Before him walked a sword-bearer
carrying a sword of ceremony, a magnificent ivory-handled weapon
encrusted with rough gems and inlaid with gold, while behind him, clad
in barbaric pomp, marched a number of counsellors and attendants, huge
and half-savage men who glared wonderingly at the splendour of the place
and its occupants. As the king came, Sakon rose from his chair of state
and, advancing down the hall, took him by the hand and led him to a
similar chair placed at a little distance.
Ithobal seated himself and looked around the hall. Presently his glance
fell upon Aziel, and he scowled.
"Is it common, Sakon," he asked, "that the seat of a prince should be
set higher than that of a crowned king?" And he pointed to the chair of
Aziel, which was placed a little above his own upon the dais.
The governor was about to answer when Aziel said coldly:--
"Where it was pointed out to me that I should sit, there I sat, though,
for aught I care, the king Ithobal may take my place. The grandson of
Pharaoh and of Solomon does not need to dispute for precedence with the
savage ruler of savage tribes."
Ithobal sprang to his feet and cried, grasping his sword:--
"By my father's soul, you shall answer for this, Princelet."
"You should have sworn by your mother's soul, King Ithobal," replied
Aziel quietly, "for doubtless it is the black blood in your veins that
causes you to forget your courtesy.
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