"Bram ... when will the Portal open again?"
"Not in my life, Linda Carroll. Not for ten thousand years."
"Why didn't you recruit help?" Tremaine said. "You could have trained someone...."
"I tried, at first. But what can one do with frightened rustics? They spoke of witchcraft, and fled."
"But you can't hold out forever. Tell me how this thing works. It's time somebody gave you a break!"
V
Bram talked for half an hour, while Tremaine listened. "If I should fail," he concluded, "take my place at the Repellor. Place the circlet on your neck. When the wall clears, grip the handles and pit your mind against the Niss. Will that they do not come through. When the thunder rolls, you will know that you have failed."
"All right. I'll be ready. But let me get one thing straight: this Repellor of yours responds to thoughts, is that right? It amplifies them—"
"It serves to focus the power of the mind. But now let us make haste. Soon, I fear, will they renew the attack."