The world, like a colossal iron wedge, crushed itself between.

She was thrust to the wall.

The throng of men, stamping, surrounded Magnus; she could no longer see him, but, terror-struck, she listened.

There was a moment's lull, then a vast thunder of savage jubilation.

Magnus had signed.
Harran found his mother leaning against the wall, her hands shut over her ears; her eyes, dilated with fear, brimming with tears.