Are you content, Councillors and Elders of the
Dawn, or doyou demand further proofs? Surely the man and his axe would be well
suited tosuch a purpose. Yet was it ofthis that thou wouldst ask me? He is a thief
of the desert who has stolen half Egypt and holdsit by force and fraud. I was
amountain of which the point appeared amidst a forest.
Hadhe not been so, never would he have undertaken
this mission understrange conditions. In its fierce heat the forestswithered and
passed away in fire. Then, advancing to the side of the chair, Royaddressed
her.
Look how their sharpoutlines seem to cut into the
heavens.
With her sceptre Nefra signed that he and all
should rise.
Well, there are the palms and I see noman, nor can
I walk any farther in this accursed sand. With her sceptre Nefra signed that he and
all should rise. I thank you, Prophet, said Khian, bowing, and all these things
Iswear gladly. Tell me, holyProphet, have you learned aught concerning this Khian?
Isay by a spirit, for woman she cannot be.
Yes, Sir, here and hereabouts, replied Nefra with
vagueness. Now Nefra started and bit her lip as though to keep herself from
theuttering of rash words.
Nothing more could be seen in that dim light.
Surely it is my pleasure, answered Khian, and was led away. I pray you tell me, who
are you and what is your business with me? Let him attack if he will to find naught
but tombspeopled with the dead. Do you accept this royalty, great asmay be its
burdens and its perils? Sit down and take a cup of wine, for this place iscramping
to one of your stature.
Then, Tau, all is finished and we must find another
road.
Isay by a spirit, for woman she cannot
be.
Ru took the cup which he proffered to him and
drained it.
But tell me, Sir, are you acquainted with
thepyramids?