"I have shown you the way, Meg. You must take care of the rest."
The Mother fell back, breathing heavily. The crisp rasp of footsteps raised Meg's head. Grensu, his investigations ended, had returned to claim his linbered mate. There was triumph in his eyes as Meg rose, obedient to his command.
"So, ivory one, you have decided to accept my favors? That is well. Come with me!"
Only Meg knew that her meekness was the blind obedience of a body reacting without the counsel of a mind. Meg was thinking, thinking desperately. Seeking some ruse which would give her the time, the opportunity, the speed and the weapon she needed.
Grensu, warfare forgotten now, was anticipating a pleasant interlude. "You will not find me a bad companion," he boasted. "I am a mighty leader and a strong man, my wild doe—"
Doe! Suddenly it was all clear in Meg's mind. The Japcans had, upon seizing the village, immediately taken into custody the few horses owned by the Jinnia Clanswomen. But there was Nessa! Surely no one could suspect that soft-eyed creature of being anything but a camp pet; of being a steed broken to the rein and spur....
She turned to Grensu with an exclamation of dismay.
"My doe! My lovely pet! You destroyed her?"
Grensu said placatingly, "Was the doe thine, white one? No, she has not been killed—yet. Though her meat—"
Meg prayed that the Japcan leader would read the actions of her body rather than the purpose that stood printed in her burning eyes.