Boy of the Painted Cave

As the summer approaches, Tao is careful to watch for Volt or the other hunters when he and Ram leave the cave to go hunting. One day, Tao spots a herd of animals moving in the distance. He and Ram run to the swamps, where they will be able to see the animals but remain downwind of them and not draw their attention. Tao realizes that the herd is made up of mammoths, “the mountains-that-walk” (97), mostly cows, calves, and yearlings. It has been three years since the mammoth herd came through the valley. Ram is eager to approach the herd, but Tao holds him back, telling him the animals are too large, and it is not safe. Soon, Tao realizes the animals are surrounding them in the swamp. Ram pulls away and charges at the mammoths, angering them. Tao is afraid Ram will be killed in the scuffle. Knowing it’s not safe, Tao begins to leave the swamp. A female mammoth finds him first and attacks. He flees but is nearly stomped to death by the beast. Ram returns and distracts the mammoth, saving Tao. Tao tells Ram he is brave but foolish, and he will not allow Ram to chase the mammoths.