Ricky stepped outside his house into the cool morning air. He walked through the village, his sharp eyes scanning the familiar paths and clearings. Adam was nowhere to be found.
A knot of unease tightened in his stomach. He made his way to his younger brother's house, which was just a short distance from his own.
Edward was surprised to see his older brother, the village chief, at his door so early in the morning. He saw the worried look on Ricky's face and immediately knew something was wrong.
"Big brother?" he asked, his voice serious. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
Ricky's voice was low, filled with a father's concern. "Edward, you know Adam. You know how eager he has always been to become a hunter. I'm afraid he might have gone into the jungle alone."
Edward was shocked. "Is Adam not at home?"
Ricky shook his head grimly. Edward didn't hesitate. He grabbed his heavy axe from its resting place by the door. "You should go to the place he always goes," he said.
