Now they knew.

     Moving as one they climbed out of bed, moved to the center of the great room, turned to each other and joined hands.

     "Children of The Light!", they intoned into the all-enveloping darkness.  Raising their joined hands, they continued.  "Wherever ye may dwell, hear us!  The time for battle is at hand!"

    Once more the moved their joined hands, this time outwards to either side.

     They waited.

     The silence seemed to stretch into eternity.

     Suddenly the room was filled with a flash of light more brilliant than the Sun.  When it disappeared it left behind a Host of Beings  - all dressed in full-length silver robes.

    "We have come, Pierun!", the Host intoned, as of one voice.
 
    "So be it!", replied Napoleon Solo.  "Are you prepared to fight    beyond Death?"

     "We are prepared", came the reply.

     "Are the children in position?", asked Illya.

     "Yes", answered the Host.

     The brilliant Light appeared once more but, this time, it remained.

     The battle was joined.