Asti started at her words, and a light of joy shone in her deep eyes.

"Truly your heart is high," she said; "but, oh! if you love me--and
another--bury that thought, bury it deep, or he will never live to see
you placed alone upon the golden seat. Know, Lady, that already from
hour to hour I fear for him--lest he should drink a poisoned cup,
lest at night he should chance to stumble against a spear, lest an
arrow--shot in sport--should fall against his throat and none know
whence it came."

Tua clenched her hands.

"If so, there should be such vengeance as Egypt has not heard of since
Mena ruled."

"Of what use is vengeance, Child, when the heart is empty and the tomb
is sealed?"

Again Tua thought. Then she said:

"There are other gods besides Osiris. Now what do men call me, Mother?
Nay, not my royal names."

"They call you Morning Star of Amen; they call you Daughter of Amen."

"Is that story true, Asti the Magician?"

"Aye, at least your mother dreamed the dream, for she told it to me and
I have read its record, who am a priestess of Amen."