I looked up at her gravely, and shook my head.
"We shall go," I said, "and we shall take with us your words. But I warn you that the words you have spoken are treason to the universe, in that you have defied the Council!"
Liane leaped from her throne, her scarlet lips drawn back against her white and gleaming teeth. Her eyes, dilated with anger, blazed down upon us almost as hotly as the flame which rose behind her.
"Go! And quickly!" she fairly screamed. "If you have no desire to feel the embrace of the sacred Flame, then go!"
I bowed silently, and motioned to Correy and Kincaide. Swiftly, we made our way down a long aisle, surrounded by motionless figures staring unwinkingly at the column of fire, toward the door by which we had entered this great chamber.
Behind us, I could hear Liane's clear voice lifted in her own guttural language, as she addressed the multitude.
Safely within the Ertak, we discussed the morning's adventure over a late luncheon.
"I suppose," said Kincaide, "there's nothing left to do but tell Fetter as much as seems wise, to reassure him, and then return to Base to make our report."
"We'll come back, if we do," growled Correy. "And we'll come back to fight. The Council won't stand for her attitude."