"Vydys, in the name of our ancestors—our common blood as Kukzubas—"
"I remember it, Zenaor. You shall not stand unprotected." Vydys brought a flat object from beneath her waist-cape, tossed it onto a table. "Here. I leave you this weapon."
It was the jewel-box that held Tumek's crystal.
Zenaor's fists clenched. "Curse you, Vydys—!"
She turned away as if he had not spoken. Smiling at Craig, she purred, "A last chance for you, Earthling. Would you join me?"
Craig's eyes met Narla's. Then, quietly, he said, "You know my answer, Vydys."
Her face contorted. "Die, then, you fool!"
She started to turn back to Zenaor.
Only then, incredibly, a fire-gun was in his hand, too, whipping up from beneath his scarlet cloak.
They fired together.