 What message for humanity does the author wish to communicate, regarding the fate of the Ryzgas?
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] But its outward perils could not compare with the Ryzgas themselves, who slept within, ready to wake and conquer.... For the flame that had sprung between them at the Truce of New Grass, she had challenged the feud of their peoples and had left her home, to follow him. Now, if her father and his kinsmen overtook them, it would be death for Var, and for Neena living shame. While she waited he spun a dream, attaching it to the crags that loomed over the pass, and to the frozen ground underfoot. It was black night, as it would really be when Groz and his henchmen reached this place; lurid fire spewed from the Ryzga mountain, and strange lights dipped above it; and for good measure there was an avalanche in the dream, and hideous beasts rushed snapping and ravening from the crevices of the rock. Both had heard of this place, and the ancient who lived there to keep watch on the Ryzga mountain, as a part of the oldest legends of their childhood; but neither had been here before. Var eyed the ice-curtain closely to make sure that it was real, not dream-stuff; then he struck it boldly with his fist. Var saw with some surprise that all the walls were sheathed in ice—warm to the touch, bound fast against melting by the Watcher's will. Behind them began a tinkling of falling water, thawed from the glacial ridges above to descend sheet-wise over the cave mouth, freezing as it fell into lengthening icicles. Hot food and drink were before them almost at once. Warming to the old man now, Var sketched his and Neena's history briefly. And before very long, I'm sure, I would have performed some deed which Groz would recognize as a worthy exploit, and would thus have healed the feud between our families. Var nodded somberly, thinking that an old recluse would in any case be able to do little for them against Groz and his violent kinsfolk. I have only one idea left: we can go where Groz may fear to follow us." The Watcher was broodingly silent; his eyes shifted to Neena, where she nestled by Var's side. That is the second part of the law the First Watcher made: to guard lest the unwary and the ignorant should bring harm on themselves and on all men." "In the hollow heart of their mountain the Ryzgas sleep, as they chose to do when their world crumbled.
 We should be grateful for natural gifts bestowed by the Earth, and not try to seek more beyond life's simple pleasures
 While social stratification may benefit one group temporarily, eventually it will shatter social institutions  Humans are doomed to repeat history until they wipe out their entire race  We should be grateful for natural gifts bestowed by the Earth, and not try to seek more beyond life's simple pleasures  Actions and decisions made in the name of love can breed destructive hatred