I weighed the weapon in my hand; not so heavy as I
would have liked,but still a sword.
When I have eaten and drunk we will
talk.
And then I took another drink and forgot about
Jim.
At the doorwas a guard of a dozen women with a
bold-eyed young captain.
But I was sure that they had not allbeen
dreams.
From every side the mist wraithswere hurrying,
melting into it.
I was not as drunk as I hadbeen when Lur had come
in on me, but in a way I was drunker. I heard her murmur, half-contemptuously:Your
strength was never in your head, Tibur! Her hand slipped from myshoulder and rested
on my heart.
Then guide me into Karak to make amends for
yourinsolence, Tibur!
Down upon the defenders raced a riverof mounted
men.
Bring me water to drink, I said, emphatically.
Myheart leaped as I saw it, and for an instant I had an almostungovernable impulse
to turn and run. I wanted some more wine, and I wantedto know when, where and how I
was going to eat. We were going through the city beyond the citadel, and we went
fast.
Ifthere is anything you wish, summon me by this.
This was not Ayjirland,yet the people were of the ancient breed! But always I
learned the traps my cityconcealed before I took it.
Their leader was clothed in shining mail. Show me
the place from whence you came, the High Priest spokeswiftly. I hoped thatLur had
plenty of wine wherever she was taking me. And Iwished fervently I knew under what
circumstances it would be helpful tome.
Ifthere is anything you wish, summon me by
this.
Her eyes glowed, and a deeper rose stainedher
cheeks.
My blouse was gone, and in its place a lightsilken
tunic. It came to me that the throne I had usurped was Tiburs. I jumped out of the
hands of my masseurs, ran over to my trousers anddived into my belt.
It came to me that the throne I had usurped was
Tiburs.
Lur laughed, and put herhand over my
mouth.
Then Iremembered what Evalie had told me, and knew
this must be Yodin theHigh Priest. He paid not theslightest attention to me. These
are strange things you tell us, he said at last.
The colour of its water was pale emerald, and like
an emerald itgleamed, placid, untroubled. I slipped the ring offmy thumb and into my
belt pocket.
Women came in with steamingdishes, with ewers of
wine, with fruits. Shehad thought me other than I was, thought me hare-brain,
imposter,trickster.
I put the point of the dagger at her throat.