THE SANCTUARY AND THE OATH That evening shortly after sundown the three of us started boldly from our house wearing over our clothes the Kendah dresses which Ragnall had bought, and carrying nothing save sticks in our hands, some food and the lantern in our pockets.

On the outskirts of the town we were met by certain Kendah, one of whom I knew, for I had often ridden by his side on our march across the desert.
"Have any of you arms upon you, Lord Macumazana ?" he asked, looking curiously at us and our white robes.
"None," I answered.

"Search us if you will." "Your word is sufficient," he replied with the grave courtesy of his people.

"If you are unarmed we have orders to let you go where you wish however you may be dressed.

Yet, Lord," he whispered to me, "I pray you do not enter the cave, since One lives there who strikes and does not miss, One whose kiss is death.