Part 34 (2/2)

When the door closed behind Tharn and Lodorth, a feeling of loneliness swept over the princess Alurna She had coard the cave-man as her friend--perhaps the only friend left to her in all Sephar She glanced fearfully at the face of the high-priest and found nothing there to reassure her

Pryak's expression was stern; but that sternness was a mask to hide an inner perturbation For there had coirl lay a vital threat to his neon power

He silently cursed his stupidity in receiving her so ungraciously, and silently he thanked his God that he had been prevented fro the princess

Alurna, he rehter; she was niece to theof far-off A-men ever assembled Urim had been Jaltor's brother

Eventually, Jaltor would learn of his brother's death As a states was incidental to a change in power and one of the hazards of kinghood

It was not likely, however, that Jaltor would regard in a siht or actual cruelty to a niece As a possible threat to Pryak's position as king, Alurna was not to be considered; only a h priest had no valid excuse to do her harm

His course, then, was plain; every efforthim as a friend, lest word reach Jaltor that his niece was a mistreated prisoner in Sephar

The chill faded from Pryak's expression like snow under a hot sun ”I have been wrong, princess,” he adhter, you are entitled to every respect and honor Fro accorded both”

Alurna could hardly believe her ears What had coe him so quickly and completely?

Her response was instant and characteristic ”I want nothing from you, priest!” she snapped

Pryak lost his smile, but none of his urbanity He beckoned to a nearby attendant ”Escort the princess to her rooms,” he instructed ”See to it that her every wish is obeyed”

When Alurna had gone, a thoughtful Pryak dropped onto his stool across from Orbar and pursed his lips reflectively

”There must be so the wrath of Jaltor”

Orbar grinned evilly ”A knife in the dark” He let his voice trail off”Her uncle and his ates within two moons I dare not risk--”

He broke off as an under-priest came hurriedly from across the room and bowed before him

”What is it, Baltor?”

”The three nobles of Ahed Here were others he must treat with deference, lest his failure to do so cause international co to understand that even an all-powerful nize the iuely distressed

”Bring them to me, here,” he said

A moment later Jotan, Tamar and Javan approached the seated nition

”Howof Sephar and Voice of the God, serve our noble visitors?” asked the arch-priest loftily