“Well would I like to,” her face grew dreaming; “but the Silent Ones say⁠— no ; they bid me let you go, Yolara⁠—”

“The Silent Ones,” the priestess laughed. “ You , Lakla! You fear, perhaps, to let me tarry here too close!”

Storm gathered again in the handmaiden’s eyes; she forced it back.

“No,” she answered, “the Silent Ones so command⁠—and for their own purposes. Yet do I think, Yolara, that you will have little time to feed your wickedness⁠—tell that to Lugur⁠—and to your Shining One!” she added slowly.

Mockery and disbelief rode high in the priestess’s pose. “Am I to return alone⁠—like this?” she asked.