Finding no keeper at the door, he entered, to discover the old priest
kneeling in prayer at the window, which faced towards Jerusalem. So
absorbed was he in his devotions that it was not until he had ended them
and risen that Issachar saw Aziel standing in the chamber.
"Behold, an answer to my prayer," he said. "My son, they told me
that some fresh danger had overtaken you, though none knew its issue.
Therefore it was that I prayed, and now I see you unharmed." And taking
him in his arms, he embraced him.
"It is true that I have been in danger, father," answered Aziel, and he
told him the story of his escape from Ithobal.
"Did I not pray thee not to accompany this embassy?"
"Yes, father, yet I have returned in safety. Listen: I come with tidings
which you will think good. Not an hour ago I promised Sakon that I would
leave Zimboe, where it seems my presence breeds much trouble."
"Good tidings, indeed!" exclaimed Issachar, "and never shall I know a
peaceful hour until we have seen the last of the towers of this doomed
city and its accursed people of devil-worshippers."
"Yes, good for you, father, but for me most ill, for here I shall leave
my youth and happiness. Nay, I know what you think; that this is but
some passing fancy bred of the pleasant beauty of a woman, but it is not
so. I say that from the moment when first I saw Elissa, she became life
of my life, and soul of my soul and that I go hence beggared of joy and
hope, and carrying with me a cankering memory which shall eat my heart
away.
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