'And there's no trace of a limp. He's moving the way a great cat should. See him climb!'
But as the striped form drew on, showing no sign of either fear or recognition, she felt a tremor of doubt. Surely the tiger they had known was not so large and supple. Yet as it slowed its movements and broke again into sunlight, she recognized the eyes and striped markings of their friend. Before she could ask, Kalus answered her.
'He's nearly full grown now. A few more months and no grizzly will dare to stand up to him.' Looking at the powerful creature so close at hand, she found this easy to believe. For all her familiarity and trust, she could not help but feel a certain awe and fear. Even the muscles in Kalus' arm tensed involuntarily, as it came to a halt perhaps a dozen feet away. But the tension was not lasting. Sheathing his sword, he spoke its name and began to advance toward it.
But at this the tiger turned away curiously, as if to retreat. Once more he gestured and spoke to it, but upon trying to come closer the result was the same.
'I think he wants me to follow him. I don't understand his urgency, but I think that I should. Will you be all right?'
'Yes. Be careful. What about Alaska?'
'Keep her here with you, until I find out what he's trying to tell me.' Turning one last time. 'I love you.'
'Go on, will you? And watch where you're going, you're going to break your neck.'
'All right. Goodbye.' He slowly disappeared among the shadows of the gorge.
*