Part 43 (1/2)
”Two ofsince, Cherkis,” she said, slowly ”Therefore it is I am here”
”I know,” he nodded heavily ”Yet now that is neither here nor there, Norhala It was long since, and I have learnedthe years
I would have killed you too, Norhala, could I have found you But noould not do as then--quite differently would I do, Norhala; for I have learned much I am sorry that those that you loved died as they did I a sardonicism in the words, an undertone of mockery Was what he really onies, more exquisite tortures? If so, Norhala apparently did not sense that interpretation Indeed, she see
”No,” the hoarse voice rumbled dispassionately ”None of that is iirl I hold them They die if you stir a hand's breadth toward ainst you--for I have cheated you of what you desire I win, Norhala, even though you slay me That is all that is now important”
There was doubt upon Norhala's face and I caught a quick gleah the depths of the evil eyes
”Empty will be your victory over ain?” she spoke hesitatingly; with a sinking of my heart I heard the doubt treo without further knocking upon o when you have been given thee yourself never to return--you shall have them If you will not, then they die”
”But what security, what hostages, do you ask?” Her eyes were troubled
”I cannot swear by your Gods, Cherkis, for they are not my Gods--in truth I, Norhala, have no Gods Why should I not say yes and take the two, then fall upon you and destroy--as you would do in my place, old wolf?”
”Norhala,” he answered, ”I ask nothing but your word Do I not know those who bore you and the line froave kept till death--unbroken, inviolable? No need for vows to Gods between you and s, princess royal!”
The great voice was harshly caressing; not obsequious, but as though he gave her as an equal her rightful honor Her face softened; she considered him froross tyrant's htened, the hatred I felt for hinized the subtlety of his attack; realized that unerringly he had taken the only ; have teuile?
”Is it not true?” There was a leonine purring in the question
”It IS true!” she answered proudly ”Though why YOU should dwell upon this, Cherkis, whose word is steadfast as the running strea as its bubbles--why YOU should dwell on this I do not know”
”I have changed greatly, Princess, in the years since reat wickedness; I have learned ht--and taught justly then--to hate”
”You may speak truth! Certainly you are not as I have pictured you” It was as though she were more than half convinced ”In this at least you do speak truth--that IF I proo at all, Princess?” Quietly he asked the aht, threide his arreat voice ruain--Norhala the Queen? Are we not of your people? Am I not of your kin? Join your poith ours What that war engine you ride may be, how built, I know not But this I do know--that with our strengths joined o can go forth frootten world, eat its cities and rule
”You shall teach our people to ines, Norhala, and ill make many of them Queen Norhala--you shall wed my son Kulun, he who stands beside me And while I live you shall rule with me, rule equally
And when I die you and Kulun shall rule
”Thus shall our two royal lines bescore be settled Queen--wherever it is you dwell it comes to me that you have fewto follow you,to you the fruit of your sorous to as to forget, O Queen Come to us, Great One, with your power and your beauty Teach us Lead us
Return, and throned above your people rule the world!”
He ceased Over the battlements, over the city, dropped a vast expectant silence--as though the city knew its fate was hanging upon the balance