They burst out of the woods onto the open plain that rose ahead of them to the barren foothills. Another spurt, another staggering burst of speed and they were safe. The fire flared to the edge of the woods and checked.
Now, close above them, Nelson saw the throbbing eye of the Cavern of Creation, pulsing with mysterious light. The Clans were moving up on either side of that coldly flaring orifice, on up into the higher bare hills.
On a flat ledge just outside the glowing mouth of the Cavern, Nelson stopped and dismounted. Nsharra did likewise.
She told the four leaders, "Nelson and I go into the Cavern! You lead your Clans on to safety."
Nelson cried, "No! You're not to stay in there with me, Nsharra — only to show me the way!"
"I am Guardian now," Nsharra said firmly. "It is my duty and my right to go with you."
He realized from her tone that argument would not sway her. And there was no time for argument. Time was running out.
"I go also!" Tark's thought cried and the other leaders echoed him.
"No!" Nsharra denied. "You also have your duty- to lead your Clans to safety."
Wolf and tiger, horse and eagle, wavered, irresolute. Then, as Nsharra repeated her command, they unwillingly went on into the darkness of the upper slopes.