Nathan stared. Where there had been only six Jewels in the niche, there were now seven floating in the air. Three were end to end, forming a vertical pillar. Around this pillar the other four formed a rotating square. As it rotated faster or slower the pitch of the musical note rose or fell.
The singing, floating Jewels came nearer ... vibrating with the forces of life. And then out of the midst of them a voice spoke.
"You have done well. You have my gratitude. I shall reward you."
Nathan felt a prickling of the back of his neck. And suddenly Firebird clutched his arm and was sobbing faintly. "Are we too late?" she asked.
"The ship of Plar has waited long, but the Envoys are patient. They await my report."
The Jewels wheeled in the air and sped towards the tunnel ramp that bore upward to the surface.
"Come," the voice said.
Mechanically, Firebird followed. Nathan moved beside her, not looking back at the fallen Tabor.
"What is it?" Nathan whispered hoarsely. "Are the Jewels alive?"