The wheels screeched as they bore the weight of the big engine across the marble floor. Kortha's leg-muscles bunched and writhed under the pressure he exerted. His naked arms bulged, tightening under the smooth skin. Up the ramp went the machine to grate to a halt opposite the entrance doors.
Kortha lengthened the distance level of the beam, and wiped a forearm across his wet brow. He smiled mirthlessly, "Let them come, now. We're ready for them."
Xax shrilled, "You said we could escape by throwing a beam of light on the mechanism of the doors. Then why do we stay here?"
"Guantra has sent men to overcome me. If we escape, we'll be out in the open where they can overcome us at will. Here we have a chance. They have to come in that door. I'll have them all in front of me. I have to kill them all, Xax. Otherwise Guantra may learn where I've gone."
"He may still find out," the tumblie grumbled.
"I know. It's a chance I have to take."
The drone of the fliers sounded sooner than Kortha had anticipated. He could imagine them circling above the ancient city, swooping in to a landing in the square. A moment later he heard the drumming of feet on stone.
The doors rolled open effortlessly. Guantra's guards came in yelling, with guns in their hands, leaping for him; shouting loudly at sight of him.
Kortha put a hand on a lever, threw it down.