but a timid man who dares to say words that the High Gods put on
his lips."

"I shall rule this kingdom as I choose. I shall brook
interference from no creature on this earth, or beneath it, or in
the sky above. The Gods have chosen me to be Their regent in
Atlantis, and They do not depose me through such creatures as you.
Go away, old man, and play the fanatic in another court. It is
well that I have an ancient kindliness for you, or you would not
leave this place unharmed."

"Now, indeed, you are lost," I heard Ylga murmur from behind,
and the old man in front of us did not move a step. Instead, he
lifted up the Symbol of our Lord the Sun, and launched his curse.
"Your blasphemy gives the reply I asked for. Hear me now make
declaration of war on behalf of Those against whom you have thrown
your insults. You shall be overthrown and sent to the nether Gods.
At whatever cost the land shall be purged of you and yours, and all
the evil that has been done to it whilst you have sullied the
throne of its ancient kings. You will not amend, neither will you
yield tamely. You vaunt that you sit as firm on your throne as
this pyramid reposes on its base. See how little you know of what
the future carries. I say to you that, whilst you are yet Empress,
you shall see this royal pyramid which you have polluted with your
debaucheries torn tier from tier, and stone from stone, and
scattered as feathers spread before a wind."

"You may wreck the pyramid," said Phorenice contemptuously.
"I myself have some knowledge of the earth forces, as I have shown
this night. But though you crumble every stone above us now and