I remember also that for generations there has been peace and amity between my forefathers and the Council of this city, and therefore I would spare you.

Behold, then, I build a bridge whereby you may escape, asking but one little thing of you in proof that you are indeed my friend, and it is that you give me your daughter, the lady Elissa, whom I seek to make my queen.

Think well before you answer, remembering that upon this answer may hang the lives of all who listen to you, ay, and of many thousand others." For a while there was silence in the assemblage, and every eye was fixed upon Elissa, who stood neither moving nor speaking, her face still set like that of a Sphinx, and almost as unreadable.

Aziel gazed at her with the rest, and his eyes she felt alone of all the hundreds that were bent upon her.

Indeed, so strongly did they draw her, that against her own will she turned her head and met them.