A greater God asserts dominion of the world and this Fate is but his instrument." Oro rose again.
"One prayer more," he cried.

"Give me life, long life, that I may execute thy decrees.

By word or gesture show me a sign that I shall be satisfied with life, a year for every year that I have lived, or twain!" He waited, staring about him, but no token came; the idol did not speak or bow its head, as Yva had told me it was wont to do in sign of accepted prayer, how, she knew not.

Only I thought I heard the echo of Oro's cries run in a whisper of mockery round the soaring dome.
Once more Oro flung himself upon his knees and began to pray in a veritable agony.
"God of my forefathers, God of my lost people, I will hide naught from thee," he said.

"I who fear nothing else, fear death.