'
'But surely---'
'I will not dishonor his memory!'
And so, without formality or warning cry, without perhaps the proper
preparation, the creature opened its wings, raised itself into the air,
and left them forever. Its form grew small and disappeared into the
west like a drowning branch carried past by a river. And the river
flowed on, unchanging.
Then Sylviana climbed down and stood beside them, trying to be a part
of, or at least to understand, what had happened.
'What did he say to you?'
'That he would not eat, or remain another hour. He seems determined
to prove that he needs nothing and no one.'
Trying to think in the vernacular of that world, she put in timidly.
'He will be very strong someday.'
'If he lives.' She said nothing more.
*
As if in imitation, Kalus determined to begin the work at once. Using
one of the poles from the neglected frame, he carved a handle for the
rusty ax-head the girl had found. He sharpened its cutting edge as best
he could, and with the sun at its height, set out to begin felling
trees.
Sylviana went with him, along with Kamela, for warning and added
protection. He cut and pieced an entire tree before he would let
himself rest. Then together he and the girl carried a twelve-foot
section back to the cave, he bearing most of the weight on his shoulder,
asking only that the girl come behind and steady him.
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