The children puzzled over that for a moment before Noia asked, “We are still young, Miao, like kittens. Could you teach us to hunt? Then we could free you.”
“But you still have no claws or sharp teeth. And you cannot climb or see in the dark.”
Noi puffed out his chest and said, “I watched you climb that tree over and over these last few weeks and now I can climb as well as you. No man can outclimb me.” He raced up the nearest tree, quick as a cat, and crouched on a branch.
“And I have sharpened my nails to points using a rough stone so now my claws are as sharp as yours.” She sliced at the tree trunk, leaving a sharp gouge behind. ​
Miao’s yellow eyes flashed gold and she grinned a deadly grin. “That is impressive, kittens. But I cannot teach you while I’m tied up. I must be free.”
The children looked at each other, and Noia nodded solemnly at Noi. He approached slowly, and heard a rumbling coming from Miao’s chest. He was afraid that a furnace burned inside her and she was about to swallow him whole, but he did not show his fear. She turned to the side to let him untie her bonds, and when his hands made contact with her fur, she rumbled louder. As the knots came loose, she shook her body free and stretched deeply, remaining low in a bow. “Climb on my back, kittens, and we shall hunt.” The two climbed aboard her soft but powerful back, and they hunted all through the night. ​