tryin’ to do one thing and ‘e ends up doin’ something total
unexpected.”
Jon-Tom spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness.
“It’s true. I have this ability but I don’t seem able to
control it. And now it’s caused me to go and inconve-
nience you.”
62
Alan Dean Foster
“That’s a fine, politic way of putting it, sub. Going to
the Glittergeist, yo said?”
“And across it. We have to get to Snarken.”
“Ah’ve heard of Snahken. It’s supposed to be an inter-
esting place, rich in culture.” She thought a long moment,
then sighed. “Since yo say y’all can’t send me home, ah
guess ah maht as well tag along with y’all. Besides, ah
kind of like the way you have with words, man.” Her eyes
glittered and Jon-Tom felt suddenly uncomfortable, though
he wasn’t sure why.
“Oh, Vs a fine one with words ‘e is, luv,” Mudge said
as he reappeared. He was carrying an armful of some
lime-green berries. Jon-Tom took a few, bit into one, and
found the taste sweet. More out of politeness than any
expectation of acceptance, the otter offered some to the
tigress.
“Bleh!” she said as she pulled back. She smiled widely,
displaying an impressive array of cutlery. “Sun, do ah
look like the kind to enjoy weeds?”
“No you don’t, luv, but I thought I’d be polite, since
you place such store by it.”
She nodded thankfully as she scanned the surrounding
woods. “Come the morning ah’ll find mahself something
to eat. This appeahs to be good game country. Theah
should be ample meat about.”
Jon-Tom was glad she wasn’t looking at him when she
said that. “I’m sure we’ll run across something edible.”