"The others can occasionally gather in small groups and fight their loneliness together," she sobbed. "But for two years they have even kept their minds closed against me. I'm completely alone, always."
Eldon felt a great longing to comfort the weeping girl. But even in her solitary exile she regarded him only as an object for pity, not as an equal and a friend. So there was nothing he could do but leave her alone with her grief. It made him feel more sorry for himself than ever.
Next day the alarm in the passageway hummed unexpectedly and Krasna leaped up as a man entered. His clothing was of the same blue-green material as hers, evidently intended to match the forest tints, and a bulging weapon belt encircled his waist. A long sword swung at his side, and he looked capable of using it well.
"Bolan!" Krasna greeted him with a happy cry and ran to his arms. He held her affectionately.
"How do you dare—?" she asked through tears of joy.
The man made a disparaging remark about the Council. "After all, you are my sister."
Eldon felt a relaxation of the tension within himself. His hostility toward the man ebbed.
But Bolan glowered at the Earthman with black dislike.
"You certainly aren't helping yourself with the Council by keeping this Outworldling here," he told the girl. "You'd be well advised to send him into the forest."