The approaching footsteps were closer now—coming lightly, swiftly, towards this room.
Kyla pushed the door half shut, then stepped to its hinge side, gesturing Haral to a place before her. Her face was grey.
Outside the room, the footsteps halted. The door pushed open.
"Kyla—"
It was the voice of a woman—a woman in the garb of Xaymar's order who hurried into the room.
"Lyess—" cried Kyla. The ray-gun sagged in her hand.
The newcomer whirled in fright. Her eyes flicked from the priestess to Haral.
Kyla cried, "Why are you here, Lyess? Where is Namboina?" Her tone held a note of desperation.
"I came to tell you, Kyla—to warn you! Sark has found him! They say the torture is already under way to make him tell where Xaymar lies—"
Unspeaking, Haral looked to Kyla.