That was another reason why we should not expose ourselves! The Argzoon would enjoy taking vengeance on members of the race that had defeated them.

But these warriors were too tired even to notice us. They just staggered on down the twisting path towards the cavern world, where the great bonfires crackled and attempted to heat and light the place with little success.

We could not wait for nightfall here, for it was perpetual night! How could we reach the city and discover where Shizala was imprisoned?

There was nothing for it but to begin creeping down the path, keeping to the shadows as best we could, hoping that the Argzoon would be too busy with their own affairs, treating their wounded, assessing their strength and so on, to notice us.

Not once did either of us think of returning to find help. It seemed too late for that. We must rescue Shizala ourselves. But then it occurred to me! Who else knew where Shizala was held? Who else   had   all   the   information   concerning   the Argzoon that we had? The answer was plain—none. When we had gone a little distance I turned to Darnad and said bluntly: "You must go back."

"Go back? Are you mad?"

"No—I'm perfectly sane for once. Don't you realize that if we are both killed in this attempt, then there can be no further attempts to save Shizala— for what we know will die with us!"

"I had not thought of that," he mused. "But why should I go back? You go. I will try to ..."

"No. You know the geography of Vashu better than I. I might easily get lost. Now you have led me to the Mountains of Argzoon you must return to the nearest friendly settlement, send messengers to tell where I am, where Shizala is—get the news out as fast as you can. Then a big force of warriors can come here while the Argzoon are still depleted and recovering and wipe out the threat of the Blue Giants once and for all!"

"But it will take me weeks to get back to civilization of any sort. If you get into trouble here you will be dead long before I can bring help."

"If personal safety were our first consideration," I reminded him, "neither of us would be here now. You must see the logic of what I say. Go!"

He thought deeply for a moment, then clapped me on the shoulder, turned and began to make his way rapidly back in the direction we had come.

Once made up, Darnad's mind made him act swiftly.

Now I crept on, feeling somehow even smaller and weaker in the face of monstrous nature now that Darnad had gone.

Somehow I managed to get to the base of the path without being seen.

Somehow I managed to dash from cliff-wall to the shadow of the city and hug myself close to the rough-hewn stone.