Dodeth gaped speechlessly. The Eldest didn't seem to be making any more sense than the patrol robot had.
"No," the Keeper went on, "they haven't failed us. They have served us well. They have pointed out to us something which we have failed to see, and, in doing so, have saved us from making a catastrophic error."
"I don't understand," said Dodeth.
"I'll explain," the Elder Keeper said, "but first go over to that patrol robot and tell him quietly that the situation has changed. Tell him that we are no longer in any danger from the wygorex. Then bring him over here."
Dodeth did as he was told, without understanding at all.
"I still don't understand, sir," he said bewilderedly.
"Dodeth, what would happen if I told Arvam, here, to fire on you?"
"Why ... why, he'd refuse."
"Why should he?"