The throne of the goddess is Mesa's right; let her
take it, or if she will not, then find some other woman who is more
worthy."
"Lady," said the Shadid, "these words become you well, but it has
pleased the gods to choose you and not my daughter, the lady Mesa, or
any other woman, and the choice of the gods may not be set aside. Till
death shall take you, you and you alone are the lady Baaltis whom we
obey."
"Must I then be made divine against my will," she pleaded, and turned to
Aziel as though for counsel.
"Be pleased to stand back, prince Aziel," said the stern voice of the
Shadid, interposing. "Remember that henceforth no man may speak to
the Baaltis save he whom she names with the name of Shadid to be her
husband. Henceforward you are parted, since to seek her company would be
to cause her death."
Now understanding that the doom of life-long separation had fallen upon
them like the sudden sword of fate, Aziel and Elissa gazed at each other
in despair. Then, before either of them could speak a word, at a sign
from the Shadid, the priestesses closed round Elissa. Throwing a white
veil over her head, they broke into a joyful paean of song, and half-led,
half-carried her from the chamber to enthrone her in the palace of the
goddess, which was henceforth to be her home.
Presently all the company, including the waiting women, having joined
the procession, the chamber was empty, with the exception of Aziel,
Metem and Issachar the Levite, who, drawn by the sound of singing, had
entered the place unnoticed.
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