Part 9 (1/2)

”Post sentries,” ordered Dandtan ”The Black Ones will come soon”

He beckoned Garin forward as he spoke to Thrala:

”Let us go to the Hall of Thrones”

But the Daughter did not answer his smile ”It is not o instead to call upon the help of those who have gone before us” So speaking, she darted a glance at Garin as chill as the arctic lands beyond the lip of Tav, and then swept aith Sera bearing her train

Dandtan stared at Garin ”What has happened between you two?”

The flyer shook his head ”I don't know Noof woered with you What has happened?”

For a moment Garin was tempted to tell the truth: that he dared not break any barrier she chose to raise, lest he seize what in honor was none of his But he shook his head ain until Death entered the Caverns

_CHAPTER TEN_

_Battle and Victory_

Garin stood with Dandtan looking out into the plain of Tav Some distance aere two slender, steel-tipped towers, which were, in reality, but hollow tubes filled with the Black Fire Before these dark-clad figures were busy

”They seem to believe us already defeated Let the the screen they had erected before the Cavern entrance

As he spoke Kepta swaggered through the tall grass to call a greeting:

”Ho, rock dweller, I would speak with you--”

Dandtan edged around the screen, Garin a pace behind

”I see you, Kepta”

”Good I trust that your ears will serve you as well as your eyes These are my terms: Give Thrala to me to dwell in my chamber and the outlander to provide sport for my captains Make no resistance but throw open the Caverns so that I htful place in the Hall of Thrones Do this and we shall be at peace”

”And this is our reply:”--Dandtan stood unly before the screen--”Return to the Caves; break down the bridge between your land and ours Let no Black One cohed ”So, that be the way of it! Then this shall we do: take Thrala, to be o to my captains--”

Garin hurled himself forward, felt Kepta's lipsabout the other's throat as Dandtan, as trying to pull hi: ”Watch out!”

Aabout Garin's wrist, forcing him to drop Kepta Then Dandtan laid it senseless by a sharp bloith his belt

On hands and knees Kepta crawled back to hisse fury

Dandtan drew the still raging flyer behind the screen ”Be a little prudent,” he panted ”Kepta can be dealt with in other ways than with bare hands”

The toere swinging their tips toward the entrance Dandtan ordered the screen wedged tightly into place