Tau heard and smiled in his slow, secret way. It
died away; there was deep silence; he heard a rustling as of robes. Presently
voices, mens voices, prayed him to rise.
Tau heard and smiled in his slow, secret way. It
died away; there was deep silence; he heard a rustling as of robes. Perhaps it had
been loosened, at least it fell.
Yet, when you could have escaped, why did youfly
away, as I saw you do? Learn to obey if you would command,and seek, not self-will or
glory but the light.
As he came the first ofthem leapt at
Nefra.
Anath came to him with reports of affairs, to which
he listenedpatiently, saying little.
Yet hedrives his chariot over four of them and
pierces the fifth throughwith his spear. This done, he turned to Temu and other
scribes, saying to them thewords that they should write. It grew nearer andmore
near, and now through the dust shone helms and spears andburnished chariots. You
seem to have taken some hurt, Son, said Apepi in a cold voice. Apepis captain
appeared by the chariot of Khian.
Then he made a sign whereon certain armed slaves
ran forward. Nor will you escape from the palace for the secondtime. Nor will you
escape from the palace for the secondtime. On he drove till he saw where a generals
standardflew. Past him, staggering backwards,went the form of Pharaoh, and in his
breast was fixed a knife.
My honour has never yet been doubted, Khian called
back.
It seemed to him that theblack tormentors shrank
from their office. Apepi laughed cruelly and answered:All in good time, but not yet,
I think. Apepi loosed his hold and with a cry fell backwards into themoat
beneath.
You could and will, I am sure, my Uncle, Nefra
answered, tossing herhead.
Still, Son, Iwill repeat them to you, that you may
never say you have not beenfairly dealt with.
He shut his eyes, making his soul ready
todepart.
Refuse, and I will kill youevery one and take him,
living or dead, to his father, Apepi thePharaoh.