ediscovered?"

    "Sohewontfetagain."

    "Theycouldeandcaptureus,andthenwewillneverbefree."

    "Punishhim."

    Igeldidnotstrikethefirstblow.Frombehind,afistoraclubsmashedintomykidneys,andIarchedmyback.Withmybodythusexposed,Igelpunchedmesquarelyinthesolarplexus,andIhunchedforward.Alineofdroolspilledfrommyopenmouth.Theyooncelikeapackofwilddingdownwoundedprey.Theblowscamefromalldires,andinitialshockgaveain.Theyscrapedmyfacewiththeirnails,rippedhunksofhairfrommyscalp,saeethintomyshoulder,drawingblood.Aropyarmyneck,shuttingofftheflowaggedamygerise.Amidthefury,theireyesblazedwithfrenzy,andsheerhatredtwistedtheirfeatures.Onebyoheypeeledoff,sated,andthepressurelessened,butthosewhoremainedkickedatmyribs,tauntiogetup,snarlingandgrowlingatmetofightback.Icouldnotmusterthestrength.Beforewalkingaway,Békastompedonmyfingers,andIgeldeliveredakickwitheachwordofhisfinaladmonition:"Donottalktopeopleagain."

    Iyeyesandstayedstill.Thesunshonedownthroughthebrahetrees,warmingmybody.Myjointsachedfromthefall,andmyfingersswelledandthrobbed.Oneeyeaintedbladblue,andbloodoozedfromcutsandpooledbehplumbruises.Mymouthtastedofvomitanddirt,andIpassedoutinarumpledheap.

    Coolwateronmycutsandbruisesstartledmeawake,andmyfirstvisionwasofSpetoverme,wipingthebloodfrommyface.DirectlybehioodSmaoladLuchóg,theirfacespih.DropsofmybloodleftaredpatSpeckswhitesweater.WhenItriedtospeak,shepressedthewetclothtomylips.

    "Aniday,Iamsosorry.Ididnotwa