Erik cautiously approached the entrance of his shelter. With a deft touch, he tapped the wooden knob, and moving the door just enough to survey the scene outside.
What he saw sent a jolt of fear down his spine. In the branches above, at least ten Galewings were settling in, making themselves comfortable over the sprawling branches of the giant tree. Their massive forms were easily visible.
"Damn it. I was right all along. They came here to claim the tree as their nesting place. I can't blame them, but they are right above where I'm hiding."
The situation was problematic, with the Galewings perched so close, their wings rustling and creating a constant, unnerving sound. The desert beyond now seemed an unreachable territory with these predators nearby.
He realized that leaving the safety of the tree would be like walking into a death trap. The Galewings would pounce at the first sign of movement.