Summary

Valerian looks toward Argol, who explains that Gumun felt that Laureline was in danger. The creature that grabbed her was a shalafut. Laureline passes out. Argol seems to believe the situation is fatal, but Logar heals her. Argol is thrilled, saying that Logar has “found her gift,” and will not be known as “she-who-heals-wounds-from-evil-beasts” (33) Valerian is relieved but Laureline is furious, saying that the bad things seem to always happen to her. Argol invites Laureline and Valerian to join him as his son, Lagor, tries to kill his first furutz. Valerian says they are supposed to return to the city, but Argol refuses. Argol worries that the floating industrial centers have negatively affected the furutz, but the soon see a pod.

Argol leaves Valerian to steer the ship. He struggles because the tiller is made for a larger man. In the midst of...