A Crying Shame (49 page)

We have never made war in all our time,” another Link said.
It is against our way. We were all taught that.”

Perhaps the way is against us.”

That is foolish!”

Think about it before you speak!” the old Link snapped angrily.
The old ways must go the path of all old and useless things.” He thumped his massive chest, covered with gray pelt.
We
know we mean no harm to the human people. But they do not know it. Therefore we must find some way to tell them that, as in their race, there are good and bad among us.”

The second elder said,
That is true. But of all the snakes in the swamp, only three kinds are dangerous. Yet we have all seen the human men kill snakes that meant them no harm, that were no danger to them. And compared to us, a snake is a thing of beauty to the human men. No ... your words are true, but to put them into action would be impossible. A child might not be afraid of us, but an adult human would point the metal sticks at us—the guns—and kill us.” He rose to his feet.
I am returning to my clan. I will not fight.” He sighed heavily.
We are only a few days away from the birthing period. And my mate says she feels the child is pure human. If so, then our dying will not be in vain. We will live on through the children. I will not fight,” he repeated.

You are a fool!” the youngest said.
I will fight!”

And I will fight!” another said.