The shot reverberated in the chamber of horrors like a clap of thunder. The lone Anolyn slumped forward, half its head shot away.
With drawn sword, Reiloc leaped past Jupiter. He ran for the glowing idol, began to hack at one of ten tentacles with his sword. Tabak and Jupiter were right behind him. They grabbed Lete by either arm, hauled the bemused cave girl to her feet.
Some of the shock of the Anolyn's sudden death had been transmitted to the humans under its control. They stared at the profaners of the temple with pained uncomprehending eyes.
Reiloc snatched up the severed radioactive tentacle, dashed after Jupiter and Tabak who were half carrying Lete between them.
"This way!" Tabak cried. "This way!"
They burst out of the sanctum into a broad corridor, almost ran over another Anolyn. Jupiter shot it in its tracks.
No signs of pursuit had developed by the time they reached the ramp. Lete was recovering from her shock. She struggled wildly, cried:
"What's happening? What are you doing with me?"
"We're escaping," Jupiter grunted.
"But you can't. The first Anolyn we meet will stop us. I don't understand—"