“As you show such admirable sangfroid,” said Maskull dryly, “I take it there’s no particular danger.”

Nevertheless he instinctively tried to get on to his feet and failed.  A new form of paralysis was chaining him to the ground.

“Are you trying to get up?” asked Oceaxe smoothly.

“Well, yes, but those cursed reptiles seem to be nailing me down to the rock with their wills.  May I ask if you had any special object in view in waking them up?”

“I assure you the danger is quite real, Maskull.  Instead of talking and asking questions, you had much better see what you can do with your will.”

“I seem to have no will, unfortunately.”

Oceaxe was seized with a paroxysm of laughter, but it was still rich and beautiful.  “It’s obvious you aren’t a very heroic protector, Maskull.  It seems I must play the man, and you the woman.  I expected better things of your big body.  Why, my husband would send those creatures dancing all around the sky, by way of a joke, before disposing of them.  Now watch me..  Two of the three I’ll kill; the third we will ride home on.  Which one shall we keep?”

The shrowks continued their slow, wobbling flight toward them.  Their bodies were of huge size.  They produced in Maskull the same sensation of loathing as insects did.  He instinctively understood that as they hunted with their wills, there was no necessity for them to possess a swift motion.

“Choose which you please,” he said shortly.  “They are equally objectionable to me.”

“Then I’ll choose the leader, as it is presumably the most energetic animal.  Watch now.”

She stood upright, and her sorb suddenly blazed with fire.  Maskull felt something snap inside his brain.  His limbs were free once more.  The two monsters in the rear staggered and darted head foremost toward the earth, one after the other.  He watched them crash on the ground, and then lie motionless.  The leader still came toward them, but he fancied that its flight was altered in character; it was no longer menacing, but tame and unwilling.

Oceaxe guided it with her will to the mainland shore opposite their island rock.  Its vast bulk lay there extended, awaiting her pleasure.  They immediately crossed the water.

Maskull viewed the shrowk at close quarters.  It was about thirty feet long.  Its bright-coloured skin was shining, slippery, and leathery; a mane of black hair covered its long neck.  Its face was awesome and unnatural, with its carnivorous eyes, frightful stiletto, and blood-sucking cavity.  There were true fins on its back and tail.

“Have you a good seat?” asked Oceaxe, patting the creature’s flank.  “As I have to steer, let me jump on first.”

She pulled up her gown, then climbed up and sat astride the animal’s back, just behind the mane, which she clutched.  Between her and the fin there was just room for Maskull.  He grasped the two flanks with his outer hands; his third, new arm pressed against Oceaxe’s back, and for additional security he was compelled to encircle her waist with it.