"You do not want me to be what I am," Istas said. "I am a waheela, a child of the cruel north wind. A creature of constant, unending hunger and savagery. What I am is a beast, a slave to instincts. I have worked hard to become otherwise, and I much prefer the comforts and feasts of civilisation to the cold and barren north. And civilisation is quick to take its advantages away from those who mindlessly eat humans." She paused. "Also it is difficult to buy hats when shop assistants fear that you will tear our their eyes."

She returned her unblinking gaze to the woman. Yes, she was still the greatest threat here. The humans, while oblivious, were soft and of little threat to her. The greatest threat was still before her.

"You say this Kuk has offered you a peace offering. A reward, for the promise that he will not eat you. Such a promise sounds hollow. Hunger sated today will return in strength tomorrow. I do not wish to see my world devoured, but I hear nothing that makes me believe that he would not turn around and devour it as well, when he is done with this one."