Part 15 (1/2)
Taenuine that Jotan stopped After all, it meant the difference of only a few hours; if such a concession would appease his friend it would be a sreed ”I ait until then”
None of the three noticed a figure detach itself froe of the crowd nearest theirl reached Alurna's side, the princess drew her into a deserted corridor outside the roo, Anela?” she asked i your father for soe hisflah Alurna that her heart seeht of her mistress' expression Anela shrank away in terror
”Did he say when he intends asking for this woht,” she faltered, ”--after the evening ht Then, disesture, she turned and strode rapidly along the corridor, away frohts Over and over she told herself that Jotan should never have the golden-skinned cave-girl There ays to prevent it; no slave could have the man Alurna wanted!
The princess went directly to her own apart her door, she sank wearily onto the wide bed With an arhts and shaping irl he desired Each plan, however, was discarded in turn as being either too difficult to accomplish or too liable to failure
Ho? Ask her father to refuse Jotan's request? No; that would bring to light facts she preferred kept hidden Have her killed? Too dangerous If Urim ever discovered as responsible she would pay a terrible price
And then out of nowhere came her answer Alurna rolled over and sat up as the idea took shape in her mind
”Anela!” she called
I it locked, rapped tiirl
”Listen tothe door
”Do you know Meltor?”
Anela was surprised ”Why--yes He is one of the guards stationed at the palace entrance”
”Tell him,” the princess said crisply, ”to coirl started to say so, reconsidered, and went out A fewlivid scar across one cheek
”Leave us, Anela,” Alurna said softly”Sit down, Meltor”
The e of a stool and looked at Uriht as well have beenin expression
”Meltor,” said the princess, ”I have kept a secret of yours for e it to a certain nobleht?”
A shadow of uneasiness crossed the warrior's face
”Did the daughter of Uriht be reotten?”
Alurna smiled It was not a nice set But he cannot--until his daughter is avenged”