An excited hum rose from the crowd to follow their exit.
As they followed their new "owner" it was all the members of the Solarite quintet could do to mask the triumph which threatened to reveal itself on their features. For almost instantly it became clear that they were being led to that very spot they had hoped, but had not known how to plan, to attain. The hub of Khundru's circle which was the Palace Royal.
As they journeyed along, their superiors mounted on the curiously horse-like creatures which the Magogeans called batanidi, themselves, of course, humbly afoot, they could not help but overhear the conversation between Moranu and his companions.
"Ten thousand dwari! That was a lot to pay, my Lord Seneschal, for five carcasses," said one.
Moranu chuckled. "It was worth it to see the spittle of greed drool from that hawknosed old scoundrel's lips. Nor is it a bad buy. Of course, the old one ... I do not know where we can use him—You, aged serf!" he cried to Dr. Kang. "What talents have you, if any?"
Kang scraped servilely and said, "I have a smattering of mechanical lore, O master. Much my former owner taught me about the operation of instruments and machines."
"So? And much you have forgotten by this time, no doubt," grunted Moranu. "Still, I think I know a place where you can be of use. The control tower. You will need no strength there but that sufficient to push buttons."
The control tower! It was with an effort that Gary Lane restrained the cry that surged to his lips. But his eyes leaped to those of the aged doctor, and found there assurance that Kang would well know what to do when he found himself within the control tower.
"And the young men?" asked another of the riders.