ed, O mighty jeddak!" replied E-Thas. "I feared that you would
not understand and that you would be angry."

"What know you? Speak the whole truth!" commanded O-Tar.

"There is much unrest among the chieftains and the warriors," replied
E-Thas. "Even those who were your friends fear the power of those who
speak against you."

"What say they?" growled the jeddak.

"They say that you are afraid to enter the apartments of O-Mai in
search of the slave Turan--oh, do not be angry with me, Jeddak; it is
but what they say that I repeat. I, your loyal E-Thas, believe no such
foul slander."

"No, no; why should I fear?" demanded O-Tar. "We do not know that he is
there. Did not my chiefs go thither and see nothing of him?"

"But they say that you did not go," pursued E-Thas, "and that they will
have none of a coward upon the throne of Manator."

"They said that treason?" O-Tar almost shouted.

"They said that and more, great jeddak," answered the major-domo. "They
said that not only did you fear to enter the chambers of O-Mai, but
that you feared the slave Turan, and they blame you for your treatment
of A-Kor, whom they all believe to have been murdered at your command.
They were fond of A-Kor and there are many now who say aloud that A-Kor
would have made a wondrous jeddak."

"They dare?" screamed O-Tar. "They dare suggest the name of a slave's
bastard for the throne of O-Tar!"

"He is your son, O-Tar," E-Thas reminded him, "nor is there a more
beloved man in Manator--I but speak to you of facts which may not be
ignored, and I dare do so because only when you realize the truth may
you seek a cure for the ills that draw about your throne."

O-Tar had slumped down upon his bench--suddenly he looked shrunken and
tired and old. "Cursed be the day," he cried, "that saw those three
strangers enter the city of Manator. Would that U-Dor had been spared
to me. He was strong--my enemies feared him; but he is gone--dead at
the hands of that hateful slave, Turan; may the curse of Issus be upon
him!"

"My jeddak, what shall we do?" begged E-Thas. "Cursing the slave will
not solve your problems."

"But the great feast and the marriage is but three days off," plead
O-Tar. "It shall be a great gala occasion. The warriors and the chiefs
all know that--it is the custom. Upon that day gifts and honors shall
be bestowed. Tell me, who are most bitter against me? I will send you
among them and let it be known that I am planning rewards