Reaching it he embraced her, but did not cry. He backed away, then sat
down to gather his thoughts.
'We can stay, until his return, at least.'
She knelt before him. 'What about the sword?'
'I was right. He did see me. But he is not angry, and he said that
I could keep it. He said I was very brave.'
'That's because you are.'
'No.' He looked across at her sternly. 'Sylviana. You must
know, this is only a beginning. I am grateful for your compassion last
night, and I am in your debt. But there is still much work to do, and
much danger. There are so many ways that the Wild can beat us..... And
we must be prepared to leave here in twenty days.'
'Yes. I know.' Her tone was lowered. 'But at least you're
not alone.' She reached out and touched his beard with the back of
her fingers. He moved the hand away, but without anger or secret pain.
It was morning still.
Chapter 9
'Sylviana, come here. This is something you must see.' She went
out and stood beside him on the parapet. Skither was preparing to
leave.
He stood solid with legs spread and hooked claws clinging, his abdomen
expanding and contracting as he prepared for the single thrust that
would send a massive burst of air through the small opening in his
purposely dislocated jaw.
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