Clarion

CLARION

Paul began clearing away the vines and debris. Selmer and Karyn came to help, and it took them only a few minutes to get enough cleared away to be sure Dorland was right. The object was another chauka.

Selmer stepped back and used the sleeve of his coveralls to wipe the dust and sweat out of his eyes.

"Looks like it's in fairly good shape." In fact, when the surface of the dish itself became visible, Paul could see no damage at all. He used his pack to brush out the last of the thick dust and dead leaves. Then he saw something gleaming faintly near one edge of the dish.

"What's that?" Selmer reached past him and picked up a round disk. He brought it up closer to catch a ray of light coming through the door. Then he took in a quick, sharp breath. Paul looked closer. The face of the disk in Selmer's hand was engraved with an image of Lord Tern.