Now the Temple was before them, its high wall looming over the trample and clamor, a thin line of its own guards holding back the rioters. Rayth's red blade lifted anew, and his bugler wound a single harsh note. The troop moved forward on the double.
Vaguely, Rikard heard the prince calling to the guards, "Let us through—Mayor's order—protect you—"
"No one goes in—you bloody swine!"
The bugle screamed again and the soldiers locked ranks and charged.
Swords and pikes clanged at the gate; the sudden recoil hurled the rear lines backward. Rikard grabbed Leda's flowing hair and pulled her ear close to his lips and muttered swiftly, "Listen, we're with the Temple. First chance you get, break free and go over to them—once we're inside!"
She clasped his hand, briefly, and then the sentries were down and the troop rushed inside.
Beyond was a long narrow darkness of corridor. Nothing stirred, nothing spoke; they hastened through a fumbling gloom with only their footfalls and hoarse breathing and clash of metal for company. Rikard heard Rayth's voice, puzzled. "Where are the others? The Temple has plenty of its own guardsmen, where are they? Has everyone fled?" Then, he laughed. "If so, why, it makes our task all the easier. Forward!"
They burst into the great audience chamber, and it was lighted and the Temple was waiting for them.
The young Engineers were reinforced by commoners, weapons in hand and armored in spacesuits.
The invaders let out one roar and the forward ranks hurled spears that bounced off metal and plastic and tough cord. From the Engineers, arrows suddenly darkened the air, the whistling death flamed among the soldiers and the lines sagged amidst their toppling members.