You are safe--now, nor need you trouble.

For he has given you to me." "Who has given us to you--Norhala ?" I asked, as calmly as I could.
"He"-- she nodded to the Disk, then spoke the phrase that was both ancient Assyria's and ancient Persia's title for their all-conquering rulers, and that meant--"the King of Kings.

The Great King, Master of Life and Death." She took Ruth from Drake's arms, pointing to Ventnor.
"Bear him," she commanded, and led the way back through the walls of light.
As we lifted the body, I slipped my hand through the shirt, felt at the heart.

Faint was the pulsation and slow, but regular.
Close to the encircling vapors I cast one look behind me.

The shapes stood immobile, flashing disks, gigantic radiant stars and the six great spheres beneath their geometric super-Euclidean god or shrine or machine of interwoven threads of luminous force and metal--still motionless, still watching.
We emerged into the place of pillars.