Then Narla was in the Earthman's arms again, heedless of the ourobos' creeping tendrils. "So we die, Craig Nesom. But at least we die together."
Craig held her close. "No, Narla."
"No—?" He could feel her body stiffen. "But—what—?"
"I said no, Narla. We don't die. Neither of us."
She stared at him.
He said, "Don't you see? The ourobos—they're thallophytes. That's the answer." And then, when she still showed no comprehension: "Tumek knew. That's why he said his crystal was the only weapon that would stop them. And Bukal hit it right—by accident—when he looked at the thing and said it might as well be a lamp-lens."
"Craig, I don't understand—"
"I'll show you." Pushing the girl back, Craig took the jewel-case from the table where Vydys had tossed it and crossed to the nearest lamp ... carefully replaced the focus prism with the crystal.
The beam sprayed out, all green and purple.
Tilting the lamp, Craig brought it to bear on the encroaching slime of the ourobos.