They were at one of the windows. A cautious call had come from the woods. A low hail.
"Lea!" It came again. "Lea! Don't start the tower! I'm coming."
Lentz's voice! They both recognized it. Lea went to the doorway. San was alert at the controls with his gaze on her.
"Wait, San." She gestured. "Wait! I see him."
Lentz appeared from a thicket near by.
"Lea?"
"Yes, Lentz. Where is Alan?"
"I'm coming in. Don't start the tower." He approached. "Disaster, Lea. We could do nothing. Alan was killed by Turber."
Her heart went cold. She stood on the steps. Lentz was alone. He came up the steps, into the tower room. There was blood on his right hand; one of its fingers was mangled. He held out the wounded hand.