The Visitor Read Free Page B

lightning-slayer, he hadn’t noticed the distant clamor that he could easily to associate with this smell. It was made by a very large number of voices from fellow creatures, voices that screamed and seemed to lament. But his burning thirst reminded him that there was water very close by.
     
    *
     
    Akkaliza sunk her gaze into the primate’s eyes with almost hypnotic concentration. For her, this moment was exceptional. Although it was only through eyes, she became aware that it was the first time that she communicated with a bov in such an intense way. What was happening in the animal’s mind? It was a question which had always fascinated her. How did he perceive her? What was the bov’s conception of time? Did he have the capacity of anticipation? Did they, in one way or another, try to explain natural phenomena? What were their faculties for communication between themselves? While it was very probable that the very deep sounds they emitted allowed them to express themselves in a way, had they reached the level of a language? If so, did they have only nouns and verbs... adjectives? Or even linguistic elements unknown in her own language?
    “ You’re staring at my hand with apprehension, huh! I've no evil intentions. Come and drink, if you're thirsty.”  
    The bov glanced at the container and remained motionless, looking constantly between Akkaliza’s hand and eyes.
    “ See, nothing's happening. You’re in no danger from me.”  
    The bov bent the end of his finger to hook the edge of the vessel and pull it gently towards him. After, returning to a seated position, he took the container with both hands to bring it to his mouth without taking his eyes off Akkaliza. She looked at him drinking with pleasure in the hope that this small gift and her engaging attitude could begin to conquer his confidence.
    “ Okay, see! I’m your friend. It would be really a good thing that you let me treat you now.”  
    The bov put down the almost empty vessel and sat back again against the bars. Akkaliza decided to go around the cage to get closer to him. Refusing to lose sight of her, he turned suddenly on himself emitting a shriek of pain. She knew very well that cry. Alas! She had so often heard it in her father’s units of meat and milk production. She felt guilty:
    “ I’m so sorry to have caused you to make that movement. Look! You’re bleeding again, by my fault! As it’s urgent that I treat you, I'll have to do it another way, without your explicit consent. I hope that you won't hold it against me.”  
    Akkaliza returned slowly on her steps and opened a bag that she had left in the grass.
     
    *
     
    Etos watched the lightning-slayer, his entire body trembling such the pain was intense. He was aware that it wasn’t the real cause, that it hadn’t been a good idea to turn so abruptly, but nevertheless, he couldn’t forget that he owed his terrible wounds to an acquaintance of this creature. It was therefore with some concern that he saw it picking up an object and pointing it at him. It didn’t really look like something that bangs and kills... maybe a bit... Suddenly, he felt an impact in his right shoulder. Noticing something had punctured his skin, he wanted to snatch it, but couldn’t finish his gesture, as he lost consciousness.
     

Odors and Clamors of his Own Kind
     
    At dinner with her parents, her brother and a few guests, Akkaliza occasionally sneaked a few glances through the dining room’s window. Night had fallen since about an hour. She thought of the bov that would soon be regaining consciousness in his cage. The table was rather animated, laughter, funny stories and personal anecdotes following one another for a long time. This cheerful hubbub satisfied Akkaliza, since it stole attention away from her. She didn't want to be asked about her bov.
    Her brother, seated at her right spoke to her in a low voice:
    “ So?”  
    “ I’m okay...”  
    “ Did you do something for it?”  
    “ I