Free What Lies Within (Book 5) by Martin Ash Page B

operates on the principal of Reciprocity,' Orbelon said. 'That is to say that it requires an exchange each time it is used; when a person enters at one end someone else must be taken at random from the other and instantaneously transported through.'
       'Without knowing?' Issul was horrified.
       Orbelon nodded. 'Not knowing. They arrive suddenly . . . wherever.'
       'That’s inhuman!'
       'Perhaps, but we are not speaking of human affairs. Now, an obturation is a rare augmentation which must be used with extreme care. Its effect is to nullify the exchange, at least in theory. The Portal operates both ways still, but along a single channel only.'
       'At Enchantment's Reach you told me that your world could be destroyed if other individuals entered.'
       'Yes. That is the point of the exchange. The balance is not disrupted. Now, however, individuals may leave without others being drawn in. Still, universal law applies. Somewhere, perhaps on the far edge of this universe or any other, a star will implode or a new planet will be born where it should not. Or perhaps a war will begin or end. Everything has its consequence. The exact nature cannot be predicted. The obturation has very limited use, however, before the lack of exchange creates a blockage of the way. Usage beyond that point generates immediate and critical consequences. I just hope that Urch-Malmain and the entities he has employed know this. It is a most dangerous beast in irresponsible hands.'
       'So Urch-Malmain is preparing to leap out, but does not wish anyone to be brought through to him or his point of origin?' said Issul. 
       Orbelon nodded. 'The question remains, why? A transient obturation is not simple to install, nor is it wholly reliable. And Urch-Malmain would care not a fig for the welfare of any unfortunate brought to him, under normal circumstances.'
       'The Reciprocity contributes to the tail's thrashing,' stated Triune. 'For as it disgorges it must also seek. Nullifying it improves Urch's chances of stabilizing the tail and directing it to a point of his choosing.'
       'That has to be it,' Orbelon agreed.
       'Will he know who it is that opposes him now?' asked Issul.
       'We think it unlikely.' Triune replied. 'He will simply know that he is opposed.'
       Issul closed her eyes. Oh Leth! My babies! Have you also encountered Urch-Malmain? What is happening to you?
       'This is better!' announced Triune, six hands to the disks. 'We are holding it this time!'
       Issul looked at the scene before her. For some time now the discoloured cloud had remained in one location. Even as she watched the scene flickered and faded.
       Triune swore. 'Urch, or his entities, evade us with some skill!'
       A new scene appeared, to Issul's eyes a blaze of strange colours and shapes, through which a craggy, wild landscape could just be discerned.
       'Ah, it falls this time within Enchantment,' said Triune. Six white hands again plied the golden disks. Issul averted her eyes. The strange scene was disorientating.
       'Can you hold it?' asked Orbelon. Issul could feel his agitation.
       'We think . . . bah! No.'
       'What has happened?'
       'Cunning entities!'
       Something new appeared within the frame of glowing wires and hovering disks in Triune's chamber. A vague semblance of a figure, perhaps humanoid, somewhat wisp-like, peering uncertainly about itself. 'Who are you?' it said, its voice a breathy, unnatural whisper. From its manner it was apparent that it could see neither Triune, Orbelon or Issul.
       'Stay silent!' hissed Triune to Issul.
       'I say again, who are you? What do you want?' demanded the apparition.
       Orbelon drew Issul back into the main area of the chamber, then told her in an undertone, 'We are almost certainly looking at one of the entities that have constructed the Portal. Interesting. Urch-Malmain is plainly perturbed.'
       'Will you or Triune speak to it?' Issul asked.
       'That