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Updated: September 10, 2025
But as he walked stiffly toward the steep but passable incline, he felt love for the Monarch swell his heart to bursting, and hard tears pushing at his eyes. As he climbed to rejoin the girl, Akar went with Skither into his cave to receive further instruction. Sylviana met her new friend on the parapet. 'What did he say?
His face was wet, and he turned to face his brother. 'Who did this thing? he demanded, with uncontrolled violence in his hands and in his heart. His brother felt the same emotion. 'The wolves who you protect. He was not awed by the sword, or by age. 'Be silent or I will kill you! flashed Kalus' hands. 'You know Akar would not do this. WHAT wolves! 'The Changed One and his guard.
Kalus had heard the sounding of the challenge, but it meant nothing to him. He kept looking back toward the lower lands and wondering. But when he heard the sounds of battle, and saw the female running past with the cub but looking back many times, he understood. 'Akar! he thought dismally, pounding his head in anger and self-loathing. 'Why didn't I know it before?
It all came to him in an instant: the outcast wolf, the murderous usurper, Akar's underlying despair. And he knew and felt a quiet dread creep over him. Because he could not wait. He ran now, all hiding behind him, up the hill toward the place where he knew Akar was fighting for his life, and for the life of the female he loved.
'I don't misunderstand, but there is something I haven't told you. I think Akar knew it also. It is part of the reason he left when he did. Two males, natural competitors -there would have been friction between them. 'You've lost me. 'Well. It is true that the first and deepest thing I feel for the tiger is compassion. But if that was all I felt, I would not take him among us.
Perhaps it would be a boy, like Shama, who would not mistrust him, but look up to him in friendship. He thought of the wolves, now led by Akar, his noble friend. Surely he did not mean for them to keep Alaska forever sundered from the pack, or from himself, who would need a mate. And last, though far from least he thought of Avatar, who would always be free.
'I think that perhaps one day you will answer that question for me. The Mantis turned and retired to his lair. Kalus stood watching for a moment, then turned himself and retreated toward the shelter of the smaller cave: wondering. Akar had already passed that way before him. The hours passed slowly.
For though being banished from the mountain did not mean certain death, it did mean a much harder and more treacherous life. Both Kalus and the wolf knew just how difficult living without a home could be; Sylviana could only imagine it. Akar had not forgotten that he and the girl were already welcome to remain there, but he kept this knowledge to himself.
Akar- Yes, mighty one. I was trapped inside by the spider. Skither- But why were you in the cave at all? Have you lost all respect for my sovereignty? Akar- No, master. I was protecting the woman-child, to whom I owe my life. I do not understand her words, but she speaks of having woken from a long sleep, and finding herself in your lair.
'Go on, she whispered intently, surprised by her own courage. 'When the Mantis appears at the entrance you must act helpless and afraid, but afraid of him and not of me. Also, do not try to speak. Akar will speak for us. Here, he draws closer. When you first see him, hold on to me tightly, as if shocked and startled.
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