Kolano shrugged. "Great Prince Toka is even now reconsidering--and
seeing that certain things are ordained."
Held immobile and bathed in a cold sweat, Toka found his swift mind
reconsidering. Roya and Elees--about to be--He dare not think it--his
reason would shatter to insanity! The sweat dripped into his eyes as he
fought his voice from shaking. "I accept!"
Kolano was smiling softly. "Great Prince Toka may now return to his
rooms. The wedding shall then occur--after which Toka shall be given
his weapons and sent to the realm of Ophid."
The Old Ones' silvery eyes lessened their hypnotic intensity and Toka
whirled for the opening doors. A gong was joyous somewhere outside. An
exultant choraling was beginning. The high portals at the bottom of the
spiral stairway swung in as Toka neared the last step. The cortege ran
to escorting position as Toka raced down the Hall Of Life. He spared a
glance for the latest art work--a portrayal of his recent experiences
up in that domed court.
Alota was flashing her wand to his doors. Toka was across the restored
lounge room and into his bedroom--was shaking Rok violently, then Old
Ledo.
"Holy lizards!" Rok snapped. "What's wrong?"
The distant gonging and choraling an affirming background, Toka tried
to begin educating his friends.
But the angry Rok leaped for the lounge room. "I'll murder every
blasted Kosannan and dragon in my way!"
The deadly angry Old Ledo's voice rasped more sanely. "We've got to get
Toka's weapons first!"