They ran quickly to the gate and noiselessly unbarred it.

Outside were five more desert nomads, gathered about the insensible bodies of the sentries.
These nine men were the dancers who had entered the town in advance of Kathlyn.

For weeks they had lain in wait for this moment.

They had spied upon the three low caste keepers and upon learning of their nocturnal junkets into the opium den had cast the die this night.
With the utmost caution they approached the sacred elephant, took off his chains and led him from the compound.

Immediately six of the marauders trotted far ahead toward the gate they knew to be the least guarded.