"It's my guess," said Tamar, "that the girl caught Meltor off guard and stuck a knife in him. She's not like the women we know, Jotan. Hers has been a wild, primitive life, filled with danger. Because of it, she would be far more resourceful than Sepharian women have need of being. Taking a life probably means nothing to her.
"No," he concluded, "I've an idea she's well on her way back to her caves by now."
Javan, impatiently listening to the conversation, touched Jotan's arm nervously.
"There is no point in staying here," he complained. "It will be dark soon, and the jungle is no place to be after sundown."
Jotan smiled wanly and clapped him on the shoulder. "Of course. I have no right to expose you and Tamar to danger on my account.
"We will return to Sephar now. But tomorrow I shall return here with a warrior who is versed in tracking. With his help I should be able to learn what has happened to Dylara."
"We will go with you," Tamar said quietly. And Javan nodded agreement.
The seven entered the game trail and started back toward distant Sephar. Jotan led the way, his wide shoulders drooping disconsolately. It was clear the loss of the lovely cave-girl had hurt him deeply.
The return journey was about half completed when Jotan stopped suddenly and raised a cautioning hand.
"Listen!" he exclaimed softly.