databases. Rorden finds a message from Alaine but it simply states there are three ways to leave. Three years later, Rorden tells Alvin that he has deciphered Alaine's message, and takes him to a park in the center of Diaspar. There lies a monument to Yarlan Zey, designer of the park, which Rorden realizes was built to conceal some sort of transport. Rorden triggers a hidden elevator that takes them to an underground train station. A large map on the floor shows Diaspar as a brightly lit dot among many dimmed destinations, but one other dot remains lit, "Lys". After three days of preparation, Alvin steps into a waiting train car. Expecting an abandoned city, Alvin is shocked when he finds a thriving garden-like environment including a lake. He is taken to meet Seranis, leader of the local town of Airlee. She explains that Diaspar and Lys are two extremes of civilization, the ultimate end of those who preferred city or country. The inhabitants of Lys are different from his own people, living short but full lives and having telepathic abilities. Alvin is prevented from going home as the citizens do not want him to reveal Lys to the people of Diaspar. They contact Rorden and tell him that Alvin will stay five days to allow the council of Lys time to decide his fate. Alvin befriends Theon, Seranis' son, who takes Alvin camping. That night they see a bright light that Theon realizes comes from the ancient fortress of Shalmirane. Even Alvin has heard of Shalmirane; it is where mankind made its last stand against the Invaders. They decide to continue their hike and visit the fortress. At Shalmirane they find an old man who tells them his story; he was a follower of the Master, who came from space during the recovery following the invasion, attracting followers with his powers and machines. When he was dying, the Master spoke of the "Great Ones" returning, and his last words suggest he had lived on a planet around the Seven Suns, a wheel of multi-colored stars. The old man is the last remaining follower, sending signals into space to attract the Great Ones. He also controls the Master's machines, three advanced intelligent robots, but the Master instructed them to keep secrets. Alvin convinces the man to lend him one of the robots so he can take it to Rorden, promising