Then the
Children kill a few themselves, on land, and eat them on the spot.
Feeds ‘em both, neat as neat. A lesson for us all, I dare say.'
He exchanged a look with Kataya, who said nothing.
'But they'll return next year?' asked Sylviana, still moved by
the memory of them, though compassion was receding before the onslaught
of jealous anger.
'Or move on to another island,' said Kataya coldly, unable to mask
her dislike.
'Oh, they'll be back,' assured the doctor, 'As soon as
Ishmael takes over. Only a fool leaves a beautiful princess trapped in
the tower forever.' He looked at Kalus as he said this, though only
Sylviana seemed to take his meaning, flushing with confusion and
resentment.
Though neither of the newcomers could know it, the remark was neither
light nor haphazard. The doctor was testing the waters for a
procreation problem which struck much closer to home. And though lost
in the swirl of double meanings, Kalus realized nonetheless that despite
including several couples (he had no word for ‘married'), there
were no children among company. He looked first to Kataya, whose
expression in return was almost angry, then to McIntyre, who nodded
gently. Sylviana would not even look at him.
'Hell, kids,' said the doctor at length, 'I might as well just
tell you.
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