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Now understanding that the doom of life-long separation had fallen upon them like the sudden sword of fate, Aziel and Elissa gazed at each other in despair. Then, before either of them could speak a word, at a sign from the Shadid, the priestesses closed round Elissa.
Aziel heard, and setting an arrow to his bow, loosed it at Ithobal beneath. He was a strong and skilful archer, and the heavy shaft pierced the golden helmet of the king, cutting his scalp down to the bone. "That is my answer," cried Aziel, as Ithobal rolled upon the ground beneath the shock of the blow.
"Is there no other way?" Aziel asked him. "None, I swear it. They did not wish to kill her, except that wild-cat Mesa who seeks her place, but having put her on her public trial, if you persist they must.
The man spoke truth, moreover, when he told you that should you be found with the Baaltis, not being her husband, you would cause her death." Aziel took no notice of his words, but turning to the Levite, he asked in a quiet voice: "Did you plot this to separate us, Issachar? If so, you shall live to mourn the deed."
Therefore, since I am forbidden to speak with you openly, meet me, I beseech you, at moonrise in the palace garden under the shade of the great fig tree with five roots, where I shall be accompanied only by one I trust. Bring no man with you for my safety's sake. Elissa." Aziel thrust the scroll into his robe, and thought awhile. Then he gave the waiting lady a piece of gold and said:
Again there was silence, which, after a while, was broken by a loud knocking at the door. "Rise," said Aziel, "Metem comes for us." "No, no," cried Elissa, "it is Doom that knocks, not Metem." As the words passed her lips the door was burst open, and through it poured a mob of armed priests, at the head of whom marched the Shadid.
"Speak no more of that thrust, I pray you," said Aziel, "for it was due to the weight of the man rushing on the sword, which after he was dead I could not find the power to loosen from his breast-bone."
Have you heard, Prince, that he holds the gates of the city, though as yet no harm has been done to it, and that its inhabitants are crowded within the temple, and upon the heights above; also that in his despair Sakon has fallen on his sword and slain himself?" "Is it so?" answered Aziel. "Well, Issachar foretold as much. On their own heads be the doom of these devil-worshippers and cowards.
"Your business, merchant?" broke in Aziel. "I crave your pardon, Prince," answered the Phoenician, spreading out his hands in deprecation. "I struck a good bargain for my wares this morning, and drank wine to seal it, therefore, let me be forgiven if I have spoken too freely in your presence, Prince.
Indeed, he would then and there have been torn to pieces had not a guard of soldiers, knowing that he was Sakon's guest and in the train of the prince Aziel, snatched him from the maddened multitude, and borne him swiftly to a place of safety without the enclosure.
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