Part 35 (1/2)
Jotan acted as spokes us perer than was intended To avoid the rainy season we should like to leave at once”
Pryak thought for a ht think that he was relieved to be rid of them--that his hospitality was less than Urim's had been
He said, ”Would you start on so perilous a journey without first showing honor to your God? Toin It would be wise to attend the first two days; otherwise misfortune h to yield He guessed that Pryak was expecting to strengthen further his position as king by exhibiting the three Areed,” he responded ”I know that Jaltor, reatly interested in an account of the lavishness of Sephar's Games”
It was then that Pryak found a solution to his probleo
”Wait, Jotan of Aency in the high priest's voice Pryak had risen and was co you can do for me, Jotan--a small matter, but one that will relieve a rather delicate situation”
”Of course,” Jotan said quickly
”It concerns Alurna--Urihter She is not happy here Since her father'spassing, she seeo with you to Ammad Her uncle, Jaltor, would welcome her, I am sure; and she would be content there Will you take her with you?”
Jotan saw his chance! Ever since Dylara had been taken from him by Pryak's men a few hours before, Jotan had been at his wits' end for a way to get her back The guards, learning she was an escaped slave, had taken her from the Ammadians as a matter of course; for, as a slave, she was the property of Sephar's king Jotan had not deue the point with anyone lacking authority to make a decision, and partly because he was confident that Uriirl to hi of Urian to fade Pryak's reluctance toward granting favors, however trivial, was a ossip This, coupled with the fact that the high priest ht not be inclined to be overly cordial toward a close friend of the forirl--a decision strengthened by Ta a discussion held shortly before the three friends had co the intervieith Pryak, Jotan had been near to blurting out a request that Dylara be given to hi coldly refused, and each time he had bitten back the words
But no the picture was changed Pryak had opened the way for a counter-proposal; one the priest could hardly refuse because of his own request
Jotan hid his elation behind an expressionless face ”I will gladly do as you have asked, Pryak of Arant roaned inwardly
”What is this favor?” asked the priest cautiously
”I have becoirls,” Jotan told him ”I should like to have her”
The modestness of the request confused Pryak Somehow, such a petition seereed quickly ”I had expected that you would ask for so of more value Take whichever slave you want--several, if you like”
”Your kindness indicates how generous a king rules Sephar,” Jotan said sive him the necessary instructions”
”Baltor, here, will carry out your orders” Pryak indicated the attendant who had ushered them in
When they had left the room, Jotan said to the attendant:
”Go at once to the quarters of the feuards there to turn over to you the slave-girl known as Dylara You will bring her to my quarters”