Serpent's Gift Read Online Free PDF Page B

protest. Hing swung back around, catching a glimpse of that firebrand hair. "Quit shoving, dammit! I almost--"
    The girl broke off as she staggered backward, the icecream dish tipping disastrously. A moment later the deep roar of a Simiu voice raised in an outraged bellow filled the air, and Hing saw the big male Simiu sit back on his haunches, his violet eyes wide with surprise, then narrowing in fury. A lump of pistachio ice cream teetered over his right ear, then slithered down the side of his head, plopping into his perfectly groomed mane. The green streaks contrasted hideously with his chestnut fur.
    With one hand, the Simiu brushed at the sticky mess, then stared horrified at his fingers. "You have dishonored me!" he snarled in his own language. To anyone who didn't understan Simiu, it sounded like the roar of a wild beast.
    "I demand the chance to regain my honor!" he growled, his enormous canine teeth flashing as his muzzle wrinkled in disgust. Bristling with rage, he advanced on Heather.
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CHAPTER 2
Excavations
    As the furious Simiu stalked toward Heather, several human students began to titter nervously. "Shut up!" Hing commanded, pushing her way through the crowd. "You're insulting him!"
    The laughter died away--except for Heather. She was still giggling as she backed away, eyes wide and fixed on the alien. "Hey," she blurted, "I'm sorry, but it's not my fault! Some asshole shoved me!"
    "Heather, stop laughing, and quit staring!" Hing hissed at the girl. She grabbed the child's elbow, halting her. "Stand your ground, but don't show your teeth and don't stare at him--that's a challenge! Look down."
    The Simiu's chestnut mane flared up from his head as he halted within striking distance of Hing and Heather. Deliberately, he wrinkled his muzzle, revealing his huge ivory canines, then raised one massive hand. It wasn't a full "challenge display," but there was no mistaking the implied threat.
    Seeing those teeth, that hand poised to strike, Heather gasped, suddenly terrified. Her mental scream" tore into Hing's mind. Hing! Help me! He'll kill me! Only the woman's grasp on her arm kept the girl from bolting in panic.
    "Stand still, Heather, she ordered mentally. I'll handle this. Calm down.
    Slowly, Hing let go of Heather, then stepped out in front of the child, between her and the Simiu. "Greetings, honored fellow
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    student," she said quietly in her fluent Simiu. She was grateful for all the patient hours she'd spent mastering the clicks and growls of their speech.
    Gracefully, fluidly, she made their ritual greeting gesture, touching her eyes, mouth, and chest, then extending her hand, fingers curled. She was careful not to stare directly at the alien. "I am Hing Own. May I be honored with your name?"
    The alien hesitated, then slowly, deliberately, squatted on his hindquarters, regarding her measuringly with his violet eyes. "I am Khuharkk'," he said finally. "And I am not honored at this moment. This rude, careless creature has insulted me, damaged my appearance, and challenged me."
    The waiting lounge was utterly still.
    "She is a child," Hing said. "What happened was an unfortunate accident, Honored Khuharkk'. Heather intended no dishonor nor disrespect. And, besides .. . how could someone so insignificant damage your honor?"
    "She has dishonored me," the alien insisted. "She laughed at my disgrace."
    "She intended no offense," Hing said, glancing behind her at the trembling girl. "It was an accident, and she is sorry."
    "What concern is it of yours?" the Simiu growled. "Are you declaring yourself her honor-champion?"
    "I trust that will not be necessary," Hing said quietly. He's just embarrassed and mad, she thought, hoping she'd gauged the alien correctly. He won't push it to a real challenge. "She is a child, and children need tolerance, is that not so? You have the opportunity to gain great honor here, by teaching this child the virtue of tolerance, starting with your own example."
    "I am not convinced