Nightfall Perimeter

Darkness settled quickly over the valley canopy. Rather than remaining exposed on the open ridge, I descended toward a hollow beneath the intertwined roots of an ancient baobab. I tested the interior with my staff first. Dry soil, sheltered overhead, and defensible from three sides. I cleared a layer of loose bark with my foot and settled low against the timber wall, propping my double-bladed weapon within arm's reach. The surrounding foliage clicked with nocturnal insects, but no large silhouettes approached. A reliable bivouac for the night.