Page:Ayesha, the return of She (IA cu31924013476175).pdf/179

Rh It was the voice of the Khania Atene, and the man with her was the old Shaman Simbri.

What shall we do now, Horace? asked Leo with something like a groan, for in the whole world there were no two people whom he less wished to see.

Nothing, I answered, it is for them to play.

Come to us, called the Khania across the water. I swear that we mean no harm. Are we not alone?

I do not know, answered Leo, but it seems unlikely. Where we are we stop until we are ready to march again.

Atene spoke to Simbri. What she said we could not hear, for she whispered, but she appeared to be arguing with him and persuading him to some course of which he strongly disapproved. Then suddenly both of them put their horses at the water and rode to us through the shallows. Reaching the island, they dismounted, and we stood staring at each other. The old man seemed very weary in body and oppressed in mind, but the Khania was strong and beautiful as ever, nor had passion and fatigue left any trace upon her inscrutable face. It was she who broke the silence, saying—

You have ridden fast and far since last we met, my guests, and left an evil token to mark the path you took. Yonder among the rocks one lies dead. Say, how came he to his end, who has no wound upon him?

By these, answered Leo, stretching out his hands.

I knew it, she answered, and I blame you not, for fate decreed that death for him, and now it is fulfilled. Still, there are those to whom you must answer for his blood, and I only can protect you from them.

Or betray me to them, said Leo. Khania, what do you seek?

That answer which you should have given me this twelve hours gone. Remember, before you speak, that I alone can save your life—aye, and will do it and clothe you with that dead madman's crown and mantle.