Things moved abruptly at night, making Ratha turn her head and flatten her ears. Movement she seldom noticed in daylight, such as a grass blade swaying or a leaf falling, brought her head around and made her whisker bristle. The pulse in her throat was excitement. Across the meadow, a heardbeast bawled. Another animal bellowed. Hooves beat, rushing through the grass. A harsh yowl began. It rose to a shriek and another answered. She shivered and looked up at the sky. The moon was a hazy smear of white, the stars were gone. Ratha gained her breath and began circling the herd...Running kept her from thinking; kept her from being frightened. On the opposite side of the herd, she caught a glimpse of something moving in the fog. A low, slender form; not a herdbeast. Ratha bared her teeth and dashed around the outside of the flock...She stopped and sniffed. The smell was fading in the dampness, but the footprints were there. Her tail began to flick as she peered through the mist in all directions. Where had he gone? A sudden shrill scream told her. Ratha plunged into the middle of the herd, sending animals scattering in every direction. The killer was there, dragging his thrashing prey through the grass. Ratha opened her jaws in a full throated roar as she charged at him. The raider jerked his head up, pulling his teeth from the dappleback's neck before Ratha barreled into him, knocking him sprawling. She had barely time to see his hate-filled yellow eyes before he leaped at her. Ratha flipped onto her back and pedaled furiously, raking her adversary's belly with her hind claws. She felt her front paw strike his chin as he snapped at her flailing feet. His rough tongue rasped her pads; his teeth sliced the top of her foot. One claw caught and then tore free. He seized her ruff. Her head snapped back as he threw her to one side. Her chest burned and throbbed. Warm blood crawled like fleas through her fur. Ratha writhed and wriggled, but she only felt the teeth sink deeper into her ruff as he lifted her and threw her down again. One heavy paw crushed her ribs and a triumphant growl rumbled above her. When everything stopped spinning, she saw two glittering eyes and fangs bared for a last strike at her throat. In one motion, Ratha curled over and lunged. Her teeth clashed against his and she felt something break. She grabbed his lower jaw and bit hard until her cheek muscles ached. Her saliva wet her whiskers and was sour in her mouth. Blood welled, tasting rich and salty as bone marrow. He screamed and shook her off. If he caught her again, he would kill her. The Un-Named, Meoran had said to all the cubs, were no smarter than herdbeasts. "Dung-eater! Scavenger!" she hissed. He glared at her, his eyes burning. "Cub-catcher! Bone-chewer!" Ratha paused and caught her breath. "Poor bone-chewer. You can't even understand what I'm saying, can you?" "Clan-cub, you have lots of words. Say them now before I tear out your throat." Ratha froze. Her eyes went wide. "What are you staring at?" The other said. "Y...you." She faltered. "I never thought..." "That the clanless ones could speak?" Ratha stared at him, her mouth open. "Poor bone-chewer." He mimicked, "you can't even understand what I'm saying, can you?" Before she had time to answer, he leaped at her…” ~Clare Bell Ratha’s Creature In 1983, author and prehistoric devotee Clare Bell set forth on a journey that would span well over two decades with the publishing of her first ‘Named’ series novel, ‘Ratha’s Creature’. It was an innovative story for its time, granting felines the gift of human intuition. The result was a compelling tale of mystery, rebellion, and discovery. Readers follow the main character Ratha in her lone struggle through a universe that questions even her own enlightened comprehension - a world set 25 million years in the past, where natural impulse and cognitive thought violently collide. (Click here to learn more about Clare Bell‘s books). 2007 shall bear witness to her fifth, eagerly awaited addition to the series, ‘Ratha’s Courage’. Those attending ToC invite you to take part on this incredible expedition, whether you are a critter-enthusiast, paleo-buff, or merely an interested sci-fi devotee. This domain is both educational and recreational, providing detailed information regarding prehistoric mammals for those aiming to further their knowledge, book-locations, and a role play quarter for series-fans seeking continuation and/or a direct role in the stories themselves. We hope you enjoy your visit, and encourage you to return often. “May you eat of the haunch, and sleep in the driest den." For Clare Bell's official domain, visit www.rathascourage.com For Named Series Role Play, check out www.intothemistrp.webs.com