"Aye? What is it? Who calls?" The shuffling footsteps of the gaoler. "Ah, you again, Captain? What is it?"
"A meeting of all prison guards," said the Videlian, "on the fourth level. I have come to relieve you so you may attend. You may hand over the keys."
A long silence. Then: "Mighty unusual!" declared the warder. "Nothing like this ever happened before!"
"These are unusual times. Nothing like an invasion of Lanka was ever attempted before. But the monkey-warriors of Sugriva are even now assembled on the mainland shore, and our defense measures must be studied."
"Say you so!" There came the jangle of metal passing from one hand to another. "Invasion, eh? Well, I'll be running along, then. I'll have more prisoners to take care of when this is over, eh, captain?"
And giggling evilly, the warder shuffled away.
Another slow century dripped by before his footsteps disappeared in the distance. Then came the swift whisper of Captain Thalakka:
"My Lord? My Lord Ramaíya?"
"We are here," Ramey whispered back. "All three of us. Open swiftly!"