the land."

"And so you shall be called in days to come, Amada, if my sword and
wit can win their way."

"How so, Cousin, seeing that you have promised certain things to my
uncle Peroa and his son?"

"I have promised those things, Amada, and I will abide by my promise;
but the gods are above all, and who knows what they may decree?"

"Yes, Cousin, the gods are above all, and in their hands we will let
these matters rest, provoking them in no manner and least of all by
treachery to our oaths."

We walked for a little way in silence. Then I spoke.

"Amada, there are more things than thrones in the world."

"Yes, Cousin, there is that in which all thrones end--death, which it
seems we court."

"And, Amada, there is that in which all thrones begin--love, which I
court from you."

"I have known it long," she said, considering me gravely, "and been
grateful to you who are more to me than any man has been or ever will
be. But, Shabaka, I am a priestess bound to set the holy One I serve
above a mortal."