Book Two, Babylon, The Watchtowers: Chapters 16-20 Summary

Hausner and Dobkin concur that the terrorists will send a party to parley. Hausner asks Dobkin if he is with him or against him. Dobkin refuses to answer, and changes the subject to his leaving for the museum that evening. Dobkin does not think he will make it, and Hausner agrees, though he respects that Dobkin is still willing to go. Hausner spots a village in the distance. Dobkin confirms that it is the village of Kweirish, but doubts they will be of any assistance. They are peasants, and he is sure the Ashbals have taken control of the place. As Hausner reflects on the desolation of the area, he sees five men walking up the slope with a white flag. Dobkin and Hausner go to meet them.

Having instructed the...