Allyn nodded. "It's basic training for all Numen. But what good does it do us? There are the Gards."
The Olman's smile was grim. "You have a gun," he reminded.
Allyn stared. Use his gun? On Numen? Flame his own people!
The other sensed his thoughts. "Give it to me then. I'll make good use of it."
There had to be another way. His restless eyes sought the clearing.
In that instant Keeven sprang. Muscular arms caught the surprised Numan, crushing him to the ground. Swift fingers plucked the gun from his side. Then Keeven was off, crouching, weapon leveled straight for Allyn's breast.
There was a shout from the Gard. The three had been discovered. Flames of warning seared the shrubbery about them and the Gard made a rush toward their concealment.
Cursing, Keeven spun, flame gun ready. Allyn lunged at him, and his lance of fire struck harmlessly into the ground ahead. The gun rolled from his grasp. He surged up, flung the Numan away, leapt for the weapon.
"STAND!" The command froze Allyn. They were surrounded.
Keeven moved. With swift animal reflexes he caught the nearest Gard in the belly with his dagger. Another rushed in. Keeven smashed his jaw with a mighty fist that felled the Gard instantly. By brute strength alone he might have fought to freedom. But the numbers against him were too great. They beat him to the ground, using guns like clubs. Finally he lay still, blood from a dozen wounds irrigating the barren ground.