The scientist teetered weakly, tried to smile. "I told you it was a place for rats. What happened?"
"I beat him off. I carried you a bit, thinking he might come back. We've lost some time."
"Sorry. I'll make a report to the Hierarch. He'll be glad to know you didn't run out on him."
Red Angus clipped coldly, "I wouldn't leave Moana to that Diktor devil. The Hierarch knows that."
The cowled man nodded. "Just the same, I'll tell him. I like you, Angus. If I can ever help you, remember Thordad."
"You're all right? Sure you can go on?"
"I can go on. Hurry. Never mind me. I'll make it."
They saw the towering ball of the globe-ship as they broke from the squat buildings framing the square at the waterfront. It was a ball of golden brilliance, riding the slight sea-swell despite its bulk, occasionally rubbing against the soft snubbers attached to the dock. In the moonlight it loomed majestic and awe-inspiring above the wet, rounded stones of the quay. Its soft slip-slup motion on the waves made it seem alive in the salt-laden breeze moving in from the sea.
The scientist halted. "I leave you here. You know how to get to the Flaming Land? Good."