"Alan Dean Foster - Humanx 1 - Midworld" - читать интересную книгу автора (Foster Alan Dean)

afraid of this thing, then there can be nothing to be
afraid of. Bom did not meet the other man's eyes.



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Reluctant assent came from the hunter Drawn and
the twins Talltree and Tailing. The other hunters
would eventually have given in and agreed out of
fear of appearing cowardly, but Reader raised the
axe. "It is enough. I will go, too, despite my better
judgment It is not appropriate that men should visit
one of the damned without an authority on damnation."

"That's for sure," someone muttered. The laughter
this provoked was a welcome release from the solem-
nity of the proceedings.

Sand put a hand over his mouth delicately to hide
an unchiefly chuckle. "Now let us pray," he intoned
forcefully, "that those who seek out the demon shall

find him sickly and weak, or not find him at all, and
return to us whole and sound." He raised both hands,
lowered his head, and commenced a chant

No Earthly theological authority would have recog-
nized that chant. No minister, priest, rabbi, or witch
doctor could have identified its source or inspiration,
though any bioengineer could. What none of them
could have explained was why this chant seemed so

effective there under the crying night sky and leaf-
leather canopy.

Triple orbs glowed like hot coals, reflecting the dance
of the distant flickering fire. Ruumahum lay in the
crook in the branches and stared down doubtfully at
the gathered people. His muzzle rested on crossed
forepaws. A clumsy scratching and clawing sounded
on the limb alongside bis resting place. A moment
later, forty kilos of awkwardly propelled fur and flesh
crashed into his flank. He growled irritably and glanced
back. It was the cub who had attached itself to the
orphan young person. Din.

"Old one," Muf queried softly, "why are you not
at rest like the others of the brethren?"