The telepath is due to arrive in one hour, Rick. Where are you now?
On the outskirts, just coming into the city. I'll be there to spring you in plenty of time.
The main palace was visible ahead, about a mile further into the city. Mason quickened his pace. There was time but not much.
He stepped between a pair of drunken Mordargans who were jostling each other on the narrow street. Suddenly one of them turned and said, "Hey, there's an Earthman. Come on, Terran. Have a drink with us?"
They were wobbling unsteadily. Mason caught his breath. He had little enough time to get to Klon Darra as it was. He calculated the speed at which they could move and wondered if he could outrun them.
"Sorry," he snapped. "I'm too busy for a drink now."
He lowered his head and ran.
They grunted in surprise and started to chase him. He heard their heavy feet clobbering along on the pavement. He cursed. They were probably just trying to be sociable but this was no time for that.
"Ho, Earthman! You run fast but your legs are short!"