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Show the GarGantua that terrifying trip across the Tartars. "But the mad b i r d . . . " persisted Dr'Igor, "the bird that went mad..." "Igor," said Erica, "what means all t h i s . . ." Just then the wiry Hoqqam took a deep breath and lunged toward the dancing DragonGeese with a blood curdling hoop. A convulsion of screeches, squawks, and outcries followed, stopping all conversation. Webbed feet stamped and clawed, leathery wings flapped wildly, beaks snapped and hissed. Someone started screaming. It was Hoqqam. When the dust cleared, the little Provincial could be seen on the ground-in a tight and ragged ball, screaming shrilly, his arms covering his head. The flock of reds were by that time closing in on him, snapping and squawling, their necks stretched out as though made of steel. The lead bird was making vicious little nips at the man's shoulders. "Ho, ho!" cried Rollanda, running at a great clip across the field toward the uproar. "Leave off the little pig, ye beasts! 'Tis my brother ye have there!" She began wading in amongst them, seizing necks and throwing the creatures bodily in a multitude of directions. Then she stopped dead. "Doctor Needlesmith!" she cried. She was pointing at a bird who had twisted its head back to glare at her murderously, beak open and tongue curling. "Tis he, I swear to the GreatMother! 'Tis that villainous bird of whom the little pig is so affrighted!" She reached for the creature's neck, but it had started at the Needlesmith name and whirled completely around, facing the table at which were seated the good Dr'Anya and her daughter. Then the creature split the air with an unearthly scream, and the folk 363 |
