Through her confusion and
alarm, Sylviana suddenly noticed that its other forelimb was severed
just below the first joint. One of its antennae was also missing, and
it seemed to stand only with an effort.
Kalus took a step forward but was stopped by Akar, who took his wrist
gently but firmly between his jaws. Kalus relented, and let the wolf
pass instead. Akar made his way to the path, and taxing the wounded
shoulder only at greatest need, began to descend. But in an angry
rocking motion that clearly showed its displeasure, the mantis waved him
off. It raised the intact foreclaw once more, this time pointing
undeniably at Kalus. He turned to the girl.
'I don't know what this means. But he will not kill me like this.
It is not their way.' He gave his head a severe shake, and made his
way down the slope.
Stepping out onto the ledge as he had once done before Skither, Kalus
felt less awe but greater danger. Not yet an adult, the creature before
him was a mystery. And young and hurt and exhausted, there was no way
of knowing..... Stopping at a distance, Kalus began to signal a
greeting.
Brushing off his half understood formalities, the mantis came straight
to the point. 'I am only a messenger,' he began, 'Sent by
others to relay this news. Skither is dead, killed by a mating pair as
he tried to draw them out to the place where others stood waiting.
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