Her mind
returned fully to the present.
They had moved to the smaller enclosure as soon as Akar was able,
expecting to be there only a short time; but the Mantis had not
returned. Nearly six weeks had passed since his departure, and the
girl, at least, had begun to think he never would. But if ever she
mentioned the possibility to Kalus, he grew sullen and cold; and she had
decided at length to put the thought from her mind, and let Nature run
its course. Still, she couldn't help wondering how it would be if
the larger cave were truly theirs. She had grown very fond of, or at
least accustomed to, the safety of the ‘mountain'---their word for
the higher, tooth-shaped rise in the ridge of granite cliffs---and
leaving it now for the uncertainty that lay beyond was not a thought she
relished.
Kalus made his way up the slope to the Mantis' ledge, paused for
breath, then continued. Climbing ever closer up the path, he smiled at
her with half his face, and reaching the parapet, passed by her and went
inside. The pup, roused from its attentions to a small bone, wagged its
tail and ran to greet him as always. Akar sat up gingerly on his two
furs near the back of the enclosure. Kamela was off somewhere alone.
The girl rose after a time, ducked her head and followed him in.
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