They swarmed up into tall pillars that shook and swayed and gyrated.
With blinding flash upon flash the sapphire incandescences struck forth at their feet.

A score of flaming columned shapes leaped up and curved in meteor flight over the tumultuous curtain.

Streaming with violet fires they shot back to the valley of the City.
"Hai!" shouted Norhala as they flew.

"Hai!" Up darted her arms; the starry galaxies of her eyes danced madly, shot forth visible rays.

The mighty curtain of the Metal Things pulsed and throbbed; its units interweaving--block and globe and pyramid of which it was woven, each seeming to strain at leash.
"Come!" cried Norhala--and led the way through the portal.
Close behind her we pressed.