Next I would learn whether certain plots of mine at which I have worked for years, will succeed." "What plots, Zikali, and how can my taking a distant journey tell you anything about them ?" "You know them well enough, Macumazahn; they have to do with the overthrow of a Royal House that has worked me bitter wrong.

As to how your journey can help me, why, thus.

You shall promise to me to ask of this Queen whether Zikali, Opener-of-Roads, shall triumph or be overthrown in that on which he has set his heart." "As you seem to know this witch so well, why do you not ask her yourself, Zikali ?" "To ask is one thing, Macumazahn.

To get an answer is another.

I have asked in the watches of the night, and the reply was, 'Come hither and perchance I will tell you.' 'Queen,' I said, 'how can I come save in the spirit, who am an ancient and a crippled dwarf scarcely able to stand upon my feet ?' "'Then send a messenger, Wizard, and be sure that he is white, for of black savages I have seen more than enough.