Father, I have said." "Of the fate of cities, yes; but how of my fate, and that of those we love?
Are we all to be ruined, and perhaps slaughtered, to satisfy your whim, girl ?" "I did not say so, father.

I said that of my own free will I would not wed Ithobal.

If you choose to give me to him you have the right to do it, but know then that you give me to my death.

Perhaps it is best that it should be thus." Sakon knew his daughter well, and it did not need that he should glance at her face to learn that she meant her words.

Also he loved her, his only child, more dearly than anything on earth.
"In truth my strait is hard, and I know not which way to turn," he said, covering his face with his hand.
"Father," she replied, laying her fingers lightly on his shoulder, "what need is there to answer him at once?
Take a month, or if he will not give it, a week.