I said that of my own free will I would not
wed Ithobal. If you choose to give me to him you have the right to do
it, but know then that you give me to my death. Perhaps it is best that
it should be thus."
Sakon knew his daughter well, and it did not need that he should glance
at her face to learn that she meant her words. Also he loved her, his
only child, more dearly than anything on earth.
"In truth my strait is hard, and I know not which way to turn," he said,
covering his face with his hand.
"Father," she replied, laying her fingers lightly on his shoulder, "what
need is there to answer him at once? Take a month, or if he will not
give it, a week. Much may happen in that time."
"The counsel is wise," he said, catching at this straw. "Daughter, be in
the great hall of audience with your attendants three hours after noon,
for then we must receive Ithobal boldly in all pomp, and deal with
him as best we may. And now I go to ask peace for the Levite from
the priests of El, and to discover whom the sacred colleges desire to
nominate as the new Baaltis. Doubtless it will be Mesa, the daughter
of her who is dead, though many are against her. Oh! if there were no
priests and no women, this city would be easier to govern," and with an
impatient gesture Sakon left the room.
*****
It was three o'clock in the afternoon, and the great hall of audience
in Zimboe was crowded with a brilliant assemblage.
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