Andros and Hyla were already picking their way down toward the sand.

Did you see much of the Hyla when you were out there?

Such a thing might have driven a lesser person mad, Hyla thought.

Behind him, Andros and Hyla began to descend the slope, closing the gap.

Seeing Vor's silhouette, Andros and Hyla scrambled like spiders up the rocky notch.

Andros and Hyla reached the shield belt he had thrown away.

Even Hyla could see that his attempt at a disarming smile was not convincing.

As soon as Hyla killed Inulto, five of the desert men rushed forward, howling.

Andros and Hyla both let go at the same time, as if by mutual decision.

Behind them, Andros and Hyla reached the sand and burst forward, not seeming to tire.

Now Hyla launched herself at him, and Vor fired the flare gun at her chest.

But little Hyla, the tree-frog, was nothing daunted.

But Hyla hesitated, sensing something, while Andros picked up the shield belt with a sour frown.

In all that time, Andros and Hyla had nothing to do but think and stew and plan.

Andros and Hyla were not concerned about the dozens of Freemen fighters who came to face them.

The moment he moved, Hyla dismissively reached out and caught the young man's throat with one hand.