wondrous city of Al-Kyris...is it of very ancient days, and long
lineage?"

"The annals of its recorded history reach over a period of twelve
thousand years"--replied Zuriel, . . "But 'tis the present fashion
to count from the Deification of Nagaya or the Snake,--and,
according to this, we are now in the nine hundred and eighty-ninth
year of so-called Grace and Knowledge,--rather say Dishonor and
Crime! ... for a crueler, more bloodthirsty creed than the worship
of Nagaya never debased a people! Who shall number up the innocent
victims that have been sacrificed in the great Temple of the
Sacred Python!--and even on this very day which has just dawned,
another holocaust is to be offered on the Veiled Shrine,--or so it
hath been publicly proclaimed throughout the city,--and the crowd
will flock to see a virgin's blood spilt on the accursed altars
where Lysia, in all the potency of triumphant wickedness,
presides. But if the auguries of the stars prevail, 'twill be for
the last time!" Here he paused and looked fixedly at Theos. "Thou
dost return straightway to Sah-luma ... is it not so?"

Theos bent his head in assent.

"Art thou true friend, or mere flatterer to that spoilt child of
fair fame and fortune?"

"Friend!"--cried Theos with eager enthusiasm, ... "I would give my
life to save his!"

"Aye, verily? ... is it so?" ... and Zuriel's melancholy eyes
dwelt upon him with a strange and sombre wistfulness, ... "Then,