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Leadem, Christopher

"The Mantooth"

....

*

Kalus fed the tiger with the reserves the woman-child brought him. Akar
returned at nightfall and she spent the night beside him, crying softly,
and loving more than ever the friend she feared to lose. He did not
resist her.
Kalus slept alone, vowing again and again his devotion, fearing to hear
himself speak.








Chapter 26

The next morning Akar rose early, and in the darkness of first morning,
stood above the sleeping form of his mistress. Her soft breathing, the
smell of her..... He would not have believed he could feel so much.
And as the light grew slowly, calling him away, still he remained there,
wistful and sad, wishing only there was some way to tell her. At last
she stirred, reaching out for him in a troubled dream. Not finding him
she sat up quickly, fearing he had already gone.
She saw him, and sank back into herself. She began to cry, feeling
their imminent parting as only a woman can. She covered her eyes,
ashamed of her weakness and unable to face him.
This was too much for him. Knowing no other gesture, no longer caring
if he betrayed himself by emotion, the wolf pushed at the arm with his
snout, and as she lowered it in surprise, nestled his forehead against
her. She said his name, embracing him and pouring out her heart.


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