Considering that this is the Introduction to a tale, the development of character and dialogue and the suspense element herein are all very standard, and they make me hold my breath. A nice item to critique after my prolonged-and continuous-ill health. The dialogue fits your characters ably, showing that touch of realism that most fiction seems based upon. The opening quotation both amuses and adds to the suspense. I like that the protagonist, Victor, emphasizes hunting by touch in this part. The suspense around his possible snake bite [intended?] is catching. Altogether a good effort and versed in reality. Congrats and let us see the next unit soon.