The image yet unresolved through
her tears, it dropped slinking down into the gorge.
'Kalus. Something's coming this way.' He turned quickly, and
she pointed. He drew his sword, and put her behind him with his arm.
He was about to tell her to withdraw, when something in the shadowy
movements struck a familiar chord inside him. His eyes brightened, then
he smiled outright. Once more the mad happiness engulfed him.
'It's Avatar!'
'Yes.'
'And there's no trace of a limp. He's moving the way a great
cat should. See him climb!'
But as the striped form drew on, showing no sign of either fear or
recognition, she felt a tremor of doubt. Surely the tiger they had
known was not so large and supple. Yet as it slowed its movements and
broke again into sunlight, she recognized the eyes and striped markings
of their friend. Before she could ask, Kalus answered her.
'He's nearly full grown now. A few more months and no grizzly
will dare to stand up to him.' Looking at the powerful creature so
close at hand, she found this easy to believe. For all her familiarity
and trust, she could not help but feel a certain awe and fear. Even the
muscles in Kalus' arm tensed involuntarily, as it came to a halt
perhaps a dozen feet away. But the tension was not lasting.
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