Return to Eden

direction."
    "Impossibility of accidental discovery. If thin Ukhereb or fat Akotolp is aboard it signifies close attention to my notes. Undoubtedly a research voyage of their own. I still leave."
    "Yilanè of science are always welcome," Enge said, looking out at the approaching uruketo. "We will learn from them—and they can possibly learn from us."
    Ambalasei did not have Enge's placid acceptance of life. It had been her experience that most surprises turned out to be unwelcome ones. Despite this knowledge her curiosity won and she did not sign Elem to leave, but looked instead at the approaching creature with dark suspicion. There were Yilanè now visible on top of the uruketo's fin; identities still unknown. There was too great an element of chance to life. If she had left yesterday she would not have been present when this uruketo arrived. There was no point in even considering that now. Like the true scientist she waited stolidly for new evidence before she decided if the newcomer was welcome. Or not.
    Setessei spoke and decided that. "One on the fin is a hunter of your acquaintence from Yebèisk, the one known as Fafnepto."
    "Unwelcome," Ambalasei said firmly. "Yesterday would have been a far better day to depart. We can expect nothing of benefit to arrive from Yebèisk. Do you know the others?"
    "An uruketo commander, also from Yebèisk. The third is unfamiliar."
    "Known to me," Enge said, with such dread and hatred in her speaking that Ambalasei was shocked, had never heard Enge like this before. "One known as Vaintè, once my efensele, now rejected and despised.
    She was wise and led. Now death is her only follower."
    Silence gripped them as they watched the dark form of the uruketo loom up and approach the dock, sending small waves slapping against the wood. Ambalasei considered boarding her own uruketo and leaving, realized it was too late when Fafnepto raised up a hèsotsan where it could be seen. There was no ignoring this message. This uruketo had brought a most unwelcome cargo.
    Fafnepto jumped ashore and strode towards them, the hèsotsan firmly in her grip, with Vaintè, unarmed, only a pace behind. Ambalasei signed rejection and disgust.
    "Is there a reason, Fafnepto, why you approach in such an insulting manner and draw negative attention to that weapon?"
    "Good reason, Ambalasei. There is but a single hèsotsan present and I hold it. Therefore I issue the commands. I have been commissioned by Saagakel, Eistaa of Yebèisk, to follow and find you. To return there with this uruketo that you took without her permission."
    "Wrong. It was mine to use with her permission."
    "To use, yes, but Saagakel believes this use was not the one she originally intended."
    "A matter of opinion. I assume that you wish to return the creature to Saagakel. Then take it."
    "You as well, Ambalasei. The Eistaa would have you return as well. A refusal would not be accepted."
    Ambalasei's body arched with scorn. "If I refuse—will you kill me, hunter?"
    "Yes. And use your assistant's skill to preserve your body so that I can return with it, proving that my commission has been accomplished. Perhaps Saagakel will hang your tanned skin on the city's walls."
    "Silence!" Enge commanded so strongly that Fafnepto recoiled, raising her weapon. "That a creature of such small worth should speak this way to a scientist of Ambalasei's standing is unacceptable/despicable.
    Silence and instant departure of uruketo ordered."
    Fafnepto kept her weapon ready, looked coldly at Enge, ready for any attack. Vaintè stepped forward and signed threat/impossible.
    "This one cannot commit violence," she said. "She is Enge who is a Daughter of Life/Death and can injure nothing.
    Fafnepto lowered the hèsotsan and signed contempt. "Then she is the one of whom the Eistaa spoke. We have no need of her, she is of no concern to us. Just the uruketo and Ambalasei will return. These are my orders. I was also commanded to kill any who stood in my way."
    Vaintè signed agreement. "A wise decision. These creatures spread only dissent. Killing them is an act of kindness. I am surprised that the eistaa of this city permits their presence.
    "There is no eistaa here," Enge said with cold contempt. "Leave. You are not welcome. This is the city of Ugunenapsa and you are not welcome.
    "Not welcome? To this fine city. Impossible to believe. I will speak with the eistaa."
    "Do you not listen, creature of stupidity?" Ambalasei said. "There is no eistaa here. I grew