“But, Lakla,” I said, the doubt that I had long been holding finding voice, “should the Shining One come⁠—with its slaves⁠—are the Three strong enough to cope with it?”

There was troubled doubt in her own eyes.

“I do not know,” she said at last, frankly. “You have heard their story. What they promise is that they will help. I do not know⁠—any more than do you, Goodwin!”

I looked up at the dome beneath which I knew the dread Trinity stared forth; even down upon us. And despite the awe, the assurance, I had felt when I stood before them I, too, doubted.

“Well,” said Larry, “you and I, uncle,” he turned to Rador, “and Olaf here had better decide just what part of the battle we’ll lead⁠—”

“Lead!” the handmaiden was appalled. “ You lead, Larry? Why you are to stay with Goodwin and with me⁠—up there, there we can watch.”