Eden River by Gerald Bullet Page B

justify that fear she told him how one of the children of Zildah hadbeen so destroyed, and of how the sons of Cain were wont to go hunting in this very forest. Naban listened without comprehension and asked many questions; but after a while his voice grew drowsy and at last ceased, and Larian, listening to his quiet breathing, knew that he was asleep.
    Larian’s fear of wild beasts, though genuine enough and not ill-founded, did not keep her long awake; but her sleep was troubled by dreams in which other fears visited her, and waking in the early morning she was more eager than ever to hurry on and put those fears to the proof. Naban, waking like a child in a new world, charmingly agreed to do whatever she wished, though the need for haste was not apparent to him: renewed by sleep, he was blissfully content with his situation and ready to walk on for many days in this new country and with this new friend. Larian complaining of hunger, he would not rest till he had found, among these many trees, one tree yielding fruit that she would eat: the search took time, for the plenty of Eden was lacking here, and many of the trees were of a kind strange to him, and strangely barren. But his labour was rewarded at last; he shared with Larian such a meal as he had often shared with his kindred in Eden; and, havingtaken her fill, Larian had more heart for the journey. Not till high noon did they begin to think again of their bellies; and it was during this second meal, which had been preceded by a delighted display of his tree-climbing prowess, that Laban returned, unexpectedly, to the subject of Larian’s dress. Why, he asked, do you carry that thing tied about you? She was put to shame by the words and her glance fell, afraid to meet his wide-eyed stare. In my country, she said, we all cover ourselves. Unable to cite him any reason except reasons which would seem to him fantastic beyond belief, she added simply: It is Cain’s wish. And, a new thought striking her, she said: Let’s see if we can’t make one for you. Would you like one, Naban? He pondered the question. Perhaps. I don’t know. What does it feel like? A plan flashed into his mind and he greeted it with a laugh of pleasure. Yes, yes. Give me yours, Larian. Tie it round me. Then, if I like the touch of it, you will shew me how to make another. She lifted her downcast eyes and smiled at his enthusiasm, and with sudden dread she asked herself to what fate she was leading this innocent. Nevertheless she sent him in search of mandanus leaves, which, strung together on the tough flexible tendril of a climbing plant, furnishedhim with a skirt or apron sufficiently like her own to satisfy him. He walked round and round her, admiring her work; and when she fastened the garment about his middle he submitted with delight, and was loud in praise of her cleverness. But look, he said. Here is a woman coming. Is she one of your people, Larian? Is she Kelimuth?
    In the fraction of time that passed before Larian could look, and see that it was indeed Kelimuth who came, the mother’s heart grew sick with its sudden excess of expectation. But the words of her greeting betrayed little feeling. What are you doing, Kelimuth, so far from home? She hardly listened to the answer, being filled with the longed-for sight and with the knowledge that Kelimuth was still alive. That anxiety appeased, another waxed big in her mind, and her embracing arms grew slack and released the girl. Kelimuth, your baby is alive and happy. Now tell me of your father Cain. But I have already told you, said Kelimuth. It was he who drove me from the camp. Drove you? said Larian. Drove you with his own hand? No, mother, it was his dark looks that drove me away. But he is himself? asked Larian. He is not ill? Kelimuth shrugged her shoulders. He is himself,mother. He eats and sleeps, and he’s our father as he always was. But my baby, where is he? The little one is safe, said Larian, and the