attlements, over the city, dropped a vast expectant
silence--as though the city knew its fate was hanging upon the balance.

"No! No!" It was Ruth crying. "Do not trust him, Norhala! It's a trap!
He shamed me--he tortured--"

Cherkis half turned; before he swung about I saw a hell shadow darken
his face. Ventnor's hand thrust out, covered Ruth's mouth, choking her
crying.

"Your son"--Norhala spoke swiftly; and back flashed the cruel face of
Cherkis, devouring her with his eyes. "Your son--and Queenship here--and
Empire of the World." Her voice was rapt, thrilled. "All this you offer?
Me--Norhala?"

"This and more!" The huge bulk of his body quivered with eagerness. "If
it be your wish, O Queen, I, Cherkis, will step down from the throne for
you and sit beneath your right hand, eager to do your bidding."

A moment she studied him.

"Norhala," I whispered, "do not do this thing. He thinks to gain your
secrets."

"Let my bridegroom stand forth that I may look upon him," called
Norhala.

Visibly Cherkis relaxed, as though a strain had been withdrawn. Between
him and his crimson-clad son flashed a glance; it was as though a
triumphant devil sped from them into each other's eyes.

I saw Ruth shrink into Ventnor's arms. Up from the wall rose a jubilant
shouting, was caught by the inner battlements, passed on to the crowded
terraces.

"Take Kulun," it was Drake, pistol drawn and whispering across to me.
"I'll handle Cherkis. And shoot straight."

CHAPTER XXVI. THE VENGEANCE OF NORHALA

Norhala's hand that had gone from my wrist dropped down again; the other
fell upon Drake's.

Kulun loosed his hood, let it fall about his shoulders.

He stepped forward, held out his arms to Norhala.

"A strong man!" she cried approvingly. "Hail--my bridegroom! But
stay--stand back a moment. Stand beside that man for whom I came to
Ruszark. I would see you together!"

Kulun's face darkened. But Cherkis smiled with evil understanding,
shrugged his shoulders and whispered to him. Sullenly Kulun stepped
back. The ring of the archers lowered their bows; they leaped to their
feet and stood aside to let him pass.

Quick as a serpent's tongue a pyramid tipped tentacle flicked out
beneath us. It darted through the broken circle of the bowmen.

It LICKED up Ruth and Ventnor and--Kulun!

Swiftly as it had swept forth it returned, coiled and dropped those two
I loved at Norhala's feet.

It flashed back on high with the scar