Shizala and I still watched from the balcony but I felt impatient, anxious to join the brave warriors defending the city. Darnad had already gone to rally his men.

I turned to Shizala, feeling moved, in spite of myself, at her closeness. "What of your remaining aircraft? Where are they?"

"We are keeping them in reserve," she told me. They will be of better use as a surprise later."

"I understand," I told her. "But what can I do? How can I help?"

"Help? It is not for you—a guest—to concern yourself with our problems. I was thoughtless—I should have sent you away with Telem Fas Ogdai."

"I am not a coward," I reminded her. "I am a skilled swordsman and have been shown great kindness and hospitality by you and your folk. I would regard it as an honor to fight for you!"

She smiled then. "You are a noble stranger, Michael Kane. I know not how you came to Vashu—but I feel it is good that you should be here now. Go then—find Darnad and he will tell you how you can help."

I bowed briefly and left, running down the stairs of the tower until I had reached the main hall, now in confusion, with men and women rushing this way and that.

I made my way through them, asking a warrior if he knew where I might find the Bradhinak Darnad.

"I heard that the east wall is weakest. You will probably find him there."

I thanked the warrior and left the palace, heading for the east wall. The main buildings of the city, sturdily built of stone as they were, were not damaged by the fire-bombs hurled by the Argzoon catapults, but here and there bundles of fabric and dry sticks had caught, and single pumps were being operated by women in an effort to put them out. Thick smoke burnt my lungs and made my eyes water. My ears were assailed by cries and shouts from all sides.

And outside—outside the mighty hordes of Blue Giants battered against the city walls. An invincible force?

I did not let my thoughts dwell on that idea!

At last I saw Darnad through the smoke near the wall. He was in consultation with two of his officers who were pointing up at the walls, evidently showing him the weakest points. He was frowning thoughtfully, his mouth set in a grim line.

"How can I assist you?" I asked, clapping him on the shoulder.

He looked up wearily.

"I do not know, Michael Kane. Could you magically bring half a million men to our aid?"

"No," I said, "but I can use a sword."

He deliberated. Plainly he was unsure of me and I could not blame him for wondering about one who was, after all, untried.

Just then there came an exultant shout from the wall—a shout that did not issue from a Karnala throat.