I finally prop Hooriya against the wall by the stairs so I can help the other women.

"Stay here. I'll carry you up when the others are taken care of. I need you to keep assuring them that we mean no harm." Soft, soulful cries are now coming from several of the cages and we need to get them out as quickly as possible.

Though Hooriya's voice is shaky, it's firm and soothing. Even if I can't understand the words, I understand the tone. A female paramedic arrives and helps ...