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ed with weapons. K'narl's
collection predominated with weapons of melee' rather than of range;
only two rifles were in evidence, and those were of exceptionally fine
modern design. The rest were knives, swords, hand-held weapons of
beauty. The blacksmithing knowledge that had granted Shaper his title
and what respect he owned came to him as he stared, appreciating the
artistry of such fine blades. He wished to rise and examine them, but
he had been so ordered to sit by his elder, and so he would remain.
The nets, bolas, whips, and other weapons meant to entangle rather
than kill a running prey fascinated Shaper. Those were not common
items; only scientists wanted to trap prey for examination rather than
for food. K'narl was not a scientist, but a warrior, one of great
strategic knowledge. He was known to be overly cautious at times, but
the Kzin empire had learned from its mistakes with humans in that far,
far too often it had screamed and it had leapt when it was not ready to
do so.
K'narl returned with two trays. "It is my understanding that you
enjoy the rare taste of Kandet."
Shaper turned, startled by K'narl's return, then ashamed by his
lack of attentiveness. He attempted to bluster through his
embarrassment. "A weakn
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