Part 8 (1/2)
Then abruptly they stu of the Folk, one of who cry It was Sera welco herGarin with a feeling of desolation
”The Mists, Outlander” It was Urg, pointing toward the Cavern ht on a lever Across the opening a sheet of crystal clicked into place The Caverns were sealed
The haze was now inky black outside and billows of it beat against the protecting barrier It ht
”So will it be for forty days What is without--dies,” said Urg
”Then we have forty days in which to prepare,” Garin spoke his thought aloud Dandtan's keen face lightened
”Well said, Garin Forty days before Kepta may seek us And we have much to do But first, our respects to the Lord of the Folk”
Together they went to the Hall of Thrones where, when he saw Dandtan, Trar arose and held out his jade-tipped rod of office The son of the Ancient Ones touched it
”Hail! Dweller in the Light, and Outlander who has fulfilled the promise of Thran Thrala is once more within the Caverns Now send you to dust this black throne”
Garin, nothing loath, drew the destroying rod from his belt, but Dandtan shook his head ”The tian Forty days have we and then the Black Ones cohtfully ”So that be the way of it Thran did not see another war”
”But he saw an end to Kepta!”
Trar straightened as if some burden had rolled from his thin shoulders
”Well do you speak, Lord When there is one to sit upon the Rose Throne, what have we to fear? Listen, O ye Folk, the Light has returned to the Caverns!”
His cry was echoed by the gathering of the Folk
”And now, Lord--” he turned to Dandtan with deference--”what are your commands?”
”For the space of one sleep I shall enter the Chaer an outlander but one, Garin, accepted by the Daughter according to the Law And while we rest let all be ht has spoken!” Trar hih es, to a deep pool of water, in the depths of which lurked odd purple shadows Dandtan stripped and plunged in, Garin following his exaer in it long From it they went to a bubble rooht rays, and on the cushi+ons in its center stretched their tired bodies
When Garin awoke he experienced the saarded him with a smile ”Noork,” he said, as he reached out to press a knob set in the wall
Two of the Folk appeared, bringing with thes After they dressed and broke their fast, Dandtan started for the laboratories
Garin would have gone with him, but Sera intercepted them
”There is one would speak with Lord Garin”
Dandtan laughed ”Go,” he ordered the Ahted”
The Hall of Women was deserted And the corridor beyond, roofed and walled with slabs of rose-shot crystal, was as eolden curtain and they were in the audience chahter