"They are skilful and brave, but they have not the Greater Knowledge.

I could turn the wisest of them into a fool, and frighten the bravest out of his senses in a few minutes.

Use them yourself, Highness, should it become necessary.

They would be less than useless to me." "Then what will satisfy you ?" asked the Prince impatiently, but with no show of anger, for he knew the strange power of the man whose help he needed.
"I do not ask you to believe in the reality of what you call my dreams, Highness," replied Phadrig slowly, "but I do ask--nay, I require, as the price of my faithful service, your solemn promise in writing, signed and attested, that, if and when my dreams become realities, and your own hopes are fulfilled, the independence and sovereignty of the Ancient Land shall be restored; her temples and tombs and palaces shall be rebuilt; her ancient worship revived in my person, and the sceptre of Rameses replaced in the hand of Nitocris the Queen." The Prince was silent for a few moments.

To grant the seemingly extravagant demand meant to reduce the splendid dream and scheme of his life to cold, tangible writing, and to put into this man's hand the power to betray him.