“This order came from the machine?”

“Yes.  There was a mistake, and Horng realized it after you linked with him this morning.  The Outsiders, or Kor or whatever it is, had overestimated us.”

“Maybe then, but not now.  They’re committing suicide!” Rynason said.

“I know, and I tried to tell them that.  But the machine says differently.  Lee, do you think that’s really the Outsiders?”

“If it is,” he said slowly, “they wouldn’t send the Hirlaji against us without some help.”  He thought a minute, while the wind of the Flat blew sand against his leg and static came from the radio.  “They could be making another mistake!” Mara said.  “I’m sure what they told the Outsiders wasn’t true—­they think they’re as strong as they were before.  But their eyes ... their eyes are afraid.  I know it.”

“Do they know what you’re saying to me?”

“No.  Lee, I’m not even sure they know what a radio is.  Maybe they think I carry my portable altar with me.”  Her voice had taken on a frantic note.  “It’s a ... a simple case of freedom of religion, Lee!  Freedom of religion!”

“Mara!  Calm down!  Calm down!” He waited for a few seconds, until her voice came again, more quietly: 

“I’m sorry ... it’s just that they’re so....”

“Forget it.  Sit tight there.  I think I know how to slip in—­alone.”  He switched off.

He stood up and shrugged his shoulders heavily, loosening his tensed muscles.  Then he turned purposefully to Manning.

“The rest of the party won’t be here for awhile yet, so you can’t possibly go in now.  I’m going to try to get Mara out before any fighting starts.”

“What if they capture you too?” Manning said.  “I can’t hold off an attack too long—­you could be right about the Outsiders helping them.  The sooner we finish them off, the better.”

Rynason looked coldly at him.  “You heard what Mara said.  We won’t have any trouble taking them.  You can’t attack them while she’s in there, though.  Or can you?”

“Lee.  I’ve told you—­I can’t take chances.  If the Outsiders are in this, it’s a dangerous business.  You can go in if you want, but we’re not waiting more than half an hour for you to get out.”

Rynason met his gaze steadily for a moment, then nodded brusquely.  “All right.”  He turned and moved into the over-hanging shadows of the mountains, toward the ancient, alien city.

* * * * *

He stayed in the shadows as he approached the walls of the fortress, darting quickly across exposed ground.  The Hirlaji were large and powerful, physical battle with them was of course out of the question.  But he had some things on his side:  he was small, and therefore less likely to be seen; he was faster than the quiet, aged aliens.  And he knew the city, the fortress and the temple, almost as well as they did.