For good or ill, there remained yet one more
scene for them to witness. And this, a vision of the inextinguishable
nature of life, was in that hour both a joy and an indescribable sadness
to behold. As the boat rounded a high promontory, a hidden inlet was
revealed to them. Sylviana gasped, and Kalus lifted his spear in alarm.
But there was no danger. No physical danger at least.
Thirty-three naked human forms sat, or stood, or lay placidly like seals
among the rocks and mossy earth of a steep embankment, with the ruins of
the United Nations building standing in broken silhouette behind them.
And before them, in the deep and still waters of the inlet, a dozen fins
and sleek backs rested peacefully while others moved, as if on guard,
among the waters farther out. It was impossible that the whales, at
least, should be unaware of their slowly logging craft; but apparently
some understanding had been reached. The guards came no closer, and the
Children showed no fear.
And children they truly were: none exceeded the age of sixteen. Their
bodies had no hair, only the scruffy heads and thick eyebrows, the
straggle of mane down neck and spine---all curly blond and brown. Their
cream-colored skin was smooth and tough, and the eyes of all resembled
more closely the eyes of a statue than any human's.
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