Do not dispute me, Kamela, I stand now in my
brother's place. You must be ready to leave as soon as you hear the
sounds of our battle. Travel as far and as fast as you can; carry the
cub if you must. We will not have another chance.'
.. 'Very well.' Her voice was soft and without hope. 'I will
do as you say. Who are the friends I am to meet?'
'A woman-child and her mate. She was brought here by Skither, and is
like no other. Her companion is Kalus, of the hill-tribe.'
'Such as these?'
'Yes. They are to be wholly trusted.' He broke away and went to
the entrance, looking worried and weary of talk. 'Where is Shar-hai?
When does he return?'
'He is said to be hunting with his guard near the Carak, though there
is no shortage of food. But that has never stopped him from killing
before.' Akar felt a strange premonition as she said the words.
'Why so near the hill-tribe?'
'I do not know. He has been gone since nightfall.'
He thought of Barabbas. 'So be it.'
*
His legs were weary and his mind was full of doubt. Perspiration poured
from his brow to the chill of the wind, and his head and lungs ached
from the exertion. But he ran on. Nearing the joining of rivers he saw
his younger brother standing on the far side with the conch-shell
raised, still summoning wildly.
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