'In him I see myself, and I can love….. It's not his fault that he's helpless now. He's only trying to survive, friendless and lost.'
'But you're not friendless.'
'I know.'
She saw that he wrestled with strong emotions, and said no more. At length he took her hand, kissed it, and asked her.
'If Akar is not successful today. . .or even if he is. Could you go to the second reserve again?'
'Yes. But why, if Akar brings us meat?'
'He hunts for you, myself until I am better, and the cub. That is burden enough. Please believe it is best. The tiger needs meat, and he must take it from me.' Again, though she did not understand, she knew that deep currents were at work in him.
A short time later Akar did return, carrying in his mouth some kind of field-bird. As Kalus let him in the wolf took it not to the girl, as was his custom (he had not even acknowledged the man-child's presence), but instead went to a corner by himself and lay down with it, plucking out the feathers with his teeth, and eating as if he were alone in the chamber. The pup, upon waking, jumped down from the woman's bed and approached him, her tail wagging in eager solicitation. He did not rebuff her, but made her wait until he had eaten his fill. Then he rose and went out again, passing Sylviana without gesture or affection, bristling slightly as he drew a sullen half-circle past the tiger. The woman closed the door again, confused.
'What was that all about? What was he trying to say?'
'Something he's been telling us for weeks, since the death of
Kamela, and before.'