Though it had claws they were short, clipped, and could not have caused the sensations Gordon felt. The key on the other hand was captivating. This wa... the first time Gordon had taken a close look at it and he was awestruck at the workmanship. The key was approximately 8′ long. The head of the key was circular. An intricately carved woman’s head was at the center of the bow. The remainder of the circle was made up of carved flowers, leaves, and various runic symbols. The shaft of the key was. While I am young, I have seen plenty of stories on TV and online about the dangers of running away and being on the road. But I am confident that if I had remained at home, I would have been taken from home against my will and would have had more horrifying things done to me by men worse then the many things that already have been done. I can hardly find the words to describe how you and Ol'Jack turned what could have been a horrible experience into several of the most amazing days I have. But perhaps I should digress a little. You may be familiar with the planet Vega III. Oh, you remember, that's the one that the bureau couldn't get enough people to sign up for, and wound up sending in bio-dogs to help the colonists. Kilgore was slated to be one of the helpers (official title Ancillary, Bio-canine, domesticus). With a molecular bio-brain sitting alongside his useless bit of protoplasm to do his serious thinking for him, and with paw-hands capable of using any tool a human could. "Show her," my sister said.Suddenly I was staring at a huge Mountain Lion, bigger than any I'd everseen before.Behind me from where Grandmas chair sat I heard a feral growl and turnedto see a grey hair old wolf standing in front of the crib."Gramma, it's ok," Becca told the wolf."Most native Americans who have the gift of sight also have the abilityto shift." I see what you mean." Momma, I'm a freak too," said Erika. She was shaking, afraid ofrejection.I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her.