May we reach the Portal before it closes upon Lakla--but if we do not--" He paused again.

"Well--I know a way--but it is not one I am gay to follow--no!" He snapped open the aperture that held the ball flaming within the dark crystal; peered at it anxiously.

I crept to the torn end of the _corial_.

The edges were crumbling, disintegrated.

They powdered in my fingers like dust.