Myself I will not meet them, since to do so would be to break the pact between our powers, which says that the Hesea of the Sanctuary visits not the territory of Kaloon, save in war.

Also their coming is otherwise appointed." "It would seem," said Simbri, laying down the parchment, "that these are no chance wanderers, since Hes awaits them." "Aye, they are no chance wanderers, since my heart awaited one of them also.

Yet the Hesea cannot be that woman, for reasons which are known to you." "There are many women on the Mountain," suggested the Shaman in a dry voice, "if indeed any woman has to do with this matter." "I at least have to do with it, and he shall not go to the Mountain." "Hes is powerful, my niece, and beneath these smooth words of hers lies a dreadful threat.

I say that she is mighty from of old and has servants in the earth and air who warned her of the coming of these men, and will warn her of what befalls them.

I know it, who hate her, and to your royal house of Rassen it has been known for many a generation.