Now this is scarcely possible, for the lady Baaltis can wed no man who is not of pure white blood, and whom she does not choose of her own free will.

That is a decree which may not be broken even by Ithobal.

So revile me not, but thank me, though for a little while your heart be sore." "My heart is sore indeed," answered Aziel, "and if you think your words be wise, their medicine does not soothe, Phoenician.

You may have laboured for my welfare and for that of the lady Elissa, or, like the huckster that you are, for your own advantage, or for both--I know not, and do not care to know.

But this I know, that you, and Issachar also, are striving to snare Fate in a web of sand, and that Fate will be too strong for it and you.