And his thoughts brought understanding.

They were in the Thin World, a place outside the more solid worlds. Here only thought had actuality. Their bodies here were nothing but thought-projections. And here they must remain until the Chamber had had its way with their torn, tortured real bodies, healing them. For such were the unique powers of the Chamber.

'But my arm? And my eye?' Eldyn asked.

'You forgot you had lost them. Here you are as you think you are. And I—'

'Exactly as I have dreamed.' The thought left Eldyn's mind before it could be altered by her loyalty to Marion and her desire to return to Earth.

Krasno glanced at her sharply, but he seemed not displeased. And there was gratitude in his thoughts. Gratitude and surprised admiration for thehad taken—and failed miserably.

* * * *

She made no resistance as she was led back into the hall. Memories of the Thin World, of the nature of interacting bound charges, were arranging themselves in her mind. And she understood how to use that knowledge. Her was a triple mind with an understanding of Earth, of Varda, and of the Thin World. But somehow there was little satisfaction and no happiness in the belief that soon she could return to Earth.

The old woman began, for the benefit of the crowd, with a lengthy explanation that there was still some doubt in Krasno's case. He had, after all, given them the Luvans' secret, and he was necessary to the plan to infiltrate the Fortress and assassinate the leaders of the