But you must not speak, for you have been ill; drink this and sleep." Aziel swallowed the draught and was instantly overcome by slumber.

When he awoke the sun was shining brightly through the window place, and its rays fell upon the shrewd, kindly face of Metem, who, seated on a stool, watched him, his chin resting in his hand.
"Tell me all that has befallen, friend," said Aziel presently, "since----" and he shuddered.
"Since you were married after a new fashion and that bigoted but most honourable fool, Issachar, went to his reward.

Well, I will when you have eaten," answered Metem as he gave him food.

"First," he said, after a while, "you have lain here for three days raving in a fever, nursed by myself and visited by your wife the lady Baaltis, whenever she could escape from her religious duties----" "Elissa! Has she been here ?" asked Aziel.
"Calm yourself, Prince, certainly she has, and, what is more, she will be back soon.

Secondly: Ithobal has been as good as his word, and invests the city with a vast army, cutting off all supplies and possibilities of escape.