orce the real accomplice into the open. When this unknown conspirator
learns that Jotan's party has returned from Sephar, apparently without
Jotan himself, he is going to be more puzzled than ever. A puzzled man
makes mistakes--which is what we want him to do."

Alurna shuddered. "But the pits! If they are like the ones beneath
Sephar, you are punishing terribly two men who are innocent of
wrongdoing."

"You must understand," Jaltor reminded her, "that the possibility exists
that Garlud is guilty. I have lived long enough to know that ambition
can drive the noblest of men to ignoble acts. Old Heglar's dying words
cannot be lightly dismissed."

"You," he continued, nodding to Tamar and Javan, "are free to return to
your homes. Should anyone ask what has happened to the leader of your
party, tell him that--well, that the lions got him. That will fit in
with what happened during the night that you were attacked by Sadu."

The two young noblemen rose to leave, greatly relieved by Jaltor's
explanation, but still concerned. After they were gone, the monarch said
to Alurna:

"I know you must be worn out from your long journey from Sephar. But sit
there a little longer, if you will, and tell me the circumstances of my
brother's death."

* * * * *

It required the better part of an hour for the dark-haired princess to
relate what had taken place in Sephar nearly three moons before. She
spoke often of Jotan during the account, and the tenderness in her eyes
at mention of his name told Ammad's king more than she realized. And
when she told of Dylara's disappearance and the possibility that Sadu
had devoured her, Jaltor caught the unconscious satisfaction in her
tone.

For a little while after she had finished, Jaltor sat staring
thoughtfully into his wine goblet. Then: "Urim's mistake was to coddle
that rascally high priest. In Ammad the priesthood is no problem
at all; we keep them few in numbers and with no power to create
unrest. Long ago I put a stop to the Games honoring the
God-Whose-Name-May-Not-Be-Spoken-Aloud.... Perhaps some day I shall find
a means of avenging the cowardly assassination of Urim, your father and
my brother."

He smiled gravely into her eyes. "Do not worry about Jotan, my princess.
Soon, I hope, he will be free again and you shall have your chance to
win him."

Alurna's gray-green eyes flashed momentarily ... and then she too
smiled. "Ammad's king is a wise and