They were not smiling now.
I tightened my hold on Kallatah's wrist, and looked Geipgos straight in the eye—the big forehead eye which opened slowly to glow with fierce reproach and scorn.
"Mukith Mani-Bumini!" I said. That translated out as: "I would know the reason for your displeasure, old friend!"
It was an excellent beginning and it brought an instant, completely understandable reply. The fire mountain had been complaining all day. Now the reason was clear to all. One like myself, only a female, had taken captive a Servant of the Mountain. Her punishment and death must follow as a matter of course.
Geipgos' three eyes watched me, as if seeking in the frailties we had in common some excuse for my defense of such a female monster.
"Tun Huhji Swan," I said. "This woman is more dear to me than life itself."
I waited for his astonishment to subside, then went on quickly. "She is my mate. She is the adored one of my heart. The Servant of the Mountain flew to join us when he saw how deliriously happy we were. He wished to give us his blessing."
It was a good beginning only if I could convince Geipgos that the lizard had flown into the net of its own free will, and had its own peculiar reason for not wanting to leave.
"The Servant of the Mountain is free to go," I said. "He waits only to rejoice in the complete consummation of our happiness."
"He waits to rejoice?" said Geipgos.