he mistake of under-rating his enemies," Dandtan
reflected, feeling the edge of the screen caressingly. "When I was
captured, on the day my people died, I was sent to the Black Ones'
laboratories so that their seekers after knowledge might learn the
secrets of the Ancient Ones. But I proved a better pupil than teacher
and I discovered the defense against the Black Fire. After I had learned
that, Kepta grew impatient with my supposed stupidity and tried to use
me to force Thrala to his will. For that, as for other things, shall he
pay--and the paying will not be in coin of his own striking. Let us
think of that...." He turned to greet Urg and Trar and the other leaders
of the Folk, who had approached unnoticed.

Among them stood Thrala, her gaze fixed upon the crystal wall between
them and the thinning Mist. She noticed Garin no more than she did the
Anas playing with her train and the women whispering behind her. But
Garin stepped back into the shadows--and what he saw was not weapons of
war, but cloudy black hair and graceful white limbs veiled in splendor.

Urg and one of the other chieftains bore down upon the door lever. With
a protesting squeak, the glass wall disappeared into the rock. The green
of Tav beckoned them out to walk in its freshness; it was renewed with
lusty life. But in all that expanse of meadow and forest there was a
strange stillness.

"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 meet that we
should spend time in idle talk. Let us go 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
away with Sera bearing her train.

Dandtan stared at Garin. "What has happened between you two?"

The flyer shook his head. "I don't know. No man is born with an
understanding of women--"

"But she is angered 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 mutely. Neither of them saw Thrala
again until Death entered the Caverns.

_CHAPTER TEN_

_Battle and Victory_

Garin stood with Dandtan looking out into the plain of Tav. Some
distance away were two slender