now, it was scorching hot, and it rained almost every other day.
Zhuo Ya told me that when she was in the Kasa tribe, after the bountiful harvest festival in early spring, there would be continuous rainy seasons.
The timing of the rain was irregular. It might be clear skies one moment and pouring rain the next.
The people of the Kasa tribe believed this was the wrath of the sea god, Ye. At such times, the tribe's great shaman would lead everyone in sacrifices, praying for the sea god Ye's forgiveness.
Generally, besides basic hunting, they wouldn't venture too far.
Zhuo Ya's words relieved me. This way, I didn't have to worry about Shangguan Yao and the others being attacked by the Kasa tribe after we left.
However, the occasional downpours severely delayed our progress. We constantly had to find places to shelter from the rain. It took us about a day to reach the foot of the mountains.
Seeing the sun setting in the west, it wasn't a good idea to travel at night. So, Zhuo Ya and I prepared to find a dry cave at the foot of the mountain to stay for the night.
"Brother Xiao Ye, look what's in front of us!"
As Zhuo Ya and I were searching for a cave, Zhuo Ya, with her sharp eyes, suddenly pointed to a spot not far ahead and whispered to me.
I followed Zhuo Ya's finger and saw a plump wild goat facing away from us, leisurely grazing on grass, unaware of our arrival.
Damn it, this is truly heaven's blessing!
This wild goat looked about a year old, just at its prime for tender meat. In the day since we left the island, we had only eaten cassava for sustenance and hadn't smelled any meat.
I couldn't help but swallow as I looked at the wild goat. Just as I was about to draw my gun, Zhuo Ya stopped me.
"Brother Xiao Ye, if you shoot, you'll spoil the meat. Watch me!"
Zhuo Ya held her breath, drew her bow and arrow from her back, closed one eye, and shot an arrow at the wild goat.
The wild goat had no chance to react and was brought down by the arrow.
It kicked its legs a few times and then lay still.
It was my fault for always treating Zhuo Ya like a girl and forgetting her archery skills.
Zhuo Ya ran over, dragged the wild goat back, and said with satisfaction, "This one looks quite fat. It seems we'll have a feast tonight."
Carrying the goat, we found a dry cave at the foot of the mountain.
As soon as we entered the cave, Zhuo Ya eagerly started a fire with wood and began preparing the goat.
I must say, Zhuo Ya's way of preparing game was truly a pleasure to behold.
She grabbed the goat's hindquarters with one hand and its shinbone with the other, lifting it onto a makeshift grill made of branches.
Using the crossbars as a guide, she placed the hind legs between the third and fourth crossbars, and the front legs between the first and second, balancing the lamb on the rack.
Then, she took out some hemp rope from her pocket, tied it around the goat's hooves a few times, and when the fire was blazing red, she began roasting it on the rack.
There were two fire pits, one aimed at the goat's shoulder blade, and the other at the base of its tail.
Watching the roaring flames, Zhuo Ya wasn't afraid of the heat. She closely monitored the roasting parts of the goat, occasionally adding firewood to the fire to make the lamb more crispy and delicious.
"Zhuo Ya, with your cooking skills, it's a shame you're not a head chef in a five-star hotel."
I couldn't help but walk up to Zhuo Ya and praise her loudly.
Although Zhuo Ya didn't know what a five-star hotel was, she could tell from my expression that I was complimenting her.
She shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and happily told me, "Brother Xiao Ye, you go rest nearby for a while. I'll call you when it's ready."
I originally wanted to ask Zhuo Ya if she needed my help, but seeing how proficient she was, I figured I would just be in the way.
So, I simply spread the bear skin on the ground and quietly admired Zhuo Ya's beauty.
Before long, I felt my eyelids getting heavier. My head tilted, and I drifted into dreamland.
I don't know how long I slept, but I was woken up by Zhuo Ya in my dream.
"Brother Xiao Ye, don't sleep! It's time to eat."
I groggily opened my eyes. Zhuo Ya's pure face was right in front of me, looking at me curiously.
She truly looked like an angel who had fallen to earth!
Perhaps it was because I had just woken up and had less self-control. Seeing Zhuo Ya's innocent and harmless appearance, I couldn't hold back and kissed her directly.