cried. "Have I pampered you creatures out of all touch with
gratitude? It seems that at last I want a new chief to my guards.
Ho! Who will be chief of the guards of the Empress?"

There was a shifting of eyes, a hesitation. Then a great
burly form strode up from the farther end of the hall, and a
perceptible shudder went up from all the others as they watched
him.

"So, Tarca, you prefer to take the risks, and remain chief of
the guard yourself?" she said with an angry scoff. "Truly there
did not seem to be many thrusting forward to strip you of the
office. I shall have a fine sorting up of places in payment for
this night's work. But for the present, Tarca, do your duty."

The man came up, obviously timorous. He was a solidly made
fellow, but not altogether unmartial, and though but little of his
cheek showed above his decorated beard, I could see that he paled
as he came near to the priest. "My lord," he said quietly, "I must
ask you to come with me."

"Stand aside," said the old man, thrusting out the Symbol in
front of him. I could see his eyes gather on the soldier and his
brows knit with a strain of will.

Tarca saw this too, and I thought he would have fallen, but
with an effort he kept his manhood, and doggedly repeated his
summons. "I must obey the command of my mistress, and I would have
you remember, my lord, that I am but a servant. You must come with
me to the whip."