“In Torvaldsland.” Said Tab, “ that means “beasts’.”

“That is interesting,” I said. If Samos were correct that “Kurii” was a Goprean corruption of the name of such animals for themselves, and that the word was used in Torvaldsland as a designation for beasts, then it seemed not unlikely that such animals were not unknown in Torvaldsland, at least in certain areas, perhaps remote ones.

The tarn had flown northwest. It would, presumably, follow the coast north, perhaps above the forests, perhaps to the bleakcoasts of forbiddingTorvaldsland itself.

“Do you surmise, Samos,” I asked, “that the beast killed for hunger?”

“Speak,” said Samos to the rencer.

“The beast,” he said, “ had been seen earlier, twice, on abandoned, half-rotted rence islands, lurking.”

“Did it feed?” I asked.

“Not on those of the marshes,” said the man.

“It had opportunity?” I asked.

“As much or more as when it made its strike,” said the man.

“The beast struck once, and once only?” I asked.

“Yes,” said the man.

“ Samos?” I asked.

“The strike,” said Samos,” seems deliberate. Who else in the marshes wore a golden armlet?”

“But why?” I asked. “Why?”

He looked at me. “The affairs of worlds,” said Samos, “apparently still touch you.”

“He is crippled!” cried Luma. “ You speak strangely! He can do nothing! Go away!”

I put down my head.

On the table I felt my fists clenched. I suddenly felt a hideous exhilaration.

“Bring me a goblet,” I said.

A goblet was fetched. It was of heavy gold. I took it in my left hand. Slowly I crushed it.

I threw it from me.

Those of my house stood back, frightened.

“I will go,” said Samos./ “ There is work to be done in the north. I will seek the vengeance.”

“No, Samos,” I said. “ I will go.”

There were gasps from those about.