“The pleasure is mine to serve you, Eistaa. I was there, behind the others, when you faced the Eistaa. It was cowardly/wisest not to intervene at that time. I felt I could serve you better in other ways. I know of matters that no one else knows of, have reached conclusions that others will never reach, will give you information that no one else has. I listened closely to the hunter named Fafnepto when she spoke of your mission. You share it with her?”

“I do.”

“Then your search is at an end. I know where the uruketo is!”

“You have seen it?”

“No—but there is a logic to many events that inescapably points to it. I have all of the evidence here with me. And evidence of another kind, of equal or greater importance to you.”

“As you know there is only one thing of importance to me. Discovery/death Kerrick ustuzou.”

“Of course!” Akotolp’s wattles shook as she moved with pleasure of discovery/enlightenment of importance. “I am of strong opinion that I also know where he is!”

Vaintè shook with emotion, clutched Akotolp’s arms between her thumbs so hard that the scientist gasped in sudden pain. Released her with apologies, overflowing of joy, thankfulness to the one in the world who aided her.

“You are my efenselè, Akotolp, as no other is. You fill an empty life, bring pleasure where there has been only nullity. Tell me what you know, but first of the ustuzou.”

“He is close, that I can assure you, but all must be told in the proper order for complete understanding.”

“Then speak, I bid you!”

“Ambalasei was here. She arrived one day, by uruketo, left the same way a few days later with great abruptness. I questioned and discovered the uruketo came and went away with her at once. None here knew the beast nor its commander.”

“Then is it the one I seek?”

“Undoubtedly. And other matters of greatest interest. Before Ambalasei went away something of strangeness happened here. A Yilanè was discovered and captured on the birth beaches. It appears that she was attempting to abduct a male fresh from the sea. A crime of major importance. None knew her, she would not speak, died before she could be questioned. Do you see a relevance?”

Vaintè signed positive recognition. “Of course. She must have come on the uruketo with Ambalasei. Which in turn means—she was a Daughter of Death!”

“That is true! I just realized it today when I heard Fafnepto speak. It is your mind of great attainment that enables you to see instantly what was hidden from me all of this time. Ambalasei came on the uruketo, left on it, returned to these Daughters of Evil whom she has joined. And I believe I know where they went.”