Then she was lost, in the red mist of my own agony. A cold smooth noose sank into my throat. Breath and blood were stopped. My lungs screamed. I felt the rush of blood from ears and nostrils.
Dimly, through the roaring of my ears, I heard the voice of Malgarth:
"Go, Bari Horn! Through the geodesic mirror! And take your ancient secret with you!"
Through that darkening mist, I saw the quick movement. My dimming eyes followed a bright parabola. I glimpsed the thing of wondrous flame that fell upon the dark spinning film at my feet.
It was the Dondara Stone—that we had sought so long, so vainly!
Then the metal giant was lost in smothering darkness. I swayed alone, in agony. I knew the thing was done. The mirror of Malgarth was going to hurl us into some unthinkable oblivion—but not until after we were dead.
"Bari!" A soft new voice was calling my name. "Bari Horn, the time has come."
I made a savage effort to recover my sight, in vain.
"Bari! Oh, beloved, don't you—can't you see me?"