An ill-omened
spot, indeed, and an ill-omened tryst with the fiends for witnesses.
Well, lead on, and I pray you to be brief as may be, for this place
weighs down my soul, and I feel danger in it--danger to the body and the
spirit."
So they went forward. "Be careful," whispered Aziel presently. "The pit
of sacrifice is at your feet."
"Yes, yes," he answered, "we walk upon the edge of the pit, and, in
truth, I grow fearful, for at the threshold of such places the angel of
the Lord deserts us."
"There is nothing to fear," said Aziel. But even as he spoke, although
he could not see it, a white face rose above the edge of the pit, like
that of some ghost struggling from the tomb, watched them a moment with
cold eyes, then disappeared again.
Now they were near the greater pillar, and now from its shadow glided a
black-veiled shape.
"Elissa?" murmured Aziel.
"It is I," whispered a soft voice; "but who comes with you?"
"I, Issachar," said the Levite, "who would not suffer that he of whom I
am given charge should seek such company alone. Now, priestess, say
your say with the prince yonder and let us be gone swiftly from this
blood-stained place."
"You speak harsh words to me, Issachar," she said gently, "yet I am most
glad that you have come, for, believe me, I sought no lovers' meeting
with the prince Aziel. Listen, both of you: you know that they have
consecrated me high-priestess of Baaltis against my will.
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