She would answer me only one thing, which she whispered in my ear through the bars of the holy tomb; that if we could escape we should do so, moreover that you must have no fear for her since she also had found a means of escape from Ithobal, and would certainly join us upon the road." As Metem spoke, the camels passed round the little hill on to the path that ran beneath the tomb of Baaltis.

There, standing upon the rock some fifty feet above them, was Elissa, and with her, but at a distance, Ithobal the king.
"Halt, prince Aziel," she called in a clear voice, "and hearken to my farewell.

I have bought your life, and the lives of your companions, and you are free, for the road is clear and nothing can overtake the twelve swiftest camels in Zimboe.

Go, therefore, and be happy, forgetting no word that has passed my lips.

For all my words are true, even to a certain promise which I made you lately by the mouth of Metem, and which I now fulfil--that I would join you on your road lest you should deem me faithless to the troth which I have so often sworn to you.
"King Ithobal, this shape is yours; come now and take your prize.