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    40,000 Years Ago: The Hunt For Thylacoleo
    40,000 Years Ago: The Hunt For Thylacoleo
    40,000 Years Ago: The Hunt For Thylacoleo
    Ebook70 pages1 hour

    40,000 Years Ago: The Hunt For Thylacoleo

    By James Buntine

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    About this ebook

    After being taunted by two other boys from his tribe Barega sets out on the journey of a lifetime across ancient Australia in search of the giant lizard Megalania, the ancient bird Genyornis and the mysterious Thylacoleo - the legendary Australian Marsupial Lion. Will he find the mysterious beast? Will he survive this perilous journey?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherJames Buntine
    Release dateOct 6, 2012
    ISBN9781301028573
    40,000 Years Ago: The Hunt For Thylacoleo

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      Book preview

      40,000 Years Ago - James Buntine

      40,000 years ago

      The hunt for Thylacoleo

      By James Buntine

      Copyright 2012 James Buntine

      Smashwords Edition

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Front Cover: Thylacoleo carnifex skeleton, Naracoorte Caves, South Australia

      I would like to show my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, of Elders past and present, where this story takes place.

      Chapter 1

      In existing carnivorous mammals the ferocity of the species is in the ratio of the ‘carnassiality’ of the sectorial molar, i. e, of the predominance of the ‘blade’ over the ‘tubercle;’ and this ratio is shown more particularly in the upper sectorial, in which, as the tubercular part enlarges, the species becomes more of a mixed feeder, and is less devoted to the destruction of living prey. From the size and form of the carnassials of Thylacoleo, especially of the upper one, we may infer that it was one of the fellest and most destructive of predatory beasts.

      - Richard Owen, 1858

      Two thousand generations ago in Australia, during a time long obscured by rising seas, shifting rivers and raging fires, Barega and his tribe arrived at the base of the massive sandstone cliffs.

      After much debate the Elders decided that the tribe would stay there, in the shadow of the ancient cliffs. The valley was a place of plenty and they said that the ancient spirits dwelled there, in the trees and the rivers and the rocks. The tribe would prosper in this valley, for a time, and then they would move on, as was their way.

      It had been a long walk for his people and they had been glad when the Elders had made their decision. The land was blessed with many animals and plants that would feed the tribe through the warm months, but more importantly also through the cold, wet months.

      They had only been in the valley a few days when Barega discovered the cave hidden in the side of the cliff. He followed the rough natural path leading up to it and, leaving his spear next to the entrance, he entered its cool interior with trepidation, knowing that there might be animals hiding in it. He saw no traces of any beasts though and he relaxed, knowing that the Elders would be impressed by his discovery. The tribe could use the cave when the weather turned cold.

      Barega walked over to the cave wall and ran his hand over the rough sandstone, feeling its strength and age. He wondered at the many animals that had used the cave for shelter over the years, that had looked up at this same sandstone wall. As he stood gazing at the rock wall he heard a noise behind him from the mouth of the cave. His heart racing he turned, not knowing what to expect, and saw two boys from the tribe standing there.

      You going to sleep up here, Barega? Are you scared of the sky falling on you? said the tall boy, snickering and looking down at the smaller boy standing beside him.

      Barega glared at them, embarrassed.

      You scared an emu might get you? said the boy.

      Shut up, Burnum. I’m not scared of emus said Barega.

      Then why did you scream when that emu chased you yesterday? asked Burnum. And why did I have to chase it away while you cowered on the ground like a baby?

      Barega felt his cheeks reddening. I thought it was a terror bird he said, softly. Anyway, I found this cave and the Elders are going to be pleased with me.

      The boys laughed. We already knew this was here, Barega. We discovered it days ago said the smaller boy.

      No you didn’t. You’re lying said Barega.

      I’m not lying. You ask your father, he was there when we told the Elders said the boy.

      Barega hung his head and looked at his feet, the pale dust of the cave floor stark against his dark skin.

      You’re lucky you even made it through initiation said Burnum.

      My father says you didn’t deserve to said the smaller boy.

      Your father doesn’t know anything, Dorak. Anyway, I’ll show you both, I’ll prove to the tribe once and for all that I am strong and can provide for myself and my family.

      The boys laughed. You had your chance to prove yourself at initiation, Barega. The tribe knows you’re weak, that you’re a burden. How can you hunt for food when you’re scared of an emu?

      I told you… said Barega, feeling his blood start to boil. I’ll show you.

      And just how do you think you’ll show us your mighty strength, Barega? You’ll paint us a pretty picture?

      I’ll go hunting. I’ll kill the mighty lizard of the plains, the terror bird of the grass and the shadow that lives in the forest.

      The boys laughed again, but this time their

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