"How often can I use it?"
"As often as you like. It is good for fifty years. Kaatr—he is the one you destroyed—brought it from the ship when we came. Many times he has used it unwisely."
"When did you come?"
"Ten years ago. I was a child."
"I thought only criminals were brought here."
She nodded. "Criminals, and their children."
"When will your people come again?"
She shook her head. "Never. They are no longer my people. They have disowned us."
"And because of me even those in the cavern have disowned you."
Suddenly she stiffened beside him. There, directly in their path, stood the Sand God. It was blood red now. It pulsed violently. The great voice burst forth.