close.
Dumarest whispered, 'Tell him to report to the other cyber.' He had seen the glow of the scarlet robe. 'You will attend me until Dumarest is taken. Hurry!'
A matter of efficiency which the acolyte could appreciate. Avro was in no immediate danger but the quarry must be taken at all costs. And, if there was doubt, Ishaq could settle it.
He came forward, impatient at the delay, the need to accede to Avro's decision. The operation had been badly conducted; too much time had passed since Dumarest had entered the trap. He should now be safely contained. As it was he had managed to hurt Avro and done who knew what else?
'Wait.' He called after the pair now moving toward the woman's raft. 'Cyber Avro. A moment.'
One in which the masquerade would be exposed and what would happen to her for having aided the deception? Wynne felt the sudden rising of panic.
'No!' She twisted away with desperate strength, breaking Dumarest's hold tearing herself from the blade at her side.
'He isn't Avro! He's the man you want! Dumarest! He's Dumarest!'
The betrayal he had feared. Now only speed could save him. Dumarest straightened, running toward the raft, his hand diving into a pocket and finding the keys he'd taken from Wynne's clothing.
A precaution justified as she called, 'He can't get away. It's locked. I've-' Her tone changed as she discovered the theft. 'Get to the other raft. Chase him. Move, damn you! Move!'
Orders followed as Ishaq gestured obedience. Dumarest reached Wynne's vehicle as the cyber and his men climbed into their own, the woman with them, eager to demonstrate her loyalty.
It lifted as Dumarest fumbled with the keys, finding the right one almost too late, jerking the raft up from beneath the shadow of the other. A beam struck the rear edge and metal flowed from the point of impact. More as the laser quested for the generator to wreck it and bring down the raft. Shots which ended as Dumarest sent it darting forward to hover over the waterfall, hanging poised as the other vehicle came up behind him, men leaning over the rail ready to jump when given the chance.
As it drew close Dumarest hit the controls.
Fire streamed from the rear of his raft; the roaring torch of the auxiliary burners Wynne had demonstrated during the night. Livid flames bathed the other raft with their fury. Searing those it contained like ants in a blowtorch. Sending them to fall into the chasm of the waterfall as Dumarest rose toward the sky, to freedom, to the man who could tell him how to find Earth.
