Secrets

I do not keep secrets from my slave, but there are many things which I do not tell her.

What she asks, I answer honestly; even when the answer is "I do not know", or "this is none of your business woman, go and concern yourself with those things which are."

Melete does not like being told these things, and at times it shows; but she was not born into her slavery so it is to be expected that a formerly Free woman will still have many strong opinions, rampant emotional outbursts, and a bit of an attitude.

The fact that my slave loves me changes nothing, she could have had me as a Mate at any time when she was Free to choose to love me; but she did not, and now it no longer matters. She will learn my ways through hard lived experience, because she will share them with me whether she loves me or not.

Today I used my loving huntress as bait, because it had to be done. I knew much more than I told Melete of the thing which had answered her screams the night I whipped her beneath the dark stone eyes of the silent Inukshuk, chained between them at their feet. This is how it had to be done, because it is important that I understand which type of beast we are dealing with.

There are two types of this same animal commonly called the Kurii; one that I know as the Ku'ki'lia'luit, and another that I knew as the Nak'ani. The difference between these two beasts of the self-same species is significant; both are dangerous predators well suited for maximum lethality in their natural form, possessing of an imposing array of sharp claws and strong fangs, as well as an abundance of higher intelligence. They are smart, they are as smart as we are.

Their species is as intelligent as our own, and here is the important difference between the two beasts of the same species; some of them are far more intelligent and much more dangerous than we are. About the Nakani there is something sinister, and more difficult to comprehend; they are beings of great and unnatural powers.

The Kukilialuit are Kurii, and the Nakani are Kurii; but they are not the same. Both animals are dangerous and can be lethal; but the Nakani can be intentionally murderous.

The Kukilialuit are simply another animal living among us in the wilderness and taking from it what they need. When they are hungry sometimes they will eat animals other than humans, and sometimes not; but always when their stomach is filled they will depart. This is how they live, as apex predators; within the natural order of untamed things.

The Nakani are completely different. They do not only kill to eat, they kill for sport, or simply to exterminate other animals. They do not kill only to satisfy their stomachs; they also kill to satisfy their pride, and ambition.

The Kukilialuit tend to live few in number usually as part of a generally reclusive family group and these small bands are extremely territorial. The Nakani on the other hand, tend to live in greater numbers as a part of a tribal culture with a strict social hierarchy.

Both animals prefer colder temperatures and darkness due to their natural composure; and both animals dislike water, neither of them swims.

I could not deduce an acceptable reason for Melete to know any of these things; so, I have not told her.

It has been nearly three hands time since we heard the last scream, and still we continue moving deeper into the broad valley within the frozen mountainous landscape.