They were only just in time. As the last four defenders of Kalonia descended the central access ramp into the zone of the sanctum, they could already hear the sounds of exultant Riders galloping through the dome. There would be rioting and looting soon, of that there could be no doubt. The great blast shield doors slammed shut behind them, leaving Cwendor, Malorye, Orietta and Embelin sealed in with the silent seers of the sanctum. "What can we do now?", Orietta asked. "Very little except wait and hope", Cwendor answered bitterly. "The doors are strong", Embelin interjected, "and it is not clear that the Riders understand enough about the design and purpose of our Enclave to even realise that we have this sanctum. If we stay hidden, when they have had their fill of destruction we may well emerge safely to pick up the pieces." "And what of Crinomu and Asanka?" "Your lover and your son have been warned of the attack and even now they return from their quest", Malorye said. "They have lifted the curse of Kalonia, but none of us could have expected such a bitter sequel to what should have been a triumph and so very soon afterwards! We must hope that our friends may come back swiftly and safely and maybe they will find some way to aid us." "Yet I do not see what two alone can possibly do against so many", Cwendor said.