The Nehogan general and Lete were closeted with Jupiter in the Mizar, laying their final plans, when a postern gate opened and a man left the city, made his way alone toward the lines of the invading army.
He was a Caligan in a living, yellow furred boj and sandals. His eyes were peculiar--a glazed blue like enamelware. He made no move to escape or defend himself when the pickets grabbed him.
He said that he had a message for the Wanderer-from-Beyond from the Anolyn.
He was turned over to a Nehogan officer and brought before Jupiter in the Mizar.
One look at the man told Jupiter that he was possessed--that he was merely a vehicle through which some Anolyn inside the city was seeing, hearing, speaking, acting--
In an undertone he cautioned Lete and the Nehogan general not to mention their plans, turned to the Caligan envoy.
The Caligan stood like a man in a cataleptic trance, regarded Jupiter with fixed, unwinking attention.
"I am to inform you that the girl, Tabak, and the man, Reiloc, are unharmed."
Jupiter realized suddenly that his forehead was covered with sweat. He didn't interrupt.
The Caligan continued in that flat, unemotional voice:
"Unless you disband your army and send them away, the girl will be turned over to the long-tailed Begans to play with. If she survives the animal-men, which is doubtful, she will be sent to the biological laboratories for vivisection. Reiloc, of course, will be operated on immediately."
The Caligan paused. The control blister was still.
"In the event you agree to the Anolyn terms," the emissary went on, "both Tabak and Reiloc will be set free outside the city gates. You are to take them aboard your ship and leave Yogol forever.
"Post-hypnotic commands have been implanted in both their minds. If you return or attempt treachery, of any kind, they will kill you.
"You have until sunup to give us your decision."
Jupiter let his breath run out between his teeth. The orange sun was sinking into the _Dra Dur_. Lete's yellow eyes glittered. The Nehogan general opened his mouth to speak. But Jupiter silenced him with an imperative gesture.
"This is not something to be decided without thought," he told the unwinking emissary. "We'll give you our answer before daybreak." He turned to the guards. "Lock him in my cabin."