West of Eden

a guard be at night?" Alakensi asked in her petulant way. Stallan's answer was formal and clear.
    "Very little. But they are protected, there are heaters and cloaks so they rest well. Nor must they walk the long way from the city and back each day. At dawn they are watching, and still on guard at sunset."
    "I feel the resources could be used more wisely," Alakensi said, unconvinced. Vaintè took a middle path, which was unusual for she usually ignored Alakensi when she spoke.
    "Perhaps Alakensi is right. We must be sure. We will see for ourselves, you as well, Erafhais, so you can tell Malsas< of our defenses when you return."
    They straggled through the city in a ragged column, with Stallan and Vaintè in the lead, the others following behind in order of rank. Kerrick—with the ever-present Inlènu* beside him—walked just behind the commander of the uruketo. The aides and fargi followed after. Because of the rain Vaintè and some of the others were wrapped in cloaks. But the rain was warm so Kerrick did not use a cloak, but enjoyed the feel of it upon his skin.
    West of Eden - Harry Harrison
    He also took careful note of the path they used, through the fields and the living gates. Someday he would come this way alone. He did not know how he would do it, but it would be done.
    The group of trees was near the forest, at the edge of the final field. As they drew close it could be seen that vines and thornbushes encircled the grove, leaving only a single entrance to the strongpoint. Stallan pointed out the Yilanè with a hèsotsan, on a platform above. "When they watch, none shall pass," she said.
    "It appears satisfactory," Vaintè said, turning to Alakensi and receiving a reluctant agreement to her request for an opinion. She then started past the grove and Stallan requested her to stop.
    "There are creatures of all kinds out there. You must let guards precede you."
    "Agreed. But I am Eistaa and go where I wish in Alpèasak. With my advisors. You may keep the rest of the group back here."
    They only proceeded when a line of attentive guards, guns ready, went cautiously on ahead of them. On the far side of the grove Stallan pointed out the traps and defenses.
    "You have done well," Vaintè said. Alakensi started to disagree but Vaintè ignored her, turning to Erafhais instead. "Bring word of all this to Malsas< when you return. Alpèasak is guarded and in no danger."
    She turned about and in the moment when only Kerrick could see her she signaled to him to speak—intensifying the order when he gaped. Then he understood.
    "There!" He called out loudly. "There in the trees. I see an ustuzou."
    The urgency of his words was such that all turned, all looked. In that moment, when everyone's attention was focused on the trees, Vaintè let her cloak drop to the ground. Held beneath it was the stone-tipped, wooden arrow.
    Grasping it firmly with both hands she turned slightly and plunged it into Alakensi's chest.
    Only Kerrick saw, only his attention was not upon the trees. Alakensi clutched at the shaft with her thumbs, her eyes open wide with horror, opened her mouth to speak—then slumped and fell.
    Kerrick realized then what his lie was for. And he improved upon it instantly.
    "An ustuzou arrow, it came from the trees. It has hit Alakensi!"
    West of Eden - Harry Harrison
    Vaintè stepped aside, body rigid, as the excitement swirled about her.
    "An arrow from the trees," Inlènu* called out; she usually repeated what she heard. Others said the same and the fact was established. The word was the deed, the deed the word. Alakensi's body was rushed away, Stallan and Erafhais hurried Vaintè to safety.
    Kerrick came last. He looked one more time at the jungle wall, so close yet infinitely distant, then plucked the lead secured to the collar about his neck and Inlènu* came obediently after him.
    CHAPTER TWENTY
    Vaintè stayed alone in her chamber, grieving for the death of the loyal Alakensi. That is what Kerrick told the anxiously awaiting Yilanè when he emerged. She would see no one. They all sorrowed as they left.
    He was such an excellent liar. Vaintè marveled at his talent as she looked out and listened through a small gap in the leaves, and knew that this was indeed the weapon she had always desired. She stayed away now from the sight of others because victory and joy were in every muscle of her body when she moved.
    But none saw her move for she did not appear in public until well after the uruketo had gone. By