The Mantooth

Copyright (C) 2000 by Christopher Leadem.
THE MANTOOTH (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
Copyright 2000 by Christopher Leadem, All Rights Reserved
Christopher Leadem www.aragornbooks.com
In loving Memory Edward and William, gentle cousins
Sunrise in the Valley
My words cannot say it if the heart will not feel it. —-Jeremiah, son of Kalus
Kalus was wakened that morning by the sound of stalking footsteps. Reaching instinctively for his spear, he raised himself slowly and turned to face the sound.
which means, 'The Carnivore.'
There before him, shrouded in the shadows of early morning, he perceived an ominous silhouette. It was Akar, the lone he-wolf that had followed his tribe for some time, living off the gnarled scraps of meat that the hill-people left behind after every kill. Kalus had often wondered what unaccountable circumstance caused it to leave the safety of the pack to strike out and fend for itself.
At first he was relieved. For this was only a scavenger, probably hoping to steal an unguarded morsel and slink away unseen.
But his instincts told him otherwise. There was something unnerving about the way the beast just stood there, as if unsure of its own intentions. Even in the dim light of the cave's entrance he could see that it had not eaten for many days. Arching ribs protruded sharply through an emaciated chest, and his eyes were wild with the blood-lust of a carnivore.