As the child and her lion-bird neared the slowly rotating orb of the smallest Moon she was again awestruck by its loveliness. It now appeared a deep velvety purple, as she was on the darker side of it. What she did not know was that hoving behind her was an even darker shape. Blotting out the stars behind it was a craft very reminiscent of a wheel. It turned silently out of her range of vision, getting closer ... and closer. As she neared the tors of the Heather Moon the Starship crept over the barren peaks and mesas, landing beyond them. As enormous as it was it took up the entire Valley of the Moon.

Natàlemé was not aware of its presence, yes. But the ruff around the Raptor's neck extended to full Hackle.

"What's up, feather duster?" Namé asked, amused. Her lion eagle was not at all happy, and screeched his displeasure. He was about to Veer around, but she pressed her knee into his side insistently. "Nope, we're going this way, my fine-feathered friend!"

After banking his wings to go in for a landing, her Mashooré turned his head towards her and gave her a look. It was not angry nor berating, but a glance of deep concern."What's the matter?" Name asked again. Then she knew...

Flanking her on all sides were shapes in cloaks. They carried what looked like rods with spheres at the tip. The spears glowed an ominous color of green. Whatever these beings were they were not friendly... and they were moving in!