Without haste the creature returned to a swimming posture, and with a
rough spout somewhere between laughter and a sneer, began a last,
intimidating circle---though whether it intended to attack was not
clear, since it drew no closer.
Then to the bewilderment of the company another, smaller fin appeared,
as if to join in the kill. But it was not so. Coming between the bull
and the tiny ship, the female nudged him almost angrily, then butted him
outright in the side. The male at last relented. The two swam off,
leaving behind them a riddle that only seemed complicated, because of
its simplicity.
Perhaps nowhere else in Nature was the difference between male and
female more pronounced, or more in harmony with their world. They were
a mated pair: the bull nearly twice her size, aggressive and
indomitable. And the female: more subtle, more compassionate (if that
is the right word), strong and sure enough to act on both convictions.
Either one alone could be powerful and self-sufficient. Together,
nothing could withstand them, true champions of the Sea.
It was Sylviana who spoke first, feeling more acutely the need to talk
that comes after tension and danger. Kalus, conversely, remained with
his jaw set, trembling and pale, but with the spear clasped firmly in
his hand.
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