. . . An arm fell about Skag's shoulders.
"Brother?" Roderick Deal's fathomless eyes drew Skag's and held them while he spoke: "We are leaving you to be alone with her—at the last!"
The arm gripped as he added:
"You are to know this—we will not fail you, now!" and he was gone.
They were all gone.
Faint tones of the fever bird, ascending, came from far out. Other tones, descending, came from greater distances within. . . . She will not speak again!
Bhanah touched his sleeve.
"My Master!" The man's nearness of spirit, as he spoke, vibrated into Skag and roused him to something different, something clearer. "A mystic from the Vindha mountains has but just reached this place. They are very powerful, having great knowledge. This man is blood-kin to her. Give me permission and I will call him."
Skag looked into Bhanah's eyes, finding the ancient friendship there; then he said only one word:
"Hurry!"
Bhanah leaped away across the lawn and Skag turned to stand by Carlin's side.