"Scott G. Gier - Genellan 02 - In the Shadow of the Moon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gier Scott G)

sniffed the cordite, lowered its head, and issued a rattling growl. Charlie
screamed lustily.

"I gotta, Lieutenant!" Chastain shouted. He aimed, finger tightening on
the trigger. The skulking beast sprang.

Zip! A black-fletched dart struck the dog in the neck. A hail of hunter
arrows whiffled the air, many sinking into the hurtling dog's body, some
clattering among the rocks. The animal, pincushioned with shafts, thudded
into the rocks, jerking spasmodically. The noble beast lay convulsing at
Chastain's feet, whimpering.

"Now, Jocko," Buccari whispered, hugging her son's head.

The single shot echoed into the mountains, as did the screams of hunters
descending. Bows drawn and arrows nocked, the host of sinewed,
mattock-headed creatures fired furiously at the retreating targets, killing or
maiming. The barking died. The screaming of the hunters diminished to
regimented chirps. The only sound was Charlie's crying, and that, too, soon
tempered.

Two hunters swooped past her and luffed into the wind, membranes
billowing like parachutes. They landed at Buccari's feet. Both
charcoal-furred creatures were tall warriors, yet their knobby heads barely
reached Buccari's chin. Captain Two, the hunter leader, and Tonto, her old
friend, wore sweat-darkened leather over chest and groin. The hideously
scarred warrior chief was the second hunter she had named Captain. The
first Captain had died in MacArthur's arms as Mac, too, lay dying on the
rocky ridge above his valley, heroes of a great battle. She swept away
painful memories and embraced her restless child.

Not in a sweet temper, Captain Two bowed stiffly. With fierce and
obvious displeasure the warrior screeched and waved spindly four-fingered
hands in agitated signals, his splendid ire directed at Chastain. The hunter
leader dared not berate Buccari, for that would be grave insult. Even so,
Tonto glared at her with fraternal impatience.

"Risk offspring! Shoot dog more quick! Stupid! Stupid!" Captain Two's
blurring hand signals were emphatic. Chastain stood blinking at attention, a
herculean warrior being reprimanded by a wispy Napoleon, comprehending
not half of the flashing hand signals but acutely aware of being dressed
down, whatever the language.

Buccari stifled a smile. She consoled Charlie back into calmness and
studiously avoided eye contact with the heated hunters. Captain Two, his
anger spent, turned and hopped from the rocks. Chirping nervously, Lizard
Lips obediently followed the warrior. Chastain looked sideways at Buccari,
smiled diffidently, and motioned for her to precede him. They walked in
silence past arrow-studded carcasses, toward the river. Tonto and a butcher
party collected arrows and hides.