The Mantooth

unrise. Kalus and the wolf had waited by the opening of the smaller e

them to come down. As they drew closer he stepped out slowly to

minutes the wolf nodded his understanding and moved to wait at a far corner of the ledge, without giving any indic

erstand, I have good reason to mistrust your kinsmen. But Akar tells me you are not like them, and I accept his judgment.' H

y return, twenty days, perhaps more. You may fool my enemies for a time, but it is unwise to think you could hold them off longer. I will circle the mountain twice, giving credence to your sound-making

ateful.' He wanted ba

g gaze would n

ing else you w

e KNEW! Despair over

not for myself alone. If you had banished us from the mountai

he signaled slowly. 'Be at peace. I am not angry. You may keep the swo

: when to trust. What you did this night took great courage; you have not changed my mind against you. Only. Hear me, Kalus, I do not give my thoughts

ncline, he felt love for the Monarch swell his heart to bursting, and hard tears pushing at his eyes. As he climbed to rejo

did he

ace in the enclosure where both could stand without stooping. Reaching it he emb

until his retu

e him. 'What ab

ee me. But he is not a

t. He said I w

because

or your compassion last night, and I am in your debt. But there is still much work to do, and much danger.

e reached out and touched his beard with the back of her fingers. He mov