Wolves and War Read online

When Tara woke up from her nap the clearing was buzzing with activity. She pulled Kath’s rain-cloak from her shoulders and stood up, eyes wide as she took in the scene.

  Children and Lind were scattered around. Some were resting; others were talking. There was much laughter from the humans and merry whining from the Lind as they demonstrated their enjoyment the Lind way.

  Kolyei, talking to Matvei not far away, saw that Tara was awake and padded over to her, tail swishing. The girl’s mind filled with a warm feeling and the accustomed sense of belonging. It was a very pleasant feeling for one who had lost her entire family such a short time before. He sat down in front of her and she lifted her head so that she could look into his liquid blue eyes.

  “Good morning,” she said in Standard.

  “Good morning,” he translated into Lind. “You wish to eat? You will be hungry. You must be strong. We walk a long way this day.”

  Tara only understood a word here and there; certainly not enough to make sense of what Kolyei was trying to say. Her face showed her confusion.

  He lifted his forepaw towards his head and then pointed it at hers. Tara understood. He was going to ‘send’ her some telepathic images that would help her to understand what he was saying. Three pictures formed in her mind. The first was of her eating.

  Tara nodded to show that she understood that part.

  The second picture was of them leaving the clearing and starting to walk. The sun was bright in the sky. The third picture showed them still walking but it was twilight.

  “Long way,” Kolyei repeated.

  Enlightenment came to Tara. It’s as Kath told me. We are going on a long journey to their home.

  Looking at Kolyei, she said clearly, enunciating each word with care. “Yes, I will eat. Long journey ahead.” She nodded and walked towards the campfire, over which Kath and a boy somewhat older than Tara presided, doling out food.

  Kolyei watched her go with intense satisfaction. Communication with these strange two-legs was progressing famously. Attuned to Tara’s mind, he understood a surprising amount of what she was saying. It would not take them both long to learn the other’s tongue. He wondered how the other Lind would manage.

  Radya and young Peter Crawford were lying resting not far from the campfire. Peter was sleeping; the female Lind curled up protectively around him. Her eyes were open and she was eying Kolyei speculatively. He pretended not to notice and walked away, head in the air.

  This nonchalant effect was spoilt somewhat when his front paw tripped over a fallen tree trunk and falling, he banged his snout on the ground. Kolyei shook himself as he picked himself up and walked over to Afanasei, all the time wondering why Radya affected him this way. Why, he was as clumsy as a ltscta not three moons old when she was around!

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