Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/112

100 Her face paled at the words, but she answered in a steady voice—

Then there you will find nothing but doom, if indeed you do not find it before you reach its slopes, which are guarded by savage men. Yonder is the College of Hes, and to violate its Sanctuary is death to any man, death in the ever-burning fire.

And who rules this college, Khania—a priestess?

Yes, a priestess, whose face I have never seen, for she is so old that she veils herself from curious eyes.

Ah! she veils herself, does she? I answered, as the blood went thrilling through my veins, I who remembered another who also was so old that she veiled herself from curious eyes. Well, veiled or unveiled, we would visit her, trusting to find that we are welcome.

That you shall not do, she said, for it is unlawful, and I will not have your blood upon my hands.

Which is the stronger, I asked of her, you, Khania, or this priestess of the Mountain?

I am the stronger. Holly, for so you are named, are you not? Look you, at my need I can summon sixty thousand men in war, while she has naught but her priests and the fierce, untrained tribes.

The sword is not the only power in the world, I answered. Tell me, now, does this priestess ever visit the country of Kaloon?

Never, never, for by the ancient pact, made after the last great struggle long centuries ago between the College and the people of the Plain, it was decreed and sworn to that should she set her foot across the river, this means war to the end between us, and rule for the victor over both. Likewise, save when unguarded they bear their dead to burial, or for some such high purpose, no Khan or Khania of Kaloon ascends the Mountain.

Which then is the true master—the Khan of Kaloon or the head of the College of Hes? I asked again.

In matters spiritual, the priestess of Hes, who is our