The drumming had stopped; the Drummers all sat impassively, clearly 
content to wait—for years if necessary—for a woman who could take 
Miranda's place. The light from their flesh had diminished, and the overhead 
mediatron had gone dim and vague. Carl Hollywood, seeing at last a role for 
himself, stepped into the center, got one arm under Miranda's knees and another 
beneath her shoulders, and lifted her into the air. Nell turned around and led 
them up out of the cavern, holding her sword out before her; but none of the 
Drummers moved to stop them.