Now I mustgo, and he departed before Khian could
ask him when this otherprisoner would come.
This, however, Khian knew would never happen, for
thereason that first Nefra would choose to die. He saw himself led outto death
before her eyes and his gory head laid at her feet as anoffering.
Then, Khian, you shall die and not
before.
Anath prostrated himself, rose, and clapped his
hands.
Thus said Khian, then bowed to Apepi and was
silent. As you are affianced to our Queen, I do notmind talking of these things to
you. Behold your servant, Prince, who is appointed to wait upon you. We heard that
youwere dead of sickness, Priest Temu. Your Majesty knows well that I am none of
these. You arenot making me party to some plot against my father, are you? At last I
have found one who is good and honest, although of an eviltrade, said
Khian.
The boltswere drawn by the jailer who had joined
them; it opened.
At last I have found one who is good and honest,
although of an eviltrade, said Khian. And yet this came about, and now that knot
must be undone. Even then the purpose of thistrap came into Khians
mind.
A messenger from Pharaoh tothe Prince
Khian.
Also, why are those troops gathered yonder and
whither do theships sail up Nile?
And nowhere is a present for you, Ru, a chain of
fine gold that I have wornmyself. I believe that he still sleeps but there will be a
Court beforenoon, at which you must appear. Khian, I say that you are a thief, a
liar, and atraitor, and that as such I will deal with you. Yes, Ru, there they all
are who I wish were somewhere else.
Is it to make another war upon the South? Pharaohs
word is spoken, let Pharaohs willbe done! I see that you wear a royal ring, Scribe
Rasa. Why, Lord, by finding friends who are stronger than Apepi. Hefled away
suddenly before I could have speech with him.