"We cannot fight the whole Argzoon nation," Carnak said in a low voice.

“I know," I said. "But the whole Argzoon nation is not here. There are perhaps two hundred warriors in all—and they are demoralized."

"Is this true? Really true?" Carnak was grinning excitedly.

"It is true," I said, "but you are outnumbered as well as unarmed. We must think carefully—but first we must escape from here."

"That should not be difficult in our present mood," replied Carnak. "There are usually more guards, but at present there are only two." He pointed to the other entrance to the cave. It was made of wickerwork, that was all. "Normally the cave beyond is thick with guards and all who have tried to escape that way have been cut down or forced back and sacrificed to the N'aal Beast. But now..."

With Movat Jard close at my heels, I strode to the door and immediately began hacking at it with my sword.

Movat Jard joined me, using his axe. The prisoners crowded eagerly behind us, Carnak well to the fore.

From the other side of the door we heard a grunt of surprise. Then an Argzoon yelled:

"Cease—or you'll be food for the N'aal!"     "The N'aal is dead," I replied. "You address the two who slew it."

We forced the door down. It fell outwards and crashed to the floor, revealing two baffled-looking guards, their swords in their hands.

Movat Jard and I rushed at them instantly and had soon despatched them in as swift a series of strokes as I shall ever witness.

Carnak bent down and took one of the swords from the fallen guard. Another man also took a sword and two others helped themselves to a mace and an axe respectively.

"We must go to the Weapon Chambers of Argzoon," Movat Jard said. "Once there, we can equip ourselves properly."

"Where lie these dungeons?" I asked.

"Why, under the Black City. There are several entrances."

"And where lie the Weapon Chambers?"

"In the castle—Horguhl's castle. If we are quick we can get there before they return to the city. They must be in some confusion."

"Movat Jard, why do you help us against your own folk?" Carnak asked. He seemed just a little suspicious, for he had already experienced one clever Argzoon trap.

"I have learned much from a little that Michael Kane here said, and what he did, once, for me. I have learned that ideas can sometimes rise above blood loyalties. And besides, it is Horguhl whom I fight, not the Argzoon. If we beat her, then I shall have to decide again what my attitude is—but not until she no longer rules the Argzoon!"