Well, it matters nothing, for soon my turn will come. Therefore,
if you and he are wise, you will send him back to the sea, for thither
alone I promise him safe conduct."
Then without more words he walked to his camp, the gates of which were
closed behind him.
*****
"Prince Aziel," said Sakon, as they went towards the city, "it is ill to
speak such words to an honoured guest, but it cannot be denied that you
bring much trouble on my head. Twice now you have nearly perished at
the hands of Ithobal, and should that chance, doubtless I must earn the
wrath of Israel. On your behalf, also, the city of Zimboe is this day
plunged into a war that well may be her last, since it is because you
have grown suddenly dear to her that my daughter has continued to refuse
the suit of Ithobal, and because of his outraged pride at this refusal
that he has raised up the nations against us. Prince, while you remain
in this city there is no hope of peace. Do not, therefore, hate me, your
servant, if I pray of you to leave us while there is yet time."
"Sakon," answered Aziel, "I thank you for your open speech, and will
pay you back in words as honest as your own. Gladly would I go, for here
nothing but sorrow has befallen me, were it not for one thing which to
you may seem little, but to me, and perhaps to another, is all in all. I
love your daughter as I have never loved a woman before, and as my mind
is to hers, so is hers to mine.
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