“I will take the tall one named⁠—Larree.” It was the priestess’s voice. “After the three tal , you may have him, Lugur, to do with as you will.”

“No!” it was Lugur’s voice again, but with a rasp of anger. “All must die.”

“He shall die,” again Yolara. “But I would that first he see Lakla pass⁠—and that she know what is to happen to him.”

“No!” I started⁠—for this was Marakinoff. “Now is no time, Yolara, for one’s own desires. This is my counsel. At the end of the three tal Lakla will come for our answer. Your men will be in ambush and they will slay her and her escort quickly with the Keth. But not till that is done must the three be slain⁠—and then quickly. With Lakla dead we shall go forth to the Silent Ones⁠—and I promise you that I will find the way to destroy them!”

“It is well!” It was Lugur.