Into the Pits

A few minutes later, all five of them were standing in the pits, having just teleported over from the surface while being witnessed by all the slaves who had showed fear, for the first time, since he had seen them when the crimson crystal had flashed and taken them away.

Daneel felt his own memories of his life as a slave return when he saw the grim, narrow passageway that they had teleported to. He was led forward by the old man, hobbling along on a stick that was as gnarled as him.

No one was required to be in charge of the town, upstairs. Just a single word from him had calmed down everyone, and after telling them that they should stay put until they returned, they had departed.