Tark's mind sent out a rallying cry. "Hatha! Ei! We are discovered!"
They tore onward through the labyrinth of corridors, shoulder to shoulder. As they ran Nelson sent a swift thought.
"You saved my life. How—?"
"I did not trust you completely, outlander," Tark answered. "I crept close to the Council Hall and listened to your thoughts."
He checked suddenly. "They come. The way is blocked."
They had reached the head of the great entrance hall, a broad, high-arched, gloomy immensity, lighted by torches set along its glassy walls. Through the wide open doors at its far end Nelson could see the dark trees of the forest avenue outside.
Out there was safety and escape. But they were barred from it. The broad open doorway was full of torch-flames and running men as hastily summoned Humanite warriors came pouring into the hall.
There was no other way out and no turning back. For they could hear Sloan and Van Voss coming fast behind them.
Tark eyed the Humanites and their naked swords and uttered a curt, sharp thought.
"Rush them!"