The Golden Enemy by Alexander Key

He heard Andru say tersely, “Now we must decide how the beast can be destroyed. Has anyone a suggestion?”
    Before Emmon could rise and say anything, Boy Jaim had crept from his seat. He gained the aisle and sped in mounting horror for the exit. Outside he began to run. He did not have a sled to flee in, but it hardly mattered so long as he put distance between himself and the Council floor. Doubtful followed, unnoticed.
    Behind him a startled L’Mara called silently, “ What’s wrong? Why are you leaving? ”
    â€œ Listen to Emmon, ” he flung back. “ You’ll know in a minute. ”
    He crossed the park and began trotting down the first path he saw that led out of Central. Bitterly he wondered why he had ever taken up the sport of archery. Then he realized it was because he’d never been smart in most of his studies, like the other kids. But he could beat them all with a bow. It was one of the few things that, like talking to animals or finding his way in the forest, he could do better than anyone in the Five Communities.
    He expected L’Mara to call him again before he’d gone very far, and she did.
    â€œ Boy Jaim! Did you know they were going to use poisoned arrows on the bear? ”
    â€œ That’s a silly question! Why do you think I left? ”
    â€œ You needn’t be nasty! ”
    â€œ I can’t help it. How would you feel if you were in my place? ”
    â€œ Oh, Boy Jaim, I’m sorry! It’s awful about the bear, but it’s something that has to be done right away. No one else can shoot the way you can —”
    â€œ I’m not going to shoot the Golden One. There are dozens of others who can do it — he’s too big to miss. ”
    â€œ But Boy Jaim, it would be dangerous for anyone else to try. They’d have to get too close. Don’t you see? And anyhow, they’d have to find him first — and that would be even more dangerous for most people, ’cause they wouldn’t know how. ” She paused. “ Are you listening to me? ”
    â€œ Of course I’m listening! How can I help it? You’re like a bee right in my head. ” He could have shut her out, but it required an effort. Anyway, he didn’t really want to shut her out. He asked, “ Did Andru tell you to call me to meet him at home? ”
    â€œ Yes. He’s going to make some special points for your arrows, and Councilman Traml is going to mix up something at his laboratory to smear on them. I think Andru wants to pilot the sled for you. ”
    â€œ Nothing doing. I wouldn’t want anybody with me, and you can tell Andru I’m not going home. ”
    â€œ But — but where are you going? ”
    â€œ I don’t know. Leave me alone. ”
    â€œ Aw, please, Boy Jaim. I know how you feel, but you don’t have to take it out on me. ”
    â€œ I’m sorry. But can’t you see I’ve got to be alone so I can think? ”
    â€œ A’right. If — if you want me for anything, just call. ”
    He was almost sorry when she left him, for now suddenly he was faced with his aloneness in a world where no birds sang, and not even the chatter of a squirrel broke the stillness. The very sunlight seemed cold. He reached the edge of town in a moment and stood undecided, hardly knowing which way to turn. Far behind him a troubled Doubtful stopped and waited patiently, not wanting to intrude.
    If Emmon’s place hadn’t been so far away, he might have headed there, but it would have taken hours to reach it on foot. The sound of running water lured him into the parklike woods on his right, and presently he found himself following a path that wound upward above a rocky creek. Although the area seemed familiar, he was not consciously aware of being drawn to a particular destination until he reached it.
    It was a well-remembered gate in a wall. A lump rose in his throat as he unlatched the