Dantor interposed an objection, "But, Ianito, you promised to spare them. I learned to love these two and want no harm to come their way."
"I keep my promise, oh Dantor. Ianito will not harm them."
"But the Zara."
"What Clyone does is none of my concern. Silence, Dantor; I command it! You will remain here." The voice of the Dictator cut like a knife.
The old Rulan scientist bowed his head and turned away. Good old Dantor! He'd done all in his power to help them. This was the end; not a question of doubt. Blaine Carson drew the Rulan maiden fiercely to him. This Clyone might meet some opposition if she attempted to wreak her spite on Ulana; she would meet it. There was no need for Ianito to ask that he pay every attention to the lovely, frightened girl who clung to him so trustingly.
They were in the lift then, dropping swiftly into the palace beneath the great dome that topped Antrid.
"This Clyone," Ulana whispered, "she has great power of enticement, my Carson. I fear for your loss—to me. She will take you from me, and I shall be alone—or dead. Death would be the better."
"Never!" said Blaine huskily. "Never, my dear. She has no power over me; nor will I permit her to bring suffering to you."
Ianito laughed then, an ugly cackle that came out of the unseen.
CHAPTER X