Lost and found_ a novel - Alan Dean Foster [52]
Then the barrier had cleared, revealing not only the sweep of the grand enclosure, but the presence of one small inhabitant advancing slowly toward him. Had the Vilenjji heard and responded to his wish? Or was the dropping of the barrier simply coincidence? For that matter, why had the Vilenjji deactivated it at all? He asked as much of the Tuuqalian.
“Who can speak to the motives of the unspeakable?” Braouk declaimed sonorously. “I would like to ask them such things in the goodness of my own time. Alas, I fear I could not keep myself from smashing them, from ripping the limbs from their bodies, from peeling the suckers off their arm and leg flaps one by one, from—”
Much as Walker was enjoying this particular homicidal soliloquy, his attention was drawn to the approach of a singular canine form. “Maybe the Vilenjji got what they wanted out of putting me in here with you,” he opined. “Maybe that’s why they decided to go ahead and drop the barrier.”
Eyestalks inclined toward him. “What could they have wished to obtain from such a confrontation?”
Wiping a few lingering, clinging crumbs from his lips, Walker looked up at the Tuuqalian. “To see how you would react to my presence, and I to yours. To see if you’d kill me.”
Massive tentacles writhed ferociously. The sound that emerged from between clashing jaws was as succinct as it was bone-chilling. “Masters of malevolence, silent in their wickedness, parasites upstanding.”
Walker nodded somber agreement. “Couldn’t have put it better myself. I’m no judge of such things, but I think you have a real way with words.”
Eyes turned away from the human. “When the soul speaks, it sings. Alas, these days it sings only of sadness.”
An approaching whine drew Walker’s attention. “Anyway, that’s the friend I wanted you to meet. Same planet, different species.” He pointed.
The Tuuqalian turned in the indicated direction. “Smaller, quadrupedal, furred. Two of three sing of familiarity. Which of you is dominant?”
Walker had to smile. “It’s an ongoing matter of some disagreement.”
Tentacles gestured. “I welcome your friend. I will not eat his parts; I will not dismember him.”
Stepping toward the grand enclosure, Walker nodded thoughtfully. “He’ll be relieved to hear that.”
“Can he also croon lyrical in his speech?” Braouk studied the cautiously approaching shape with evident curiosity and without hunger.
“I don’t know,” Walker replied honestly. “It never occurred to me to ask him. I can say that he’s never at a loss for something to say.” Cupping his hands to his mouth, he raised his voice. “Hey, George, come on in! It’s okay.” He indicated the alien. “This is Braouk. He’s my friend.” Lowering his hands, he glanced over at the towering Tuuqalian. “You are my friend now, aren’t you?”
“Now,” the giant replied cryptically. Walker decided this was not the time to force the issue. For the nonce, he would settle for not being dismembered and having his parts eaten.
“The barrier’s down, Marc!” the dog shouted back. “Run!”
Walker hesitated. For one thing, if it was so inclined, he had no doubt that the Tuuqalian could chase him down if it wanted to. He had already been witness to the speed of its reactions. For another, if he could sustain and nurture their provisional relationship, he might acquire an ally powerful enough to give even the Vilenjji pause. He had little to lose by trying. It was not as if he was going anywhere. At least, anywhere he wanted to go.
“No, I’m staying here, George.” He beckoned. “You come on in. I’ll introduce you.”
Still the dog hesitated. What if the Vilenjji chose to reactivate the barrier—behind him? But he missed Marc. And the human appeared relaxed, confident. A little giddy, maybe, but certainly unharmed. Clearly, there was something to be learned here.
Rising from his crouch, George broke into an easy trot. Moments later he was leaping into Walker’s open arms. Comforting pats and tongue licks were exchanged. Looming nearby, the Tuuqalian studied the reunion in contemplative silence.
“It is plain to see that you are good friends,