The next day, at noon, they met again.

"I have consulted the gods of night, and they have given me the
power that I prayed for, but on one condition."

"Name it."

"That thou sacrifice thy sister on their altars thou must build
up a heap of stones, and take thy sister into the wood, and lay
her on the pile, and plunge thy sword into her heart; so only
shalt then reign."

The prince shuddered, and started to his feet, and shook his
spear at the pale front of Morven.

"Tremble," said the son of Osslah, with a loud voice. "Hark to
the gods, who threaten thee with death, that thou hast dared to
lift thine arm against their servant!"

As he spoke, the thunder rolled above; for one of the frequent
storms of the early summer was about to break.

The spear dropped from the prince's hand; he sat down and cast
his eyes on the ground.

"Wilt thou do the bidding of the stars, and reign?" said Morven.

"I will!" cried Siror, with a desperate voice.

"This evening, then, when the sun sets, thou wilt lead her