Ciaran swallowed something that might have been his heart. "We're in
it, pal, like it or don't. And we'd better get out of sight before that
chain-gang runs into us."
Off to the side, along the rough part of the ledge where there were
shadows and holes and pillars of rock, seemed the best bet. There was a
way down to the cavern floor--a dizzy zig-zag of ledges, ladders, and
steps. But once on it you were stuck, and no cover.
They edged off, going as fast as they dared. Mouse was breathing rather
heavily and her face was white enough to make the brand show like a
blood-drop between her brows.
The hermit seemed to be moving in a private world of his own. The sight
of the shining giant had brought a queer blaze to his eyes, something
Ciaran couldn't read and didn't like. Otherwise, he might as well have
been dead. He hadn't spoken since he cursed them, back in the gully.
They crouched down out of sight among a forest of stalactites. Ciaran
watched the ledge. He whispered, "They hunt by scent?"
The hunter nodded. "I think the other humans will cover us. Too many
scents in this place. But how did they have those two waiting for us
at the cave mouth?"
Ciaran shrugged. "Telepathy. Thought transference. Lots of the
backwater people have it. Why not the Kalds?"
"You don't," said the hunter, "think of them as having human minds."
"Don't kid yourself. They think, all right. They're not human, but
they're not true animals either."
"Did they think _that_?" The hunter pointed at the pit.
"No," said Ciaran slowly. "They didn't."
"Then who--" He broke off. "Quiet! Here they come."
Ciaran held his breath, peering one-eyed around a stalactite. The
slave-gang, with the grey guards, began to file out of the tunnel and
down the steep descent to the bottom. There was no trouble. There
was no trouble left in any of those people. There were several empty
collars. There were also fewer Kalds. Some had stayed outside to track
down the four murderous fugitives, which meant no escape at that end.
Ciaran got an idea. When the last of the line and the guards were
safely over the edge he whispered, "Come on. We'll go down right on
their tails."
Mouse gave him a startled look. He said impatiently, "They won't be
looking back and up--I hope. And there won't be anybody else coming up
while they're going down. You've got a better idea about getting down
off this bloody perch, spill it!"