What is it they are heralding?
A new birth of Earth and the passing of man?
A new child to whom shall be given dominion--nay, to whom has been given dominion?
Or is it--taps--for Them ?" The drumming died as I listened--fearfully.

About us was only the swishing, the sighing of the falling trees beneath the tread of the Thing.

Motionless stood Norhala; and as motionless Ruth.
"Martin," I cried once more, a dreadful doubt upon me.

"Martin--what do you mean ?" "Whence did--They--come ?" His voice was clear and calm, the eyes beneath the red brand clear and quiet, too.

"Whence did They come--these Things that carry us?
That strode like destroying angels over Cherkis's city?
Are they spawn of Earth--as we are?
Or are they foster children--changelings from another star?
"These creatures that when many still are one--that when one still are many.