All
the pain of this new world, all the loneliness and fear, found outlet
and meaning in his love, which now she clearly felt.
And at length as she released him, she felt drained but no longer empty
and wounded. A breach had been mended in her soul by his sudden
expression of warmth, and though Akar might have said it differently, he
felt much the same. Stepping back, he gestured toward Kalus'
sleeping place, then reluctantly, toward the door. Understanding, she
got up and ascended the steps of the dais, pulling aside the patchwork
of furs and waking the man-child.
He was not asleep, nor had been for some time. But he played the part
assigned to him, feigning ignorance of what had stirred him to the root.
'Akar has to leave,' she said quietly. 'He wanted to say
goodbye.'
Kalus stepped out from the low shelter and went to bid farewell to his
friend. He went down on one knee before him, and looked into his eyes.
There was no need for words between them. Both had given life to the
other, and would do so again. No debt was owed or felt, only the bond
of true allies, and their common love for the woman-child, which no
words could express. Still, Kalus felt moved to make some sign. He
reached over and touched her throat, then said with his hands:
'With my life.
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