And for the third and, soul's sorrow! the last time, Lakla dimpling and blushing, I thrilled to the touch of her soft, sweet lips.
Quickly were our preparations for departure made.

Rador, conscious, his immense vitality conquering fast his wounds, was to be borne ahead of us.

And when all was done, Lakla, Larry, and I made our way up to the scarlet stone that was the doorway to the chamber of the Three.

We knew, of course, that they had gone, following, no doubt, those whose eyes I had seen in the curdled mists, and who, coming to the aid of the Three at last from whatever mysterious place that was their home, had thrown their strength with them against the Shining One.

Nor were we wrong.