procession, to Ilaun, the citadel of Averon; and there they had crowned
him King of Averon and of the mountains, and Lord, if there be aught
beyond those mountains, of all such lands as are. But now the pomp of
the crowning was gone away and Khanazar sat afar off from his home, a
very mighty King.

Then the King grew weary of the destinies of Averon and weary of the
making of commands. So Khanazar sent heralds through all cities saying:

"Hear! The will of the King! Hear! The will of the King of Averon and
of the mountains and Lord, if there be aught beyond those mountains, of
all such lands as are. Let there come together to Ilaun all such as
have an art in secret matters. Hear!"

And there gathered together to Ilaun the wise men of all the degrees of
magic, even to the seventh, who had made spells before Khanazar the
Lone; and they came before the new King in his palace placing their
hands upon his feet. Then said the King to the magicians:

"I have a need."

And they answered:

"The earth touches the feet of the King in token of submission."

But the King answered:

"My need is not of the earth; but I would find certain of the hours
that have been, and sundry days that were."