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diff --git a/5228-h/5228-h.htm b/5228-h/5228-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e66104 --- /dev/null +++ b/5228-h/5228-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,14719 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ayesha, by H. Rider Haggard</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-size: 90%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.center {text-align: center; + text-indent: 0em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.right {text-align: right; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +p.footnote {font-size: 90%; + text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +sup { vertical-align: top; font-size: 0.6em; } + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ayesha, by H. Rider Haggard</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Ayesha<br /> + The Further History of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: H. Rider Haggard</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 9, 2002 [eBook #5228]<br /> +[Most recently updated: January 12, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Moynihan, Dagny, John Bickers and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AYESHA ***</div> + +<h1>AYESHA</h1> + +<h3>THE RETURN OF SHE</h3> + +<h2>By H. Rider Haggard</h2> + +<p class="letter"> + “Here ends this history so far as it concerns science and the + outside world. What its end will be as regards Leo and myself is + more than I can guess. But we feel that it is not reached. . . . + Often I sit alone at night, staring with the eyes of my mind into + the blackness of unborn time, and wondering in what shape and form + the great drama will be finally developed, and where the scene of + its next act will be laid. And when, ultimately, that <i>final</i> + development occurs, as I have no doubt it must and will occur, in + obedience to a fate that never swerves and a purpose which cannot + be altered, what will be the part played therein by that beautiful + Egyptian Amenartas, the Princess of the royal house of the + Pharaohs, for the love of whom the priest Kallikrates broke his + vows to Isis, and, pursued by the vengeance of the outraged + goddess, fled down the coast of Lybia to meet his doom at Kôr?”— + <i>She</i>, Silver Library Edition, p. 277. +</p> + <p class="center"> + DEDICATION + </p> + <p> + My dear Lang, + </p> + <p> + The appointed years—alas! how many of them—are gone by, + leaving Ayesha lovely and loving and ourselves alive. As it was promised + in the Caves of Kôr <i>She</i> has returned again. + </p> + <p> + To you therefore who accepted the first, I offer this further history of + one of the various incarnations of that Immortal. + </p> + <p> + My hope is that after you have read her record, notwithstanding her + subtleties and sins and the shortcomings of her chronicler (no easy + office!) you may continue to wear your chain of “loyalty to our lady + Ayesha.” Such, I confess, is still the fate of your old friend + </p> + <p class="right"> + H. RIDER HAGGARD. + </p> + <p> + DITCHINGHAM, 1905. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> AUTHOR’S NOTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>AYESHA</b></big> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + + <hr /> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"></a> + AUTHOR’S NOTE + </h2> + <p> + Not with a view of conciliating those readers who on principle object to + sequels, but as a matter of fact, the Author wishes to say that he does + not so regard this book. + </p> + <p> + Rather does he venture to ask that it should be considered as the + conclusion of an imaginative tragedy (if he may so call it) whereof one + half has been already published. + </p> + <p> + This conclusion it was always his desire to write should he be destined to + live through those many years which, in obedience to his original design, + must be allowed to lapse between the events of the first and second parts + of the romance. + </p> + <p> + In response to many enquiries he may add that the name Ayesha, which since + the days of the prophet Mahomet, who had a wife so called, and perhaps + before them, has been common in the East, should be pronounced <i>Assha</i>. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"></a> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + Verily and indeed it is the unexpected that happens! Probably if there was + one person upon the earth from whom the Editor of this, and of a certain + previous history, did not expect to hear again, that person was Ludwig + Horace Holly. This, too, for a good reason; he believed him to have taken + his departure from the earth. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Holly last wrote, many, many years ago, it was to transmit the + manuscript of <i>She</i>, and to announce that he and his ward, Leo + Vincey, the beloved of the divine Ayesha, were about to travel to Central + Asia in the hope, I suppose, that there she would fulfil her promise and + appear to them again. + </p> + <p> + Often I have wondered, idly enough, what happened to them there; whether + they were dead, or perhaps droning their lives away as monks in some + Thibetan Lamasery, or studying magic and practising asceticism under the + tuition of the Eastern Masters trusting that thus they would build a + bridge by which they might pass to the side of their adored Immortal. + </p> + <p> + Now at length, when I had not thought of them for months, without a single + warning sign, out of the blue as it were, comes the answer to these + wonderings! + </p> + <p> + To think—only to think—that I, the Editor aforesaid, from its + appearance suspecting something quite familiar and without interest, + pushed aside that dingy, unregistered, brown-paper parcel directed in an + unknown hand, and for two whole days let it lie forgotten. Indeed there it + might be lying now, had not another person been moved to curiosity, and + opening it, found within a bundle of manuscript badly burned upon the + back, and with this two letters addressed to myself. + </p> + <p> + Although so great a time had passed since I saw it, and it was shaky now + because of the author’s age or sickness, I knew the writing at once—nobody + ever made an “H” with that peculiar twirl under it except Mr. Holly. I + tore open the sealed envelope, and sure enough the first thing my eye fell + upon was the signature, <i>L. H. Holly</i>. It is long since I read + anything so eagerly as I did that letter. Here it is:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear Sir,—I have ascertained that you still live, and strange to + say I still live also—for a little while. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I came into touch with civilization again I found a copy of + your book <i>She</i>, or rather of my book, and read it—first of all + in a Hindostani translation. My host—he was a minister of some + religious body, a man of worthy but prosaic mind—expressed surprise + that a ‘wild romance’ should absorb me so much. I answered that those who + have wide experience of the hard facts of life often find interest in + romance. Had he known what were the hard facts to which I alluded, I + wonder what that excellent person would have said? + </p> + <p> + “I see that you carried out your part of the business well and faithfully. + Every instruction has been obeyed, nothing has been added or taken away. + Therefore, to you, to whom some twenty years ago I entrusted the beginning + of the history, I wish to entrust its end also. You were the first to + learn of <i>She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed</i>, who from century to century sat + alone, clothed with unchanging loveliness in the sepulchres of Kôr, + waiting till her lost love was born again, and Destiny brought him back to + her. + </p> + <p> + “It is right, therefore, that you should be the first to learn also of + Ayesha, Hesea and Spirit of the Mountain, the priestess of that Oracle + which since the time of Alexander the Great has reigned between the + flaming pillars in the Sanctuary, the last holder of the sceptre of Hes or + Isis upon the earth. It is right also that to you first among men I should + reveal the mystic consummation of the wondrous tragedy which began at Kôr, + or perchance far earlier in Egypt and elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + “I am very ill; I have struggled back to this old house of mine to die, + and my end is at hand. I have asked the doctor here, after all is over, to + send you the Record, that is unless I change my mind and burn it first. + You will also receive, if you receive anything at all, a case containing + several rough sketches which may be of use to you, and a <i>sistrum</i>, + the instrument that has been always used in the worship of the Nature + goddesses of the old Egyptians, Isis and Hathor, which you will see is as + beautiful as it is ancient. I give it to you for two reasons; as a token + of my gratitude and regard, and as the only piece of evidence that is left + to me of the literal truth of what I have written in the accompanying + manuscript, where you will find it often mentioned. Perhaps also you will + value it as a souvenir of, I suppose, the strangest and loveliest being + who ever was, or rather, is. It was her sceptre, the rod of her power, + with which I saw her salute the Shadows in the Sanctuary, and her gift to + me. + </p> + <p> + “It has virtues also; some part of Ayesha’s might yet haunts the symbol to + which even spirits bowed, but if you should discover them, beware how they + are used. + </p> + <p> + “I have neither the strength nor the will to write more. The Record must + speak for itself. Do with it what you like, and believe it or not as you + like. I care nothing who know that it is true. + </p> + <p> + “Who and what was Ayesha, nay, what <i>is</i> Ayesha? An incarnate + essence, a materialised spirit of Nature the unforeseeing, the lovely, the + cruel and the immortal; ensouled alone, redeemable only by Humanity and + its piteous sacrifice? Say you! I have done with speculations who depart + to solve these mysteries. + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> wish you happiness and good fortune. Farewell to you and to all. + </p> + <p> + “L. Horace Holly.” + </p> + <p> + I laid the letter down, and, filled with sensations that it is useless to + attempt to analyse or describe, opened the second envelope, of which I + also print the contents, omitting only certain irrelevant portions, and + the name of the writer as, it will be noted, he requests me to do. + </p> + <p> + This epistle, that was dated from a remote place upon the shores of + Cumberland, ran as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear Sir,—As the doctor who attended Mr. Holly in his last illness + I am obliged, in obedience to a promise that I made to him, to become an + intermediary in a somewhat strange business, although in truth it is one + of which I know very little, however much it may have interested me. Still + I do so only on the strict understanding that no mention is to be made of + my name in connexion with the matter, or of the locality in which I + practise. + </p> + <p> + “About ten days ago I was called in to see Mr. Holly at an old house upon + the Cliff that for many years remained untenanted except by the + caretakers, which house was his property, and had been in his family for + generations. The housekeeper who summoned me told me that her master had + but just returned from abroad, somewhere in Asia, she said, and that he + was very ill with his heart—dying, she believed; both of which + suppositions proved to be accurate. + </p> + <p> + “I found the patient sitting up in bed (to ease his heart), and a + strange-looking old man he was. He had dark eyes, small but full of fire + and intelligence, a magnificent and snowy-white beard that covered a chest + of extraordinary breadth, and hair also white, which encroached upon his + forehead and face so much that it met the whiskers upon his cheeks. His + arms were remarkable for their length and strength, though one of them + seemed to have been much torn by some animal. He told me that a dog had + done this, but if so it must have been a dog of unusual power. He was a + very ugly man, and yet, forgive the bull, beautiful. I cannot describe + what I mean better than by saying that his face was not like the face of + any ordinary mortal whom I have met in my limited experience. Were I an + artist who wished to portray a wise and benevolent, but rather grotesque + spirit, I should take that countenance as a model. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Holly was somewhat vexed at my being called in, which had been done + without his knowledge. Soon we became friendly enough, however, and he + expressed gratitude for the relief that I was able to give him, though I + could not hope to do more. At different times he talked a good deal of the + various countries in which he had travelled, apparently for very many + years, upon some strange quest that he never clearly defined to me. Twice + also he became light-headed, and spoke, for the most part in languages + that I identified as Greek and Arabic; occasionally in English also, when + he appeared to be addressing himself to a being who was the object of his + veneration, I might almost say of his worship. What he said then, however, + I prefer not to repeat, for I heard it in my professional capacity. + </p> + <p> + “One day he pointed to a rough box made of some foreign wood (the same + that I have now duly despatched to you by train), and, giving me your name + and address, said that without fail it was to be forwarded to you after + his death. Also he asked me to do up a manuscript, which, like the box, + was to be sent to you. + </p> + <p> + “He saw me looking at the last sheets, which had been burned away, and + said (I repeat his exact words)— + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, yes, that can’t be helped now, it must go as it is. You see I made + up my mind to destroy it after all, and it was already on the fire when + the command came—the clear, unmistakable command—and I + snatched it off again.’ + </p> + <p> + “What Mr. Holly meant by this ‘command’ I do not know, for he would speak + no more of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “I pass on to the last scene. One night about eleven o’clock, knowing that + my patient’s end was near, I went up to see him, proposing to inject some + strychnine to keep the heart going a little longer. Before I reached the + house I met the caretaker coming to seek me in a great fright, and asked + her if her master was dead. She answered No; but he was <i>gone</i>—had + got out of bed and, just as he was, barefooted, left the house, and was + last seen by her grandson among the very Scotch firs where we were + talking. The lad, who was terrified out of his wits, for he thought that + he beheld a ghost, had told her so. + </p> + <p> + “The moonlight was very brilliant that night, especially as fresh snow had + fallen, which reflected its rays. I was on foot, and began to search among + the firs, till presently just outside of them I found the track of naked + feet in the snow. Of course I followed, calling to the housekeeper to go + and wake her husband, for no one else lives near by. The spoor proved very + easy to trace across the clean sheet of snow. It ran up the slope of a + hill behind the house. + </p> + <p> + “Now, on the crest of this hill is an ancient monument of upright + monoliths set there by some primeval people, known locally as the Devil’s + Ring—a sort of miniature Stonehenge in fact. I had seen it several + times, and happened to have been present not long ago at a meeting of an + archaeological society when its origin and purpose were discussed. I + remember that one learned but somewhat eccentric gentleman read a short + paper upon a rude, hooded bust and head that are cut within the chamber of + a tall, flat-topped cromlech, or dolmen, which stands alone in the centre + of the ring. + </p> + <p> + “He said that it was a representation of the Egyptian goddess, Isis, and + that this place had once been sacred to some form of her worship, or at + any rate to that of a Nature goddess with like attributes, a suggestion + which the other learned gentlemen treated as absurd. They declared that + Isis had never travelled into Britain, though for my part I do not see why + the Phoenicians, or even the Romans, who adopted her cult, more or less, + should not have brought it here. But I know nothing of such matters and + will not discuss them. + </p> + <p> + “I remembered also that Mr. Holly was acquainted with this place, for he + had mentioned it to me on the previous day, asking if the stones were + still uninjured as they used to be when he was young. He added also, and + the remark struck me, that yonder was where he would wish to die. When I + answered that I feared he would never take so long a walk again, I noted + that he smiled a little. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this conversation gave me a clue, and without troubling more about + the footprints I went on as fast as I could to the Ring, half a mile or so + away. Presently I reached it, and there—yes, there—standing by + the cromlech, bareheaded, and clothed in his night-things only, stood Mr. + Holly in the snow, the strangest figure, I think, that ever I beheld. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed never shall I forget that wild scene. The circle of rough, single + stones pointing upwards to the star-strewn sky, intensely lonely and + intensely solemn: the tall trilithon towering above them in the centre, + its shadow, thrown by the bright moon behind it, lying long and black upon + the dazzling sheet of snow, and, standing clear of this shadow so that I + could distinguish his every motion, and even the rapt look upon his dying + face, the white-draped figure of Mr. Holly. He appeared to be uttering + some invocation—in Arabic, I think—for long before I reached + him I could catch the tones of his full, sonorous voice, and see his + waving, outstretched arms. In his right hand he held the looped sceptre + which, by his express wish I send to you with the drawings. I could see + the flash of the jewels strung upon the wires, and in the great stillness, + hear the tinkling of its golden bells. + </p> + <p> + “Presently, too, I seemed to become aware of another presence, and now you + will understand why I desire and must ask that my identity should be + suppressed. Naturally enough I do not wish to be mixed up with a + superstitious tale which is, on the face of it, impossible and absurd. Yet + under all the circumstances I think it right to tell you that I saw, or + thought I saw, something gather in the shadow of the central dolmen, or + emerge from its rude chamber—I know not which for certain—something + bright and glorious which gradually took the form of a woman upon whose + forehead burned a star-like fire. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate the vision or reflection, or whatever it was, startled me so + much that I came to a halt under the lee of one of the monoliths, and + found myself unable even to call to the distraught man whom I pursued. + </p> + <p> + “Whilst I stood thus it became clear to me that Mr. Holly also saw + something. At least he turned towards the Radiance in the shadow, uttered + one cry; a wild, glad cry, and stepped forward; then seemed to fall <i>through + it</i> on to his face. + </p> + <p> + “When I reached the spot the light had vanished, and all I found was Mr. + Holly, his arms still outstretched, and the sceptre gripped tightly in his + hand, lying quite dead in the shadow of the trilithon.” + </p> + <p> + The rest of the doctor’s letter need not be quoted as it deals only with + certain very improbable explanations of the origin of this figure of + light, the details of the removal of Holly’s body, and of how he managed + to satisfy the coroner that no inquest was necessary. + </p> + <p> + The box of which he speaks arrived safely. Of the drawings in it I need + say nothing, and of the <i>sistrum</i> or sceptre only a few words. It was + fashioned of crystal to the well-known shape of the <i>Crux-ansata</i>, or + the emblem of life of the Egyptians; the rod, the cross and the loop + combined in one. From side to side of this loop ran golden wires, and on + these were strung gems of three colours, glittering diamonds, sea-blue + sapphires, and blood-red rubies, while to the fourth wire, that at the + top, hung four little golden bells. + </p> + <p> + When I took hold of it first my arm shook slightly with excitement, and + those bells began to sound; a sweet, faint music like to that of chimes + heard far away at night in the silence of the sea. I thought too, but + perhaps this was fancy, that a thrill passed from the hallowed and + beautiful thing into my body. + </p> + <p> + On the mystery itself, as it is recorded in the manuscript, I make no + comment. Of it and its inner significations every reader must form his or + her own judgment. One thing alone is clear to me—on the hypothesis + that Mr. Holly tells the truth as to what he and Leo Vincey saw and + experienced, which I at least believe—that though sundry + interpretations of this mystery were advanced by Ayesha and others, none + of them are quite satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, like Mr. Holly, I incline to the theory that She, if I may still + call her by that name although it is seldom given to her in these pages, + put forward some of them, such as the vague Isis-myth, and the wondrous + picture-story of the Mountain-fire, as mere veils to hide the truth which + it was her purpose to reveal at last in that song she never sang. + </p> + <p> + The Editor. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"></a> + AYESHA<br /> + The Further History of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"></a> + CHAPTER I<br /> + THE DOUBLE SIGN + </h2> + <p> + Hard on twenty years have gone by since that night of Leo’s vision—the + most awful years, perhaps, which were ever endured by men—twenty + years of search and hardship ending in soul-shaking wonder and amazement. + </p> + <p> + My death is very near to me, and of this I am glad, for I desire to pursue + the quest in other realms, as it has been promised to me that I shall do. + I desire to learn the beginning and the end of the spiritual drama of + which it has been my strange lot to read some pages upon earth. + </p> + <p> + I, Ludwig Horace Holly, have been very ill; they carried me, more dead + than alive, down those mountains whose lowest slopes I can see from my + window, for I write this on the northern frontiers of India. Indeed any + other man had long since perished, but Destiny kept my breath in me, + perhaps that a record might remain. I must bide here a month or two till + I am strong enough to travel homewards, for I have a fancy to die in the + place where I was born. So while I have strength I will put the story + down, or at least those parts of it that are most essential, for much can, + or at any rate must, be omitted. I shrink from attempting too long a book, + though my notes and memory would furnish me with sufficient material for + volumes. + </p> + <p> + I will begin with the Vision. + </p> + <p> + After Leo Vincey and I came back from Africa in 1885, desiring solitude, + which indeed we needed sorely to recover from the fearful shock we had + experienced, and to give us time and opportunity to think, we went to an + old house upon the shores of Cumberland that has belonged to my family for + many generations. This house, unless somebody has taken it believing me to + be dead, is still my property and thither I travel to die. + </p> + <p> + Those whose eyes read the words I write, if any should ever read them, may + ask—What shock? + </p> + <p> + Well, I am Horace Holly, and my companion, my beloved friend, my son in + the spirit whom I reared from infancy was—nay, is—Leo Vincey. + </p> + <p> + We are those men who, following an ancient clue, travelled to the Caves of + Kôr in Central Africa, and there discovered her whom we sought, the + immortal <i>She-who-must-be-obeyed</i>. In Leo she found her love, that + re-born Kallikrates, the Grecian priest of Isis whom some two thousand + years before she had slain in her jealous rage, thus executing on him the + judgment of the angry goddess. In her also I found the divinity whom I was + doomed to worship from afar, not with the flesh, for that is all lost and + gone from me, but, what is sorer still, because its burden is undying, + with the will and soul which animate a man throughout the countless eons + of his being. The flesh dies, or at least it changes, and its passions + pass, but that other passion of the spirit—that longing for oneness—is + undying as itself. + </p> + <p> + What crime have I committed that this sore punishment should be laid upon + me? Yet, in truth, is it a punishment? May it not prove to be but that + black and terrible Gate which leads to the joyous palace of Rewards? She + swore that I should ever be her friend and his and dwell with them + eternally, and I believe her. + </p> + <p> + For how many winters did we wander among the icy hills and deserts! Still, + at length, the Messenger came and led us to the Mountain, and on the + Mountain we found the Shrine, and in the Shrine the Spirit. May not these + things be an allegory prepared for our instruction? I will take comfort. I + will hope that it is so. Nay, I am sure that it is so. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that in Kôr we found the immortal woman. There + before the flashing rays and vapours of the Pillar of Life she declared + her mystic love, and then in our very sight was swept to a doom so + horrible that even now, after all which has been and gone, I shiver at its + recollection. Yet what were Ayesha’s last words? “<i>Forget me not . . . + have pity on my shame. I die not. I shall come again and shall once more + be beautiful. I swear it—it is true.</i>” + </p> + <p> + Well, I cannot set out that history afresh. Moreover it is written; the + man whom I trusted in the matter did not fail me, and the book he made of + it seems to be known throughout the world, for I have found it here in + English, yes, and read it first translated into Hindostani. To it then I + refer the curious. + </p> + <p> + In that house upon the desolate sea-shore of Cumberland, we dwelt a year, + mourning the lost, seeking an avenue by which it might be found again and + discovering none. Here our strength came back to us, and Leo’s hair, that + had been whitened in the horror of the Caves, grew again from grey to + golden. His beauty returned to him also, so that his face was as it had + been, only purified and saddened. + </p> + <p> + Well I remember that night—and the hour of illumination. We were + heart-broken, we were in despair. We sought signs and could find none. The + dead remained dead to us and no answer came to all our crying. + </p> + <p> + It was a sullen August evening, and after we had dined we walked upon the + shore, listening to the slow surge of the waves and watching the lightning + flicker from the bosom of a distant cloud. In silence we walked, till at + last Leo groaned—it was more of a sob than a groan—and clasped + my arm. + </p> + <p> + “I can bear it no longer, Horace,” he said—for so he called me now—“I + am in torment. The desire to see Ayesha once more saps my brain. Without + hope I shall go quite mad. And I am strong, I may live another fifty + years.” + </p> + <p> + “What then can you do?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I can take a short road to knowledge—or to peace,” he answered + solemnly, “I can die, and die I will—yes, tonight.” + </p> + <p> + I turned upon him angrily, for his words filled me with fear. + </p> + <p> + “Leo, you are a coward!” I said. “Cannot you bear your part of pain as—others + do?” + </p> + <p> + “You mean as you do, Horace,” he answered with a dreary laugh, “for on you + also the curse lies—with less cause. Well, you are stronger than I + am, and more tough; perhaps because you have lived longer. No, I cannot + bear it. I will die.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a crime,” I said, “the greatest insult you can offer to the Power + that made you, to cast back its gift of life as a thing outworn, + contemptible and despised. A crime, I say, which will bring with it worse + punishment than any you can dream; perhaps even the punishment of + everlasting separation.” + </p> + <p> + “Does a man stretched in some torture-den commit a crime if he snatches a + knife and kills himself, Horace? Perhaps; but surely that sin should find + forgiveness—if torn flesh and quivering nerves may plead for mercy. + I am such a man, and I will use that knife and take my chance. She is + dead, and in death at least I shall be nearer her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Leo? For aught you know Ayesha may be living.” + </p> + <p> + “No; for then she would have given me some sign. My mind is made up, so + talk no more, or, if talk we must, let it be of other things.” + </p> + <p> + Then I pleaded with him, though with little hope, for I saw that what I + had feared for long was come to pass. Leo was mad: shock and sorrow had + destroyed his reason. Were it not so, he, in his own way a very religious + man, one who held, as I knew, strict opinions on such matters, would never + have purposed to commit the wickedness of suicide. + </p> + <p> + “Leo,” I said, “are you so heartless that you would leave me here alone? + Do you pay me thus for all my love and care, and wish to drive me to my + death? Do so if you will, and my blood be on your head.” + </p> + <p> + “Your blood! Why your blood, Horace?” + </p> + <p> + “Because that road is broad and two can travel it. We have lived long + years together and together endured much; I am sure that we shall not be + long parted.” + </p> + <p> + Then the tables were turned and he grew afraid for me. But I only + answered, “If you die I tell you that I shall die also. It will certainly + kill me.” + </p> + <p> + So Leo gave way. “Well,” he exclaimed suddenly, “I promise you it shall + not be to-night. Let us give life another chance.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” I answered; but I went to my bed full of fear. For I was certain + that this desire of death, having once taken hold of him, would grow and + grow, until at length it became too strong, and then—then I should + wither and die who could not live on alone. In my despair I threw out my + soul towards that of her who was departed. + </p> + <p> + “Ayesha!” I cried, “if you have any power, if in any way it is permitted, + show that you still live, and save your lover from this sin and me from a + broken heart. Have pity on his sorrow and breathe hope into his spirit, + for without hope Leo cannot live, and without him I shall not live.” + </p> + <p> + Then, worn out, I slept. + </p> + <p> + I was aroused by the voice of Leo speaking to me in low, excited tones + through the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Horace,” he said, “Horace, my friend, my father, listen!” + </p> + <p> + In an instant I was wide awake, every nerve and fibre of me, for the tones + of his voice told me that something had happened which bore upon our + destinies. + </p> + <p> + “Let me light a candle first,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the candle, Horace; I would rather speak in the dark. I went + to sleep, and I dreamed the most vivid dream that ever came to me. I + seemed to stand under the vault of heaven, it was black, black, not a star + shone in it, and a great loneliness possessed me. Then suddenly high up in + the vault, miles and miles away, I saw a little light and thought that a + planet had appeared to keep me company. The light began to descend slowly, + like a floating flake of fire. Down it sank, and down and down, till it + was but just above me, and I perceived that it was shaped like a tongue or + fan of flame. At the height of my head from the ground it stopped and + stood steady, and by its ghostly radiance I saw that beneath was the shape + of a woman and that the flame burned upon her forehead. The radiance + gathered strength and now I saw the woman. + </p> + <p> + “Horace, it was Ayesha herself, her eyes, her lovely face, her cloudy + hair, and she looked at me sadly, reproachfully, I thought, as one might + who says, ‘Why did you doubt?’ + </p> + <p> + “I tried to speak to her but my lips were dumb. I tried to advance and to + embrace her, my arms would not move. There was a barrier between us. She + lifted her hand and beckoned as though bidding me to follow her. + </p> + <p> + “Then she glided away, and, Horace, my spirit seemed to loose itself from + the body and to be given the power to follow. We passed swiftly eastward, + over lands and seas, and—I knew the road. At one point she paused + and I looked downwards. Beneath, shining in the moonlight, appeared the + ruined palaces of Kôr, and there not far away was the gulf we trod + together. + </p> + <p> + “Onward above the marshes, and now we stood upon the Ethiopian’s Head, and + gathered round, watching us earnestly, were the faces of the Arabs, our + companions who drowned in the sea beneath. Job was among them also, and he + smiled at me sadly and shook his head, as though he wished to accompany us + and could not. + </p> + <p> + “Across the sea again, across the sandy deserts, across more sea, and the + shores of India lay beneath us. Then northward, ever northward, above the + plains, till we reached a place of mountains capped with eternal snow. We + passed them and stayed for an instant above a building set upon the brow + of a plateau. It was a monastery, for old monks droned prayers upon its + terrace. I shall know it again, for it is built in the shape of a + half-moon and in front of it sits the gigantic, ruined statue of a god who + gazes everlastingly across the desert. I knew, how I cannot say, that now + we were far past the furthest borders of Thibet and that in front of us + lay untrodden lands. More mountains stretched beyond that desert, a sea of + snowy peaks, hundreds and hundreds of them. + </p> + <p> + “Near to the monastery, jutting out into the plain like some rocky + headland, rose a solitary hill, higher than all behind. We stood upon its + snowy crest and waited, till presently, above the mountains and the desert + at our feet shot a sudden beam of light that beat upon us like some signal + flashed across the sea. On we went, floating down the beam—on over + the desert and the mountains, across a great flat land beyond, in which + were many villages and a city on a mound, till we lit upon a towering + peak. Then I saw that this peak was loop-shaped like the symbol of Life of + the Egyptians—the <i>crux-ansata</i>—and supported by a lava + stem hundreds of feet in height. Also I saw that the fire which shone + through it rose from the crater of a volcano beyond. Upon the very crest + of this loop we rested a while, till the Shadow of Ayesha pointed downward + with its hand, smiled and vanished. Then I awoke. + </p> + <p> + “Horace, I tell you that the sign has come to us.” + </p> + <p> + His voice died away in the darkness, but I sat still, brooding over what I + had heard. Leo groped his way to me and, seizing my arm, shook it. + </p> + <p> + “Are you asleep?” he asked angrily. “Speak, man, speak!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “never was I more awake. Give me time.” + </p> + <p> + Then I rose, and going to the open window, drew up the blind and stood + there staring at the sky, which grew pearl-hued with the first faint tinge + of dawn. Leo came also and leant upon the window-sill, and I could feel + that his body was trembling as though with cold. Clearly he was much + moved. + </p> + <p> + “You talk of a sign,” I said to him, “but in your sign I see nothing but a + wild dream.” + </p> + <p> + “It was no dream,” he broke in fiercely; “it was a vision.” + </p> + <p> + “A vision then if you will, but there are visions true and false, and how + can we know that this is true? Listen, Leo. What is there in all that + wonderful tale which could not have been fashioned in your own brain, + distraught as it is almost to madness with your sorrow and your longings? + You dreamed that you were alone in the vast universe. Well, is not every + living creature thus alone? You dreamed that the shadowy shape of Ayesha + came to you. Has it ever left your side? You dreamed that she led you over + sea and land, past places haunted by your memory, above the mysterious + mountains of the Unknown to an undiscovered peak. Does she not thus lead + you through life to that peak which lies beyond the Gates of Death? You + dreamed——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no more of it,” he exclaimed. “What I saw, I saw, and that I shall + follow. Think as you will, Horace, and do what you will. To-morrow I start + for India, with you if you choose to come; if not, without you.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak roughly, Leo,” I said. “You forget that <i>I</i> have had no + sign, and that the nightmare of a man so near to insanity that but a few + hours ago he was determined upon suicide, will be a poor staff to lean on + when we are perishing in the snows of Central Asia. A mixed vision, this + of yours, Leo, with its mountain peak shaped like a <i>crux-ansata</i> and + the rest. Do you suggest that Ayesha is re-incarnated in Central Asia—as + a female Grand Lama or something of that sort?” + </p> + <p> + “I never thought of it, but why not?” asked Leo quietly. “Do you remember + a certain scene in the Caves of Kôr yonder, when the living looked upon + the dead, and dead and living were the same? And do you remember what + Ayesha swore, that she would come again—yes, to this world; and how + could that be except by re-birth, or, what is the same thing, by the + transmigration of the spirit?” + </p> + <p> + I did not answer this argument. I was struggling with myself. + </p> + <p> + “No sign has come to me,” I said, “and yet I have had a part in the play, + humble enough, I admit, and I believe that I have still a part.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “no sign has come to you. I wish that it had. Oh! how I + wish you could be convinced as I am, Horace!” + </p> + <p> + Then we were silent for a long while, silent, with our eyes fixed upon the + sky. + </p> + <p> + It was a stormy dawn. Clouds in fantastic masses hung upon the ocean. One + of them was like a great mountain, and we watched it idly. It changed its + shape, the crest of it grew hollow like a crater. From this crater sprang + a projecting cloud, a rough pillar with a knob or lump resting on its top. + Suddenly the rays of the risen sun struck upon this mountain and the + column and they turned white like snow. Then as though melted by those + fiery arrows, the centre of the excrescence above the pillar thinned out + and vanished, leaving an enormous loop of inky cloud. + </p> + <p> + “Look,” said Leo in a low, frightened voice, “that is the shape of the + mountain which I saw in my vision. There upon it is the black loop, and + there through it shines the fire. <i>It would seem that the sign is for + both of us, Horace.</i>” + </p> + <p> + I looked and looked again till presently the vast loop vanished into the + blue of heaven. Then I turned and said—“I will come with you to + Central Asia, Leo.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"></a> + CHAPTER II<br /> + THE LAMASERY + </h2> + <p> + Sixteen years had passed since that night vigil in the old Cumberland + house, and, behold! we two, Leo and I, were still travelling, still + searching for that mountain peak shaped like the Symbol of Life which + never, never could be found. + </p> + <p> + Our adventures would fill volumes, but of what use is it to record them. + Many of a similar nature are already written of in books; those that we + endured were more prolonged, that is all. Five years we spent in Thibet, + for the most part as guests of various monasteries, where we studied the + law and traditions of the Lamas. Here we were once sentenced to death in + punishment for having visited a forbidden city, but escaped through the + kindness of a Chinese official. + </p> + <p> + Leaving Thibet, we wandered east and west and north, thousands and + thousands of miles, sojourning amongst many tribes in Chinese territory + and elsewhere, learning many tongues, enduring much hardship. Thus we + would hear a legend of a place, say nine hundred miles away, and spend two + years in reaching it, to find when we came there, nothing. + </p> + <p> + And so the time went on. Yet never once did we think of giving up the + quest and returning, since, before we started, we had sworn an oath that + we would achieve or die. Indeed we ought to have died a score of times, + yet always were preserved, most mysteriously preserved. + </p> + <p> + Now we were in country where, so far as I could learn, no European had + ever set a foot. In a part of the vast land called Turkestan there is a + great lake named Balhkash, of which we visited the shores. Two hundred + miles or so to the westward is a range of mighty mountains marked on the + maps as Arkarty-Tau, on which we spent a year, and five hundred or so miles to + the eastward are other mountains called Cherga, whither we journeyed at + last, having explored the triple ranges of the Tau. + </p> + <p> + Here it was that at last our true adventures began. On one of the spurs of + these awful Cherga mountains—it is unmarked on any map—we + well-nigh perished of starvation. The winter was coming on and we could + find no game. The last traveller we had met, hundreds of miles south, told + us that on that range was a monastery inhabited by Lamas of surpassing + holiness. He said that they dwelt in this wild land, over which no power + claimed dominion and where no tribes lived, to acquire “merit,” with no + other company than that of their own pious contemplations. We did not + believe in its existence, still we were searching for that monastery, + driven onward by the blind fatalism which was our only guide through all + these endless wanderings. As we were starving and could find no “argals,” + that is fuel with which to make a fire, we walked all night by the light + of the moon, driving between us a single yak—for now we had no + attendant, the last having died a year before. + </p> + <p> + He was a noble beast, that yak, and had the best constitution of any + animal I ever knew, though now, like his masters, he was near his end. Not + that he was over-laden, for a few rifle cartridges, about a hundred and + fifty, the remnant of a store which we had fortunately been able to buy + from a caravan two years before, some money in gold and silver, a little + tea and a bundle of skin rugs and sheepskin garments were his burden. On, + on we trudged across a plateau of snow, having the great mountains on our + right, till at length the yak gave a sigh and stopped. So we stopped also, + because we must, and wrapping ourselves in the skin rugs, sat down in the + snow to wait for daylight. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to kill him and eat his flesh raw,” I said, patting the + poor yak that lay patiently at our side. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we may find game in the morning,” answered Leo, still hopeful. + </p> + <p> + “And perhaps we may not, in which case we must die.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” he replied, “then let us die. It is the last resource of + failure. We shall have done our best.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Leo, we shall have done our best, if sixteen years of tramping + over mountains and through eternal snows in pursuit of a dream of the + night can be called best.” + </p> + <p> + “You know what I believe,” he answered stubbornly, and there was silence + between us, for here arguments did not avail. Also even then I could not + think that all our toils and sufferings would be in vain. + </p> + <p> + The dawn came, and by its light we looked at one another anxiously, each + of us desiring to see what strength was left to his companion. Wild + creatures we should have seemed to the eyes of any civilized person. Leo + was now over forty years of age, and certainly his maturity had fulfilled + the promise of his youth, for a more magnificent man I never knew. Very + tall, although he seemed spare to the eye, his girth matched his height, + and those many years of desert life had turned his muscles to steel. His + hair had grown long, like my own, for it was a protection from sun and + cold, and hung upon his neck, a curling, golden mane, as his great beard + hung upon his breast, spreading outwards almost to the massive shoulders. + The face, too—what could be seen of it—was beautiful though + burnt brown with weather; refined and full of thought, sombre almost, and + in it, clear as crystal, steady as stars, shone his large grey eyes. + </p> + <p> + And I—I was what I have always been—ugly and hirsute, + iron-grey now also, but in spite of my sixty odd years, still wonderfully + strong, for my strength seemed to increase with time, and my health was + perfect. In fact, during all this period of rough travels, although now + and again we had met with accidents which laid us up for awhile, neither + of us had known a day of sickness. Hardship seemed to have turned our + constitutions to iron and made them impervious to every human ailment. Or + was this because we alone amongst living men had once inhaled the breath + of the Essence of Life? + </p> + <p> + Our fears relieved—for notwithstanding our foodless night, as yet + neither of us showed any signs of exhaustion—we turned to + contemplate the landscape. At our feet beyond a little belt of fertile + soil, began a great desert of the sort with which we were familiar—sandy, + salt-encrusted, treeless, waterless, and here and there streaked with the + first snows of winter. Beyond it, eighty or a hundred miles away—in + that lucent atmosphere it was impossible to say how far exactly—rose + more mountains, a veritable sea of them, of which the white peaks soared + upwards by scores. + </p> + <p> + As the golden rays of the rising sun touched their snows to splendour, I + saw Leo’s eyes become troubled. Swiftly he turned and looked along the + edge of the desert. + </p> + <p> + “See there!” he said, pointing to something dim and enormous. Presently + the light reached it also. It was a mighty mountain not more than ten + miles away, that stood out by itself among the sands. Then he turned once + more, and with his back to the desert stared at the slope of the hills, + along the base of which we had been travelling. As yet they were in gloom, + for the sun was behind them, but presently light began to flow over their + crests like a flood. Down it crept, lower, and yet lower, till it reached + a little plateau not three hundred yards above us. There, on the edge of + the plateau, looking out solemnly across the waste, sat a great ruined + idol, a colossal Buddha, while to the rear of the idol, built of yellow + stone, appeared the low crescent-shaped mass of a monastery. + </p> + <p> + “At last!” cried Leo, “oh, Heaven! at last!” and, flinging himself down, + he buried his face in the snow as though to hide it there, lest I should + read something written on it which he did not desire that even I should + see. + </p> + <p> + I let him lie a space, understanding what was passing in his heart, and + indeed in mine also. Then going to the yak that, poor brute, had no share + in these joyous emotions but only lowed and looked round with hungry eyes, + I piled the sheepskin rugs on to its back. This done, I laid my hand on + Leo’s shoulder, saying, in the most matter-of-fact voice I could command—“Come. + If that place is not deserted, we may find food and shelter there, and it + is beginning to storm again.” + </p> + <p> + He rose without a word, brushed the snow from his beard and garments and + came to help me to lift the yak to its feet, for the worn-out beast was + too stiff and weak to rise of itself. Glancing at him covertly, I saw on + Leo’s face a very strange and happy look; a great peace appeared to + possess him. + </p> + <p> + We plunged upwards through the snow slope, dragging the yak with us, to + the terrace whereon the monastery was built. Nobody seemed to be about + there, nor could I discern any footprints. Was the place but a ruin? We + had found many such; indeed this ancient land is full of buildings that + had once served as the homes of men, learned and pious enough after their + own fashion, who lived and died hundreds, or even thousands, of years ago, + long before our Western civilization came into being. + </p> + <p> + My heart, also my stomach, which was starving, sank at the thought, but + while I gazed doubtfully, a little coil of blue smoke sprang from a + chimney, and never, I think, did I see a more joyful sight. In the centre + of the edifice was a large building, evidently the temple, but nearer to + us I saw a small door, almost above which the smoke appeared. To this door + I went and knocked, calling aloud—“Open! open, holy Lamas. Strangers + seek your charity.” After awhile there was a sound of shuffling feet and + the door creaked upon its hinges, revealing an old, old man, clad in + tattered, yellow garments. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it? Who is it?” he exclaimed, blinking at me through a pair of + horn spectacles. “Who comes to disturb our solitude, the solitude of the + holy Lamas of the Mountains?” + </p> + <p> + “Travellers, Sacred One, who have had enough of solitude,” I answered in + his own dialect, with which I was well acquainted. “Travellers who are + starving and who ask your charity, which,” I added, “by the Rule you + cannot refuse.” + </p> + <p> + He stared at us through his horn spectacles, and, able to make nothing of + our faces, let his glance fall to our garments which were as ragged as his + own, and of much the same pattern. Indeed, they were those of Thibetan + monks, including a kind of quilted petticoat and an outer vestment not + unlike an Eastern burnous. We had adopted them because we had no others. + Also they protected us from the rigours of the climate and from remark, + had there been any to remark upon them. + </p> + <p> + “Are you Lamas?” he asked doubtfully, “and if so, of what monastery?” + </p> + <p> + “Lamas sure enough,” I answered, “who belong to a monastery called the + World, where, alas! one grows hungry.” + </p> + <p> + The reply seemed to please him, for he chuckled a little, then shook his + head, saying—“It is against our custom to admit strangers unless + they be of our own faith, which I am sure you are not.” + </p> + <p> + “And much more is it against your Rule, holy Khubilghan,” for so these + abbots are entitled, “to suffer strangers to starve”; and I quoted a + well-known passage from the sayings of Buddha which fitted the point + precisely. + </p> + <p> + “I perceive that you are instructed in the Books,” he exclaimed with + wonder on his yellow, wrinkled face, “and to such we cannot refuse + shelter. Come in, brethren of the monastery called the World. But stay, + there is the yak, who also has claims upon our charity,” and, turning, he + struck upon a gong or bell which hung within the door. + </p> + <p> + At the sound another man appeared, more wrinkled and to all appearance + older than the first, who stared at us open-mouthed. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” said the abbot, “shut that great mouth of yours lest an evil + spirit should fly down it; take this poor yak and give it fodder with the + other cattle.” + </p> + <p> + So we unstrapped our belongings from the back of the beast, and the old + fellow whose grandiloquent title was “Master of the Herds,” led it away. + </p> + <p> + When it had gone, not too willingly—for our faithful friend disliked + parting from us and distrusted this new guide—the abbot, who was + named Kou-en, led us into the living room or rather the kitchen of the + monastery, for it served both purposes. Here we found the rest of the + monks, about twelve in all, gathered round the fire of which we had seen + the smoke, and engaged, one of them in preparing the morning meal, and the + rest in warming themselves. + </p> + <p> + They were all old men; the youngest could not have been less than + sixty-five. To these we were solemnly introduced as “Brethren of the + Monastery called the World, where folk grow hungry,” for the abbot Kou-en + could not make up his mind to part from this little joke. + </p> + <p> + They stared at us, they rubbed their thin hands, they bowed and wished us + well and evidently were delighted at our arrival. This was not strange, + however, seeing that ours were the first new faces which they had seen for + four long years. + </p> + <p> + Nor did they stop at words, for while they made water hot for us to wash + in, two of them went to prepare a room—and others drew off our rough + hide boots and thick outer garments and brought us slippers for our feet. + Then they led us to the guest chamber, which they informed us was a + “propitious place,” for once it had been slept in by a noted saint. Here a + fire was lit, and, wonder of wonders! clean garments, including linen, all + of them ancient and faded, but of good quality, were brought for us to put + on. + </p> + <p> + So we washed—yes, actually washed all over—and having arrayed + ourselves in the robes, which were somewhat small for Leo, struck the bell + that hung in the room and were conducted by a monk who answered it, back + to the kitchen, where the meal was now served. It consisted of a kind of + porridge, to which was added new milk brought in by the “Master of the + Herds,” dried fish from a lake, and buttered tea, the last two luxuries + produced in our special honour. Never had food tasted more delicious to + us, and, I may add, never did we eat more. Indeed, at last I was obliged + to request Leo to stop, for I saw the monks staring at him and heard the + old abbot chuckling to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Oho! The Monastery of the World, where folk grow <i>hungry</i>,” to which + another monk, who was called the “Master of the Provisions,” replied + uneasily, that if we went on like this, their store of food would scarcely + last the winter. So we finished at length, feeling, as some book of maxims + which I can remember in my youth said all polite people should do—that + we could eat more, and much impressed our hosts by chanting a long + Buddhist grace. + </p> + <p> + “Their feet are in the Path! Their feet are in the Path!” they said, + astonished. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Leo, “they have been in it for sixteen years of our present + incarnation. But we are only beginners, for you, holy Ones, know how + star-high, how ocean-wide and how desert-long is that path. Indeed it is + to be instructed as to the right way of walking therein that we have been + miraculously directed by a dream to seek you out, as the most pious, the + most saintly and the most learned of all the Lamas in these parts.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly we are that,” answered the abbot Kou-en, “seeing that + there is no other monastery within five months’ journey,” and again he + chuckled, “though, alas!” he added with a pathetic little sigh, “our + numbers grow few.” + </p> + <p> + After this we asked leave to retire to our chamber in order to rest, and + there, upon very good imitations of beds, we slept solidly for four and + twenty hours, rising at last perfectly refreshed and well. + </p> + <p> + Such was our introduction to the Monastery of the Mountains—for it + had no other name—where we were destined to spend the next six + months of our lives. Within a few days—for they were not long in + giving us their complete confidence—those good-hearted and simple + old monks told us all their history. + </p> + <p> + It seemed that of old time there was a Lamasery here, in which dwelt + several hundred brethren. This, indeed, was obviously true, for the place + was enormous, although for the most part ruined, and, as the weather-worn + statue of Buddha showed, very ancient. The story ran, according to the old + abbot, that two centuries or so before, the monks had been killed out by + some fierce tribe who lived beyond the desert and across the distant + mountains, which tribe were heretics and worshippers of fire. Only a few + of them escaped to bring the sad news to other communities, and for five + generations no attempt was made to re-occupy the place. + </p> + <p> + At length it was revealed to him, our friend Kou-en, when a young man, + that he was a re-incarnation of one of the old monks of this monastery, + who also was named Kou-en, and that it was his duty during his present + life to return thither, as by so doing he would win much merit and receive + many wonderful revelations. So he gathered a band of zealots and, with the + blessing and consent of his superiors, they started out, and after many + hardships and losses found and took possession of the place, repairing it + sufficiently for their needs. + </p> + <p> + This happened about fifty years before, and here they had dwelt ever + since, only communicating occasionally with the outside world. At first + their numbers were recruited from time to time by new brethren, but at + length these ceased to come, with the result that the community was dying + out. + </p> + <p> + “And what then?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “And then,” the abbot answered, “nothing. <i>We</i> have acquired much + merit; we have been blest with many revelations, and, after the repose we + have earned in Devachan, our lots in future existences will be easier. + What more can we ask or desire, removed as we are from all the temptations + of the world?” + </p> + <p> + For the rest, in the intervals of their endless prayers, and still more + endless contemplations, they were husbandmen, cultivating the soil, which + was fertile at the foot of the mountain, and tending their herd of yaks. + Thus they wore away their blameless lives until at last they died of old + age, and, as they believed—and who shall say that they were wrong—the + eternal round repeated itself elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after, indeed on the very day of our arrival at the monastery + the winter began in earnest with bitter cold and snowstorms so heavy and + frequent that all the desert was covered deep. Very soon it became obvious + to us that here we must stay until the spring, since to attempt to move in + any direction would be to perish. With some misgivings we explained this + to the abbot Kou-en, offering to remove to one of the empty rooms in the + ruined part of the building, supporting ourselves with fish that we could + catch by cutting a hole in the ice of the lake above the monastery, and if + we were able to find any, on game, which we might trap or shoot in the + scrub-like forest of stunted pines and junipers that grew around its + border. But he would listen to no such thing. We had been sent to be their + guests, he said, and their guests we should remain for so long as might be + convenient to us. Would we lay upon them the burden of the sin of + inhospitality? Besides, he remarked with his chuckle—“We who dwell + alone like to hear about that other great monastery called the World, + where the monks are not so favoured as we who are set in this blessed + situation, and where folk even go hungry in body, and,” he added, “in + soul.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, as we soon found out, the dear old man’s object was to keep our + feet in the Path until we reached the goal of Truth, or, in other words, + became excellent Lamas like himself and his flock. + </p> + <p> + So we walked in the Path, as we had done in many another Lamasery, and + assisted at the long prayers in the ruined temple and studied the <i>Kandjur</i>, + or “Translation of the Words” of Buddha, which is their bible and a very + long one, and generally showed that our “minds were open.” Also we + expounded to them the doctrines of our own faith, and greatly delighted + were they to find so many points of similarity between it and theirs. + Indeed, I am not certain but that if we could have stopped there long + enough, say ten years, we might have persuaded some of them to accept a + new revelation of which we were the prophets. Further, in spare hours we + told them many tales of “the Monastery called the World,” and it was + really delightful, and in a sense piteous, to see the joy with which they + listened to these stories of wondrous countries and new races of men; they + who knew only of Russia and China and some semi-savage tribes, inhabitants + of the mountains and the deserts. + </p> + <p> + “It is right for us to learn all this,” they declared, “for, who knows, + perhaps in future incarnations we may become inhabitants of these places.” + </p> + <p> + But though the time passed thus in comfort and indeed, compared to many of + our experiences, in luxury, oh! our hearts were hungry, for in them burned + the consuming fire of our quest. We felt that we were on the threshold—yes, + we knew it, we knew it, and yet our wretched physical limitations made it + impossible for us to advance by a single step. On the desert beneath fell + the snow, moreover great winds arose suddenly that drove those snows like + dust, piling them in heaps as high as trees, beneath which any unfortunate + traveller would be buried. Here we must wait, there was nothing else to be + done. + </p> + <p> + One alleviation we found, and only one. In a ruined room of the monastery + was a library of many volumes, placed there, doubtless, by the monks who + were massacred in times bygone. These had been more or less cared for and + re-arranged by their successors, who gave us liberty to examine them as + often as we pleased. Truly it was a strange collection, and I should + imagine of priceless value, for among them were to be found Buddhistic, + Sivaistic and Shamanistic writings that we had never before seen or heard + of, together with the lives of a multitude of Bodhisatvas, or + distinguished saints, written in various tongues, some of which we did not + understand. + </p> + <p> + What proved more interesting to us, however, was a diary in many tomes + that for generations had been kept by the Khubilghans or abbots of the old + Lamasery, in which every event of importance was recorded in great detail. + Turning over the pages of one of the last volumes of this diary, written + apparently about two hundred and fifty years earlier, and shortly before + the destruction of the monastery, we came upon an entry of which the + following—for I can only quote from memory—is the substance— + </p> + <p> + “In the summer of this year, after a very great sandstorm, a brother (the + name was given, but I forget it) found in the desert a man of the people + who dwell beyond the Far Mountains, of whom rumours have reached this + Lamasery from time to time. He was living, but beside him were the bodies + of two of his companions who had been overwhelmed by sand and thirst. He + was very fierce looking. He refused to say how he came into the desert, + telling us only that he had followed the road known to the ancients before + communication between his people and the outer world ceased. We gathered, + however, that his brethren with whom he fled had committed some crime for + which they had been condemned to die, and that he had accompanied them in + their flight. He told us that there was a fine country beyond the + mountains, fertile, but plagued with droughts and earthquakes, which + latter, indeed, we often feel here. + </p> + <p> + “The people of that country were, he said, warlike and very numerous but + followed agriculture. They had always lived there, though ruled by Khans + who were descendants of the Greek king called Alexander, who conquered + much country to the south-west of us. This may be true, as our records + tell us that about two thousand years ago an army sent by that invader + penetrated to these parts, though of his being with them nothing is said. + </p> + <p> + “The stranger-man told us also that his people worship a priestess called + Hes or the Hesea, who is said to reign from generation to generation. She + lives in a great mountain, apart, and is feared and adored by all, but is + not the queen of the country, in the government of which she seldom + interferes. To her, however, sacrifices are offered, and he who incurs her + vengeance dies, so that even the chiefs of that land are afraid of her. + Still their subjects often fight, for they hate each other. + </p> + <p> + “We answered that he lied when he said that this woman was immortal—for + that was what we supposed he meant—since nothing is immortal; also + we laughed at his tale of her power. This made the man very angry. Indeed + he declared that our Buddha was not so strong as this priestess, and that + she would show it by being avenged upon us. + </p> + <p> + “After this we gave him food and turned him out of the Lamasery, and he + went, saying that when he returned we should learn who spoke the truth. We + do not know what became of him, and he refused to reveal to us the road to + his country, which lies beyond the desert and the Far Mountains. We think + that perhaps he was an evil spirit sent to frighten us, in which he did + not succeed.” + </p> + <p> + Such is a <i>precis</i> of this strange entry, the discovery of which, + vague as it was, thrilled us with hope and excitement. Nothing more + appeared about the man or his country, but within a little over a year + from that date the diary of the abbot came to a sudden end without any + indication that unusual events had occured or were expected. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the last item written in the parchment book mentioned the + preparation of certain new lands to be used for the sowing of grain in + future seasons, which suggested that the brethren neither feared nor + expected disturbance. We wondered whether the man from beyond the + mountains was as good as his word and had brought down the vengeance of + that priestess called the Hesea upon the community which sheltered him. + Also we wondered—ah! how we wondered—who and what this Hesea + might be. + </p> + <p> + On the day following this discovery we prayed the abbot, Kou-en, to + accompany us to the library, and having read him the passage, asked if he + knew anything of the matter. He swayed his wise old head, which always + reminded me of that of a tortoise, and answered—“A little. Very + little, and that mostly about the army of the Greek king who is mentioned + in the writing.” + </p> + <p> + We inquired what he could possibly know of this matter, whereon Kou-en + replied calmly—“In those days when the faith of the Holy One was + still young, I dwelt as a humble brother in this very monastery, which was + one of the first built, and I saw the army pass, that is all. That,” he + added meditatively, “was in my fiftieth incarnation of this present Round—no, + I am thinking of another army—in my seventy-third.”<a href="#fn-1" name="fnref-1" id="fnref-1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-1" id="fn-1"></a> <a href="#fnref-1">[1]</a> +As students of their lives and literature will be aware, it is common for +Buddhist priests to state positively that they remember events which occurred +during their previous incarnations.—ed. +</p> + <p> + Here Leo began a great laugh, but I managed to kick him beneath the table + and he turned it into a sneeze. This was fortunate, as such ribald + merriment would have hurt the old man’s feelings terribly. After all, + also, as Leo himself had once said, surely we were not the people to mock + at the theory of re-incarnation, which, by the way, is the first article + of faith among nearly one quarter of the human race, and this not the most + foolish quarter. + </p> + <p> + “How can that be—I ask for instruction, learned One—seeing + that memory perishes with death?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he answered, “Brother Holly, it may seem to do so, but oftentimes it + comes back again, especially to those who are far advanced upon the Path. + For instance, until you read this passage I had forgotten all about that + army, but now I see it passing, passing, and myself with other monks + standing by the statue of the big Buddha in front yonder, and watching it + go by. It was not a very large army, for most of the soldiers had died, or + been killed, and it was being pursued by the wild people who lived south + of us in those days, so that it was in a great hurry to put the desert + between it and them. The general of the army was a swarthy man—I + wish that I could remember his name, but I cannot. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he went on, “that general came up to the Lamasery and demanded a + sleeping place for his wife and children, also provisions and medicines, + and guides across the desert. The abbot of that day told him it was + against our law to admit a woman under our roof, to which he answered that + if we did not, we should have no roof left, for he would burn the place + and kill every one of us with the sword. Now, as you know, to be killed by + violence means that we must pass sundry incarnations in the forms of + animals, a horrible thing, so we chose the lesser evil and gave way, and + afterwards obtained absolution for our sins from the Great Lama. Myself I + did not see this queen, but I saw the priestess of their worship—alas! + alas!” and Kou-en beat his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Why alas?” I asked, as unconcernedly as I could, for this story + interested me strangely. + </p> + <p> + “Why? Oh! because I may have forgotten the army, but I have never + forgotten that priestess, and she has been a great hindrance to me through + many ages, delaying me upon my journey to the Other Side, to the Shore of + Salvation. I, as a humble Lama, was engaged in preparing her apartment + when she entered and threw aside her veil; yes, and perceiving a young + man, spoke to me, asking many questions, and even if I was not glad to + look again upon a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “What—what was she like?” said Leo, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “What was she like? Oh! She was all loveliness in one shape; she was like + the dawn upon the snows; she was like the evening star above the + mountains; she was like the first flower of the spring. Brother, ask me + not what she was like, nay, I will say no more. Oh! my sin, my sin. I am + slipping backward and you draw my black shame out into the light of day. + Nay, I will confess it that you may know how vile a thing I am—I + whom perhaps you have thought holy—like yourselves. That woman, if + woman she were, lit a fire in my heart which will not burn out, oh! and + more, more,” and Kou-en rocked himself to and fro upon his stool while + tears of contrition trickled from beneath his horn spectacles, “<i>she + made me worship her!</i> For first she asked me of my faith and listened + eagerly as I expounded it, hoping that the light would come into her + heart; then, after I had finished she said—“‘So your Path is + Renunciation and your Nirvana a most excellent Nothingness which some + would think it scarce worth while to strive so hard to reach. Now <i>I</i> + will show you a more joyous way and a goddess more worthy of your + worship.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What way, and what goddess?’ I asked of her. + </p> + <p> + “‘The way of Love and Life!” she answered, ‘that makes all the world to + be, that made <i>you</i>, O seeker of Nirvana, and the goddess called + Nature!’ + </p> + <p> + “Again I asked where is that goddess, and behold! she drew herself up, + looking most royal, and touching her ivory breast, she said, ‘I am She. + Now kneel you down and do me homage!’ + </p> + <p> + “My brethren, I knelt, yes, I kissed her foot, and then I fled away shamed + and broken-hearted, and as I went she laughed, and cried: ‘Remember me + when you reach Devachan, O servant of the Budda-saint, for though I + change, I do not die, and even there I shall be with you who once gave me + worship!’ + </p> + <p> + “And it is so, my brethren, it is so; for though I obtained absolution for + my sin and have suffered much for it through this, my next incarnation, + yet I cannot be rid of her, and for me the Utter Peace is far, far away,” + and Kou-en placed his withered hands before his face and sobbed outright. + </p> + <p> + A ridiculous sight, truly, to see a holy Khublighan well on the wrong side + of eighty, weeping like a child over a dream of a beautiful woman which he + imagined he had once dreamt in his last life more than two thousand years + ago. So the reader will say. But I, Holly, for reasons of my own, felt + deep sympathy with that poor old man, and Leo was also sympathetic. We + patted him on the back; we assured him that he was the victim of some evil + hallucination which could never be brought up against him in this or any + future existence, since, if sin there were, it must have been forgiven + long ago, and so forth. When his calm was somewhat restored we tried also + to extract further information from him, but with poor results, so far as + the priestess was concerned. + </p> + <p> + He said that he did not know to what religion she belonged, and did not + care, but thought that it must be an evil one. She went away the next + morning with the army, and he never saw or heard of her any more, though + it came into his mind that he was obliged to be locked in his cell for + eight days to prevent himself from following her. Yes, he had heard one + thing, for the abbot of that day had told the brethren. This priestess was + the real general of the army, not the king or the queen, the latter of + whom hated her. It was by her will that they pushed on northwards across + the desert to some country beyond the mountains, where she desired to + establish herself and her worship. + </p> + <p> + We asked if there really was any country beyond the mountains, and Kou-en + answered wearily that he believed so. Either in this or in a previous life + he had heard that people lived there who worshipped fire. Certainly also + it was true that about thirty years ago a brother who had climbed the + great peak yonder to spend some days in solitary meditation, returned and + reported that he had seen a marvellous thing, namely, a shaft of fire + burning in the heavens beyond those same mountains, though whether this + were a vision, or what, he could not say. He recalled, however, that about + that time they had felt a great earthquake. + </p> + <p> + Then the memory of that fancied transgression again began to afflict + Kou-en’s innocent old heart, and he crept away lamenting and was seen no + more for a week. Nor would he ever speak again to us of this matter. + </p> + <p> + But we spoke of it much with hope and wonder, and made up our minds that + we would at once ascend this mountain. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"></a> + CHAPTER III<br /> + THE BEACON LIGHT + </h2> + <p> + A week later came our opportunity of making this ascent of the mountain, + for now in mid-winter it ceased storming, and hard frost set in, which + made it possible to walk upon the surface of the snow. Learning from the + monks that at this season <i>ovis poli</i> and other kinds of big-horned + sheep and game descended from the hills to take refuge in certain valleys, + where they scraped away the snow to find food, we announced that we were + going out to hunt. The excuse we gave was that we were suffering from + confinement and needed exercise, having by the teaching of our religion no + scruples about killing game. + </p> + <p> + Our hosts replied that the adventure was dangerous, as the weather might + change at any moment. They told us, however, that on the slopes of this + very mountain which we desired to climb, there was a large natural cave + where, if need be, we could take shelter, and to this cave one of them, + somewhat younger and more active than the rest, offered to guide us. So, + having manufactured a rougri tent from skins, and laden our old yak, now + in the best of condition, with food and garments, on one still morning we + started as soon as it was light. Under the guidance of the monk, who, + notwithstanding his years, walked very well, we reached the northern slope + of the peak before mid-day. Here, as he had said, we found a great cave of + which the opening was protected by an over-hanging ledge of rock. + Evidently this cave was the favourite place of shelter for game at certain + seasons of the year, since in it were heaped vast accumulations of their + droppings, which removed any fear of a lack of fuel. + </p> + <p> + The rest of that short day we spent in setting up our tent in the cave, in + front of which we lit a large fire, and in a survey of the slopes of the + mountain, for we told the monk that we were searching for the tracks of + wild sheep. Indeed, as it happened, on our way back to the cave we came + across a small herd of ewes feeding upon the mosses in a sheltered spot + where in summer a streamlet ran. Of these we were so fortunate as to kill + two, for no sportsman had ever come here, and they were tame enough, poor + things. As meat would keep for ever in that temperature, we had now + sufficient food to last us for a fortnight, and dragging the animals down + the snow slopes to the cave, we skinned them by the dying light. + </p> + <p> + That evening we supped upon fresh mutton, a great luxury, which the monk + enjoyed as much as we did, since, whatever might be his views as to taking + life, he liked mutton. Then we turned into the tent and huddled ourselves + together for warmth, as the temperature must have been some degrees below + zero. The old monk rested well enough, but neither Leo nor I slept over + much, for wonder as to what we might see from the top of that mountain + banished sleep. + </p> + <p> + Next morning at the dawn, the weather being still favourable, our + companion returned to the monastery, whither we said we would follow him + in a day or two. + </p> + <p> + Now at last we were alone, and without wasting an instant began our ascent + of the peak. It was many thousand feet high and in certain places steep + enough, but the deep, frozen snow made climbing easy, so that by midday we + reached the top. Hence the view was magnificent. Beneath us stretched the + desert, and beyond it a broad belt of fantastically shaped, snow-clad + mountains, hundreds and hundreds of them; in front, to the right, to the + left, as far as the eye could reach. + </p> + <p> + “They are just as I saw them in my dream so many years ago,” muttered Leo; + “the same, the very same.” + </p> + <p> + “And where was the fiery light?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder, I think;” and he pointed north by east. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is not there now,” I answered, “and this place is cold.” + </p> + <p> + So, since it was dangerous to linger, lest the darkness should overtake us + on our return journey, we descended the peak again, reaching the cave + about sunset. The next four days we spent in the same way. Every morning + we crawled up those wearisome banks of snow, and every afternoon we slid + and tobogganed down them again, till I grew heartily tired of the + exercise. + </p> + <p> + On the fourth night, instead of coming to sleep in the tent Leo sat + himself down at the entrance to the cave. I asked him why he did this, but + he answered impatiently, because he wished it, so I left him alone. I + could see, indeed, that he was in a strange and irritable mood, for the + failure of our search oppressed him. Moreover, we knew, both of us, that + it could not be much prolonged, since the weather might break at any + moment, when ascents of the mountain would become impossible. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of the night I was awakened by Leo shaking me and saying—“Come + here, Horace, I have something to show you.” + </p> + <p> + Reluctantly enough I crept from between the rugs and out of the tent. To + dress there was no need, for we slept in all our garments. He led me to + the mouth of the cave and pointed northward. I looked. The night was very + dark; but far, far away appeared a faint patch of light upon the sky, such + as might be caused by the reflection of a distant fire. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of it?” he asked anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing in particular,” I answered, “it may be anything. The moon—no, + there is none, dawn—no, it is too northerly, and it does not break + for three hours. Something burning, a house, or a funeral pyre, but how + can there be such things here? I give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is a reflection, and that if we were on the peak we should see + the light which throws it,” said Leo slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we are not, and cannot get there in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Horace, we must spend a night there.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be our last in this incarnation,” I answered with a laugh, “that + is if it comes on to snow.” + </p> + <p> + “We must risk it, or I will risk it. Look, the light has faded;” and there + at least he was right, for undoubtedly it had. The night was as black as + pitch. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s talk it over to-morrow,” I said, and went back to the tent, for I + was sleepy and incredulous, but Leo sat on by the mouth of the cave. + </p> + <p> + At dawn I awoke and found breakfast already cooked. + </p> + <p> + “I must start early,” Leo explained. + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad?” I asked. “How can we camp on that place?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, but I am going. I must go, Horace.” + </p> + <p> + “Which means that we both must go. But how about the yak?” + </p> + <p> + “Where we can climb, it can follow,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + So we strapped the tent and other baggage, including a good supply of + cooked meat, upon the beast’s back, and started. The tramp was long since + we were obliged to make some detours to avoid slopes of frozen snow in + which, on our previous ascents, we had cut footholds with an axe, for up + these the laden animal could not clamber. Reaching the summit at length, + we dug a hole, and there pitched the tent, piling the excavated snow about + its sides. By this time it began to grow dark, and having descended into + the tent, yak and all, we ate our food and waited. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what cold was that. The frost was fearful, and at this height a wind + blew whose icy breath passed through all our wrappings, and seemed to burn + our flesh beneath as though with hot irons. It was fortunate that we had + brought the yak, for without the warmth from its shaggy body I believe + that we should have perished, even in our tent. For some hours we watched, + as indeed we must, since to sleep might mean to die, yet saw nothing save + the lonely stars, and heard nothing in that awful silence, for here even + the wind made no noise as it slid across the snows. Accustomed as I was to + such exposure, my faculties began to grow numb and my eyes to shut, when + suddenly Leo said—“Look, below the red star!” + </p> + <p> + I looked, and there high in the sky was the same curious glow which we had + seen upon the previous night. There was more than this indeed, for beneath + it, almost on a line with us and just above the crests of the intervening + peaks, appeared a faint sheet of fire and revealed against it, something + black. Whilst we watched, the fire widened, spread upwards and grew in + power and intensity. Now against its flaming background the black object + became clearly visible, and lo! it was the top of a soaring pillar + surmounted by a loop. Yes, we could see its every outline. It was the <i>crux + ansata</i>, the Symbol of Life itself. + </p> + <p> + The symbol vanished, the fire sank. Again it blazed up more fiercely than + before and the loop appeared afresh, then once more disappeared. A third + time the fire shone, and with such intensity, that no lightning could + surpass its brilliance. All around the heavens were lit up, and, through + the black needle-shaped eye of the symbol, as from the flare of a beacon, + or the search-light of a ship, one fierce ray shot across the sea of + mountain tops and the spaces of the desert, straight as an arrow to the + lofty peak on which we lay. Yes, it lit upon the snow, staining it red, + and upon the wild, white faces of us who watched, though to the right and + left of us spread thick darkness. My compass lay before me on the snow, + and I could even see its needle; and beyond us the shape of a white fox + that had crept near, scenting food. Then it was gone as swiftly as it + came. Gone too were the symbol and the veil of flame behind it, only the + glow lingered a little on the distant sky. + </p> + <p> + For awhile there was silence between us, then Leo said—“Do you + remember, Horace, when we lay upon the Rocking Stone where <i>her</i> + cloak fell upon me—” as he said the words the breath caught in his + throat—“how the ray of light was sent to us in farewell, and to show + us a path of escape from the Place of Death? Now I think that it has been + sent again in greeting to point out the path to the Place of Life where + Ayesha dwells, whom we have lost awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so,” I answered shortly, for the matter was beyond speech or + argument, beyond wonder even. But I knew then, as I know now that we were + players in some mighty, predestined drama; that our parts were written and + we must speak them, as our path was prepared and we must tread it to the + end unknown. Fear and doubt were left behind, hope was sunk in certainty; + the fore-shadowing visions of the night had found an actual fulfilment and + the pitiful seed of the promise of her who died, growing unseen through + all the cruel, empty years, had come to harvest. + </p> + <p> + No, we feared no more, not even when with the dawn rose the roaring wind, + through which we struggled down the mountain slopes, as it would seem in + peril of our lives at every step; not even as hour by hour we fought our + way onwards through the whirling snow-storm, that made us deaf and blind. + For we knew that those lives were charmed. We could not see or hear, yet + we were led. Clinging to the yak, we struggled downward and homewards, + till at length out of the turmoil and the gloom its instinct brought us + unharmed to the door of the monastery, where the old abbot embraced us in + his joy, and the monks put up prayers of thanks. For they were sure that + we must be dead. Through such a storm, they said, no man had ever lived + before. + </p> + <p> + It was still mid-winter, and oh! the awful weariness of those months of + waiting. In our hands was the key, yonder amongst those mountains lay the + door, but not yet might we set that key within its lock. For between us + and these stretched the great desert, where the snow rolled like billows, + and until that snow melted we dared not attempt its passage. So we sat in + the monastery, and schooled our hearts to patience. + </p> + <p> + Still even to these frozen wilds of Central Asia spring comes at last. One + evening the air felt warm, and that night there were only a few degrees of + frost. The next the clouds banked up, and in the morning not snow was + falling from them, but rain, and we found the old monks preparing their + instruments of husbandry, as they said that the season of sowing was at + hand. For three days it rained, while the snows melted before our eyes. On + the fourth torrents of water were rushing down the mountain and the desert + was once more brown and bare, though not for long, for within another week + it was carpeted with flowers. Then we knew that the time had come to + start. + </p> + <p> + “But whither go you? Whither go you?” asked the old abbot in dismay. “Are + you not happy here? Do you not make great strides along the Path, as may + be known by your pious conversation? Is not everything that we have your + own? Oh! why would you leave us?” + </p> + <p> + “We are wanderers,” we answered, “and when we see mountains in front of us + we must cross them.” + </p> + <p> + Kou-en looked at us shrewdly, then asked—“What do you seek beyond + the mountains? And, my brethren, what merit is gathered by hiding the + truth from an old man, for such concealments are separated from falsehoods + but by the length of a single barleycorn. Tell me, that at least my + prayers may accompany you.” + </p> + <p> + “Holy abbot,” I said, “awhile ago yonder in the library you made a certain + confession to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! remind me not of it,” he said, holding up his hands. “Why do you wish + to torment me?” + </p> + <p> + “Far be the thought from us, most kind friend and virtuous man,” I + answered. “But, as it chances, your story is very much our own, and we + think that we have experience of this same priestess.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on,” he said, much interested. + </p> + <p> + So I told him the outlines of our tale; for an hour or more I told it + while he sat opposite to us swaying his head like a tortoise and saying + nothing. At length it was done. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” I added, “let the lamp of your wisdom shine upon our darkness. Do + you not find this story wondrous, or do you perchance think that we are + liars?” + </p> + <p> + “Brethren of the great monastery called the World,” Kou-en answered with + his customary chuckle, “why should I think you liars who, from the moment + my eyes fell upon you, knew you to be true men? Moreover, why should I + hold this tale so very wondrous? You have but stumbled upon the fringe of + a truth with which we have been acquainted for many, many ages. + </p> + <p> + “Because in a vision she showed you this monastery, and led you to a spot + beyond the mountains where she vanished, you hope that this woman whom you + saw die is re-incarnated yonder. Why not? In this there is nothing + impossible to those who are instructed in the truth, though the + lengthening of her last life was strange and contrary to experience. + Doubtless you will find her there as you expect, and doubtless her <i>khama</i>, + or identity, is the same as that which in some earlier life of hers once + brought me to sin. + </p> + <p> + “Only be not mistaken, she is no immortal; nothing is immortal. She is but + a being held back by her own pride, her own greatness if you will, upon + the path towards Nirvana. That pride will be humbled, as already it has + been humbled; that brow of majesty shall be sprinkled with the dust of + change and death, that sinful spirit must be purified by sorrows and by + separations. Brother Leo, if you win her, it will be but to lose, and then + the ladder must be reclimbed. Brother Holly, for you as for me loss is our + only gain, since thereby we are spared much woe. Oh! bide here and pray + with me. Why dash yourselves against a rock? Why labour to pour water into + a broken jar whence it must sink into the sands of profitless experience, + and there be wasted, whilst you remain athirst?” + </p> + <p> + “Water makes the sand fertile,” I answered. “Where water falls, life + comes, and sorrow is the seed of joy.” + </p> + <p> + “Love is the law of life,” broke in Leo; “without love there is no life. I + seek love that I may live. I believe that all these things are ordained to + an end which we do not know. Fate draws me on—I fulfil my fate——” + </p> + <p> + “And do but delay your freedom. Yet I will not argue with you, brother, + who must follow your own road. See now, what has this woman, this + priestess of a false faith if she be so still, brought you in the past? + Once in another life, or so I understand your story, you were sworn to a + certain nature-goddess, who was named Isis, were you not, and to her + alone? Then a woman tempted you, and you fled with her afar. And there + what found you? The betrayed and avenging goddess who slew you, or if not + the goddess, one who had drunk of her wisdom and was the minister of her + vengeance. Having that wisdom this minister—woman or evil spirit—refused + to die because she had learned to love you, but waited knowing that in + your next life she would find you again, as indeed she would have done + more swiftly in Devachan had she died without living on alone in so much + misery. And she found you, and she died, or seemed to die, and now she is + re-born, as she must be, and doubtless you will meet once more, and again + there must come misery. Oh! my friends, go not across the mountains; bide + here with me and lament your sins.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Leo, “we are sworn to a tryst, and we do not break our + word.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, brethren, go keep your tryst, and when you have reaped its harvest + think upon my sayings, for I am sure that the wine you crush from the + vintage of your desire will run red like blood, and that in its drinking + you shall find neither forgetfulness nor peace. Made blind by a passion of + which well I know the sting and power, you seek to add a fair-faced evil + to your lives, thinking that from this unity there shall be born all + knowledge and great joy. + </p> + <p> + “Rather should you desire to live alone in holiness until at length your + separate lives are merged and lost in the Good Unspeakable, the eternal + bliss that lies in the last Nothingness. Ah! you do not believe me now; + you shake your heads and smile; yet a day will dawn, it may be after many + incarnations, when you shall bow them in the dust and weep, saying to me, + ‘Brother Kou-en, yours were the words of wisdom, ours the deeds of + foolishness;’” and with a deep sigh the old man turned and left us. + </p> + <p> + “A cheerful faith, truly,” said Leo, looking after him, “to dwell through + aeons in monotonous misery in order that consciousness may be swallowed up + at last in some void and formless abstraction called the ‘Utter Peace.’ I + would rather take my share of a bad world and keep my hope of a better. + Also I do not think that he knows anything of Ayesha and her destiny.” + </p> + <p> + “So would I,” I answered, “though perhaps he is right after all. Who can + tell? Moreover, what is the use of reasoning? Leo, we have no choice; we + follow our fate. To what that fate may lead us we shall learn in due + season.” + </p> + <p> + Then we went to rest, for it was late, though I found little sleep that + night. The warnings of the ancient abbot, good and learned man as he was, + full also of ripe experience and of the foresighted wisdom that is given + to such as he, oppressed me deeply. He promised us sorrow and bloodshed + beyond the mountains, ending in death and rebirths full of misery. Well, + it might be so, but no approaching sufferings could stay our feet. And + even if they could, they should not, since to see her face again I was + ready to brave them all. And if this was my case what must be that of Leo! + </p> + <p> + A strange theory that of Kou-en’s, that Ayesha was the goddess in old + Egypt to whom Kallikrates was priest, or at the least her representative. + That the royal Amenartas, with whom he fled, seduced him from the goddess + to whom he was sworn. That this goddess incarnate in Ayesha—or using + the woman Ayesha and her passions as her instruments—was avenged + upon them both at Kôr, and that there in an after age the bolt she shot + fell back upon her own head. + </p> + <p> + Well, I had often thought as much myself. Only I was sure that <i>She</i> + herself could be no actual divinity, though she might be a manifestation + of one, a priestess, a messenger, charged to work its will, to avenge or + to reward, and yet herself a human soul, with hopes and passions to be + satisfied, and a destiny to fulfil. In truth, writing now, when all is + past and done with, I find much to confirm me in, and little to turn me + from that theory, since life and powers of a quality which are more than + human do not alone suffice to make a soul divine. On the other hand, + however, it must be borne in mind that on one occasion at any rate, Ayesha + did undoubtedly suggest that in the beginning she was “a daughter of + Heaven,” and that there were others, notably the old Shaman Simbri, who + seemed to take it for granted that her origin was supernatural. But of all + these things I hope to speak in their season. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile what lay beyond the mountains? Should we find her there who held + the sceptre and upon earth wielded the power of the outraged Isis, and + with her, that other woman who wrought the wrong? And if so, would the + dread, inhuman struggle reach its climax around the person of the sinful + priest? In a few months, a few days even, we might begin to know. + </p> + <p> + Thrilled by this thought at length I fell asleep. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"></a> + CHAPTER IV<br /> + THE AVALANCHE + </h2> + <p> + On the morning of the second day from that night the sunrise found us + already on our path across the desert. There, nearly a mile behind us, we + could see the ruined statue of Buddha seated in front of the ancient + monastery, and in that clear atmosphere could even distinguish the bent + form of our friend, the old abbot, Kou-en, leaning against it until we + were quite lost to sight. All the monks had wept when we parted from them, + and Kou-en even more bitterly than the rest, for he had learned to love + us. + </p> + <p> + “I am grieved,” he said, “much grieved, which indeed I should not be, for + such emotion partakes of sin. Yet I find comfort, for I know well that + although I must soon leave this present life, yet we shall meet again in + many future incarnations, and after you have put away these follies, + together tread the path to perfect peace. Now take with you my blessings + and my prayers and begone, forgetting not that should you live to return”—and + he shook his head, doubtfully—“here you will be ever welcome.” + </p> + <p> + So we embraced him and went sorrowfully. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that when the mysterious light fell upon us on the + peak I had my compass with me and was able roughly to take its bearings. + For lack of any better guide we now followed these bearings, travelling + almost due north-east, for in that direction had shone the fire. All day + in the most beautiful weather we marched across the flower-strewn desert, + seeing nothing except bunches of game and one or two herds of wild asses + which had come down from the mountains to feed upon the new grass. As + evening approached we shot an antelope and made our camp—for we had + brought the yak and a tent with us—among some tamarisk scrub, of + which the dry stems furnished us with fuel. Nor did we lack for water, + since by scraping in the sand soaked with melted snow, we found plenty of + fair quality. So that night we supped in luxury upon tea and antelope + meat, which indeed we were glad to have, as it spared our little store of + dried provisions. + </p> + <p> + The next morning we ascertained our position as well as we could, and + estimated that we had crossed about a quarter of the desert, a guess which + proved very accurate, for on the evening of the fourth day of our journey + we reached the bottom slopes of the opposing mountains, without having + experienced either accident or fatigue. As Leo said, things were “going + like clockwork,” but I reminded him that a good start often meant a bad + finish. Nor was I wrong, for now came our hardships. To begin with, the + mountains proved to be exceeding high; it took us two days to climb their + lower slopes. Also the heat of the sun had softened the snow, which made + walking through it laborious, whilst, accustomed though we were to such + conditions through long years of travelling, its continual glitter + affected our eyes. + </p> + <p> + The morning of the seventh day found us in the mouth of a defile which + wound away into the heart of the mountains. As it seemed the only possible + path, we followed it, and were much cheered to discover that here must + once have run a road. Not that we could see any road, indeed, for + everything was buried in snow. But that one lay beneath our feet we were + certain, since, although we marched along the edge of precipices, our + path, however steep, was always flat; moreover, the rock upon one side of + it had often been scarped by the hand of man. Of this there could be no + doubt, for as the snow did not cling here, we saw the tool marks upon its + bare surface. + </p> + <p> + Also we came to several places where galleries had been built out from the + mountain side, by means of beams let into it, as is still a common + practice in Thibet. These beams of course had long since rotted away, + leaving a gulf between us and the continuation of the path. When we met + with such gaps we were forced to go back and make a detour round or over + some mountain; but although much delayed thereby, as it happened, we + always managed to regain the road, if not without difficulty and danger. + </p> + <p> + What tried us more—for here our skill and experience as mountaineers + could not help us—was the cold at night, obliged as we were to camp + in the severe frost at a great altitude, and to endure through the long + hours of darkness penetrating and icy winds, which soughed ceaselessly + down the pass. + </p> + <p> + At length on the tenth day we reached the end of the defile, and as night + was falling, camped there in the most bitter cold. Those were miserable + hours, for now we had no fuel with which to boil water, and must satisfy + our thirst by eating frozen snow, while our eyes smarted so sorely that we + could not sleep, and notwithstanding all our wraps and the warmth that we + gathered from the yak in the little tent, the cold caused our teeth to + chatter like castanets. + </p> + <p> + The dawn came, and, after it, the sunrise. We crept from the tent, and + leaving it standing awhile, dragged our stiffened limbs a hundred yards or + so to a spot where the defile took a turn, in order that we might thaw in + the rays of the sun, which at that hour could not reach us where we had + camped. + </p> + <p> + Leo was round it first, and I heard him utter an exclamation. In a few + seconds I reached his side, and lo! before us lay our Promised Land. + </p> + <p> + Far beneath us, ten thousand feet at least—for it must be remembered + that we viewed it from the top of a mountain—it stretched away and + away till its distances met the horizon. In character it was quite flat, + an alluvial plain that probably, in some primeval age, had been the bottom + of one of the vast lakes of which a number exist in Central Asia, most of + them now in process of desiccation. One object only relieved this dreary + flatness, a single, snow-clad, and gigantic mountain, of which even at + that distance—for it was very far from us—we could clearly see + the outline. Indeed we could see more, for from its rounded crest rose a + great plume of smoke, showing that it was an active volcano, and on the + hither lip of the crater an enormous pillar of rock, whereof the top was + formed to the shape of a loop. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there it stood before us, that symbol of our vision which we had + sought these many years, and at the sight of it our hearts beat fast and + our breath came quickly. We noted at once that although we had not seen it + during our passage of the mountains, since the peaks ahead and the rocky + sides of the defile hid it from view, so great was its height that it + overtopped the tallest of them. This made it clear to us how it came to be + possible that the ray of light passing through the loop could fall upon + the highest snows of that towering pinnacle which we had climbed upon the + further side of the desert. + </p> + <p> + Also now we were certain of the cause of that ray, for the smoke behind + the loop explained this mystery. Doubtless, at times when the volcano was + awake, that smoke must be replaced by flame, emitting light of fearful + intensity, and this light it was that reached us, concentrated and + directed by the loop. + </p> + <p> + For the rest we thought that about thirty miles away we could make out a + white-roofed town set upon a mound, situated among trees upon the banks of + a wide river, which flowed across the plain. Also it was evident that this + country had a large population who cultivated the soil, for by the aid of + a pair of field glasses, one of our few remaining and most cherished + possessions, we could see the green of springing crops pierced by + irrigation canals and the lines of trees that marked the limits of the + fields. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there before us stretched the Promised Land, and there rose the + mystic Mount, so that all we had to do was to march down the snow slopes + and enter it where we would. + </p> + <p> + Thus we thought in our folly, little guessing what lay before us, what + terrors and weary suffering we must endure before we stood at length + beneath the shadow of the Symbol of Life. + </p> + <p> + Our fatigues forgotten, we returned to the tent, hastily swallowed some of + our dried food, which we washed down with lumps of snow that gave us + toothache and chilled us inside, but which thirst compelled us to eat, + dragged the poor yak to its feet, loaded it up, and started. + </p> + <p> + All this while, so great was our haste and so occupied were each of us + with our own thoughts that, if my memory serves me, we scarcely + interchanged a word. Down the snow slopes we marched swiftly and without + hesitation, for here the road was marked for us by means of pillars of + rock set opposite to one another at intervals. These pillars we observed + with satisfaction, for they told us that we were still upon a highway + which led to the Promised Land. + </p> + <p> + Yet, as we could not help noting, it was one which seemed to have gone out + of use, since with the exception of a few wild-sheep tracks and the spoor + of some bears and mountain foxes, not a single sign of beast or man could + we discover. This, however, was to be explained, we reflected, by the fact + that doubtless the road was only used in the summer season. Or perhaps the + inhabitants of the country were now stay-at-home people who never + travelled it at all. + </p> + <p> + Those slopes were longer than we thought; indeed, when darkness closed in + we had not reached the foot of them. So we were obliged to spend another + night in the snow, pitching our tent in the shelter of an over-hanging + rock. As we had descended many thousand feet, the temperature proved, + fortunately, a little milder; indeed, I do not think that there were more + than eighteen or twenty degrees of frost that night. Also here and there + the heat of the sun had melted the snow in secluded places, so that we + were able to find water to drink, while the yak could fill its poor old + stomach with dead-looking mountain mosses, which it seemed to think better + than nothing. + </p> + <p> + Again, the still dawn came, throwing its red garment over the lonesome, + endless mountains, and we dragged ourselves to our numbed feet, ate some + of our remaining food, and started onwards. Now we could no longer see the + country beneath, for it and even the towering volcano were hidden from us + by an intervening ridge that seemed to be pierced by a single narrow + gulley, towards which we headed. Indeed, as the pillars showed us, thither + ran the buried road. By mid-day it appeared quite close to us, and we + tramped on in feverish haste. As it chanced, however, there was no need to + hurry, for an hour later we learned the truth. + </p> + <p> + Between us and the mouth of the gulley rose, or rather sank, a sheer + precipice that was apparently three or four hundred feet in depth, and at + its foot we could hear the sound of water. + </p> + <p> + Right to the edge of this precipice ran the path, for one of the stone + pillars stood upon its extreme brink, and yet how could a road descend + such a place as that? We stared aghast; then a possible solution occurred + to us. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you see,” said Leo, with a hollow laugh, “the gulf has opened since + this track was used: volcanic action probably.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, or perhaps there was a wooden bridge or stairway which has + rotted. It does not matter. We must find another path, that is all,” I + answered as cheerfully as I could. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and soon,” he said, “if we do not wish to stop here for ever.” + </p> + <p> + So we turned to the right and marched along the edge of the precipice + till, a mile or so away, we came to a small glacier, of which the surface + was sprinkled with large stones frozen into its substance. This glacier + hung down the face of the cliff like a petrified waterfall, but whether or + no it reached the foot we could not discover. At any rate, to think of + attempting its descent seemed out of the question. From this point onwards + we could see that the precipice increased in depth and far as the eye + could reach was absolutely sheer. + </p> + <p> + So we went back again and searched to the left of our road. Here the + mountains receded, so that above us rose a mighty, dazzling slope of snow + and below us lay that same pitiless, unclimbable gulf. As the light began + to fade we perceived, half a mile or more in front a bare-topped hillock + of rock, which stood on the verge of the precipice, and hurried to it, + thinking that from its crest we might be able to discover a way of + descent. + </p> + <p> + When at length we had struggled to the top, it was about a hundred and + fifty feet high; what we did discover was that, here also, as beyond the + glacier, the gulf was infinitely deeper than at the spot where the road + ended, so deep indeed that we could not see its bottom, although from it + came the sound of roaring water. Moreover, it was quite half a mile in + width. + </p> + <p> + Whilst we stared round us the sinking sun vanished behind a mountain and, + the sky being heavy, the light went out like that of a candle. Now the + ascent of this hillock had proved so steep, especially at one place, where + we were obliged to climb a sort of rock ladder, that we scarcely cared to + attempt to struggle down it again in that gloom. Therefore, remembering + that there was little to choose between the top of this knoll and the snow + plain at its foot in the matter of temperature or other conveniences, and + being quite exhausted, we determined to spend the night upon it, thereby, + as we were to learn, saving our lives. + </p> + <p> + Unloading the yak, we pitched our tent under the lee of the topmost knob + of rock and ate a couple of handfuls of dried fish and corn-cake. This was + the last of the food that we had brought with us from the Lamasery, and we + reflected with dismay that unless we could shoot something, our + commissariat was now represented by the carcass of our old friend the yak. + Then we wrapped ourselves up in our thick rugs and fur garments and forgot + our miseries in sleep. + </p> + <p> + It cannot have been long before daylight when we were awakened by a sudden + and terrific sound like the boom of a great cannon, followed by thousands + of other sounds, which might be compared to the fusillade of musketry. + </p> + <p> + “Great Heaven! What is that?” I said. + </p> + <p> + We crawled from the tent, but as yet could see nothing, whilst the yak + began to low in a terrified manner. But if we could not see we could hear + and feel. The booming and cracking had ceased, and was followed by a soft, + grinding noise, the most sickening sound, I think, to which I ever + listened. This was accompanied by a strange, steady, unnatural wind, which + seemed to press upon us as water presses. Then the dawn broke and we saw. + </p> + <p> + The mountain-side was moving down upon us in a vast avalanche of snow. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what a sight was that. On from the crest of the precipitous slopes + above, two miles and more away, it came, a living thing, rolling, sliding, + gliding; piling itself in long, leaping waves, hollowing itself into + cavernous valleys, like a tempest-driven sea, whilst above its surface + hung a powdery cloud of frozen spray. + </p> + <p> + As we watched, clinging to each other terrified, the first of these waves + struck our hill, causing the mighty mass of solid rock to quiver like a + yacht beneath the impact of an ocean roller, or an aspen in a sudden rush + of wind. It struck and slowly separated, then with a majestic motion + flowed like water over the edge of the precipice on either side, and fell + with a thudding sound into the unmeasured depths beneath. And this was but + a little thing, a mere forerunner, for after it, with a slow, serpentine + movement, rolled the body of the avalanche. + </p> + <p> + It came in combers, it came in level floods. It piled itself against our + hill, yes, to within fifty feet of the head of it, till we thought that + even that rooted rock must be torn from its foundations and hurled like a + pebble to the deeps beneath. And the turmoil of it all! The screaming of + the blast caused by the compression of the air, the dull, continuous + thudding of the fall of millions of tons of snow as they rushed through + space and ended their journey in the gulf. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this the worst of it, for as the deep snows above thinned, great + boulders that had been buried beneath them, perhaps for centuries, were + loosened from their resting-places and began to thunder down the hill. At + first they moved slowly, throwing up the hard snow around them as the prow + of a ship throws foam. Then gathering momentum, they sprang into the air + with leaps such as those of shells ricocheting upon water, till in the + end, singing and hurtling, many of them rushed past and even over us to + vanish far beyond. Some indeed struck our little mountain with the force + of shot fired from the great guns of a battle-ship, and shattered there, + or if they fell upon its side, tore away tons of rock and passed with them + into the chasm like a meteor surrounded by its satellites. Indeed, no + bombardment devised and directed by man could have been half so terrible + or, had there been anything to destroy, half so destructive. + </p> + <p> + The scene was appalling in its unchained and resistless might evolved + suddenly from the completest calm. There in the lap of the quiet + mountains, looked down upon by the peaceful, tender sky, the powers hidden + in the breast of Nature were suddenly set free, and, companioned by + whirlwinds and all the terrifying majesty of sound, loosed upon the heads + of us two human atoms. + </p> + <p> + At the first rush of snow we had leapt back behind our protecting peak + and, lying at full length upon the ground, gripped it and clung there, + fearing lest the wind should whirl us to the abyss. Long ago our tent had + gone like a dead leaf in an autumn gale, and at times it seemed as if we + must follow. + </p> + <p> + The boulders hurtled over and past us; one of them fell full upon the + little peak, shattering its crest and bursting into fragments, which fled + away, each singing its own wild song. We were not touched, but when we + looked behind us it was to see the yak, which had risen in its terror, + lying dead and headless. Then in our fear we lay still, waiting for the + end, and wondering dimly whether we should be buried in the surging snow + or swept away with the hill, or crushed by the flying rocks, or lifted and + lost in the hurricane. + </p> + <p> + How long did it last? We never knew. It may have been ten minutes or two + hours, for in such a scene time loses its proportion. Only we became aware + that the wind had fallen, while the noise of grinding snow and hurtling + boulders ceased. Very cautiously we gained our feet and looked. + </p> + <p> + In front of us was sheer mountain side, for a depth of over two miles, the + width of about a thousand yards, which had been covered with many feet of + snow, was now bare rock. Piled up against the face of our hill, almost to + its summit, lay a tongue of snow, pressed to the consistency of ice and + spotted with boulders that had lodged there. The peak itself was torn and + shattered, so that it revealed great gleaming surfaces and pits, in which + glittered mica, or some other mineral. The vast gulf behind was half + filled with the avalanche and its debris. But for the rest, it seemed as + though nothing had happened, for the sun shone sweetly overhead and the + solemn snows reflected its rays from the sides of a hundred hills. And we + had endured it all and were still alive; yes, and unhurt. + </p> + <p> + But what a position was ours! We dared not attempt to descend the mount, + lest we should sink into the loose snow and be buried there. Moreover, all + along the breadth of the path of the avalanche boulders from time to time + still thundered down the rocky slope, and with them came patches of snow + that had been left behind by the big slide, small in themselves, it is + true, but each of them large enough to kill a hundred men. It was obvious, + therefore, that until these conditions changed, or death released us, we + must abide where we were upon the crest of the hillock. + </p> + <p> + So there we sat, foodless and frightened, wondering what our old friend + Kou-en would say if he could see us now. By degrees hunger mastered all + our other sensations and we began to turn longing eyes upon the headless + body of the yak. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s skin him,” said Leo, “it will be something to do, and we shall want + his hide to-night.” + </p> + <p> + So with affection, and even reverence, we performed this office for the + dead companion of our journeyings, rejoicing the while that it was not we + who had brought him to his end. Indeed, long residence among peoples who + believed fully that the souls of men could pass into, or were risen from, + the bodies of animals, had made us a little superstitious on this matter. + It would be scarcely pleasant, we reflected, in some future incarnation, + to find our faithful friend clad in human form and to hear him bitterly + reproach us for his murder. + </p> + <p> + Being dead, however, these arguments did not apply to eating him, as we + were sure he would himself acknowledge. So we cut off little bits of his + flesh and, rolling them in snow till they looked as though they were + nicely floured, hunger compelling us, swallowed them at a gulp. It was a + disgusting meal and we felt like cannibals: but what could we do? + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"></a> + CHAPTER V<br /> + THE GLACIER + </h2> + <p> + Even that day came to an end at last, and after a few more lumps of yak, + our tent being gone, we drew his hide over us and rested as best we could, + knowing that at least we had no more avalanches to fear. That night it + froze sharply, so that had it not been for the yak’s hide and the other + rugs and garments, which fortunately we were wearing when the snow-slide + began, it would, I think, have gone hard with us. As it was, we suffered a + great deal. + </p> + <p> + “Horace,” said Leo at the dawn, “I am going to leave this. If we have to + die, I would rather do so moving; but I don’t believe that we shall die.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” I said, “let us start. If the snow won’t bear us now, it + never will.” + </p> + <p> + So we tied up our rugs and the yak’s hide in two bundles and, having cut + off some more of the frozen meat, began our descent. Now, although the + mount was under two hundred feet high, its base, fortunately for us—for + otherwise it must have been swept away by the mighty pressure of the + avalanche—was broad, so that there was a long expanse of piled-up + snow between us and the level ground. + </p> + <p> + Since, owing to the overhanging conformation of the place, it was quite + impossible for us to descend in front where pressure had made the snow + hard as stone, we were obliged to risk a march over the looser material + upon its flank. As there was nothing to be gained by waiting, off we went, + Leo leading and step by step trying the snow. To our joy we discovered + that the sharp night frost had so hardened its surface that it would + support us. About half way down, however, where the pressure had been + less, it became much softer, so that we were forced to lie upon our faces, + which enabled us to distribute our weight over a larger surface, and thus + slither gently down the hill. + </p> + <p> + All went well until we were within twenty paces of the bottom, where we + must cross a soft mound formed of the powdery dust thrown off by the + avalanche in its rush. Leo slipped over safely, but I, following a yard or + two to his right, of a sudden felt the hard crust yield beneath me. An + ill-judged but quite natural flounder and wriggle, such as a newly-landed + flat-fish gives upon the sand, completed the mischief, and with one + piercing but swiftly stifled yell, I vanished. + </p> + <p> + Any one who has ever sunk in deep water will know that the sensation is + not pleasant, but I can assure him that to go through the same experience + in soft snow is infinitely worse; mud alone could surpass its terrors. + Down I went, and down, till at length I seemed to reach a rock which alone + saved me from disappearing for ever. Now I felt the snow closing above me + and with it came darkness and a sense of suffocation. So soft was the + drift, however, that before I was overcome I contrived with my arms to + thrust away the powdery dust from about my head, thus forming a little + hollow into which air filtered slowly. Getting my hands upon the stone, I + strove to rise, but could not, the weight upon me was too great. + </p> + <p> + Then I abandoned hope and prepared to die. The process proved not + altogether unpleasant. I did not see visions from my past life as drowning + men are supposed to do, but—and this shows how strong was her empire + over me—my mind flew back to Ayesha. I seemed to behold her and a + man at her side, standing over me in some dark, rocky gulf. She was + wrapped in a long travelling cloak, and her lovely eyes were wild with + fear. I rose to salute her, and make report, but she cried in a fierce, + concentrated voice—“What evil thing has happened here? Thou livest; + then where is my lord Leo? Speak, man, and say where thou hast hid my lord—or + die.” + </p> + <p> + The vision was extraordinarily real and vivid, I remember, and, considered + in connection with a certain subsequent event, in all ways most + remarkable, but it passed as swiftly as it came. + </p> + <p> + Then my senses left me. + </p> + <p> + I saw a light again. I heard a voice, that of Leo. “Horace,” he cried, + “Horace, hold fast to the stock of the rifle.” Something was thrust + against my outstretched hand. I gripped it despairingly, and there came a + strain. It was useless, I did not move. Then, bethinking me, I drew up my + legs and by chance or the mercy of Heaven, I know not, got my feet against + a ridge of the rock on which I was lying. Again I felt the strain, and + thrust with all my might. Of a sudden the snow gave, and out of that hole + I shot like a fox from its earth. + </p> + <p> + I struck something. It was Leo straining at the gun, and I knocked him + backwards. Then down the steep slope we rolled, landing at length upon the + very edge of the precipice. I sat up, drawing in the air with great gasps, + and oh! how sweet it was. My eyes fell upon my hand, and I saw that the + veins stood out on the back of it, black as ink and large as cords. + Clearly I must have been near my end. + </p> + <p> + “How long was I in there?” I gasped to Leo, who sat at my side, wiping off + the sweat that ran from his face in streams. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t know. Nearly twenty minutes, I should think.” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty minutes! It seemed like twenty centuries. How did you get me out? + You could not stand upon the drift dust.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I lay upon the yak skin where the snow was harder and tunnelled + towards you through the powdery stuff with my hands, for I knew where you + had sunk and it was not far off. At last I saw your finger tips; they were + so blue that for a few seconds I took them for rock, but thrust the butt + of the rifle against them. Luckily you still had life enough to catch hold + of it, and you know the rest. Were we not both very strong, it could never + have been done.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, old fellow,” I said simply. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you thank me?” he asked with one of his quick smiles. “Do you + suppose that I wished to continue this journey alone? Come, if you have + got your breath, let us be getting on. You have been sleeping in a cold + bed and want exercise. Look, my rifle is broken and yours is lost in the + snow. Well, it will save us the trouble of carrying the cartridges,” and + he laughed drearily. + </p> + <p> + Then we began our march, heading for the spot where the road ended four + miles or so away, for to go forward seemed useless. In due course we + reached it safely. Once a mass of snow as large as a church swept down + just in front of us, and once a great boulder loosened from the mountain + rushed at us suddenly like an attacking lion, or the stones thrown by + Polyphemus at the ship of Odysseus, and, leaping over our heads, vanished + with an angry scream into the depths beneath. But we took little heed of + these things: our nerves were deadened, and no danger seemed to affect + them. + </p> + <p> + There was the end of the road, and there were our own footprints and the + impress of the yak’s hoofs in the snow. The sight of them affected me, for + it seemed strange that we should have lived to look upon them again. We + stared over the edge of the precipice. Yes, it was sheer and absolutely + unclimbable. + </p> + <p> + “Come to the glacier,” said Leo. + </p> + <p> + So we went on to it, and scrambling a little way down its root, made an + examination. Here, so far as we could judge, the cliff was about four + hundred feet deep. But whether or no the tongue of ice reached to the foot + of it we were unable to tell, since about two thirds of the way down it + arched inwards, like the end of a bent bow, and the conformation of the + overhanging rocks on either side was such that we could not see where it + terminated. We climbed back again and sat down, and despair took hold of + us, bitter, black despair. + </p> + <p> + “What are we to do?” I asked. “In front of us death. Behind us death, for + how can we recross those mountains without food or guns to shoot it with? + Here death, for we must sit and starve. We have striven and failed. Leo, + our end is at hand. Only a miracle can save us.” + </p> + <p> + “A miracle,” he answered. “Well, what was it that led us to the top of the + mount so that we were able to escape the avalanche? And what was it which + put that rock in your way as you sank into the bed of dust, and gave me + wit and strength to dig you out of your grave of snow? And what is it that + has preserved us through seventeen years of dangers such as few men have + known and lived? Some directing Power. Some Destiny that will accomplish + itself in us. Why should the Power cease to guide? Why should the Destiny + be baulked at last?” + </p> + <p> + He paused, then added fiercely, “I tell you, Horace, that even if we had + guns, food, and yaks, I would not turn back upon our spoor, since to do so + would prove me a coward and unworthy of her. I will go on.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “By that road,” and he pointed to the glacier. + </p> + <p> + “It is a road to death!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if so, Horace, it would seem that in this land men find life in + death, or so they believe. If we die now, we shall die travelling our + path, and in the country where we perish we may be born again. At least I + am determined, so you must choose.” + </p> + <p> + “I have chosen long ago. Leo, we began this journey together and we will + end it together. Perhaps Ayesha knows and will help us,” and I laughed + drearily. “If not—come, we are wasting time.” + </p> + <p> + Then we took counsel, and the end of it was that we cut a skin rug and the + yak’s tough hide into strips and knotted these together into two + serviceable ropes, which we fastened about our middles, leaving one end + loose, for we thought that they might help us in our descent. + </p> + <p> + Next we bound fragments of another skin rug about our legs and knees to + protect them from the chafing of the ice and rocks, and for the same + reason put on our thick leather gloves. This done, we took the remainder + of our gear and heavy robes and, having placed stones in them, threw them + over the brink of the precipice, trusting to find them again, should we + ever reach its foot. Now our preparations were complete, and it was time + for us to start upon perhaps one of the most desperate journeys ever + undertaken by men of their own will. + </p> + <p> + Yet we stayed a little, looking at each other in piteous fashion, for we + could not speak. Only we embraced, and I confess, I think I wept a little. + It all seemed so sad and hopeless, these longings endured through many + years, these perpetual, weary travellings, and now—the end. I could + not bear to think of that splendid man, my ward, my most dear friend, the + companion of my life, who stood before me so full of beauty and of vigour, + but who must within a few short minutes be turned into a heap of + quivering, mangled flesh. For myself it did not matter. I was old, it was + time that I should die. I had lived innocently, if it were innocent to + follow this lovely image, this Siren of the caves, who lured us on to + doom. + </p> + <p> + No, I don’t think that I thought of myself then, but I thought a great + deal of Leo, and when I saw his determined face and flashing eyes as he + nerved himself to the last endeavour, I was proud of him. So in broken + accents I blessed him and wished him well through all the aeons, praying + that I might be his companion to the end of time. In few words and short + he thanked me and gave me back my blessing. Then he muttered—“Come.” + </p> + <p> + So side by side we began the terrible descent. At first it was easy + enough, although a slip would have hurled us to eternity. But we were + strong and skilful, accustomed to such places moreover, and made none. + About a quarter of the way down we paused, standing upon a great boulder + that was embedded in the ice, and, turning round cautiously, leaned our + backs against the glacier and looked about us. Truly it was a horrible + place, almost sheer, nor did we learn much, for beneath us, a hundred and + twenty feet or more, the projecting bend cut off our view of what lay + below. + </p> + <p> + So, feeling that our nerves would not bear a prolonged contemplation of + that dizzy gulf, once more we set our faces to the ice and proceeded on + the downward climb. Now matters were more difficult, for the stones were + fewer and once or twice we must slide to reach them, not knowing if we + should ever stop again. But the ropes which we threw over the angles of + the rocks, or salient points of ice, letting ourselves down by their help + and drawing them after us when we reached the next foothold, saved us from + disaster. + </p> + <p> + Thus at length we came to the bend, which was more than half way down the + precipice, being, so far as I could judge, about two hundred and fifty + feet from its lip, and say one hundred and fifty from the darksome bottom + of the narrow gulf. Here were no stones, but only some rough ice, on which + we sat to rest. + </p> + <p> + “We must look,” said Leo presently. + </p> + <p> + But the question was, how to do this. Indeed, there was only one way, to + hang over the bend and discover what lay below. We read each other’s + thought without the need of words, and I made a motion as though I would + start. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Leo, “I am younger and stronger than you. Come, help me,” and + he began to fasten the end of his rope to a strong, projecting point of + ice. “Now,” he said, “hold my ankles.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed an insanity, but there was nothing else to be done, so, fixing + my heels in a niche, I grasped them and slowly he slid forward till his + body vanished to the middle. What he saw does not matter, for I saw it all + afterwards, but what happened was that suddenly all his great weight came + upon my arms with such a jerk that his ankles were torn from my grip. + </p> + <p> + Or, who knows! perhaps in my terror I loosed them, obeying the natural + impulse which prompts a man to save his own life. If so, may I be + forgiven, but had I held on, I must have been jerked into the abyss. Then + the rope ran out and remained taut. + </p> + <p> + “Leo!” I screamed, “Leo!” and I heard a muffled voice saying, as I + thought, “Come.” What it really said was—“Don’t come.” But indeed—and + may it go to my credit—I did not pause to think, but face outwards, + just as I was sitting, began to slide and scramble down the ice. + </p> + <p> + In two seconds I had reached the curve, in three I was over it. Beneath + was what I can only describe as a great icicle broken off short, and + separated from the cliff by about four yards of space. This icicle was not + more than fifteen feet in length and sloped outwards, so that my descent + was not sheer. Moreover, at the end of it the trickling of water, or some + such accident, had worn away the ice, leaving a little ledge as broad, + perhaps, as a man’s hand. There were roughnesses on the surface below the + curve, upon which my clothing caught, also I gripped them desperately with + my fingers. Thus it came about that I slid down quite gently and, my heels + landing upon the little ledge, remained almost upright, with outstretched + arms—like a person crucified to a cross of ice. + </p> + <p> + Then I saw everything, and the sight curdled the blood within my veins. + Hanging to the rope, four or five feet below the broken point, was Leo, + out of reach of it, and out of reach of the cliff; as he hung turning + slowly round and round, much as—for in a dreadful, inconsequent + fashion the absurd similarity struck me even then—a joint turns + before the fire. Below yawned the black gulf, and at the bottom of it, + far, far beneath, appeared a faint, white sheet of snow. That is what I + saw. + </p> + <p> + Think of it! Think of it! I crucified upon the ice, my heels resting upon + a little ledge; my fingers grasping excrescences on which a bird could + scarcely have found a foothold; round and below me dizzy space. To climb + back whence I came was impossible, to stir even was impossible, since one + slip and I must be gone. + </p> + <p> + And below me, hung like a spider to its cord, Leo turning slowly round and + round! + </p> + <p> + I could see that rope of green hide stretch beneath his weight and the + double knots in it slip and tighten, and I remember wondering which would + give first, the hide or the knots, or whether it would hold till he + dropped from the noose limb by limb. + </p> + <p> + Oh! I have been in many a perilous place, I who sprang from the Swaying + Stone to the point of the Trembling Spur, and missed my aim, but never, + never in such a one as this. Agony took hold of me; a cold sweat burst + from every pore. I could feel it running down my face like tears; my hair + bristled upon my head. And below, in utter silence, Leo turned round and + round, and each time he turned his up-cast eyes met mine with a look that + was horrible to see. + </p> + <p> + The silence was the worst of it, the silence and the helplessness. If he + had cried out, if he had struggled, it would have been better. But to know + that he was alive there, with every nerve and perception at its utmost + stretch. Oh! my God! Oh! my God! + </p> + <p> + My limbs began to ache, and yet I dared not stir a muscle. They ached + horribly, or so I thought, and beneath this torture, mental and physical, + my mind gave. + </p> + <p> + I remembered things: remembered how, as a child, I had climbed a tree and + reached a place whence I could move neither up nor down, and what I + suffered then. Remembered how once in Egypt a foolhardy friend of mine had + ascended the Second Pyramid alone, and become thus crucified upon its + shining cap, where he remained for a whole half hour with four hundred + feet of space beneath him. I could see him now stretching his stockinged + foot downwards in a vain attempt to reach the next crack, and drawing it + back again; could see his tortured face, a white blot upon the red + granite. + </p> + <p> + Then that face vanished and blackness gathered round me, and in the + blackness visions: of the living, resistless avalanche, of the snow-grave + into which I had sunk—oh! years and years ago; of Ayesha demanding + Leo’s life at my hands. Blackness and silence, through which I could only + hear the cracking of my muscles. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly in the blackness a flash, and in the silence a sound. The flash + was the flash of a knife which Leo had drawn. He was hacking at the cord + with it fiercely, fiercely, to make an end. And the sound was that of the + noise he made, a ghastly noise, half shout of defiance and half yell of + terror, as at the third stroke it parted. + </p> + <p> + I saw it part. The tough hide was half cut through, and its severed + portion curled upwards and downwards like the upper and lower lips of an + angry dog, whilst that which was unsevered stretched out slowly, slowly, + till it grew quite thin. Then it snapped, so that the rope flew upwards + and struck me across the face like the lash of a whip. + </p> + <p> + Another instant and I heard a crackling, thudding sound. Leo had struck + the ground below. Leo was dead, a mangled mass of flesh and bone as I had + pictured him. I could not bear it. My nerve and human dignity came back. I + would not wait until, my strength exhausted, I slid from my perch as a + wounded bird falls from a tree. No, I would follow him at once, of my own + act. + </p> + <p> + I let my arms fall against my sides, and rejoiced in the relief from pain + that the movement gave me. Then balanced upon my heels, I stood upright, + took my last look at the sky, muttered my last prayer. For an instant I + remained thus poised. + </p> + <p> + Shouting, “I come,” I raised my hands above my head and dived as a bather + dives, dived into the black gulf beneath. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"></a> + CHAPTER VI<br /> + IN THE GATE + </h2> + <p> + Oh! that rush through space! Folk falling thus are supposed to lose + consciousness, but I can assert that this is not true. Never were my wits + and perceptions more lively than while I travelled from that broken + glacier to the ground, and never did a short journey seem to take a longer + time. I saw the white floor, like some living thing, leaping up through + empty air to meet me, then—<i>finis!</i> + </p> + <p> + Crash! Why, what was this? I still lived. I was in water, for I could feel + its chill, and going down, down, till I thought I should never rise again. + But rise I did, though my lungs were nigh to bursting first. As I floated + up towards the top I remembered the crash, which told me that I had passed + through ice. Therefore I should meet ice at the surface again. Oh! to + think that after surviving so much I must be drowned like a kitten and + beneath a sheet of ice. My hands touched it. There it was above me shining + white like glass. Heaven be praised! My head broke through; in this low + and sheltered gorge it was but a film no thicker than a penny formed by + the light frost of the previous night. So I rose from the deep and stared + about me, treading water with my feet. + </p> + <p> + Then I saw the gladdest sight that ever my eyes beheld, for on the right, + not ten yards away, the water running from his hair and beard, was Leo. + Leo alive, for he broke the thin ice with his arms as he struggled towards + the shore from the deep river.<a href="#fn-2" name="fnref-2" id="fnref-2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> + He saw me also, and his grey eyes seemed to start out of his head. + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-2" id="fn-2"></a> <a href="#fnref-2">[2]</a> +Usually, as we learned afterwards, the river at this spot was quite shallow; +only a foot or two in depth. It was the avalanche that by damming it with +fallen heaps of snow had raised its level very many feet. Therefore, to this +avalanche, which had threatened to destroy us, we in reality owed our lives, +for had the stream stood only at its normal height we must have been dashed to +pieces upon the stones. —L. H. H. +</p> + <p> + “Still living, both of us, and the precipice passed!” he shouted in a + ringing, exultant voice. “I told you we were led.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, but whither?” I answered as I too fought my way through the film of + ice. + </p> + <p> + Then it was I became aware that we were no longer alone, for on the bank + of the river, some thirty yards from us, stood two figures, a man leaning + upon a long staff and a woman. He was a very old man, for his eyes were + horny, his snow-white hair and beard hung upon the bent breast and + shoulders, and his sardonic, wrinkled features were yellow as wax. They + might have been those of a death mask cut in marble. There, clad in an + ample, monkish robe, and leaning upon the staff, he stood still as a + statue and watched us. I noted it all, every detail, although at the time + I did not know that I was doing so, as we broke our way through the ice + towards them and afterwards the picture came back to me. Also I saw that + the woman, who was very tall, pointed to us. + </p> + <p> + Nearer the bank, or rather to the rock edge of the river, its surface was + free of ice, for here the stream ran very swiftly. Seeing this, we drew + close together and swam on side by side to help each other if need were. + There was much need, for in the fringe of the torrent the strength that + had served me so long seemed to desert me, and I became helpless; numbed, + too, with the biting coldness of the water. Indeed, had not Leo grasped my + clothes I think that I should have been swept away by the current to + perish. Thus aided I fought on a while, till he said—“I am going + under. Hold to the rope end.” + </p> + <p> + So I gripped the strip of yak’s hide that was still fast about him, and, + his hand thus freed, Leo made a last splendid effort to keep us both, + cumbered as we were with the thick, soaked garments that dragged us down + like lead, from being sucked beneath the surface. Moreover, he succeeded + where any other swimmer of less strength must have failed. Still, I + believe that we should have drowned, since here the water ran like a + mill-race, had not the man upon the shore, seeing our plight and urged + thereto by the woman, run with surprising swiftness in one so aged, to a + point of rock that jutted some yards into the stream, past which we were + being swept, and seating himself, stretched out his long stick towards us. + </p> + <p> + With a desperate endeavour, Leo grasped it as we went by, rolling over and + over each other, and held on. Round we swung into the eddy, found our + feet, were knocked down again, rubbed and pounded on the rocks. But still + gripping that staff of salvation, to his end of which the old man clung + like a limpet to a stone, while the woman clung to him, we recovered + ourselves, and, sheltered somewhat by the rock, floundered towards the + shore. Lying on his face—for we were still in great danger—the + man extended his arm. We could not reach it; and worse, suddenly the staff + was torn from him; we were being swept away. + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the woman did a noble thing, for springing into the water—yes, + up to her armpits—and holding fast to the old man by her left hand, + with the right she seized Leo’s hair and dragged him shorewards. Now he + found his feet for a moment, and throwing one arm about her slender form, + steadied himself thus, while with the other he supported me. Next followed + a long confused struggle, but the end of it was that three of us, the old + man, Leo and I, rolled in a heap upon the bank and lay there gasping. + </p> + <p> + Presently I looked up. The woman stood over us, water streaming from her + garments, staring like one in a dream at Leo’s face, smothered as it was + with blood running from a deep cut in his head. Even then I noticed how + stately and beautiful she was. Now she seemed to awake and, glancing at + the robes that clung to her splendid shape, said something to her + companion, then turned and ran towards the cliff. + </p> + <p> + As we lay before him, utterly exhausted, the old man, who had risen, + contemplated us solemnly with his dim eyes. He spoke, but we did not + understand. Again he tried another language and without success. A third + time and our ears were opened, for the tongue he used was Greek; yes, + there in Central Asia he addressed us in Greek, not very pure, it is true, + but still Greek. + </p> + <p> + “Are you wizards,” he said, “that you have lived to reach this land?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered in the same tongue, though in broken words—since + of Greek I had thought little for many a year—“for then we should + have come otherwise,” and I pointed to our hurts and the precipice behind + us. + </p> + <p> + “They know the ancient speech; it is as we were told from the Mountain,” + he muttered to himself. Then he asked—“Strangers, what seek you?” + </p> + <p> + Now I grew cunning and did not answer, fearing lest, should he learn the + truth, he would thrust us back into the river. But Leo had no such + caution, or rather all reason had left him; he was light-headed. + </p> + <p> + “We seek,” he stuttered out—his Greek, which had always been feeble, + now was simply barbarous and mixed with various Thibetan dialects—“we + seek the land of the Fire Mountain that is crowned with the Sign of Life.” + </p> + <p> + The man stared at us. “So you know,” he said, then broke off and added, + “and <i>whom</i> do you seek?” + </p> + <p> + “Her,” answered Leo wildly, “the Queen.” I think that he meant to say the + priestess, or the goddess, but could only think of the Greek for Queen, or + rather something resembling it. Or perhaps it was because the woman who + had gone looked like a queen. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said the man, “you seek a queen—then you <i>are</i> those for + whom we were bidden to watch. Nay, how can I be sure?” + </p> + <p> + “Is this a time to put questions?” I gasped angrily. “Answer me one + rather: who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I? Strangers, my title is Guardian of the Gate, and the lady who was with + me is the Khania of Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + At this point Leo began to faint. + </p> + <p> + “That man is sick,” said the Guardian, “and now that you have got your + breath again, you must have shelter, both of you, and at once. Come, help + me.” + </p> + <p> + So, supporting Leo on either side, we dragged ourselves away from that + accursed cliff and Styx-like river up a narrow, winding gorge. Presently + it opened out, and there, stretching across the glade, we saw the Gate. Of + this all I observed then, for my memory of the details of this scene and + of the conversation that passed is very weak and blurred, was that it + seemed to be a mighty wall of rock in which a pathway had been hollowed + where doubtless once passed the road. On one side of this passage was a + stair, which we began to ascend with great difficulty, for Leo was now + almost senseless and scarcely moved his legs. Indeed at the head of the + first flight he sank down in a heap, nor did our strength suffice to lift + him. + </p> + <p> + While I wondered feebly what was to be done, I heard footsteps, and + looking up, saw the woman who had saved him descending the stair, and + after her two robed men with a Tartar cast of countenance, very impassive; + small eyes and yellowish skin. Even the sight of us did not appear to move + them to astonishment. She spoke some words to them, whereon they lifted + Leo’s heavy frame, apparently with ease, and carried him up the steps. + </p> + <p> + We followed, and reached a room that seemed to be hewn from the rock above + the gateway, where the woman called Khania left us. From it we passed + through other rooms, one of them a kind of kitchen, in which a fire + burned, till we came to a large chamber, evidently a sleeping place, for + in it were wooden bedsteads, mattresses and rugs. Here Leo was laid down, + and with the assistance of one of his servants, the old Guardian undressed + him, at the same time motioning me to take off my own garments. This I did + gladly enough for the first time during many days, though with great pain + and difficulty, to find that I was a mass of wounds and bruises. + </p> + <p> + Presently our host blew upon a whistle, and the other servant appeared + bringing hot water in a jar, with which we were washed over. Then the + Guardian dressed our hurts with some soothing ointment, and wrapped us + round with blankets. After this broth was brought, into which he mixed + medicine, and giving me a portion to drink where I lay upon one of the + beds, he took Leo’s head upon his knee and poured the rest of it down his + throat. Instantly a wonderful warmth ran through me, and my aching brain + began to swim. Then I remembered no more. + </p> + <p> + After this we were very, very ill. What may be the exact medical + definition of our sickness I do not know, but in effect it was such as + follows loss of blood, extreme exhaustion of body, paralysing shock to the + nerves and extensive cuts and contusions. These taken together produced a + long period of semi-unconsciousness, followed by another period of fever + and delirium. All that I can recall of those weeks while we remained the + guests of the Guardian of the Gate, may be summed up in one word—dreams, + that is until at last I recovered my senses. + </p> + <p> + The dreams themselves are forgotten, which is perhaps as well, since they + were very confused, and for the most part awful; a hotch-potch of + nightmares, reflected without doubt from vivid memories of our recent and + fearsome sufferings. At times I would wake up from them a little, I + suppose when food was administered to me, and receive impressions of + whatever was passing in the place. Thus I can recollect that yellow-faced + old Guardian standing over me like a ghost in the moonlight, stroking his + long beard, his eyes fixed upon my face, as though he would search out the + secrets of my soul. + </p> + <p> + “They are the men,” he muttered to himself, “without doubt they are the + men,” then walked to the window and looked up long and earnestly, like one + who studies the stars. + </p> + <p> + After this I remember a disturbance in the room, and dominating it, as it + were, the rich sound of a woman’s voice and the rustle of a woman’s silks + sweeping the stone floor. I opened my eyes and saw that it was she who had + helped to rescue us, who <i>had</i> rescued us in fact, a tall and + noble-looking lady with a beauteous, weary face and liquid eyes which + seemed to burn. From the heavy cloak she wore I thought that she must have + just returned from a journey. + </p> + <p> + She stood above me and looked at me, then turned away with a gesture of + indifference, if not of disgust, speaking to the Guardian in a low voice. + By way of answer he bowed, pointing to the other bed where Leo lay, + asleep, and thither she passed with slow, imperious movements. I saw her + bend down and lift the corner of a wrapping which covered his wounded + head, and heard her utter some smothered words before she turned round to + the Guardian as though to question him further. + </p> + <p> + But he had gone, and being alone, for she thought me senseless, she drew a + rough stool to the side of the bed, and seating herself studied Leo, who + lay thereon, with an earnestness that was almost terrible, for her soul + seemed to be concentrated in her eyes, and to find expression through + them. Long she gazed thus, then rose and began to walk swiftly up and down + the chamber, pressing her hands now to her bosom and now to her brow, a + certain passionate perplexity stamped upon her face, as though she + struggled to remember something and could not. + </p> + <p> + “Where and when?” she whispered. “Oh! where and when?” + </p> + <p> + Of the end of that scene I know nothing, for although I fought hard + against it, oblivion mastered me. After this I became aware that the + regal-looking woman called Khania, was always in the room, and that she + seemed to be nursing Leo with great care and tenderness. Sometimes even + she nursed me when Leo did not need attention, and she had nothing else to + do, or so her manner seemed to suggest. It was as though I excited her + curiosity, and she wished me to recover that it might be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Again I awoke, how long afterwards I cannot say. It was night, and the + room was lighted by the moon only, now shining in a clear sky. Its steady + rays entering at the window-place fell on Leo’s bed, and by them I saw + that the dark, imperial woman was watching at his side. Some sense of her + presence must have communicated itself to him, for he began to mutter in + his sleep, now in English, now in Arabic. She became intensely interested; + as her every movement showed. Then rising suddenly she glided across the + room on tiptoe to look at me. Seeing her coming I feigned to be asleep, + and so well that she was deceived. + </p> + <p> + For I was also interested. Who was this lady whom the Guardian had called + the Khania of Kaloon? Could it be she whom we sought? Why not? And yet if + I saw Ayesha, surely I should know her, surely there would be no room for + doubt. + </p> + <p> + Back she went again to the bed, kneeling down beside Leo, and in the + intense silence which followed—for he had ceased his mutterings—I + thought that I could hear the beating of her heart. Now she began to + speak, very low and in that same bastard Greek tongue, mixed here and + there with Mongolian words such as are common to the dialects of Central + Asia. I could not hear or understand all she said, but some sentences I + did understand, and they frightened me not a little. + </p> + <p> + “Man of my dreams,” she murmured, “whence come you? Who are you? Why did + the Hesea bid me to meet you?” Then some sentences I could not catch. “You + sleep; in sleep the eyes are opened. Answer, I bid you; say what is the + bond between you and me? Why have I dreamt of you? Why do I know you? Why——?” + and the sweet, rich voice died slowly from a whisper into silence, as + though she were ashamed to utter what was on her tongue. + </p> + <p> + As she bent over him a lock of her hair broke loose from its jewelled + fillet and fell across his face. At its touch Leo seemed to wake, for he + lifted his gaunt, white hand and touched the hair, then said in English—“Where + am I? Oh! I remember;” and their eyes met as he strove to lift himself and + could not. Then he spoke again in his broken, stumbling Greek, “You are + the lady who saved me from the water. Say, are you also that queen whom I + have sought so long and endured so much to find?” + </p> + <p> + “I know not,” she answered in a voice as sweet as honey, a low, trembling + voice; “but true it is I am a queen—if a Khania be a queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, then, Queen, do you remember me?” + </p> + <p> + “We have met in dreams,” she answered, “I think that we have met in a past + that is far away. Yes; I knew it when first I saw you there by the river. + Stranger with the well remembered face, tell me, I pray you, how you are + named?” + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, whispering—“I know not the name, yet you I + know.” + </p> + <p> + “You know me! How do you know me?” he said heavily, and seemed to sink + again into slumber or swoon. + </p> + <p> + She watched him for a while very intently. Then as though some force that + she could not resist drew her, I saw her bend down her head over his + sleeping face. Yes; and I saw her kiss him swiftly on the lips, then + spring back crimson to the hair, as though overwhelmed with shame at this + victory of her mad passion. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that she discovered me. + </p> + <p> + Bewildered, fascinated, amazed, I had raised myself upon my bed, not + knowing it; I suppose that I might see and hear the better. It was wrong, + doubtless, but no common curiosity over-mastered me, who had my share in + all this story. More, it was foolish, but illness and wonder had killed my + reason. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she saw me watching them, and such fury seemed to take hold of her + that I thought my hour had come. + </p> + <p> + “Man, have you dared——?” she said in an intense whisper, and + snatching at her girdle. Now in her hand shone a knife, and I knew that it + was destined for my heart. Then in this sore danger my wit came back to me + and as she advanced I stretched out my shaking hand, saying—“Oh! of + your pity, give me to drink. The fever burns me, it burns,” and I looked + round like one bewildered who sees not, repeating, “Give me drink, you who + are called Guardian,” and I fell back exhausted. + </p> + <p> + She stopped like a hawk in its stoop, and swiftly sheathed the dagger. + Then taking a bowl of milk that stood on a table near her, she held it to + my lips, searching my face the while with her flaming eyes, for indeed + passion, rage, and fear had lit them till they seemed to flame. I drank + the milk in great gulps, though never in my life did I find it more hard + to swallow. + </p> + <p> + “You tremble,” she said; “have dreams haunted you?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, friend,” I answered, “dreams of that fearsome precipice and of the + last leap.” + </p> + <p> + “Aught else?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Nay; is it not enough? Oh! what a journey to have taken to befriend a + queen.” + </p> + <p> + “To befriend a queen,” she repeated puzzled. “What means the man? You + swear you have had no other dreams?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, I swear by the Symbol of Life and the Mount of the Wavering Flame, + and by yourself, O Queen from the ancient days.” + </p> + <p> + Then I sighed and pretended to swoon, for I could think of nothing else to + do. As I closed my eyes I saw her face that had been red as dawn turn pale + as eve, for my words and all which might lie behind them, had gone home. + Moreover, she was in doubt, for I could hear her fingering the handle of + the dagger. Then she spoke aloud, words for my ears if they still were + open. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad,” she said, “that he dreamed no other dreams, since had he done + so and babbled of them it would have been ill-omened, and I do not wish + that one who has travelled far to visit us should be hurled to the + death-dogs for burial; one, moreover, who although old and hideous, still + has the air of a wise and silent man.” + </p> + <p> + Now while I shivered at these unpleasant hints—though what the + “death-dogs” in which people were buried might be, I could not conceive—to + my intense joy I heard the foot of the Guardian on the stairs, heard him + too enter the room and saw him bow before the lady. + </p> + <p> + “How go these sick men, niece?”<a href="#fn-3" name="fnref-3" id="fnref-3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> + he said in his cold voice. + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-3" id="fn-3"></a> <a href="#fnref-3">[3]</a> +I found later that the Khania, Atene, was not Simbri’s niece but his +great-niece, on the mother’s side.—L. H. H. +</p> + <p> + “They swoon, both of them,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, is it so? I thought otherwise. I thought they woke.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you heard, Shaman (i.e. wizard)?” she asked angrily. + </p> + <p> + “I? Oh! I heard the grating of a dagger in its sheath and the distant + baying of the death-hounds.” + </p> + <p> + “And what have you seen, Shaman?” she asked again, “looking through the + Gate you guard?” + </p> + <p> + “Strange sight, Khania, my niece. But—men awake from swoons.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered, “so while this one sleeps, bear him to another + chamber, for he needs change, and the lord yonder needs more space and + untainted air.” + </p> + <p> + The Guardian, whom she called “Shaman” or Magician, held a lamp in his + hand, and by its light it was easy to see his face, which I watched out of + the corner of my eye. I thought that it wore a very strange expression, + one moreover that alarmed me somewhat. From the beginning I had misdoubted + me of this old man, whose cast of countenance was vindictive as it was + able; now I was afraid of him. + </p> + <p> + “To which chamber, Khania?” he said with meaning. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” she answered slowly, “to one that is healthful, where he will + recover. The man has wisdom,” she added as though in explanation, + “moreover, having the word from the Mountain, to harm him would be + dangerous. But why do you ask?” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I heard the death-hounds bay, that is all. Yes, with you I + think that he has wisdom, and the bee which seeks honey should suck the + flower—before it fades! Also, as you say, there are commands with + which it is ill to trifle, even if we cannot guess their meaning.” + </p> + <p> + Then going to the door he blew upon his whistle, and instantly I heard the + feet of his servants upon the stairs. He gave them an order, and gently + enough they lifted the mattress on which I lay and followed him down + sundry passages and past some stairs into another chamber shaped like that + we had left, but not so large, where they placed me upon a bed. + </p> + <p> + The Guardian watched me awhile to see that I did not wake. Next he + stretched out his hand and felt my heart and pulse; an examination the + results of which seemed to <i>puzzle</i> him, for he uttered a little + exclamation and shook his head. After this he left the room, and I heard + him bolt the door behind him. Then, being still very weak, I fell asleep + in earnest. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke it was broad daylight. My mind was clear and I felt better + than I had done for many a day, signs by which I knew that the fever had + left me and that I was on the high road to recovery. Now I remembered all + the events of the previous night and was able to weigh them carefully. + This, to be sure, I did for many reasons, among them that I knew I had + been and still was, in great danger. + </p> + <p> + I had seen and heard too much, and this woman called Khania guessed that I + had seen and heard. Indeed, had it not been for my hints about the Symbol + of Life and the Mount of Flame, after I had disarmed her first rage by my + artifice, I felt sure that she would have ordered the old Guardian or + Shaman to do me to death in this way or the other; sure also that he would + not have hesitated to obey her. I had been spared partly because, for some + unknown reason, she was afraid to kill me, and partly that she might learn + how much I knew, although the “death-hounds had bayed,” whatever that + might mean. Well, up to the present I was safe, and for the rest I must + take my chance. Moreover it was necessary to be cautious, and, if need + were, to feign ignorance. So, dismissing the matter of my own fate from my + mind, I fell to considering the scene which I had witnessed and what might + be its purport. + </p> + <p> + Was our quest at an end? Was this woman Ayesha? Leo had so dreamed, but he + was still delirious, therefore here was little on which to lean. What + seemed more to the point was that she herself evidently appeared to think + that there existed some tie between her and this sick man. Why had she + embraced him? I was sure that she could be no wanton, nor indeed would any + woman indulge for its own sake in such folly with a stranger who hung + between life and death. What she had done was done because irresistible + impulse, born of knowledge, or at least of memories, drove her on, though + mayhap the knowledge was imperfect and the memories were undefined. Who + save Ayesha could have known anything of Leo in the past? None who lived + upon the earth to-day. + </p> + <p> + And yet, why not, if what Kou-en the abbot and tens of millions of his + fellow-worshippers believed were true? If the souls of human beings were + in fact strictly limited in number, and became the tenants of an endless + succession of physical bodies which they change from time to time as we + change our worn-out garments, why should not others have known him? For + instance that daughter of the Pharaohs who “caused him through love to + break the vows that he had vowed” knew a certain Kallikrates, a priest of + “Isis whom the gods cherish and the demons obey;” even Amenartas, the + mistress of magic. + </p> + <p> + Oh! now a light seemed to break upon me, a wonderful light. What if + Amenartas and this Khania, this woman with royalty stamped on every + feature, should be the same? Would not that “magic of my own people that I + have” of which she wrote upon the Sherd, enable her to pierce the darkness + of the Past and recognize the priest whom she had bewitched to love her, + snatching him out of the very hand of the goddess? What if it were not + Ayesha, but Amenartas re-incarnate who ruled this hidden land and once + more sought to make the man she loved break through his vows? If so, + knowing the evil that must come, I shook even at its shadow. The truth + must be learned, but how? + </p> + <p> + Whilst I wondered the door opened, and the sardonic, inscrutable-old-faced + man, whom this Khania had called Magician, and who called the Khania, + niece, entered and stood before me. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"></a> + CHAPTER VII<br /> + THE FIRST ORDEAL + </h2> + <p> + The shaman advanced to my side and asked me courteously how I fared. + </p> + <p> + I answered, “Better. Far better, oh, my host—but how are you named?” + </p> + <p> + “Simbri,” he answered, “and, as I told you by the water, my title is + Hereditary Guardian of the Gate. By profession I am the royal Physician in + this land.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you say physician or magician?” I asked carelessly, as though I had + not caught the word. He gave me a curious look. + </p> + <p> + “I <i>said</i> physician, and it is well for you and your companion that I + have some skill in my art. Otherwise I think, perhaps, you would not have + been alive to-day, O my guest—but how are <i>you</i> named?” + </p> + <p> + “Holly,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “O my guest, Holly.” + </p> + <p> + “Had it not been for the foresight that brought you and the lady Khania to + the edge of yonder darksome river, certainly we should <i>not</i> have + been alive, venerable Simbri, a foresight that seems to me to savour of + magic in such a lonely place. That is why I thought you might have + described yourself as a magician, though it is true that you may have been + but fishing in those waters.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly I was fishing, stranger Holly—for men, and I caught two.” + </p> + <p> + “Fishing by chance, host Simbri?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, by design, guest Holly. My trade of physician includes the study of + future events, for I am the chief of the Shamans or Seers of this land, + and, having been warned of your coming quite recently, I awaited your + arrival.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, that is strange, most courteous also. So here physician and + magician mean the same.” + </p> + <p> + “You say it,” he answered with a grave bow; “but tell me, if you will, how + did you find your way to a land whither visitors do not wander?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” I answered, “perhaps we are but travellers, or perhaps we also have + studied—medicine.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that you must have studied it deeply, since otherwise you would + not have lived to cross those mountains in search of—now, what did + you seek? Your companion, I think, spoke of a queen—yonder, on the + banks of the torrent.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he? Did he, indeed? Well, that is strange since he seems to have + found one, for surely that royal-looking lady, named Khania, who sprang + into the stream and saved us, must be a queen.” + </p> + <p> + “A queen she is, and a great one, for in our land Khania means queen, + though how, friend Holly, a man who has lain senseless can have learned + this, I do not know. Nor do I know how you come to speak our language.” + </p> + <p> + “That is simple, for the tongue you talk is very ancient, and as it + chances in my own country it has been my lot to study and to teach it. It + is Greek, but although it is still spoken in the world, how it reached + these mountains I cannot say.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you,” he answered. “Many generations ago a great conqueror + born of the nation that spoke this tongue fought his way through the + country to the south of us. He was driven back, but a general of his of + another race advanced and crossed the mountains, and overcame the people + of this land, bringing with him his master’s language and his own worship. + Here he established his dynasty, and here it remains, for being ringed in + with deserts and with pathless mountain snows, we hold no converse with + the outer world.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know something of that story; the conqueror was named Alexander, + was he not?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “He was so named, and the name of the general was Rassen, a native of a + country called Egypt, or so our records tell us. His descendants hold the + throne to this day, and the Khania is of his blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the goddess whom he worshipped called Isis?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he answered, “she was called Hes.” + </p> + <p> + “Which,” I interrupted, “is but another title for Isis. Tell me, is her + worship continued here? I ask because it is now dead in Egypt, which was + its home.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a temple on the Mountain yonder,” he replied indifferently, “and + in it are priests and priestesses who practise some ancient cult. But the + real god of this people now, as long before the day of Rassen their + conqueror, is the fire that dwells in this same Mountain, which from time + to time breaks out and slays them.” + </p> + <p> + “And does a goddess dwell in the fire?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + Again he searched my face with his cold eyes, then answered—“Stranger + Holly, I know nothing of any goddess. That Mountain is sacred, and to seek + to learn its secrets is to die. Why do you ask such questions?” + </p> + <p> + “Only because I am curious in the matter of old religions, and seeing the + symbol of Life upon yonder peak, came hither to study yours, of which + indeed a tradition still remains among the learned.” + </p> + <p> + “Then abandon that study, friend Holly, for the road to it runs through + the paws of the death-hounds, and the spears of savages. Nor indeed is + there anything to learn.” + </p> + <p> + “And what, Physician, are the death-hounds?” + </p> + <p> + “Certain dogs to which, according to our ancient custom, all offenders + against the law or the will of the Khan, are cast to be torn to pieces.” + </p> + <p> + “The will of the Khan! Has this Khania of yours a husband then?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” he answered, “her cousin, who was the ruler of half the land. Now + they and the land are one. But you have talked enough; I am here to say + that your food is ready,” and he turned to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + “One more question, friend Simbri. How came I to this chamber, and where + is my companion?” + </p> + <p> + “You were borne hither in your sleep, and see, the change has bettered + you. Do you remember nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, nothing at all,” I answered earnestly. “But what of my friend?” + </p> + <p> + “He also is better. The Khania Atene nurses him.” + </p> + <p> + “Atene?” I said. “That is an old Egyptian name. It means the Disk of the + Sun, and a woman who bore it thousands of years ago was famous for her + beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and is not my niece Atene beautiful?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell, O uncle of the Khania,” I answered wearily, “who have + scarcely seen her?” + </p> + <p> + Then he departed, and presently his yellow-faced, silent servants brought + me my food. + </p> + <p> + Later in the morning the door opened again, and through it, unattended, + came the Khania Atene, who shut and bolted it behind her. This action did + not reassure me, still, rising in my bed, I saluted her as best I could, + although at heart I was afraid. She seemed to read my doubts for she said—“Lie + down, and have no fear. At present you will come by no harm from me. Now, + tell me what is the man called Leo to you? Your son? Nay, it cannot be, + since—forgive me—light is not born of darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always thought that it was so born, Khania. Yet you are right; he + is but my adopted son, and a man whom I love.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, what seek you here?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “We seek, Khania, whatsoever Fate shall bring us on yonder Mountain, that + which is crowned with flame.” + </p> + <p> + Her face paled at the words, but she answered in a steady voice—“Then + there you will find nothing but doom, if indeed you do not find it before + you reach its slopes, which are guarded by savage men. Yonder is the + College of Hes, and to violate its Sanctuary is death to any man, death in + the ever-burning fire.” + </p> + <p> + “And who rules this college, Khania—a priestess?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a priestess, whose face I have never seen, for she is so old that + she veils herself from curious eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! she veils herself, does she?” I answered, as the blood went thrilling + through my veins, I who remembered another who also was <i>so</i> old that + she veiled herself from curious eyes. “Well, veiled or unveiled, we would + visit her, trusting to find that we are welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “That you shall not do,” she said, “for it is unlawful, and I will not + have your blood upon my hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is the stronger,” I asked of her, “you, Khania, or this priestess + of the Mountain?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the stronger, Holly, for so you are named, are you not? Look you, at + my need I can summon sixty thousand men in war, while she has naught but + her priests and the fierce, untrained tribes.” + </p> + <p> + “The sword is not the only power in the world,” I answered. “Tell me, now, + does this priestess ever visit the country of Kaloon?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, never, for by the ancient pact, made after the last great struggle + long centuries ago between the College and the people of the Plain, it was + decreed and sworn to that should she set her foot across the river, this + means war to the end between us, and rule for the victor over both. + Likewise, save when unguarded they bear their dead to burial, or for some + such high purpose, no Khan or Khania of Kaloon ascends the Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Which then is the true master—the Khan of Kaloon or the head of the + College of Hes?” I asked again. + </p> + <p> + “In matters spiritual, the priestess of Hes, who is our Oracle and the + voice of Heaven. In matters temporal, the Khan of Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + “The Khan. Ah! you are married, lady, are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered, her face flushing. “And I will tell you what you soon + must learn, if you have not learned it already, I am the wife of a madman, + and he is—hateful to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I <i>have</i> learned the last already, Khania.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me with her piercing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What! Did my uncle, the Shaman, he who is called Guardian, tell you? Nay, + you saw, as I knew you saw, and it would have been best to slay you for, + oh! what must you think of me?” + </p> + <p> + I made no answer, for in truth I did not know what to think, also I feared + lest further rash admissions should be followed by swift vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “You must believe,” she went on, “that I, who have ever hated men, that I—I + swear that it is true—whose lips are purer than those mountain + snows, I, the Khania of Kaloon, whom they name Heart-of-Ice, am but a + shameless thing.” And, covering her face with her hand, she moaned in the + bitterness of her distress. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I said, “there may be reasons, explanations, if it pleases you to + give them.” + </p> + <p> + “Wanderer, there are such reasons; and since you know so much, you shall + learn them also. Like that husband of mine, I have become mad. When first + I saw the face of your companion, as I dragged him from the river, madness + entered me, and I—I——” + </p> + <p> + “Loved him,” I suggested. “Well, such things have happened before to + people who were not mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she went on, “it was more than love; I was possessed, and that night + I knew not what I did. A Power drove me on; a Destiny compelled me, and to + the end I am his, and his alone. Yes, I am his, and I swear that he shall + be mine;” and with this wild declaration dangerous enough under the + conditions, she turned and fled the room. + </p> + <p> + She was gone, and after the struggle, for such it was, I sank back + exhausted. How came it that this sudden passion had mastered her? Who and + what was this Khania, I wondered again, and—this was more to the + point, who and what would Leo believe her to be? If only I could be with + him before he said words or did deeds impossible to recall. + </p> + <p> + Three days went by, during which time I saw no more of the Khania, who, or + so I was informed by Simbri, the Shaman, had returned to her city to make + ready for us, her guests. I begged him to allow me to rejoin Leo, but he + answered politely, though with much firmness, that my foster-son did + better without me. Now, I grew suspicious, fearing lest some harm had come + to Leo, though how to discover the truth I knew not. In my anxiety I tried + to convey a note to him, written upon a leaf of a water-gained + pocket-book, but the yellow-faced servant refused to touch it, and Simbri + said drily that he would have naught to do with writings which he could + not read. At length, on the third night I made up my mind that whatever + the risk, with leave or without it, I would try to find him. + </p> + <p> + By this time I could walk well, and indeed was almost strong again. So + about midnight, when the moon was up, for I had no other light, I crept + from my bed, threw on my garments, and taking a knife, which was the only + weapon I possessed, opened the door of my room and started. + </p> + <p> + Now, when I was carried from the rock-chamber where Leo and I had been + together, I took note of the way. First, reckoning from my sleeping-place, + there was a passage thirty paces long, for I had counted the footfalls of + my bearers. Then came a turn to the left, and ten more paces of passage, + and lastly near certain steps running to some place unknown, another sharp + turn to the right which led to our old chamber. + </p> + <p> + Down the long passage I walked stealthily, and although it was pitch dark, + found the turn to the left, and followed it till I came to the second + sharp turn to the right, that of the gallery from which rose the stairs. I + crept round it only to retreat hastily enough, as well I might, for at the + door of Leo’s room, which she was in the act of locking on the outside, as + I could see by the light of the lamp that she held in her hand, stood the + Khania herself. + </p> + <p> + My first thought was to fly back to my own chamber, but I abandoned it, + feeling sure that I should be seen. Therefore I determined, if she + discovered me, to face the matter out and say that I was trying to find + Leo, and to learn how he fared. So I crouched against the wall, and waited + with a beating heart. I heard her sweep down the passage, and—yes—begin + to mount the stair. + </p> + <p> + Now, what should I do? To try to reach Leo was useless, for she had locked + the door with the key she held. Go back to bed? No, I would follow her, + and if we met would make the same excuse. Thus I might get some tidings, + or perhaps—a dagger thrust. + </p> + <p> + So round the corner and up the steps I went, noiselessly as a snake. They + were many and winding, like those of a church tower, but at length I came + to the head of them, where was a little landing, and opening from it a + door. It was a very ancient door; the light streamed through cracks where + its panels had rotted, and from the room beyond came the sound of voices, + those of the Shaman Simbri and the Khania. + </p> + <p> + “Have you learned aught, my niece?” I heard him say, and also heard her + answer—-“A little. A very little.” + </p> + <p> + Then in my thirst for knowledge I grew bold, and stealing to the door, + looked through one of the cracks in its wood. Opposite to me, in the full + flood of light thrown by a hanging lamp, her hand resting on a table at + which Simbri was seated, stood the Khania. Truly she was a beauteous + sight, for she wore robes of royal purple, and on her brow a little + coronet of gold, beneath which her curling hair streamed down her shapely + neck and bosom. Seeing her I guessed at once that she had arrayed herself + thus for some secret end, enhancing her loveliness by every art and grace + that is known to woman. Simbri was looking at her earnestly, with fear and + doubt written on even his cold, impassive features. + </p> + <p> + “What passed between you, then?” he asked, peering at her. + </p> + <p> + “I questioned him closely as to the reason of his coming to this land, and + wrung from him the answer that it was to seek some beauteous woman—he + would say no more. I asked him if she were more beauteous than <i>I</i> + am, and he replied with courtesy—nothing else, I think—that it + would be hard to say, but that she had been different. Then I said that + though it behooved me not to speak of such a matter, there was no lady in + Kaloon whom men held to be so fair as I; moreover, that I was its ruler, + and that I and no other had saved him from the water. Aye, and I added + that my heart told me I was the woman whom he sought.” + </p> + <p> + “Have done, niece,” said Simbri impatiently, “I would not hear of the arts + you used—well enough, doubtless. What then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he said that it might be so, since he thought that this woman was + born again, and studied me a while, asking me if I had ever ‘passed + through fire.’ To this I replied that the only fires I had passed were + those of the spirit, and that I dwelt in them now. He said, ‘Show me your + hair,’ and I placed a lock of it in his hand. Presently he let it fall, + and from that satchel which he wears about his neck drew out another tress + of hair—oh! Simbri, my uncle, the loveliest hair that ever eyes + beheld, for it was soft as silk, and reached from my coronet to the + ground. Moreover, no raven’s wing in the sunshine ever shone as did that + fragrant tress. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yours is beautiful,’ he said, ‘but see, they are not the same.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Mayhap,’ I answered, ‘since no woman ever wore such locks.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You are right,’ he replied, ‘for she whom I seek was more than a woman.’ + </p> + <p> + “And then—and then—though I tried him in many ways he would + say no more, so, feeling hate against this Unknown rising in my heart, and + fearing lest I should utter words that were best unsaid, I left him. Now I + bid you, search the books which are open to your wisdom and tell me of + this woman whom he seeks, who she is, and where she dwells. Oh! search + them swiftly, that I may find her and—kill her if I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, if you can,” answered the Shaman, “and if she lives to kill. But + say, where shall we begin our quest? Now, this letter from the Mountain + that the head-priest Oros sent to your court a while ago?”—and he + selected a parchment from a pile which lay upon the table and looked at + her. + </p> + <p> + “Read,” she said, “I would hear it again.” + </p> + <p> + So he read: “From the Hesea of the House of Fire, to Atene, Khania of + Kaloon. + </p> + <p> + “My sister—Warning has reached me that two strangers of a western + race journey to your land, seeking my Oracle, of which they would ask a + question. On the first day of the next moon, I command that you and with + you Simbri, your great-uncle, the wise Shaman, Guardian of the Gate, shall + be watching the river in the gulf at the foot of the ancient road, for by + that steep path the strangers travel. Aid them in all things and bring + them safely to the Mountain, knowing that in this matter I shall hold him + and you to account. Myself I will not meet them, since to do so would be + to break the pact between our powers, which says that the Hesea of the + Sanctuary visits not the territory of Kaloon, save in war. Also their + coming is otherwise appointed.” + </p> + <p> + “It would seem,” said Simbri, laying down the parchment, “that these are + no chance wanderers, since Hes awaits them.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, they are no chance wanderers, since my heart awaited one of them + also. Yet the Hesea cannot be that woman, for reasons which are known to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “There are many women on the Mountain,” suggested the Shaman in a dry + voice, “if indeed any woman has to do with this matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I at least have to do with it, and he shall not go to the Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Hes is powerful, my niece, and beneath these smooth words of hers lies a + dreadful threat. I say that she is mighty from of old and has servants in + the earth and air who warned her of the coming of these men, and will warn + her of what befalls them. I know it, who hate her, and to your royal house + of Rassen it has been known for many a generation. Therefore thwart her + not lest ill befall us all, for she is a spirit and terrible. She says + that it is appointed that they shall go——” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>I</i> say it is appointed that he shall not go. Let the other go + if he desires.” + </p> + <p> + “Atene, be plain, what will you with the man called Leo—that he + should become your lover?” asked the Shaman. + </p> + <p> + She stared him straight in the eyes, and answered boldly—“Nay, I + will that he should become my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “First he must will it too, who seems to have no mind that way. Also, how + can a woman have two husbands?” + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand upon his shoulder and said—“I have no husband. You + know it well, Simbri. <i>I</i> charge you by the close bond of blood + between us, brew me another draught——” + </p> + <p> + “That we may be bound yet closer in a bond of murder! Nay, Atene, I will + not; already your sin lies heavy on my head. You are very fair; take the + man in your own net, if you may, or let him be, which is better far.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot let him be. Would that I were able. I must love him as I must + hate the other whom he loves, yet some power hardens his heart against me. + Oh! great Shaman, you that peep and mutter, you who can read the future + and the past, tell me what you have learned from your stars and + divinations.” + </p> + <p> + “Already I have sought through many a secret, toilsome hour and learned + this, Atene,” he answered. “You are right, the fate of yonder man is + intertwined with yours, but between you and him there rises a mighty wall + that my vision cannot pierce nor my familiars climb. Yet I am taught that + in death you and he—aye, and I also, shall be very near together.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come death,” she exclaimed with sullen pride, “for thence at least + I’ll pluck out my desire.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not so sure,” he answered, “for I think that the Power follows us even + down this dark gulf of death. I think also that I feel the sleepless eyes + of Hes watching our secret souls.” + </p> + <p> + “Then blind them with the dust of illusions—as you can. To-morrow, + also, saying nothing of their sex, send a messenger to the Mountain and + tell the Hesea that two old strangers have arrived—mark you, <i>old</i>—but + that they are very sick, that their limbs were broken in the river, and + that when they have healed again, I will send them to ask the question of + her Oracle—that is, some three moons hence. Perchance she may + believe you, and be content to wait; or if she does not, at least no more + words. I must sleep or my brain will burst. Give me that medicine which + brings dreamless rest, for never did I need it more, who also feel eyes + upon me,” and she glanced towards the door. + </p> + <p> + Then I left, and not too soon, for as I crept down the darksome passage, I + heard it open behind me. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"></a> + CHAPTER VIII<br /> + THE DEATH-HOUNDS + </h2> + <p> + It may have been ten o’clock on the following morning, or a little past + it, when the Shaman Simbri came into my room and asked me how I had slept. + </p> + <p> + “Like a log,” I answered, “like a log. A drugged man could not have rested + more soundly.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, friend Holly, and yet you look fatigued.” + </p> + <p> + “My dreams troubled me somewhat,” I answered. “I suffer from such things. + But surely by your face, friend Simbri, you cannot have slept at all, for + never yet have I seen you with so weary an air.” + </p> + <p> + “I am weary,” he said, with a sigh. “Last night I spent up on my business—watching + at the Gates.” + </p> + <p> + “What gates?” I asked. “Those by which we entered this kingdom, for, if + so, I would rather watch than travel them.” + </p> + <p> + “The Gates of the Past and of the Future. Yes, those two which you + entered, if you will; for did you not travel out of a wondrous Past + towards a Future that you cannot <i>guess?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “But both of which interest you,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” he answered, then added, “I come to tell you that within an + hour you are to start for the city, whither the Khania has but now gone on + to make ready for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; only you told me that she had gone some days ago. Well, I am sound + again and prepared to march, but say, how is my foster-son?” + </p> + <p> + “He mends, he mends. But you shall see him for yourself. It is the + Khania’s will. Here come the slaves bearing your robes, and with them I + leave you.” + </p> + <p> + So with their assistance I dressed myself, first in good, clean + under-linen, then in wide woollen trousers and vest, and lastly in a + fur-lined camel-hair robe dyed black that was very comfortable to wear, + and in appearance not unlike a long overcoat. A flat cap of the same + material and a pair of boots made of untanned hide completed my attire. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely was I ready when the yellow-faced servants, with many bows, took + me by the hand and led me down the passages and stairs of the Gate-house + to its door. Here, to my great joy, I found Leo, looking pale and + troubled, but otherwise as well as I could expect after his sickness. He + was attired like myself, save that his garments were of a finer quality, + and the overcoat was white, with a hood to it, added, I suppose, to + protect the wound in his head from cold and the sun. This white dress I + thought became him very well, also about it there was nothing grotesque or + even remarkable. He sprang to me and seized my hand, asking how I fared + and where I had been hidden away, a greeting of which, as I could see, the + warmth was not lost upon Simbri, who stood by. + </p> + <p> + I answered, well enough now that we were together again, and for the rest + I would tell him later. + </p> + <p> + Then they brought us palanquins, carried, each of them, by two ponies, one + of which was harnessed ahead and the other behind between long shaft-like + poles. In these we seated ourselves, and at a sign from Simbri slaves took + the leading ponies by the bridle and we started, leaving behind us that + grim old Gate-house through which we were the first strangers to pass for + many a generation. + </p> + <p> + For a mile or more our road ran down a winding, rocky gorge, till suddenly + it took a turn, and the country of Kaloon lay stretched before us. At our + feet was a river, probably the same with which we had made acquaintance in + the gulf, where, fed by the mountain snows, it had its source. Here it + flowed rapidly, but on the vast, alluvial lands beneath became a broad and + gentle stream that wound its way through the limitless plains till it was + lost in the blue of the distance. + </p> + <p> + To the north, however, this smooth, monotonous expanse was broken by that + Mountain which had guided us from afar, the House of Fire. It was a great + distance from us, more than a hundred miles, I should say, yet even so a + most majestic sight in that clear air. Many leagues from the base of its + peak the ground began to rise in brown and rugged hillocks, from which + sprang the holy Mountain itself, a white and dazzling point that soared + full twenty thousand feet into the heavens. + </p> + <p> + Yes, and there upon the nether lip of its crater stood the gigantic + pillar, surmounted by a yet more gigantic loop of virgin rock, whereof the + blackness stood out grimly against the blue of the sky beyond and the + blinding snow beneath. + </p> + <p> + We gazed at it with awe, as well we might, this beacon of our hopes that + for aught we knew might also prove their monument, feeling even then that + yonder our fate would declare itself. I noted further that all those with + us did it reverence by bowing their heads as they caught sight of the + peak, and by laying the first finger of the right hand across the first + finger of the left, a gesture, as we afterwards discovered, designed to + avert its evil influence. Yes, even Simbri bowed, a yielding to inherited + superstition of which I should scarcely have suspected him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever journeyed to that Mountain?” asked Leo of him. + </p> + <p> + Simbri shook his head and answered evasively. + </p> + <p> + “The people of the Plain do not set foot upon the Mountain. Among its + slopes beyond the river which washes them, live hordes of brave and most + savage men, with whom we are oftentimes at war; for when they are hungry + they raid our cattle and our crops. Moreover, there, when the Mountain + labours, run red streams of molten rock, and now and again hot ashes fall + that slay the traveller.” + </p> + <p> + “Do the ashes ever fall in your country?” asked Leo. + </p> + <p> + “They have been known to do so when the Spirit of the Mountain is angry, + and that is why we fear her.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Spirit?” said Leo eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, lord,” he answered with impatience. “Can men see a + spirit?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> look as though you might, and had, not so long ago,” replied + Leo, fixing his gaze on the old man’s waxen face and uneasy eyes. For now + their horny calm was gone from the eyes of Simbri, which seemed as though + they had beheld some sight that haunted him. + </p> + <p> + “You do me too much honour, lord,” he replied; “my skill and vision do not + reach so far. But see, here is the landing-stage, where boats await us, + for the rest of our journey is by water.” + </p> + <p> + These boats proved to be roomy and comfortable, having flat bows and + sterns, since, although sometimes a sail was hoisted, they were designed + for towing, not to be rowed with oars. Leo and I entered the largest of + them, and to our joy were left alone except for the steersman. + </p> + <p> + Behind us was another boat, in which were attendants and slaves, and some + men who looked like soldiers, for they carried bows and swords. Now the + ponies were taken from the palanquins, that were packed away, and ropes of + green hide, fastened to iron rings in the prows of the boats, were fixed + to the towing tackle with which the animals had been reharnessed. Then we + started, the ponies, two arranged tandem fashion to each punt, trotting + along a well-made towing path that was furnished with wooden bridges + wherever canals or tributary streams entered the main river. + </p> + <p> + “Thank Heaven,” said Leo, “we are together again at last! Do you remember, + Horace, that when we entered the land of Kôr it was thus, in a boat? The + tale repeats itself.” + </p> + <p> + “I can quite believe it,” I answered. “I can believe anything. Leo, I say + that we are but gnats meshed in a web, and yonder Khania is the spider and + Simbri the Shaman guards the net. But tell me all you remember of what has + happened to you, and be quick, for I do not know how long they may leave + us alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, “of course I remember our arrival at that Gate after the + lady and the old man had pulled us out of the river, and, Horace, talking + of spiders reminds me of hanging at the end of that string of yak’s hide. + Not that I need much reminding, for I am not likely to forget it. Do you + know I cut the rope because I felt that I was going mad, and wished to die + sane. What happened to you? Did you slip?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I jumped after you. It seemed best to end together, so that we might + begin again together.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave old Horace!” he said affectionately, the tears starting to his grey + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Well, never mind all that,” I broke in; “you see you were right when you + said that we should get through, and we have. Now for your tale.” + </p> + <p> + “It is interesting, but not very long,” he answered, colouring. “I went to + sleep, and when I woke it was to find a beautiful woman leaning over me, + and Horace—at first I thought that it was—you know who, and + that she kissed me; but perhaps it was all a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “It was no dream,” I answered. “I saw it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear it—very sorry. At any rate there was the + beautiful woman—the Khania—for I saw her plenty of times + afterwards, and talked to her in my best modern Greek—by the way, + Ayesha knew the old Greek; that’s curious.” + </p> + <p> + “She knew several of the ancient tongues, and so did other people. Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she nursed me very kindly, but, so far as I know, until last night + there was nothing more affectionate, and I had sense enough to refuse to + talk about our somewhat eventful past. I pretended not to understand, said + that we were explorers, etc., and kept asking her where you were, for I + forgot to say I found that you had gone. I think that she grew rather + angry with me, for she wanted to know something, and, as you can guess, I + wanted to know a good deal. But I could get nothing out of her except that + she was the Khania—a person in authority. There was no doubt about + that, for when one of those slaves or servants came in and interrupted her + while she was trying to draw the facts out of me, she called to some of + her people to throw him out of the window, and he only saved himself by + going down the stairs very quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I could make nothing of her, and she could make little of me, + though why she should be so tenderly interested in a stranger, I don’t + know—unless, unless—oh! who is she, Horace?” + </p> + <p> + “If you will go on I will tell you what I think presently. One tale at a + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. I got quite well and strong, comparatively speaking, till the + climax last night, which upset me again. After that old prophet, Simbri, + had brought me my supper, just as I was thinking of going to sleep, the + Khania came in alone, dressed like a queen. I can tell you she looked + really royal, like a princess in a fairy book, with a crown on, and her + chestnut black hair flowing round her. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Horace, then she began to make love to me in a refined sort of way, + or so I thought, looked at me and sighed, saying that we had known each + other in the past—very well indeed I gathered—and implying + that she wished to continue our friendship. I fenced with her as best I + could; but a man feels fairly helpless lying on his back with a very + handsome and very imperial-looking lady standing over him and paying him + compliments. + </p> + <p> + “The end of it was that, driven to it by her questions and to stop that + sort of thing, I told her that I was looking for my wife, whom I had lost, + for, after all, Ayesha is my wife, Horace. She smiled and suggested that I + need <i>not</i> look far; in short, that the lost wife was already found—in + herself, who had come to save me from death in the river. Indeed, she + spoke with such conviction that I grew sure that she was not merely + amusing herself, and felt very much inclined to believe her, for, after + all, Ayesha may be changed now. + </p> + <p> + “Then while I was at my wits’ end I remembered the lock of hair—all + that remains to us of <i>her</i>,” and Leo touched his breast. “I drew it + out and compared it with the Khania’s, and at the sight of it she became + quite different, jealous, I suppose, for it is longer than hers, and not + in the least like. + </p> + <p> + “Horace, I tell you that the touch of that lock of hair—for she did + touch it—appeared to act upon her nature like nitric acid upon sham + gold. It turned it black; all the bad in her came out. In her anger her + voice sounded coarse; yes, she grew almost vulgar, and, as you know, when + Ayesha was in a rage she might be wicked as we understand it, and was + certainly terrible, but she was never either coarse or vulgar, any more + than lightning is. + </p> + <p> + “Well, from that moment I was sure that whoever this Khania may be, she + had nothing to do with Ayesha; they are so different that they never could + have been the same—like the hair. So I lay quiet and let her talk, + and coax, and threaten on, until at length she drew herself up and marched + from the room, and I heard her lock the door behind her. That’s all I have + to tell you, and quite enough too, for I don’t think that the Khania has + done with me, and, to say the truth, I am afraid of her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said, “quite enough. Now sit still, and don’t start or talk loud, + for that steersman is probably a spy, and I can feel old Simbri’s eyes + fixed upon our backs. Don’t interrupt either, for our time alone may be + short.” + </p> + <p> + Then I set to work and told him everything I knew, while he listened in + blank astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Great Heavens! what a tale,” he exclaimed as I finished. “Now, who is + this Hesea who sent the letter from the Mountain? And who, who is the + Khania?” + </p> + <p> + “Who does your instinct tell you that she is, Leo?” + </p> + <p> + “Amenartas?” he whispered doubtfully. “The woman who wrote the <i>Sherd</i>, + whom Ayesha said was the Egyptian princess—my wife two thousand + years ago? Amenartas re-born?” + </p> + <p> + I nodded. “I think so. Why not? As I have told you again and again, I have + always been certain of one thing, that if we were allowed to see the next + act of the piece, we should find Amenartas, or rather the spirit of + Amenartas, playing a leading part in it; you will remember I wrote as much + in that record. + </p> + <p> + “If the old Buddhist monk Kou-en could remember <i>his</i> past, as + thousands of them swear that they do, and be sure of his identity + continued from that past, why should not this woman, with so much at + stake, helped as she is by the wizardry of the Shaman, her uncle, faintly + remember hers? + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, Leo, why should she not still be sufficiently under its + influence to cause her, without any fault or seeking of her own, to fall + madly in love at first sight with a man whom, after all, she has always + loved?” + </p> + <p> + “The argument seems sound enough, Horace, and if so I am sorry for the + Khania, who hasn’t much choice in the matter—been forced into it, so + to speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but meanwhile your foot is in a trap again. Guard yourself, Leo, + guard yourself. I believe that this is a trial sent to you, and doubtless + there will be more to follow. But I believe also that it would be better + for you to die than to make any mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it well,” he answered; “and you need not be afraid. Whatever this + Khania may have been to me in the past—if she was anything at all—that + story is done with. I seek Ayesha, and Ayesha alone, and Venus herself + shall not tempt me from her.” + </p> + <p> + Then we began to speak with hope and fear of that mysterious Hesea who had + sent the letter from the Mountain, commanding the Shaman Simbri to meet + us: the priestess or spirit whom he declared was “mighty from of old” and + had “servants in the earth and air.” + </p> + <p> + Presently the prow of our barge bumped against the bank of the river, and + looking round I saw that Simbri had left the boat in which he sat and was + preparing to enter ours. This he did, and, placing himself gravely on a + seat in front of us, explained that nightfall was coming on, and he wished + to give us his company and protection through the dark. + </p> + <p> + “And to see that we do not give him the slip in it,” muttered Leo. + </p> + <p> + Then the drivers whipped up their ponies, and we went on again. + </p> + <p> + “Look behind you,” said Simbri presently, “and you will see the city where + you will sleep to-night.” + </p> + <p> + We turned ourselves, and there, about ten miles away, perceived a + flat-roofed town of considerable, though not of very great size. Its + position was good, for it was set upon a large island that stood a hundred + feet or more above the level of the plain, the river dividing into two + branches at the foot of it, and, as we discovered afterwards, uniting + again beyond. + </p> + <p> + The vast mound upon which this city was built had the appearance of being + artificial, but very possibly the soil whereof it was formed had been + washed up in past ages during times of flood, so that from a mudbank in + the centre of the broad river it grew by degrees to its present + proportions. With the exception of a columned and towered edifice that + crowned the city and seemed to be encircled by gardens, we could see no + great buildings in the place. + </p> + <p> + “How is the city named?” asked Leo of Simbri. + </p> + <p> + “Kaloon,” he answered, “as was all this land even when my fore-fathers, + the conquerors, marched across the mountains and took it more than two + thousand years ago. They kept the ancient title, but the territory of the + Mountain they called Hes, because they said that the loop upon yonder peak + was the symbol of a goddess of this name whom their general worshipped.” + </p> + <p> + “Priestesses still live there, do they not?” said Leo, trying in his turn + to extract the truth. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and priests also. The College of them was established by the + conquerors, who subdued all the land. Or rather, it took the place of + another College of those who fashioned the Sanctuary and the Temple, whose + god was the fire in the Mountain, as it is that of the people of Kaloon + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Then who is worshipped there now?” + </p> + <p> + “The goddess Hes, it is said; but we know little of the matter, for + between us and the Mountain folk there has been enmity for ages. They kill + us and we kill them, for they are jealous of their shrine, which none may + visit save by permission, to consult the Oracle and to make prayer or + offering in times of calamity, when a Khan dies, or the waters of the + river sink and the crops fail, or when ashes fall and earthquakes shake + the land, or great sickness comes. Otherwise, unless they attack us, we + leave them alone, for though every man is trained to arms, and can fight + if need be, we are a peaceful folk, who cultivate the soil from generation + to generation, and thus grow rich. Look round you. Is it not a scene of + peace?” + </p> + <p> + We stood up in the boat and gazed about us at the pastoral prospect. + Everywhere appeared herds of cattle feeding upon meadow lands, or troops + of mules and horses, or square fields sown with corn and outlined by + trees. Village folk, also, clad in long, grey gowns, were labouring on the + land, or, their day’s toil finished, driving their beasts homewards along + roads built upon the banks of the irrigation dykes, towards the hamlets + that were placed on rising knolls amidst tall poplar groves. + </p> + <p> + In its sharp contrast with the arid deserts and fearful mountains amongst + which we had wandered for so many years, this country struck us as most + charming, and indeed, seen by the red light of the sinking sun on that + spring day, even as beautiful with the same kind of beauty which is to be + found in Holland. One could understand too that these landowners and + peasant-farmers would by choice be men of peace, and what a temptation + their wealth must offer to the hungry, half-savage tribes of the + mountains. + </p> + <p> + Also it was easy to guess when the survivors of Alexander’s legions under + their Egyptian general burst through the iron band of snow-clad hills and + saw this sweet country, with its homes, its herds, and its ripening grass, + that they must have cried with one voice, “We will march and fight and + toil no more. Here we will sit us down to live and die.” Thus doubtless + they did, taking them wives from among the women of the people of the land + which they had conquered—perhaps after a single battle. + </p> + <p> + Now as the light faded the wreaths of smoke which hung over the distant + Fire-mountain began to glow luridly. Redder and more angry did they become + while the darkness gathered, till at length they seemed to be charged with + pulsing sheets of flame propelled from the womb of the volcano, which + threw piercing beams of light through the eye of the giant loop that + crowned its brow. Far, far fled those beams, making a bright path across + the land, and striking the white crests of the bordering wall of + mountains. High in the air ran that path, over the dim roofs of the city + of Kaloon, over the river, yes, straight above us, over the mountains, and + doubtless—though there we could not follow them—across the + desert to that high eminence on its farther side where we had lain bathed + in their radiance. It was a wondrous and most impressive sight, one too + that filled our companions with fear, for the steersmen in our boats and + the drivers on the towing-path groaned aloud and began to utter prayers. + “What do they say?” asked Leo of Simbri. + </p> + <p> + “They say, lord, that the Spirit of the Mountain is angry, and passes down + yonder flying light that is called the Road of Hes to work some evil to + our land. Therefore they pray her not to destroy them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then does that light not always shine thus?” he asked again. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but seldom. Once about three months ago, and now to-night, but + before that not for years. Let us pray that it portends no misfortune to + Kaloon and its inhabitants.” + </p> + <p> + For some minutes this fearsome illumination continued, then it ceased as + suddenly as it had begun, and there remained of it only the dull glow + above the crest of the peak. + </p> + <p> + Presently the moon rose, a white, shining ball, and by its rays we + perceived that we drew near to the city. But there was still something + left for us to see before we reached its shelter. While we sat quietly in + the boat—for the silence was broken only by the lapping of the still + waters against its sides and the occasional splash of the slackened + tow-line upon their surface—we heard a distant sound as of a hunt in + full cry. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer it came, its volume swelling every moment, till it was + quite close at last. Now echoing from the trodden earth of the towing-path—not + that on which our ponies travelled, but the other on the west bank of the + river—was heard the beat of the hoofs of a horse galloping + furiously. Presently it appeared, a fine, white animal, on the back of + which sat a man. It passed us like a flash, but as he went by the man + lifted himself and turned his head, so that we saw his face in the + moonlight; saw also the agony of fear that was written on it and in his + eyes. + </p> + <p> + He had come out of the darkness. He was gone into the darkness, but after + him swelled that awful music. Look! a dog appeared, a huge, red dog, that + dropped its foaming muzzle to the ground as it galloped, then lifted it + and uttered a deep-throated, bell-like bay. Others followed, and yet + others: in all there must have been a hundred of them, every one baying as + it took the scent. + </p> + <p> + “<i>The death-hounds!</i>” I muttered, clasping Leo by the arm. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, “they are running that poor devil. Here comes the + huntsman.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke there appeared a second figure, splendidly mounted, a cloak + streaming from his shoulders, and in his hand a long whip, which he waved. + He was big but loosely jointed, and as he passed he turned his face also, + and we saw that it was that of a madman. There could be no doubt of it; + insanity blazed in those hollow eyes and rang in that savage, screeching + laugh. + </p> + <p> + “The Khan! The Khan!” said Simbri, bowing, and I could see that he was + afraid. + </p> + <p> + Now he too was gone, and after him came his guards. I counted eight of + them, all carrying whips, with which they flogged their horses. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean, friend Simbri?” I asked, as the sounds grew faint in + the distance. + </p> + <p> + “It means, friend Holly,” he answered, “that the Khan does justice in his + own fashion—hunting to death one that has angered him.” + </p> + <p> + “What then is his crime? And who is that poor man?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a great lord of this land, one of the royal kinsmen, and the crime + for which he has been condemned is that he told the Khania he loved her, + and offered to make war upon her husband and kill him, if she would + promise herself to him in marriage. But she hated the man, as she hates + all men, and brought the matter before the Khan. That is all the story.” + </p> + <p> + “Happy is that prince who has so virtuous a wife!” I could not help saying + unctuously, but with meaning, and the old wretch of a Shaman turned his + head at my words and began to stroke his white beard. + </p> + <p> + It was but a little while afterwards that once more we heard the baying of + the death-hounds. Yes, they were heading straight for us, this time across + country. Again the white horse and its rider appeared, utterly exhausted, + both of them, for the poor beast could scarcely struggle on to the + towing-path. As it gained it a great red hound with a black ear gripped + its flank, and at the touch of the fangs it screamed aloud in terror as + only a horse can. The rider sprang from its back, and, to our horror, ran + to the river’s edge, thinking evidently to take refuge in our boat. But + before ever he reached the water the devilish brutes were upon him. + </p> + <p> + What followed I will not describe, but never shall I forget the scene of + those two heaps of worrying wolves, and of the maniac Khan, who yelled in + his fiendish joy, and cheered on his death-hounds to finish their red + work. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"></a> + CHAPTER IX<br /> + THE COURT OF KALOON + </h2> + <p> + Horrified, sick at heart, we continued our journey. No wonder that the + Khania hated such a mad despot. And this woman was in love with Leo, and + this lunatic Khan, her husband, was a victim to jealousy, which he avenged + after the very unpleasant fashion that we had witnessed. Truly an + agreeable prospect for all of us! Yet, I could not help reflecting, as an + object lesson that horrid scene had its advantages. + </p> + <p> + Now we reached the place where the river forked at the end of the island, + and disembarked upon a quay. Here a guard of men commanded by some + Household officer, was waiting to receive us. They led us through a gate + in the high wall, for the town was fortified, up a narrow, stone-paved + street which ran between houses apparently of the usual Central Asian + type, and, so far as I could judge by moonlight, with no pretensions to + architectural beauty, and not large in size. + </p> + <p> + Clearly our arrival was expected and excited interest, for people were + gathered in knots about the street to watch us pass; also at the windows + of the houses and even on their flat roofs. At the top of the long street + was a sort of market place, crossing which, accompanied by a curious crowd + who made remarks about us that we could not understand, we reached a gate + in an inner wall. Here we were challenged, but at a word from Simbri it + opened, and we passed through to find ourselves in gardens. Following a + road or drive, we came to a large, rambling house or palace, surmounted by + high towers and very solidly built of stone in a heavy, bastard Egyptian + style. + </p> + <p> + Beyond its doorway we found ourselves in a courtyard surrounded by a kind + of verandah from which short passages led to different rooms. Down one of + these passages we were conducted by the officer to an apartment, or rather + a suite, consisting of a sitting and two bed-chambers, which were + panelled, richly furnished in rather barbaric fashion, and well-lighted + with primitive oil lamps. + </p> + <p> + Here Simbri left us, saying that the officer would wait in the outer room + to conduct us to the dining-hall as soon as we were ready. Then we entered + the bed-chambers, where we found servants, or slaves, quiet-mannered, + obsequious men. These valets changed our foot-gear, and taking off our + heavy travelling robes, replaced them with others fashioned like civilized + frock-coats, but made of some white material and trimmed with a beautiful + ermine fur. + </p> + <p> + Having dressed us in these they bowed to show that our toilette was + finished, and led us to the large outer room where the officer awaited us. + He conducted us through several other rooms, all of them spacious and + apparently unoccupied, to a great hall lit with many lamps and warmed—for + the nights were still cold—with large peat fires. The roof of this + hall was flat and supported by thick, stone columns with carved capitals, + and its walls were hung with worked tapestries, that gave it an air of + considerable comfort. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the hall on a dais stood a long, narrow table, spread with + a cloth and set with platters and cups of silver. Here we waited till + butlers with wands appeared through some curtains which they drew. Then + came a man beating a silver gong, and after him a dozen or more courtiers, + all dressed in white robes like ourselves, followed by perhaps as many + ladies, some of them young and good-looking, and for the most part of a + fair type, with well-cut features, though others were rather + yellow-skinned. They bowed to us and we to them. + </p> + <p> + Then there was a pause while we studied one another, till a trumpet blew + and heralded by footmen in a kind of yellow livery, two figures were seen + advancing down the passage beyond the curtains, preceded by the Shaman + Simbri and followed by other officers. They were the Khan and the Khania + of Kaloon. + </p> + <p> + No one looking at this Khan as he entered his dining-hall clad in festal + white attire would have imagined him to be the same raving human brute + whom we had just seen urging on his devilish hounds to tear a + fellow-creature and a helpless horse to fragments and devour them. Now he + seemed a heavy, loutish man, very strongly built and not ill-looking, but + with shifty eyes, evidently a person of dulled intellect, whom one would + have thought incapable of keen emotions of any kind. The Khania need not + be described. She was as she had been in the chambers of the Gate, only + more weary looking; indeed her eyes had a haunted air and it was easy to + see that the events of the previous night had left their mark upon her + mind. At the sight of us she flushed a little, then beckoned to us to + advance, and said to her husband—“My lord, these are the strangers + of whom I have told you.” + </p> + <p> + His dull eyes fell upon me first, and my appearance seemed to amuse him + vaguely, at any rate he laughed rudely, saying in barbarous Greek mixed + with words from the local patois—“What a curious old animal! I have + never seen you before, have I?” + </p> + <p> + “No, great Khan,” I answered, “but I have seen you out hunting this night. + Did you have good sport?” + </p> + <p> + Instantly he became wide awake, and answered, rubbing his hands—“Excellent. + He gave us a fine run, but my little dogs caught him at last, and then——” + and he snapped his powerful jaws together. + </p> + <p> + “Cease your brutal talk,” broke in his wife fiercely, and he slunk away + from her and in so doing stumbled against Leo, who was waiting to be + presented to him. + </p> + <p> + The sight of this great, golden-bearded man seemed to astonish him, for he + stared at him, then asked—“Are you the Khania’s other friend whom + she went to see in the mountains of the Gate? Then I could not understand + why she took so much trouble, but now I do. Well, be careful, or I shall + have to hunt you also.” + </p> + <p> + Now Leo grew angry and was about to reply, but I laid my hand upon his arm + and said in English—“Don’t answer; the man is mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Bad, you mean,” grumbled Leo; “and if he tries to set his cursed dogs on + me, I will break his neck.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Khania motioned to Leo to take a seat beside her, placing me upon + her other hand, between herself and her uncle, the Guardian, while the + Khan shuffled to a chair a little way down the table, where he called two + of the prettiest ladies to keep him company. + </p> + <p> + Such was our introduction to the court of Kaloon. As for the meal that + followed, it was very plentiful, but coarse, consisting for the most part + of fish, mutton, and sweetmeats, all of them presented upon huge silver + platters. Also much strong drink was served, a kind of spirit distilled + from grain, of which nearly all present drank more than was good for them. + After a few words to me about our journey, the Khania turned to Leo and + talked to him for the rest of the evening, while I devoted myself to the + old Shaman Simbri. + </p> + <p> + Put briefly, the substance of what I learned from him then and afterwards + was as follows—Trade was unknown to the people of Kaloon, for the + reason that all communication with the south had been cut off for ages, + the bridges that once existed over the chasm having been allowed to rot + away. Their land, which was very large and densely inhabited, was ringed + round with unclimbable mountains, except to the north, where stood the + great Fire-peak. The slopes of this Peak and an unvisited expanse of + country behind that ran up to the confines of a desert, were the home of + ferocious mountain tribes, untamable Highlanders, who killed every + stranger they caught. Consequently, although the precious and other metals + were mined to a certain extent and manufactured into articles of use and + ornament, money did not exist among the peoples either of the Plain or of + the Mountain, all business being transacted on the principle of barter, + and even the revenue collected in kind. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the tens of thousands of the aborigines of Kaloon dwelt a mere + handful of a ruling class, who were said to be—and probably were—descended + from the conquerors that appeared in the time of Alexander. Their blood, + however, was now much mixed with that of the first inhabitants, who, to + judge from their appearance and the yellow hue of their descendants must + have belonged to some branch of the great Tartar race. The government, if + so it could be called, was, on the whole, of a mild though of a very + despotic nature, and vested in an hereditary Khan or Khania, according as + a man or a woman might be in the most direct descent. + </p> + <p> + Of religions there were two, that of the people, who worshipped the Spirit + of the Fire Mountain, and that of the rulers, who believed in magic, + ghosts and divinations. Even this shadow of a religion, if so it can be + called, was dying out, like its followers, for generation by generation, + the white lords grew less in number or became absorbed in the bulk of the + people. + </p> + <p> + Still their rule was tolerated. I asked Simbri why, seeing that they were + so few. He shrugged his shoulders and answered, because it suited the + country of which the natives had no ambition. Moreover, the present + Khania, our hostess, was the last of the direct line of rulers, her + husband and cousin having less of the blood royal in his veins, and as + such the people were attached to her. + </p> + <p> + Also, as is commonly the case with bold and beautiful women, she was + popular among them, especially as she was just and very liberal to the + poor. These were many, as the country was over-populated, which accounted + for its wonderful state of cultivation. Lastly they trusted to her skill + and courage to defend them from the continual attacks of the Mountain + tribes who raided their crops and herds. Their one grievance against her + was that she had no child to whom the khanship could descend, which meant + that after her death, as had happened after that of her father, there + would be struggles for the succession. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” added Simbri, with meaning, and glancing at Leo, out of the + corners of his eyes, “the folk say openly that it would be a good thing if + the Khan, who oppresses them and whom they hate, should die, so that the + Khania might take another husband while she is still young. Although he is + mad, he knows this, and that is why he is so jealous of any lord who looks + at her, as, friend Holly, you saw to-night. For should such an one gain + her favour, Rassen thinks that it would mean his death.” + </p> + <p> + “Also he may be attached to his wife,” I suggested, speaking in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” answered Simbri; “but if so, she loves not him, nor any of + these men,” and he glanced round the hall. + </p> + <p> + Certainly they did not look lovable, for by this time most of them were + half drunk, while even the women seemed to have taken as much as was good + for them. The Khan himself presented a sorry spectacle, for he was leaning + back in his chair, shouting something about his hunting, in a thick voice. + The arm of one of his pretty companions was round his neck, while the + other gave him to drink from a gold cup; some of the contents of which had + been spilt down his white robe. + </p> + <p> + Just then Atene looked round and saw him and an expression of hatred and + contempt gathered on her beautiful face. + </p> + <p> + “See,” I heard her say to Leo, “see the companion of my days, and learn + what it is to be Khania of Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you not cleanse your court?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because, lord, if I did so there would be no court left. Swine will to + their mire and these men and women, who live in idleness upon the toil of + the humble folk, will to their liquor and vile luxury. Well, the end is + near, for it is killing them, and their children are but few; weakly also, + for the ancient blood grows thin and stale. But you are weary and would + rest. To-morrow we will ride together,” and calling to an officer, she + bade him conduct us to our rooms. + </p> + <p> + So we rose, and, accompanied by Simbri, bowed to her and went, she + standing and gazing after us, a royal and pathetic figure in the midst of + all that dissolute revelry. The Khan rose also, and in his cunning fashion + understood something of the meaning of it all. + </p> + <p> + “You think us gay,” he shouted; “and why should we not be who do not know + how long we have to live? But you yellow-haired fellow, you must not let + Atene look at you like that. I tell you she is my wife, and if you do, I + shall certainly have to hunt you.” + </p> + <p> + At this drunken sally the courtiers roared with laughter, but taking Leo + by the arm Simbri hurried him from the hall. + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” said Leo, when we were outside, “it seems to me that this Khan + of yours threatens my life.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear, lord,” answered the Guardian; “so long as the Khania does + not threaten it you are safe. She is the real ruler of this land, and I + stand next to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I pray you,” said Leo, “keep me out of the way of that drunken man, + for, look you, if I am attacked <i>I</i> defend myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And who can blame you?” Simbri replied with one of his slow, mysterious + smiles. + </p> + <p> + Then we parted, and having placed both our beds in one chamber, slept + soundly enough, for we were very tired, till we were awakened in the + morning by the baying of those horrible death-hounds, being fed, I + suppose, in a place nearby. + </p> + <p> + Now in this city of Kaloon it was our weary destiny to dwell for three + long months, one of the most hateful times, perhaps, that we ever passed + in all our lives. Indeed, compared to it our endless wanderings amid the + Central Asia snows and deserts were but pleasure pilgrimages, and our stay + at the monastery beyond the mountains a sojourn in Paradise. To set out + its record in full would be both tedious and useless, so I will only tell + briefly of our principal adventures. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow of our arrival the Khania Atene sent us two beautiful white + horses of pure and ancient blood, and at noon we mounted them and went out + to ride with her accompanied by a guard of soldiers. First she led us to + the kennels where the death-hounds were kept, great flagged courts + surrounded by iron bars, in which were narrow, locked gates. Never had I + seen brutes so large and fierce; the mastiffs of Thibet were but as + lap-dogs compared to them. They were red and black, smooth-coated and with + a blood-hound head, and the moment they saw us they came ravening and + leaping at the bars as an angry wave leaps against a rock. + </p> + <p> + These hounds were in the charge of men of certain families, who had tended + them for generations. They obeyed their keepers and the Khan readily + enough, but no stranger might venture near them. Also these brutes were + the executioners of the land, for to them all murderers and other + criminals were thrown, and with them, as we had seen, the Khan hunted any + who had incurred his displeasure. Moreover, they were used for a more + innocent purpose, the chasing of certain great bucks which were preserved + in woods and swamps of reeds. Thus it came about that they were a terror + to the country, since no man knew but what in the end he might be devoured + by them. “Going to the dogs” is a term full of meaning in any land, but in + Kaloon it had a significance that was terrible. + </p> + <p> + After we had looked at the hounds, not without a prophetic shudder, we + rode round the walls of the town, which were laid out as a kind of + boulevard, where the inhabitants walked and took their pleasure in the + evenings. On these, however, there was not much to see except the river + beneath and the plain beyond, moreover, though they were thick and high + there were places in them that must be passed carefully, for, like + everything else with which the effete ruling class had to do, they had + been allowed to fall into disrepair. + </p> + <p> + The town itself was an uninteresting place also, for the most part peopled + by hangers-on of the Court. So we were not sorry when we crossed the river + by a high-pitched bridge, where in days to come I was destined to behold + one of the strangest sights ever seen by mortal man, and rode out into the + country. Here all was different, for we found ourselves among the + husbandmen, who were the descendants of the original owners of the land + and lived upon its produce. Every available inch of soil seemed to be + cultivated by the aid of a wonderful system of irrigation. Indeed water + was lifted to levels where it would not flow naturally, by means of wheels + turned with mules, or even in some places carried up by the women, who + bore poles on their shoulders to which were balanced buckets. + </p> + <p> + Leo asked the Khania what happened if there was a bad season. She replied + grimly that famine happened, in which thousands of people perished, and + that after the famine came pestilence. These famines were periodical, and + were it not for them, she added, the people would long ago have been + driven to kill each other like hungry rats, since having no outlet and + increasing so rapidly, the land, large as it was, could not hold them all. + </p> + <p> + “Will this be a good year?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is feared not,” she answered, “for the river has not risen well and + but few rains have fallen. Also the light that shone last night on the + Fire-mountain is thought a bad omen, which means, they say, that the + Spirit of the Mountain is angry and that drought will follow. Let us hope + they will not say also that this is because strangers have visited the + land, bringing with them bad luck.” + </p> + <p> + “If so,” said Leo with a laugh, “we shall have to fly to the Mountain to + take refuge there.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you then wish to take refuge in death?” she asked darkly. “Of this be + sure, my guests, that never while I live shall you be allowed to cross the + river which borders the slopes of yonder peak.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Khania?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, my lord Leo—that is your name, is it not?—such is my + will, and while I rule here my will is law. Come, let us turn homewards.” + </p> + <p> + That night we did not eat in the great hall, but in the room which + adjoined our bed-chambers. We were not left alone, however, for the Khania + and her uncle, the Shaman, who always attended her, joined our meal. When + we greeted them wondering, she said briefly that it was arranged thus + because she refused to expose us to more insults. She added that a + festival had begun which would last for a week, and that she did not wish + us to see how vile were the ways of her people. + </p> + <p> + That evening and many others which followed it—we never dined in the + central hall again—passed pleasantly enough, for the Khania made Leo + tell her of England where he was born, and of the lands that he had + visited, their peoples and customs. I spoke also of the history of + Alexander, whose general Rassen, her far-off forefather, conquered the + country of Kaloon, and of the land of Egypt, whence the latter came, and + so it went on till midnight, while Atene listened to us greedily, her eyes + fixed always on Leo’s face. + </p> + <p> + Many such nights did we spend thus in the palace of the city of Kaloon + where, in fact, we were close prisoners. But oh! the days hung heavy on + our hands. If we went into the courtyard or reception rooms of the palace, + the lords and their followers gathered round us and pestered us with + questions, for, being very idle, they were also very curious. + </p> + <p> + Also the women, some of whom were fair enough, began to talk to us on this + pretext or on that, and did their best to make love to Leo; for, in + contrast with their slim, delicate-looking men, they found this + deep-chested, yellow-haired stranger to their taste. Indeed they troubled + him much with gifts of flowers and messages sent by servants or soldiers, + making assignations with him, which of course he did not keep. + </p> + <p> + If we went out into the streets, matters were as bad, for then the people + ceased from their business, such as it was, and followed us about, staring + at us till we took refuge again in the palace gardens. + </p> + <p> + There remained, therefore, only our rides in the country with the Khania, + but after three or four of them, these came to an end owing to the + jealousy of the Khan, who vowed that if we went out together any more he + would follow with the death-hounds. So we must ride alone, if at all, in + the centre of a large guard of soldiers sent to see that we did not + attempt to escape, and accompanied very often by a mob of peasants, who + with threats and entreaties demanded that we should give back the rain + which they said we had taken from them. For now the great drought had + begun in earnest. + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about that at length our only resource was making pretence to + fish in the river, where the water was so clear and low that we could + catch nothing, watching the while the Fire-mountain, that loomed in the + distance mysterious and unreachable, and vainly racking our brains for + plans to escape thither, or at least to communicate with its priestess, of + whom we could learn no more. + </p> + <p> + For two great burdens lay upon our souls. The burden of desire to continue + our search and to meet with its reward which we were sure that we should + pluck amid the snows of yonder peak, if we could but come there; and the + burden of approaching catastrophe at the hands of the Khania Atene. She + had made no love to Leo since that night in the Gateway, and, indeed, even + if she had wished to, this would have been difficult, since I took care + that he was never left for one hour alone. No duenna could have clung to a + Spanish princess more closely than I did to Leo. Yet I could see well that + her passion was no whit abated; that it grew day by day, indeed, as the + fire swells in the heart of a volcano, and that soon it must break loose + and spread its ruin round. The omen of it was to be read in her words, her + gestures, and her tragic eyes. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"></a> + CHAPTER X<br /> + IN THE SHAMAN’S CHAMBER + </h2> + <p> + One night Simbri asked us to dine with him in his own apartments in the + highest tower of the palace—had we but known it, for us a fateful + place indeed, for here the last act of the mighty drama was destined to be + fulfilled. So we went, glad enough of any change. When we had eaten Leo + grew very thoughtful, then said suddenly—“Friend Simbri, I wish to + ask a favour of you—that you will beg the Khania to let us go our + ways.” + </p> + <p> + Instantly the Shaman’s cunning old face became like a mask of ivory. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you had better ask your favours of the lady herself, lord; I do + not think that any in reason will be refused to you,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Let us stop fencing,” said Leo, “and consider the facts. It has seemed to + me that the Khania Atene is not happy with her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Your eyes are very keen, lord, and who shall say that they have deceived + you?” + </p> + <p> + “It has seemed, further,” went on Leo, reddening, “that she has been so + good as to look on me with—some undeserved regard.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! perhaps you guessed that in the Gate-house yonder, if you have not + forgotten what most men would remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember certain things, Simbri, that have to do with her and you.” + </p> + <p> + The Shaman only stroked his beard and said: “Proceed!” + </p> + <p> + “There is little to add, Simbri, except that <i>I</i> am not minded to + bring scandal on the name of the first lady in your land.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobly said, lord, nobly said, though here they do not trouble much about + such things. But how if the matter could be managed without scandal? If, + for instance, the Khania chose to take another husband the whole land + would rejoice, for she is the last of her royal race.” + </p> + <p> + “How can she take another husband when she has one living?” + </p> + <p> + “True; indeed that is a question which I have considered, but the answer + to it is that men die. It is the common lot, and the Khan has been + drinking very heavily of late.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that men can be murdered,” said Leo angrily. “Well, I will have + nothing to do with such a crime. Do you understand me?” + </p> + <p> + As the words passed his lips I heard a rustle and turned my head. Behind + us were curtains beyond which the Shaman slept, kept his instruments of + divination and worked out his horoscopes. Now they had been drawn, and + between them, in her royal array, stood the Khania still as a statue. + </p> + <p> + “Who was it that spoke of crime?” she asked in a cold voice. “Was it you, + my lord Leo?” + </p> + <p> + Rising from his chair, he faced her and said—“Lady, I am glad that + you have heard my words, even if they should vex you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should it vex me to learn that there is one honest man in this court + who will have naught to do with murder? Nay, I honour you for those words. + Know also that no such foul thoughts have come near to me. Yet, Leo + Vincey, that which is written—is written.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless, Khania; but what is written?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him, Shaman.” + </p> + <p> + Now Simbri passed behind the curtain and returned thence with a roll from + which he read: “The heavens have declared by their signs infallible that + before the next new moon, the Khan Rassen will lie dead at the hands of + the stranger lord who came to this country from across the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the heavens have declared a lie,” said Leo contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “That is as you will,” answered Atene; “but so it must befall, not by my + hand or those of my servants, but by yours. And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Why by mine? Why not by Holly’s? Yet, if so, then doubtless I shall + suffer the punishment of my crime at the hands of his mourning widow,” he + replied exasperated. + </p> + <p> + “You are pleased to mock me, Leo Vincey, well knowing what a husband this + man is to me.” + </p> + <p> + Now I felt that the crisis had come, and so did Leo, for he looked her in + the face and said—“Speak on, lady, say all you wish; perhaps it will + be better for us both.” + </p> + <p> + “I obey you, lord. Of the beginning of this fate I know nothing, but I + read from the first page that is open to me. It has to do with this + present life of mine. Learn, Leo Vincey, that from my childhood onwards + you have haunted me. Oh! when first I saw you yonder by the river, your + face was not strange to me, for I knew it—I knew it well in dreams. + When I was a little maid and slept one day amidst the flowers by the + river’s brim, it came first to me—ask my uncle here if this be not + so, though it is true that your face was younger then. Afterwards again + and again I saw it in my sleep and learned to know that you were mine, for + the magic of my heart taught me this. + </p> + <p> + “Then passed the long years while I felt that you were drawing near to me, + slowly, very slowly, but ever drawing nearer, wending onward and outward + through the peoples of the world; across the hills, across the plains, + across the sands, across the snows, on to my side. At length came the end, + for one night not three moons ago, whilst this wise man, my uncle, and I + sat together here studying the lore that he has taught me and striving to + wring its secrets from the past, a vision came to me. + </p> + <p> + “Look you, I was lost in a charmed sleep which looses the spirit from the + body and gives it strength to stray afar and to see those things that have + been and that are yet to be. Then I saw you and your companion clinging to + a point of broken ice, over the river of the gulf. I do not lie; it is + written here upon the scroll. Yes, it was you, the man of my dreams, and + no other, and we knew the place and hurried thither and waited by the + water, thinking that perhaps beneath it you lay dead. + </p> + <p> + “Then, while we waited, lo! two tiny figures appeared far above upon the + icy tongue that no man may climb, and oh! you know the rest. Spellbound we + stood and saw you slip and hang, saw you sever the thin cord and rush + downwards, yes, and saw that brave man, Holly, leap headlong after you. + </p> + <p> + “But mine was the hand that drew you from the torrent, where otherwise you + must have drowned, you the love of the long past and of to-day, aye, and + of all time. Yes, you and no other, Leo Vincey. It was this spirit that + foresaw your danger and this hand which delivered you from death, and—and + would you refuse them now—when I, the Khania of Kaloon, proffer them + to you?” + </p> + <p> + So she spoke, and leaned upon the table, looking up into his face with + lips that trembled and with appealing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Leo, “you saved me, and again I thank you, though perhaps it + would have been better if you had let me drown. But, forgive me the + question, if all this tale be true, why did you marry another man?” + </p> + <p> + Now she shrank back as though a knife had pricked her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! blame me not,” she moaned, “it was but policy which bound me to this + madman, whom I ever loathed. They urged me to it; yes, even you, Simbri, + my uncle, and for that deed accursed be your head—urged me, saying + that it was necessary to end the war between Rassen’s faction and my own. + That I was the last of the true race, moreover, which must be carried on; + saying also that my dreams and my rememberings were but sick phantasies. + So, alas! alas! I yielded, thinking to make my people great.” + </p> + <p> + “And yourself, the greatest of them, if all I hear is true,” commented Leo + bluntly, for he was determined to end this thing. “Well, I do not blame + you, Khania, although now you tell me that I must cut a knot you tied by + taking the life of this husband of your own choice, for so forsooth it is + decreed by fate, that fate which <i>you</i> have shaped. Yes, I must do + what you will not do, and kill him. Also your tale of the decree of the + heavens and of that vision which led you to the precipice to save us is + false. Lady, you met me by the river because the ‘mighty’ Hesea, the + Spirit of the Mountain, so commanded you.” + </p> + <p> + “How know you that?” Atene said, springing up and facing him, while the + jaw of old Simbri dropped and the eyelids blinked over his glazed eyes. + </p> + <p> + “In the same way that I know much else. Lady, it would have been better if + you had spoken all the truth.” + </p> + <p> + Now Atene’s face went ashen and her cheeks sank in. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you?” she whispered. “Was it you, Magician?” and she turned upon + her uncle like a snake about to strike. “Oh! if so, be sure that I shall + learn it, and though we are of one blood and have loved each other, I will + pay you back in agony.” + </p> + <p> + “Atene, Atene,” Simbri broke in, holding up his claw-like hands, “you know + well it was not I.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it was you, you ape-faced wanderer, you messenger of the evil gods? + Oh! why did I not kill you at the first? Well, that fault can be + remedied.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” I said blandly, “am I also a magician?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered, “I think that you are, and that you have a mistress + who dwells in fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Khania,” I said, “such servants and such mistresses are ill to + meddle with. Say, what answer has the Hesea sent to your report of our + coming to this land?” + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” broke in Leo before she could reply. “I go to ask a certain + question of the Oracle on yonder mountain peak. With your will or without + it I tell you that I go, and afterwards you can settle which is the + stronger—the Khania of Kaloon or the Hesea of the House of Fire.” + </p> + <p> + Atene listened and for a while stood silent, perhaps because she had no + answer. Then she said with a little laugh—“Is that your will? Well, + I think that yonder are none whom you would wish to wed. There is fire and + to spare, but no lovely, shameless spirit haunts it to drive men mad with + evil longings;” and as though at some secret thought, a spasm of pain + crossed her face and caught her breath. Then she went on in the same cold + voice—“Wanderers, this land has its secrets, into which no foreigner + must pry. I say to you yet again that while I live you set no foot upon + that Mountain. Know also, Leo Vincey, I have bared my heart to you, and I + have been told in answer that this long quest of yours is not for me, as I + was sure in my folly, but, as I think, for some demon wearing the shape of + woman, whom you will never find. Now I make no prayer to you; it is not + fitting, but you have learned too much. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, consider well to-night and before next sundown answer. Having + offered, I do not go back, and tomorrow you shall tell me whether you will + take me when the time comes, as come it must, and rule this land and be + great and happy in my love, or whether, you and your familiar together, + you will—die. Choose then between the vengeance of Atene and her + love, since I am not minded to be mocked in my own land as a wanton who + sought a stranger and was—refused.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly, slowly, in an intense whisper she spoke the words, that fell one + by one from her lips like drops of blood from a death wound, and there + followed silence. Never shall I forget the scene. There the old wizard + watched us through his horny eyes, that blinked like those of some night + bird. There stood the imperial woman in her royal robes, with icy rage + written on her face and vengeance in her glance. There, facing her, was + the great form of Leo, quiet, alert, determined, holding back his doubts + and fears with the iron hand of will. And there to the right was <i>I</i>, + noting all things and wondering how long I, “the familiar,” who had earned + Atene’s hate, would be left alive upon the earth. + </p> + <p> + Thus we stood, watching each other, till suddenly I noted that the flame + of the lamp above us flickered and felt a draught strike upon my face. + Then I looked round, and became aware of another presence. For yonder in + the shadow showed the tall form of a man. See! it shambled forward + silently, and I saw that its feet were naked. Now it reached the ring of + the lamplight and burst into a savage laugh. + </p> + <p> + It was the Khan. + </p> + <p> + Atene, his wife, looked up and saw him, and never did I admire that + passionate woman’s boldness more, who admired little else about her save + her beauty, for her face showed neither anger nor fear, but contempt only. + And yet she had some cause to be afraid, as she well knew. + </p> + <p> + “What do you here, Rassen?” she asked, “creeping on me with your naked + feet? Get you back to your drink and the ladies of your court.” + </p> + <p> + But he still laughed on, an hyena laugh. + </p> + <p> + “What have you heard?” she said, “that makes you so merry?” + </p> + <p> + “What have I heard?” Rassen gurgled out between his screams of hideous + glee. “Oho! I have heard the Khania, the last of the true blood, the first + in the land, the proud princess who will not let her robes be soiled by + those of the ‘ladies of the court’ and my wife, my wife, who asked me to + marry her—mark that, you strangers—because I was her cousin + and a rival ruler, and the richest lord in all the land, and thereby she + thought she would increase her power—I have heard her offer herself + to a nameless wanderer with a great yellow beard, and I have heard him, + who hates and would escape from her”—here he screamed with laughter—“refuse + her in such a fashion as I would not refuse the lowest woman in the + palace. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard also—but that I always knew—that I am mad; for, + strangers, I was made mad by a hate-philtre which that old Rat,” and he + pointed to Simbri, “gave me in my drink—yes, at my marriage feast. + It worked well, for truly there is no one whom I hate more than the Khania + Atene. Why, I cannot bear her touch, it makes me sick. I loathe to be in + the same room with her; she taints the air; there is a smell of sorceries + about her. + </p> + <p> + “It seems that it takes you thus also, Yellow-beard? Well, if so, ask the + old Rat for a love drink; he can mix it, and then you will think her sweet + and sound and fair, and spend some few months jollily enough. Man, don’t + be a fool, the cup that is thrust into your hands looks goodly. Drink, + drink deep. You’ll never guess the liquor’s bad—till to-morrow—though + it be mixed with a husband’s poisoned blood,” and again Rassen screamed in + his unholy mirth. + </p> + <p> + To all these bitter insults, venomed with the sting of truth, Atene + listened without a word. Then, she turned to us and bowed. + </p> + <p> + “My guests,” she said, “I pray you pardon me for all I cannot help. You + have strayed to a corrupt and evil land, and there stands its crown and + flower. Khan Rassen, your doom is written, and I do not hasten it, because + once for a little while we were near to each other, though you have been + naught to me for this many a year save a snake that haunts my house. Were + it otherwise, the next cup you drank should still your madness, and that + vile tongue of yours which gives its venom voice. My uncle, come with me. + Your hand, for I grow weak with shame and woe.” + </p> + <p> + The old Shaman hobbled forward, but when he came face to face with the + Khan he stopped and looked him up and down with his dim eyes. Then he said—“Rassen, + I saw you born, the son of an evil woman, and your father none knew but I. + The flame flared that night upon the Fire-mountain, and the stars hid + their faces, for none of them would own you, no, not even those of the + most evil influence. I saw you wed and rise drunken from your marriage + feast, your arm about a wanton’s neck. I have seen you rule, wasting the + land for your cruel pleasure, turning the fertile fields into great parks + for your game, leaving those who tilled them to starve upon the road or + drown themselves in ditches for very misery. And soon, soon I shall see + you die in pain and blood, and then the chain will fall from the neck of + this noble lady whom you revile, and another more worthy shall take your + place and rear up children to fill your throne, and the land shall have + rest again.” + </p> + <p> + Now I listened to these words—and none who did not hear them can + guess the fearful bitterness with which they were spoken—expecting + every moment that the Khan would draw the short sword at his side and cut + the old man down. But he did not; he cowered before him like a dog before + some savage master, the weight of whose whip he knows. Yes, answering + nothing, he shrank into the corner and cowered there, while Simbri, taking + Atene by the hand, went from the room. At its massive, iron-bound door he + turned and pointing to the crouching figure with his staff, said—“Khan + Rassen, I raised you up, and now I cast you down. Remember me when you lie + dying—in blood and pain.” + </p> + <p> + Their footsteps died away, and the Khan crept from his corner, looking + about him furtively. + </p> + <p> + “Have that Rat and the other gone?” he asked of us, wiping his damp brow + with his sleeve; and I saw that fear had sobered him and that for awhile + the madness had left his eyes. + </p> + <p> + I answered that they had gone. + </p> + <p> + “You think me a coward,” he went on passionately, “and it is true, I am + afraid of him and her—as you, Yellow-beard, will be afraid when your + turn comes. I tell you that they sapped my strength and crazed me with + their drugged drink, making me the thing I am, for who can war against + their wizardries? Look you now. Once I was a prince, the lord of half this + land, noble of form and upright of heart, and I loved her accursed beauty + as all must love it on whom she turns her eyes. And she turned them on me, + she sought <i>me</i> in marriage; it was that old Rat who bore her + message. + </p> + <p> + “So I stayed the great war and married the Khania and became the Khan; but + better had it been for me if I had crept into her kitchen as a scullion, + than into her chamber as a husband. For from the first she hated me, and + the more I loved, the more she hated, till at our wedding feast she + doctored me with that poison which made me loathe her, and thus divorced + us; which made me mad also, eating into my brain like fire.” + </p> + <p> + “If she hated you so sorely, Khan,” I asked, “why did she not mix a + stronger draught and have done with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Because of policy, for I ruled half the land. Because it suited her + also that I should live on, a thing to mock at, since while I was alive no + other husband could be forced upon her by the people. For she is not a + woman, she is a witch, who desires to live alone, or so I thought until + to-night”—and he glowered at Leo. + </p> + <p> + “She knew also that although I must shrink from her, I still love her in + my heart, and can still be jealous, and therefore that I should protect + her from all men. It was she who set me on that lord whom my dogs tore + awhile ago, because he was powerful and sought her favour and would not be + denied. But now,” and again he glowered at Leo, “now I know why she has + always seemed so cold. It is because there lived a man to melt whose ice + she husbanded her fire.” + </p> + <p> + Then Leo, who all this while had stood silent, stepped forward. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Khan,” he said. “Did the ice seem like melting a little while + ago?” + </p> + <p> + “No—unless you lied. But that was only because the fire is not yet + hot enough. Wait awhile until it burns up, and melt you must, for who can + match his will against Atene?” + </p> + <p> + “And what if the ice desires to flee the fire? Khan, they said that I + should kill you, but I do not seek your blood. You think that I would rob + you of your wife, yet I have no such thought towards her. We desire to + escape this town of yours, but cannot, because its gates are locked, and + we are prisoners, guarded night and day. Hear me, then. You have the power + to set us free and to be rid of us.” + </p> + <p> + The Khan looked at him cunningly. “And if I set you free, whither would + you go? You could tumble down yonder gorge, but only the birds can climb + its heights.” + </p> + <p> + “To the Fire-mountain, where we have business.” + </p> + <p> + Rassen stared at him. + </p> + <p> + “Is it I who am mad, or are you, who wish to visit the Fire-mountain? Yet + that is nothing to me, save that I do not believe you. But if so you might + return again and bring others with you. Perchance, having its lady, you + wish this land also by right of conquest. It has foes up yonder.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not so,” answered Leo earnestly. “As one man to another, I tell you + it is not so. <i>I</i> ask no smile of your wife and no acre of your soil. + Be wise and help us to be gone, and live on undisturbed in such fashion as + may please you.” + </p> + <p> + The Khan stood still awhile, swinging his long arms vacantly, till + something seemed to come into his mind that moved him to merriment, for he + burst into one of his hideous laughs. + </p> + <p> + “I am thinking,” he said, “what Atene would say if she woke up to find her + sweet bird flown. She would search for you and be angry with me.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that she cannot be angrier than she is,” I answered. “Give us a + night’s start and let her search never so closely, she shall not find us.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, Wanderer, that she and her old Rat have arts. Those who knew + where to meet you might know where to seek you. And yet, and yet, it would + be rare to see her rage. ‘Oh, Yellow-beard, where are you, Yellow-beard?’ + he went on, mimicking his wife’s voice. ‘Come back and let me melt your + ice, Yellow-beard.’” + </p> + <p> + Again he laughed; then said suddenly—“When can you be ready?” + </p> + <p> + “In half an hour,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Good. Go to your chambers and prepare. I will join you there presently.” + </p> + <p> + So we went. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"></a> + CHAPTER XI<br /> + THE HUNT AND THE KILL + </h2> + <p> + We reached our rooms, meeting no one in the passages, and there made our + preparations. First we changed our festal robes for those warmer garments + in which we had travelled to the city of Kaloon. Then we ate and drank + what we could of the victuals which stood in the antechamber, not knowing + when we should find more food, and filled two satchels such as these + people sling about their shoulders, with the remains of the meat and + liquor and a few necessaries. Also we strapped our big hunting knives + about our middles and armed ourselves with short spears that were made for + the stabbing of game. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he has laid a plot to murder us, and we may as well defend + ourselves while we can,” suggested Leo. + </p> + <p> + I nodded, for the echoes of the Khan’s last laugh still rang in my ears. + It was a very evil laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Likely enough,” I said. “I do not trust that insane brute. Still, he + wishes to be rid of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but as he said, live men may return, whereas the dead do not.” + </p> + <p> + “Atene thinks otherwise,” I commented. + </p> + <p> + “And yet she threatened us with death,” answered Leo. + </p> + <p> + “Because her shame and passion make her mad,” I replied, after which we + were silent. + </p> + <p> + Presently the door opened, and through it came the Khan, muffled in a + great cloak as though to disguise himself. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” he said, “if you are ready.” Then, catching sight of the spears we + held, he added: “You will not need those things. You do not go a-hunting.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” I answered, “but who can say—we might be hunted.” + </p> + <p> + “If you believe that perhaps you had best stay where you are till the + Khania wearies of Yellow-beard and opens the gates for you,” he replied, + eyeing me with his cunning glance. + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” I said, and we started, the Khan leading the way and + motioning us to be silent. + </p> + <p> + We passed through the empty rooms on to the verandah, and from the + verandah down into the courtyard, where he whispered to us to keep in the + shadow. For the moon shone very clearly that night, so clearly, I + remember, that I could see the grass which grew between the joints of the + pavement, and the little shadows thrown by each separate blade upon the + worn surface of its stones. Now I wondered how we should pass the gate, + for there a guard was stationed, which had of late been doubled by order + of the Khania. But this gate we left upon our right, taking a path that + led into the great walled garden, where Rassen brought us to a door hidden + behind a clump of shrubs, which he unlocked with a key he carried. + </p> + <p> + Now we were outside the palace wall, and our road ran past the kennels. As + we went by these, the great, sleepless death-hounds, that wandered to and + fro like prowling lions, caught our wind and burst into a sudden chorus of + terrific bays. I shivered at the sound, for it was fearful in that + silence, also I thought that it would arouse the keepers. But the Khan + went to the bars and showed himself, whereon the brutes, which knew him, + ceased their noise. + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” he said as he returned, “the huntsmen know that they are + starved to-night, for to-morrow certain criminals will be thrown to them.” + </p> + <p> + Now we had reached the palace gates. Here the Khan bade us hide in an + archway and departed. We looked at each other, for the same thought was in + both our minds—that he had gone to fetch the murderers who were to + make an end of us. But in this we did him wrong, for presently we heard + the sound of horses’ hoofs upon the stones, and he returned leading the + two white steeds that Atene had given us. + </p> + <p> + “I saddled them with my own hands,” he whispered. “Who can do more to + speed the parting guest? Now mount, hide your faces in your cloaks as I + do, and follow me.” + </p> + <p> + So we mounted, and he trotted before us like a running footman, such as + the great lords of Kaloon employed when they went about their business or + their pleasure. Leaving the main street, he led us through a quarter of + the town that had an evil reputation, and down its tortuous by-ways. Here + we met a few revellers, while from time to time night-birds flitted from + the doorways and, throwing aside their veils, looked at us, but as we made + no sign drew back again, thinking that we passed to some assignation. We + reached the deserted docks upon the river’s edge and came to a little + quay, alongside of which a broad ferryboat was fastened. + </p> + <p> + “You must put your horses into it and row across,” Rassen said, “for the + bridges are guarded, and without discovering myself I cannot bid the + soldiers to let you pass.” + </p> + <p> + So with some little trouble we urged the horses into the boat, where I + held them by their bridles while Leo took the oars. + </p> + <p> + “Now go your ways, accursed wanderers,” cried the Khan as he thrust us + from the quay, “and pray the Spirit of the Mountain that the old Rat and + his pupil—your love, Yellow-beard, your love—are not watching + you in their magic glass. For if so we may meet again.” + </p> + <p> + Then as the stream caught us, sweeping the boat out towards the centre of + the river, he began to laugh that horrible laugh of his, calling after us—“Ride + fast, ride fast for safety, strangers; there is death behind.” + </p> + <p> + Leo put out his strength and backed water, so that the punt hung upon the + edge of the stream. + </p> + <p> + “I think that we should do well to land again and kill that man, for he + means mischief,” he said. + </p> + <p> + He spoke in English, but Rassen must have caught the ring of his voice and + guessed its meaning with the cunning of the mad. At least he shouted—“Too + late, fools,” and with a last laugh turned, ran so swiftly up the quay + that his cloak flew out upon the air behind him, and vanished into the + shadows at its head. + </p> + <p> + “Row on,” I said, and Leo bent himself to the oars. + </p> + <p> + But the ferry-boat was cumbersome and the current swift, so that we were + swept down a long way before we could cross it. At length we reached still + water near the further shore, and seeing a landing-place, managed to beach + the punt and to drag our horses to the bank. Then leaving the craft to + drift, for we had no time to scuttle her, we looked to our girths and + bridles, and mounted, heading towards the far column of glowing smoke + which showed like a beacon above the summit of the House of Fire. + </p> + <p> + At first our progress was very slow, for here there seemed to be no path, + and we were obliged to pick our way across the fields, and to search for + bridges that spanned such of the water-ditches as were too wide for us to + jump. More than an hour was spent in this work, till we came to a village + wherein none were stirring, and here struck a road which seemed to run + towards the mountain, though, as we learned afterwards, it took us very + many miles out of our true path. Now for the first time we were able to + canter, and pushed on at some speed, though not too fast, for we wished to + spare our horses and feared lest they might fall in the uncertain light. + </p> + <p> + A while before dawn the moon sank behind the Mountain, and the gloom grew + so dense that we were forced to stop, which we did, holding the horses by + their bridles and allowing them to graze a little on some young corn. Then + the sky turned grey, the light faded from the column of smoke that was our + guide, the dawn came, blushing red upon the vast snows of the distant + peak, and shooting its arrows through the loop above the pillar. We let + the horses drink from a channel that watered the corn, and, mounting them, + rode onward slowly. + </p> + <p> + Now with the shadows of the night a weight of fear seemed to be lifted off + our hearts and we grew hopeful, aye, almost joyous. That hated city was + behind us. Behind us were the Khania with her surging, doom-driven + passions and her stormy loveliness, the wizardries of her horny-eyed + mentor, so old in years and secret sin, and the madness of that strange + being, half-devil, half-martyr, at once cruel and a coward—the Khan, + her husband, and his polluted court. In front lay the fire, the snow and + the mystery they hid, sought for so many empty years. Now we would solve + it or we would die. So we pressed forward joyfully to meet our fate, + whatever it might be. + </p> + <p> + For many hours our road ran deviously through cultivated land, where the + peasants at their labour laid down their tools and gathered into knots to + watch us pass, and quaint, flat-roofed villages, whence the women snatched + up their children and fled at the sight of us. They believed us to be + lords from the court who came to work them some harm in person or in + property, and their terror told <i>us</i> how the country smarted beneath + the rod of the oppressor. By mid-day, although the peak seemed to be but + little nearer, the character of the land had changed. Now it sloped gently + upwards, and therefore could not be irrigated. + </p> + <p> + Evidently all this great district was dependent on the fall of timely + rains, which had not come that spring. Therefore, although the population + was still dense and every rod of the land was under the plough or spade, + the crops were failing. It was pitiful to see the green, uneared corn + already turning yellow because of the lack of moisture, the beasts + searching the starved pastures for food and the poor husbandmen wandering + about their fields or striving to hoe the iron soil. + </p> + <p> + Here the people seemed to know us as the two foreigners whose coming had + been noised abroad, and, the fear of famine having made them bold, they + shouted at us as we went by to give them back the rain which we had + stolen, or so we understood their words. Even the women and the children + in the villages prostrated themselves before us, pointing first to the + Mountain and then to the hard, blue sky, and crying to us to send them + rain. Once, indeed, we were threatened by a mob of peasants armed with + spades and reaping-hooks, who seemed inclined to bar our path, so that we + were obliged to put our horses to a gallop and pass through them with a + rush. As we went forward the country grew ever more arid and its + inhabitants more scarce, till we saw no man save a few wandering herds who + drove their cattle from place to place in search of provender. + </p> + <p> + By evening we guessed that we had reached that border tract which was + harried by the Mountain tribes, for here strong towers built of stone were + dotted about the heaths, doubtless to serve as watch-houses or places of + refuge. Whether they were garrisoned by soldiers I do not know, but I + doubt it, for we saw none. It seems probable indeed that these forts were + relics of days when the land of Kaloon was guarded from attack by rulers + of a very different character to that of the present Khan and his + immediate predecessors. + </p> + <p> + At length even the watch-towers were left behind, and by sundown we found + ourselves upon a vast uninhabited plain, where we could see no living + thing. Now we made up our minds to rest our horses awhile, proposing to + push forward again with the moon, for having the wrath of the Khania + behind us we did not dare to linger. By this evening doubtless she would + have discovered our escape, since before sundown, as she had decreed, Leo + must make his choice and give his answer. Then, as we were sure, she would + strike swiftly. Perhaps her messengers were already at their work rousing + the country to capture us, and her soldiers following on our path. + </p> + <p> + We unsaddled the horses and let them refresh themselves by rolling on the + sandy soil, and graze after a fashion upon the coarse tufts of withering + herbage which grew around. There was no water here; but this did not so + much matter, for both they and we had drunk at a little muddy pool we + found not more than an hour before. We were finishing our meal of the food + that we had brought with us, which, indeed, we needed sorely after our + sleepless night and long day’s journey, when my horse, which was + knee-haltered close at hand, lay down to roll again. This it could not do + with ease because of the rope about its fore-leg, and I watched its + efforts idly, till at length, at the fourth attempt, after hanging for a + few seconds upon its back, its legs sticking straight into the air, it + fell over slowly towards me as horses do. + </p> + <p> + “Why are its hoofs so red? Has it cut itself?” asked Leo in an indifferent + voice. + </p> + <p> + As it chanced I also had just noticed this red tinge, and for the first + time, since it was most distinct about the animal’s frogs, which until it + rolled thus I had not seen. So I rose to look at them, thinking that + probably the evening light had deceived us, or that we might have passed + through some ruddy-coloured mud. Sure enough they <i>were</i> red, as + though a dye had soaked into the horn and the substance of the frogs. What + was more, they gave out a pungent, aromatic smell that was unpleasant, + such a smell as might arise from blood mixed with musk and spices. + </p> + <p> + “It is very strange,” I said. “Let us look at your beast, Leo.” + </p> + <p> + So we did, and found that its hoofs had been similarly-treated. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is a native mixture to preserve the horn,” suggested Leo. + </p> + <p> + I thought awhile, then a terrible idea struck me. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want to frighten you,” I said, “but I think that we had better + saddle up and get on.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because I believe that villain of a Khan has doctored our horses.” + </p> + <p> + “What for? To make them go lame?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Leo, to make them leave a strong scent upon dry ground.” + </p> + <p> + He turned pale. “Do you mean—those hounds?” + </p> + <p> + I nodded. Then wasting no more time in words, we saddled up in frantic + haste. Just as I fastened the last strap of my saddle I thought that a + faint sound reached my ear. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” I said. Again it came, and now there was no doubt about it. It + was the sound of baying dogs. + </p> + <p> + “By heaven! the death-hounds,” said Leo. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered quietly enough, for at this crisis my nerves hardened + and all fear left me, “our friend the Khan is out a-hunting. That is why + he laughed.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do?” asked Leo. “Leave the horses?” + </p> + <p> + I looked at the Peak. Its nearest flanks were miles and miles away. + </p> + <p> + “Time enough to do that when we are forced. We can never reach that + mountain on foot, and after they had run down the horses, they would hunt + us by spoor or gaze. No, man, ride as you never rode before.” + </p> + <p> + We sprang to our saddles, but before we gave rein I turned and looked + behind me. It will be remembered that we had ridden up a long slope which + terminated in a ridge, about three miles away, the border of the great + plain whereon we stood. Now the sun had sunk behind that ridge so that + although it was still light the plain had fallen into shadow. Therefore, + while no distant object could be seen upon the plain, anything crossing + the ridge remained visible enough in that clear air, at least to persons + of keen sight. + </p> + <p> + This is what we saw. Over the ridge poured a multitude of little objects, + and amongst the last of these galloped a man mounted on a great horse, who + led another horse by the bridle. + </p> + <p> + “All the pack are out,” said Leo grimly, “and Rassen has brought a second + mount with him. Now I see why he wanted us to leave the spears, and I + think,” he shouted as we began to gallop, “that before all is done the + Shaman may prove himself a true prophet.” + </p> + <p> + Away we sped through the gathering darkness, heading straight for the + Peak. While we went I calculated our chances. Our horses, as good as any + in the land, were still strong and fresh, for although we had ridden far + we had not over-pressed them, and their condition was excellent. But + doubtless the death-hounds were fresh also, for, meaning to run us down at + night when he thought that he might catch us sleeping, Rassen would have + brought them along easily, following us by inquiry among the peasants and + only laying them on our spoor after the last village had been left behind. + </p> + <p> + Also he had two mounts, and for aught we knew—though afterwards this + proved not to be the case, for he wished to work his wickedness alone and + unseen—he might be followed by attendants with relays. Therefore it + would appear that unless we reached some place whither he did not dare to + follow, before him—that is the slopes of the Peak many miles away, + he must run us down. There remained the chance also that the dogs would + tire and refuse to pursue the chase. + </p> + <p> + This, however, seemed scarcely probable, for they were extraordinarily + swift and strong, and so savage that when once they had scented blood, in + which doubtless our horses’ hoofs were steeped, they would fall dead from + exhaustion sooner than abandon the trail. Indeed, both the Khania and + Simbri had often told us as much. Another chance—they might lose the + scent, but seeing its nature, again this was not probable. Even an English + pack will carry the trail of a red herring breast high without a fault for + hours, and here was something stronger—a cunning compound of which + the tell-tale odour would hold for days. A last chance. If we were forced + to abandon our horses, we, their riders, might possibly escape, could we + find any place to hide in on that great plain. If not, we should be seen + as well as scented, and then——No, the odds were all against + us, but so they had often been before; meanwhile we had three miles start, + and perhaps help would come to us from the Mountain, some help unforeseen. + So we set our teeth and sped away like arrows while the light lasted. + </p> + <p> + Very soon it failed, and whilst the moon was hidden behind the mountains + the night grew dark. + </p> + <p> + Now the hounds gained on us, for in the gloom, which to them was nothing, + we did not dare to ride full speed, fearing lest our horses should stumble + and lame themselves, or fall. Then it was for the second time since we had + dwelt in this land of Kaloon that of a sudden the fire flamed upon the + Peak. When we had seen it before, it had appeared to flash across the + heavens in one great lighthouse ray, concentrated through the loop above + the pillar, and there this night also the ray ran far above us like a + lance of fire. But now that we were nearer to its fount we found ourselves + bathed in a soft, mysterious radiance like that of the phosphorescence on + a summer sea, reflected downwards perhaps from the clouds and massy rock + roof of the column loop and diffused by the snows beneath. + </p> + <p> + This unearthly glimmer, faint as it was, helped us much, indeed but for it + we must have been overtaken, for here the ground was very rough, full of + holes also made by burrowing marmots. Thus in our extremity help did come + to us from the Mountain, until at length the moon rose, when as quickly as + they had appeared the volcanic fires vanished, leaving behind them nothing + but the accustomed pillar of dull red smoke. + </p> + <p> + It is a commonplace to speak of the music of hounds at chase, but often I + have wondered how that music sounds in the ears of the deer or the fox + fleeing for its life. + </p> + <p> + Now, when we filled the place of the quarry, it was my destiny to solve + this problem, and I assert with confidence that the progeny of earth can + produce no more hideous noise. It had come near to us, and in the desolate + silence of the night the hellish harmonies of its volume seemed terrific, + yet I could discern the separate notes of which it was composed, + especially one deep, bell-like bay. + </p> + <p> + I remembered that I had heard this bay when we sat in the boat upon the + river and saw that poor noble done to death for the crime of loving the + Khania. As the hunt passed us then I observed that it burst from the + throat of the leading hound, a huge brute, red in colour, with a + coal-black ear, fangs that gleamed like ivory, and a mouth which resembled + a hot oven. I even knew the name of the beast, for afterwards the Khan, + whose peculiar joy it was, had pointed it out to me. He called it Master, + because no dog in the pack dared fight it, and told me that it could kill + an armed man alone. + </p> + <p> + Now, as its baying warned us, Master was not half a mile away! + </p> + <p> + The coming of the moonlight enabled us to gallop faster, especially as + here the ground was smooth, being covered with a short, dry turf, and for + the next two hours we gained upon the pack. Yes, it was only two hours, or + perhaps less, but it seemed a score of centuries. The slopes of the Peak + were now not more than ten miles ahead, but our horses were giving out at + last. They had borne us nobly, poor beasts, though we were no light + weights, yet their strength had its limits. The sweat ran from them, their + sides panted like bellows, they breathed in gasps, they stumbled and would + scarcely answer to the flogging of our spear-shafts. Their gallop sank to + a jolting canter, and I thought that soon they must come to a dead stop. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the brow of a gentle rise, from which the ground, that was + sprinkled with bush and rocks, sloped downwards to where, some miles below + us, the river ran, bounding the enormous flanks of the Mountain. When we + had travelled a little way down this slope we were obliged to turn in + order to pass between two heaps of rock, which brought us side on to its + brow. And there, crossing it not more than three hundred yards away, we + saw the pack. There were fewer of them now; doubtless many had fallen out + of the hunt, but many still remained. Moreover, not far behind them rode + the Khan, though his second mount was gone, or more probably he was riding + it, having galloped the first to a standstill. + </p> + <p> + Our poor horses saw them also, and the sight lent them wings, for all the + while they knew that they were running for their lives. This we could tell + from the way they quivered whenever the baying came near to them, not as + horses tremble with the pleasureable excitement of the hunt, but in an + extremity of terror, as I have often seen them do when a prowling tiger + roars close to their camp. On they went as though they were fresh from the + stable, nor did they fail again until another four miles or so were + covered and the river was but a little way ahead, for we could hear the + rush of its waters. + </p> + <p> + Then slowly but surely the pack overtook us. We passed a clump of bush, + but when we had gone a couple of hundred yards or so across the open plain + beyond, feeling that the horses were utterly spent, I shouted to Leo—“Ride + round back to the bush and hide there.” So we did, and scarcely had we + reached it and dismounted when the hounds came past. Yes, they went within + fifty yards of us, lolloping along upon our spoor and running all but + mute, for now they were too weary to waste their breath in vain. “Run for + it,” I said to Leo as soon as they had gone by, “for they will be back on + the scent presently,” and we set off to the right across the line that the + hounds had taken, so as not to cut our own spoor. + </p> + <p> + About a hundred yards away was a rock, which fortunately we were able to + reach before the pack swung round upon the horses’ tracks, and therefore + they did not view us. Here we stayed until following the loop, they came + to the patch of bush and passed behind it. Then we ran forward again as + far as we could go. Glancing backwards as we went, I saw our two poor, + foundered beasts plunging away across the plain, happily almost in the + same line along which we had ridden from the rise. They were utterly done, + but freed from our weights and urged on by fear, could still gallop and + keep ahead of the dogs, though we knew that this would not be for very + long. I saw also that the Khan, guessing what we had done in our despair, + was trying to call his hounds off the horses, but as yet without avail, + for they would not leave the quarry which they had viewed. + </p> + <p> + All this came to my sight in a flash, but I remember the picture well. The + mighty, snow-clad Peak surmounted by its column of glowing smoke and + casting its shadow for mile upon mile across the desert flats; the plain + with its isolated rocks and grey bushes; the doomed horses struggling + across it with convulsive bounds; the trailing line of great dogs that + loped after them, and amongst these, looking small and lonely in that vast + place, the figure of the Khan and his horse, of which the black hide was + beflecked with foam. Then above, the blue and tender sky, where the round + moon shone so clearly that in her quiet, level light no detail, even the + smallest, could escape the eye. + </p> + <p> + Now youth and even middle age were far behind me, and although a very + strong man for my years, I could not run as I used to do. Also I was most + weary, and my limbs were stiff and chafed with long riding, so I made but + slow progress, and to worsen matters I struck my left foot against a stone + and hurt it much. I implored Leo to go on and leave me, for we thought + that if we could once reach the river our scent would be lost in the + water; at any rate that it would give us a chance of life. Just then too, + I heard the belling bay of the hound Master, and waited for the next. Yes, + it was nearer to us. The Khan had made a cast and found our line. + Presently we must face the end. + </p> + <p> + “Go, go!” I said. “I can keep them back for a few minutes and you may + escape. It is your quest, not mine. Ayesha awaits you, not me, and I am + weary of life. I wish to die and have done with it.” + </p> + <p> + Thus I gasped, not all at once, but in broken words, as I hobbled along + clinging to Leo’s arm. But he only answered in a low voice—“Be + quiet, or they will hear you,” and on he went, dragging me with him. + </p> + <p> + We were quite near the water now, for we could see it gleaming below us, + and oh! how I longed for one deep drink. I remember that this was the + uppermost desire in my mind, to drink and drink. But the hounds were + nearer still to us, so near that we could hear the pattering of their feet + on the dry ground mingled with the thud of the hoofs of the Khan’s + galloping horse. We had reached some rocks upon a little rise, just where + the bank began, when Leo said suddenly—“No use, we can’t make it. + Stop and let’s see the thing through.” + </p> + <p> + So we wheeled round, resting our backs against the rock. There, about a + hundred yards off, were the death-hounds, but Heaven be praised! <i>only + three of them</i>. The rest had followed the flying horses, and doubtless + when they caught them at last, which may have been far distant, had + stopped to gorge themselves upon them. So they were out of the fight. Only + three, and the Khan, a wild figure, who galloped with them; but those + three, the black and red brute, Master, and two others almost as fierce + and big. + </p> + <p> + “It might be worse,” said Leo. “If you will try to tackle the dogs, I’ll + do my best with the Khan,” and stooping down he rubbed his palms in the + grit, for they were wet as water, an example which I followed. Then we + gripped the spears in our right hands and the knives in our left, and + waited. + </p> + <p> + The dogs had seen us now and came on, growling and baying fearfully. With + a rush they came, and I am not ashamed to own that I felt terribly afraid, + for the brutes seemed the size of lions and more fierce. One, it was the + smallest of them, outstripped the others, and, leaping up the little rise, + sprang straight at my throat. + </p> + <p> + Why or how I do not know, but on the impulse of the moment I too sprang to + meet it, so that its whole weight came upon the point of my spear, which + was backed by my weight. The spear entered between its forelegs and such + was the shock that I was knocked backwards. But when I regained my feet I + saw the dog rolling on the ground before me and gnashing at the spear + shaft, which had been twisted from my hand. + </p> + <p> + The other two had jumped at Leo, but failed to get hold, though one of + them tore away a large fragment from his tunic. Foolishly enough, he + hurled his spear at it but missed, for the steel passed just under its + belly and buried itself deep in the ground. The pair of them did not come + on again at once. Perhaps the sight of their dying companion made them + pause. At any rate, they stood at a little distance snarling, where, as + our spears were gone, they were safe from us. + </p> + <p> + Now the Khan had ridden up and sat upon his horse glowering at us, and his + face was like the face of a devil. I had hoped that he might fear to + attack, but the moment I saw his eyes, I knew that this would not be. He + was quite mad with hate, jealousy, and the long-drawn excitement of the + hunt, and had come to kill or be killed. Sliding from the saddle, he drew + his short sword—for either he had lost his spear or had brought none—and + made a hissing noise to the two dogs, pointing at me with the sword. I saw + them spring and I saw him rush at Leo, and after that who can tell exactly + what happened? + </p> + <p> + My knife went home to the hilt in the body of one dog—and it came to + the ground and lay there—for its hindquarters were paralysed, + howling, snarling and biting at me. But the other, the fiend called + Master, got me by the right arm beneath the elbow, and I felt my bones + crack in its mighty jaws, and the agony of it, or so I suppose, caused me + to drop the knife, so that I was weaponless. The brute dragged me from the + rock and began to shake and worry me, although I kicked it in the stomach + with all my strength. I fell to my knees and, as it chanced, my left hand + came upon a stone of about the size of a large orange, which I gripped. I + gained my feet again and pounded at its skull with the stone, but still it + did not leave go, and this was well for me, for its next hold would have + been on my throat. + </p> + <p> + We twisted and tumbled to and fro, man and dog together. At one turn I + thought that I saw Leo and the Khan rolling over and over each other upon + the ground; at another, that he, the Khan, was sitting against a stone + looking at me, and it came into my mind that he must have killed Leo and + was watching while the dog worried me to death. + </p> + <p> + Then just as things began to grow black, something sprang forward and I + saw the huge hound lifted from the earth. Its jaws opened, my arm came + free and fell against my side. Yes! the brute was whirling round in the + air. Leo held it by its hind legs and with all his great strength whirled + it round and round. + </p> + <p> + <i>Thud!</i> + </p> + <p> + He had dashed its head against the rock, and it fell and lay still, a + huddled heap of black and red. Oddly enough, I did not faint; I suppose + that the pain and the shock to my nerves kept me awake, for I heard Leo + say in a matter-of-fact voice between his gasps for breath—“Well, + that’s over, and I think that I have fulfilled the Shaman’s prophecy. + Let’s look and make sure.” + </p> + <p> + Then he led me with him to one of the rocks, and there, resting supinely + against it, sat the Khan, still living but unable to move hand or foot. + The madness had quite left his face and he looked at us with melancholy + eyes, like the eyes of a sick child. + </p> + <p> + “You are brave men,” he said, slowly, “strong also, to have killed those + hounds and broken my back. So it has come about as was foretold by the old + Rat. After all, I should have hunted Atene, not you, though now she lives + to avenge me, for her own sake, not mine. Yellow-beard, she hunts you too + and with deadlier hounds than these, those of her thwarted passions. + Forgive me and fly to the Mountain, Yellow-beard, whither I go before you, + for there one dwells who is stronger than Atene.” + </p> + <p> + Then his jaw dropped and he was dead. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"></a> + CHAPTER XII<br /> + THE MESSENGER + </h2> + <p> + “He is gone,” I panted, “and the world hasn’t lost much.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it didn’t give him much, did it, poor devil, so don’t let’s speak + ill of him,” answered Leo, who had thrown himself exhausted to the ground. + “Perhaps he was all right before they made him mad. At any rate he had + pluck, for I don’t want to tackle such another.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you manage it?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Dodged in beneath his sword, closed with him, threw him and smashed him + up over that lump of stone. Sheer strength, that’s all. A cruel business, + but it was his life or mine, and there you are. It’s lucky I finished it + in time to help you before that oven-mouthed brute tore your throat out. + Did you ever see such a dog? It looks as large as a young donkey. Are you + much hurt, Horace?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my forearm is chewed to a pulp, but nothing else, I think. Let us get + down to the water; if I can’t drink soon I shall faint. Also the rest of + the pack is somewhere about, fifty or more of them.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think they will trouble us, they have got the horses, poor + beasts. Wait a minute and I will come.” + </p> + <p> + Then he rose, found the Khan’s sword, a beautiful and ancient weapon, and + with a single cut of its keen edge, killed the second dog that I had + wounded, which was still yowling and snarling at us. After this he + collected the two spears and my knife, saying that they might be useful, + and without trouble caught the Khan’s horse, which stood with hanging head + close by, so tired that even this desperate fight had not frightened it + away. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “up you go, old fellow. You are not fit to walk any + farther;” and with his help I climbed into the saddle. + </p> + <p> + Then slipping the rein over his arm he led the horse, which walked + stiffly, on to the river, that ran within a quarter of a mile of us, + though to me, tortured as I was by pain and half delirious with + exhaustion, the journey seemed long enough. + </p> + <p> + Still we came there somehow, and, forgetting my wounds, I tumbled from the + horse, threw myself flat and drank and drank, more, I think, than ever I + did before. Not in all my life have I tasted anything so delicious as was + that long draught of water. When I had satisfied my thirst, I dipped my + head and made shift to jerk my wounded arm into it, for its coolness + seemed to still the pain. Presently Leo rose, the water running from his + face and beard, and said—“What shall we do now? The river seems to + be wide, over a hundred yards, and it is low, but there may be deep water + in the middle. Shall we try to cross, in which case we might drown, or + stop where we are till daylight and take our chance of the death-hounds?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t go another foot,” I murmured faintly, “much less try to ford an + unknown river.” + </p> + <p> + Now, about thirty yards from the shore was an island covered with reeds + and grasses. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we could reach that,” he said. “Come, get on to my back, and we + will try.” + </p> + <p> + I obeyed with difficulty, and we set out, he feeling his way with the + handle of the spear. The water proved to be quite shallow; indeed, it + never came much above his knees, so that we reached the island without + trouble. Here Leo laid me down on the soft rushes, and, returning to the + mainland, brought over the black horse and the remaining weapons, and + having unsaddled the beast, knee-haltered and turned it loose, whereon it + immediately lay down, for it was too spent to feed. + </p> + <p> + Then he set to work to doctor my wounds. Well it proved for me that the + sleeve of my garment was so thick, for even through it the flesh of my + forearm was torn to ribbons, moreover a bone seemed to be broken. Leo + collected a double handful of some soft wet moss and, having washed the + arm, wrapped it round with a handkerchief, over which he laid the moss. + Then with a second handkerchief and some strips of linen torn from our + undergarments he fastened a couple of split reeds to serve as rough + splints to the wounded limb. While he was doing this I suppose that I + slept or swooned. At any rate, I remember no more. + </p> + <p> + Sometime during that night Leo had a strange dream, of which he told me + the next morning. I suppose that it must have been a dream as certainly I + saw or was aware of nothing. Well, he dreamed—I use his own words as + nearly as possible—that again he heard those accursed death-hounds + in full cry. Nearer and nearer they came, following our spoor to the edge + of the river—all the pack that had run down the horses. At the + water’s brink they halted and were mute. Then suddenly a puff of wind + brought the scent of us upon the island to one of them which lifted up its + head and uttered a single bay. The rest clustered about it, and all at + once they made a dash at the water. + </p> + <p> + Leo could see and hear everything. He felt that after all our doom was now + at hand, and yet, held in the grip of nightmare, if nightmare it were, he + was quite unable to stir or even to cry out to wake and warn me. + </p> + <p> + Now followed the marvel of this vision. Giving tongue as they came, half + swimming and half plunging, the hounds drew near to the island where we + slept. Then, suddenly Leo saw that we were no longer alone. In front of + us, on the brink of the water, stood the figure of a woman clad in some + dark garment. He could not describe her face or appearance, for her back + was towards him. + </p> + <p> + All he knew was that she stood there, like a guard, holding some object in + her raised hand, and that suddenly the advancing hounds caught sight of + her. In an instant it was as though they were paralysed by fear—for + their bays turned to fearful howlings. One or two of those that were + nearest to the island seemed to lose their footing and be swept away by + the stream. The rest struggled back to the bank, and fled wildly like + whipped curs. + </p> + <p> + Then the dark, commanding figure, which in his dream Leo took to be the + guardian Spirit of the Mountain, vanished. That it left no footprints + behind it I can vouch, for in the morning we looked to see. + </p> + <p> + When, awakened by the sharp pangs in my arm, I opened my eyes again, the + dawn was breaking. A thin mist hung over the river and the island, and + through it I could see Leo sleeping heavily at my side and the shape of + the black horse, which had risen and was grazing close at hand. I lay + still for a while remembering all that we had undergone and wondering that + I should live to wake, till presently above the murmuring of the water I + heard a sound which terrified me, the sound of voices. I sat up and peered + through the reeds, and there upon the bank, looking enormous in the mist, + I saw two figures mounted upon horses, those of a woman and a man. + </p> + <p> + They were pointing to the ground as though they examined spoor in the + sand. I heard the man say something about the dogs not daring to enter the + territory of the Mountain, a remark which came back to my mind again after + Leo had told me his dream. Then I remembered how we were placed. + </p> + <p> + “Wake!” I whispered to Leo. “Wake, we are pursued.” + </p> + <p> + He sprang to his feet, rubbing his eyes and snatching at a spear. Now + those upon the bank saw him, and a sweet voice spoke through the mist, + saying—“Lay down that weapon, my guest, for we are not come to harm + you.” + </p> + <p> + It was the voice of the Khania Atene, and the man with her was the old + Shaman Simbri. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do now, Horace?” asked Leo with something like a groan, for + in the whole world there were no two people whom he less wished to see. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” I answered, “it is for them to play.” + </p> + <p> + “Come to us,” called the Khania across the water. “I swear that we mean no + harm. Are we not alone?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” answered Leo, “but it seems unlikely. Where we are we + stop until we are ready to march again.” + </p> + <p> + Atene spoke to Simbri. What she said we could not hear, for she whispered, + but she appeared to be arguing with him and persuading him to some course + of which he strongly disapproved. Then suddenly both of them put their + horses at the water and rode to us through the shallows. Reaching the + island, they dismounted, and we stood staring at each other. The old man + seemed very weary in body and oppressed in mind, but the Khania was strong + and beautiful as ever, nor had passion and fatigue left any trace upon her + inscrutable face. It was she who broke the silence, saying—“You have + ridden fast and far since last we met, my guests, and left an evil token + to mark the path you took. Yonder among the rocks one lies dead. Say, how + came he to his end, who has no wound upon him?” + </p> + <p> + “By these,” answered Leo, stretching out his hands. + </p> + <p> + “I knew it,” she answered, “and I blame you not, for fate decreed that + death for him, and now it is fulfilled. Still, there are those to whom you + must answer for his blood, and I only can protect you from them.” + </p> + <p> + “Or betray me to them,” said Leo. “Khania, what do you seek?” + </p> + <p> + “That answer which you should have given me this twelve hours gone. + Remember, before you speak, that I alone can save your life—aye, and + will do it and clothe you with that dead madman’s crown and mantle.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have your answer on yonder Mountain,” said Leo, pointing to the + peak above us, “where I seek mine.” + </p> + <p> + She paled a little and replied, “To find that it is death, for, as I have + told you, the place is guarded by savage folk who know no pity.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it. Then Death is the answer that we seek. Come, Horace, let us go + to meet him.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you,” she broke in, “that there dwells not the woman of your + dreams. I am that woman, yes, even I, as you are the man of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, lady, prove it yonder upon the Mountain,” Leo answered. + </p> + <p> + “There dwells there no woman,” Atene went on hurriedly, “nothing dwells + there. It is the home of fire and—a Voice.” + </p> + <p> + “What voice?” + </p> + <p> + “The Voice of the Oracle that speaks from the fire. The Voice of a Spirit + whom no man has ever seen, or shall see.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Horace,” said Leo, and he moved towards the horse. + </p> + <p> + “Men,” broke in the old Shaman, “would you rush upon your doom? Listen; I + have visited yonder haunted place, for it was I who according to custom + brought thither the body of the Khan Atene’s father for burial, and I warn + you to set no foot within its temples.” + </p> + <p> + “Which your mistress said that we should never reach,” I commented, but + Leo only answered—“We thank you for your warning,” and added, + “Horace, watch them while I saddle the horse, lest they do us a mischief.” + </p> + <p> + So I took the spear in my uninjured hand and stood ready. But they made no + attempt to hurt us, only fell back a little and began to talk in hurried + whispers. It was evident to me that they were much perturbed. In a few + minutes the horse was saddled and Leo assisted me to mount it. Then he + said—“We go to accomplish our fate, whatever it may be, but before + we part, Khania, I thank you for the kindness you have shown us, and pray + you to be wise and forget that we have ever been. Through no will of mine + your husband’s blood is on my hands, and that alone must separate us for + ever. We are divided by the doors of death and destiny. Go back to your + people, and pardon me if most unwillingly I have brought you doubt and + trouble. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + She listened with bowed head, then replied, very sadly—“I thank you + for your gentle words, but, Leo Vincey, we do not part thus easily. You + have summoned me to the Mountain, and even to the Mountain I shall follow + you. Aye, and there I will meet its Spirit, as I have always known I must + and as the Shaman here has always known I must. Yes, I will match my + strength and magic against hers, as it is decreed that I shall do. To the + victor be that crown for which we have warred for ages.” + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly Atene sprang to her saddle, and turning her horse’s head + rode it back through the water to the shore, followed by old Simbri, who + lifted up his crooked hands as though in woe and fear, muttering as he + went—“You have entered the forbidden river and now, Atene, the day + of decision is upon us all—upon us and her—that predestined + day of ruin and of war.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they mean?” asked Leo of me. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” I answered; “but I have no doubt we shall find out soon + enough and that it will be something unpleasant. Now for this river.” + </p> + <p> + Before we had struggled through it I thought more than once that the day + of drowning was upon us also, for in places there were deep rapids which + nearly swept us away. But Leo, who waded, leading the Khan’s horse by the + bridle, felt his path and supported himself with the spear shaft, so that + in the end we reached the other bank safely. + </p> + <p> + Beyond it lay a breadth of marshy lands, that doubtless were overflowed + when the torrent was in flood. Through these we pushed our way as fast as + we could, for we feared lest the Khania had gone to fetch her escort, + which we thought she might have left behind the rise, and would return + with it presently to hunt us down. At that time we did not know what we + learned afterwards, that with its bordering river the soil of the Mountain + was absolutely sacred and, in practice, inviolable. True, it had been + invaded by the people of Kaloon in several wars, but on each occasion + their army was destroyed or met with terrible disaster. Little wonder then + they had come to believe that the House of Fire was under the protection + of some unconquerable Spirit. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the marsh, we reached a bare, rising plain, which led to the first + slope of the Mountain three or four miles away. Here we expected every + moment to be attacked by the savages of whom we had heard so much, but no + living creature did we see. The place was a desert streaked with veins of + rock that once had been molten lava. <i>I</i> do not remember much else + about it; indeed, the pain in my arm was so sharp that I had no eyes for + physical features. At length the rise ended in a bare, broad donga, quite + destitute of vegetation, of which the bottom was buried in lava and a + debris of rocks washed down by the rain or melting snows from slopes + above. This donga was bordered on the farther side by a cliff, perhaps + fifty feet in height, in which we could see no opening. + </p> + <p> + Still we descended the place, that was dark and rugged; pervaded, + moreover, by an extraordinary gloom, and as we went perceived that its + lava floor was sprinkled over with a multitude of white objects. Soon we + came to the first of these and found that it was the skeleton of a human + being. Here was a veritable Valley of Dead Bones, thousands upon thousands + of them; a gigantic graveyard. It seemed as though some great army had + perished here. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, we found afterwards that this was the case, for on one of those + occasions in the far past when the people of Kaloon had attacked the + Mountain tribes, they were trapped and slaughtered in this gully, leaving + their bones as a warning and a token. Among these sad skeletons we + wandered disconsolately, seeking a path up the opposing cliff, and finding + none, until at length we came to a halt, not knowing which way to turn. + Then it was that we met with our first strange experience on the Mountain. + </p> + <p> + The gulf and its mouldering relics depressed us, so that for awhile we + were silent, and, to tell the truth, somewhat afraid. Yes, even the horse + seemed afraid, for it snorted a little, hung its head and shivered. Close + by us lay a pile of bones, the remains evidently of a number of wretched + creatures that, dead or living, had been hurled down from the cliff above, + and on the top of the pile was a little huddled heap, which we took for + more bones. + </p> + <p> + “Unless we can find a way out of this accursed charnel-house before long, + I think that we shall add to its company,” I said, staring round me. + </p> + <p> + As the words left my lips it seemed to me that from the corner of my eye I + saw the heap on the top of the bones stir. I looked round. Yes, it was + stirring. It rose, it stood up, a human figure, apparently that of a woman—but + of this I could not be sure—wrapped from head to foot in white and + wearing a hanging veil over its face, or rather a mask with cut eye-holes. + It advanced towards us while we stared at it, till the horse, catching + sight of the thing, shied violently and nearly threw me. When at a + distance of about ten paces it paused and beckoned with its hand, that was + also swathed in white like the arm of a mummy. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil are you?” shouted Leo, and his voice echoed drearily among + those naked rocks. But the creature did not answer, it only continued to + beckon. + </p> + <p> + Leo walked up to it to assure himself that we were not the victims of some + hallucination. As he came it glided back to its heap of bones and stood + there like a ghost of one dead arisen from amidst these grinning evidences + of death, or rather a swathed corpse, for that is what it resembled. Leo + followed with the intention of touching it to assure himself of its + reality, whereon it lifted its white-wrapped arm and struck him lightly on + the breast. Then as he recoiled it pointed with its hand, first upwards as + though to the Peak or the sky, and next at the wall of rock which faced + us. + </p> + <p> + He returned to me saying, “What shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Follow, I suppose. It may be a messenger from above,” and I nodded toward + the mountain crest. + </p> + <p> + “From below, more likely,” Leo muttered, “for I don’t like the look of + this guide.” + </p> + <p> + Still he motioned with his hand to the creature to proceed. Apparently it + understood, for it turned to the left and began to pick its way amongst + the stones and skeletons swiftly and without noise. We followed for + several hundred yards till it reached a shallow cleft in the rock. This + cleft we had seen already, but as it appeared to end at a depth of about + thirty feet, we passed on. The figure entered here and vanished. + </p> + <p> + “It must be a shadow,” said Leo doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense,” I answered, “shadows don’t strike one. Go on.” + </p> + <p> + So he led the horse up the cleft, to find that at the end it turned + sharply to the right and that the form was standing there awaiting us. + Forward it went again and we after it down a little gorge that grew ever + gloomier till it terminated in what might have been a cave, or a gallery + cut in the rock. + </p> + <p> + Here our guide came back to us apparently with the intention of taking the + horse by the bridle, but at this nearer sight of it the brute snorted and + reared up, so that it almost fell backwards upon me. As it found its feet + again the figure struck it on the head in the same passionless, inhuman + way that it had struck Leo, whereon the horse trembled and burst into a + sweat as though with fear, making no further attempt to escape or to + disobey. Then it took one side of the bridle in its swathed hand and, Leo + clinging to the other, we plunged into the tunnel. + </p> + <p> + Our position was not pleasant, for we knew not whither we were being led + by this horrible conductor, and suspected that it might be to meet our + deaths in the darkness. Moreover, I guessed that the path was narrow and + bordered by some gulf, for as we went I heard stones fall, apparently to a + considerable depth, while the poor horse lifted its feet gingerly and + snorted in abject fear. At length we saw daylight, and never was I more + glad of its advent, although it showed us that there <i>was</i> a gulf on + our right, and that the path we travelled could not measure more than ten + feet in width. + </p> + <p> + Now we were out of the tunnel, that evidently had saved us a wide detour, + and standing for the first time upon the actual slope of the Mountain, + which stretched upwards for a great number of miles till it reached the + snow-line above. Here also we saw evidences of human life, for the ground + was cultivated in patches and herds of mountain sheep and cattle were + visible in the distance. + </p> + <p> + Presently we entered a gully, following a rough path that led along the + edge of a raging torrent. It was a desolate place, half a mile wide or + more, having hundreds of fantastic lava boulders strewn about its slopes. + Before we had gone a mile I heard a shrill whistle, and suddenly from + behind these boulders sprang a number of men, quite fifty of them. All we + could note at the time was that they were brawny, savage-looking fellows, + for the most part red haired and bearded, although their complexions were + rather dark, who wore cloaks of white goat skins and carried spears and + shields. I should imagine that they were not unlike the ancient Picts and + Scots as they appeared to the invading Romans. At us they came uttering + their shrill, whistling cries, evidently with the intention of spearing us + on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Now for it,” said Leo, drawing his sword, for escape was impossible; they + were all round us. “Good-bye, Horace.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye,” I answered rather faintly, understanding what the Khania and + the old Shaman had meant when they said that we should be killed before we + ascended the first slope of the Mountain. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile our ghastly-looking guide had slipped behind a great boulder, + and even then it occurred to me that her part in the tragedy being played, + she, if it were a woman at all, was withdrawing herself while we met our + miserable fate. But here I did her injustice, for she had, I suppose, come + to save us from this very fate which without her presence we must most + certainly have suffered. When the savages were within a few yards suddenly + she appeared on the top of the boulder, looking like a second Witch of + Endor, and stretched out her arm. Not a word did she speak, only stretched + out her draped arm, but the effect was remarkable and instantaneous. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of her down on to their faces went those wild men, every one + of them, as though a lightning stroke had in an instant swept them out of + existence. Then she let her arm fall and beckoned, whereon a great fellow + who, I suppose, was the leader of the band, rose and crept towards her + with bowed head, submissive as a beaten dog. To him she made signs, + pointing to us, pointing to the far-off Peak, crossing and uncrossing her + white-wrapped arms, but so far as I could hear, speaking no word. It was + evident that the chief understood her, however, for he said something in a + guttural language. Then he uttered his shrill whistle, whereon the band + rose and departed thence at full speed, this way and the other, so that in + another minute they had vanished as quickly as they came. + </p> + <p> + Now our guide motioned to us to proceed, and led the way upward as calmly + as though nothing had happened. + </p> + <p> + For over <i>two</i> hours we went on thus till our path brought us from + the ravine on to a grassy declivity, across which it wound its way. Here, + to our astonishment, we found a fire burning, and hanging above the fire + an earthenware pot, which was on the boil, although we could see no man + tending it. The figure signalled to me to dismount, pointing to the pot in + token that we were to eat the food which doubtless she had ordered the + wild men to prepare for us, and very glad was <i>I</i> to obey her. + Provision had been made for the horse also, for near the fire lay a great + bundle of green forage. + </p> + <p> + While Leo off-saddled the beast and spread the provender for it, taking + with me a spare earthen vessel that lay ready, I went to the edge of the + torrent to drink and steep my wounded arm in its ice-cold stream. This + relieved it greatly, though by now I was sure from various symptoms that + the brute Master’s fangs had fortunately only broken or injured the small + bone, a discovery for which I was thankful enough. Having finished + attending to it as well as I was able, I filled the jar with water. + </p> + <p> + On my way back a thought struck me, and going to where our mysterious + guide stood still as Lot’s wife after she had been turned into a pillar of + salt, I offered it to her, hoping that she would unveil her face and + drink. Then for the first time she showed some sign of being human, or so + I thought, for it seemed to me that she bowed ever so little in + acknowledgment of the courtesy. If so—and I may have been mistaken—this + was all, for the next instant she turned her back on me to show that it + was declined. So she would not, or for aught I knew, could not drink. + Neither would she eat, for when Leo tried her afterwards with food she + refused it in like fashion. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile he had taken the pot off the fire, and as soon as its contents + grew cool enough we fell on them eagerly, for we were starving. After we + had eaten and drunk, Leo re-dressed my arm as best he could and we rested + awhile. Indeed, I think that, being very tired, we began to doze, for I + was awakened by a shadow falling on us and looked up to see our + corpse-like guide standing close by and pointing first to the sun, then at + the horse, as though to show us that we had far to travel. So we saddled + up and went on again somewhat refreshed, for at least we were no longer + ravenous. + </p> + <p> + All the rest of that day we journeyed on up the grassy slopes, seeing no + man, although occasionally we heard the wild whistle which told us that we + were being watched by the Mountain savages. By sundown the character of + the country had changed, for the grass was replaced with rocks, amongst + which grew stunted firs. We had left the lower slopes and were beginning + to climb the Mountain itself. + </p> + <p> + The sun sank and we went on through the twilight. The twilight died and we + went on through the dark, our path lit only by the stars and the faint + radiance of the glowing pillar of smoke above the Peak, which was + reflected on to us from the mighty mantle of its snows. Forward we toiled, + whilst a few paces ahead of us walked our unwearying guide. If she had + seemed weird and inhuman before, now she appeared a very ghost, as, clad + in her graveyard white, upon which the faint light shimmered, never + speaking, never looking back, she glided on noiselessly between the black + rocks and the twisted, dark-green firs and junipers. + </p> + <p> + Soon we lost all count of the road. We turned this way and turned that + way, we passed an open patch and through the shadows of a grove, till at + length as the moon rose we entered a ravine, and following a path that ran + down it, came to a place which is best described as a large amphitheatre + cut by the hand of nature out of the rock of the Mountain. Evidently it + was chosen as a place of defence, for its entrance was narrow and + tortuous, built up at the end also, so that only one person could pass its + gateway at a time. Within an open space and at its farther side stood low, + stone houses built against the rock. In front of these houses, the + moonlight shining full upon them, were gathered several hundred men and + women arranged in a semicircle and in alternate companies, who appeared to + be engaged in the celebration of some rite. + </p> + <p> + It was wild enough. In front of them, and in the exact centre of the + semi-circle, stood a gigantic, red-bearded man, who was naked except for a + skin girdle about his loins. He was swinging himself backwards and + forwards, his hands resting upon his hips, and as he swung, shouting + something like “<i>Ho, haha, ho!</i>” When he bent towards the audience it + bent towards him, and every time he straightened himself it echoed his + final shout of “<i>Ho!</i>” in a volume of sound that made the precipices + ring. Nor was this all, for perched upon his hairy head, with arched back + and waving tail, stood a great white cat. + </p> + <p> + Anything stranger, and indeed more fantastic than the general effect of + this scene, lit by the bright moonlight and set in that wild arena, it was + never my lot to witness. The red-haired, half-naked men and women, the + gigantic priest, the mystical white cat, that, gripping his scalp with its + claws, waved its tail and seemed to take a part in the performance; the + unholy chant and its volleying chorus, all helped to make it + extraordinarily impressive. This struck us the more, perhaps, because at + the time we could not in the least guess its significance, though we + imagined that it must be preliminary to some sacrifice or offering. It was + like the fragment of a nightmare preserved by the awakened senses in all + its mad, meaningless reality. + </p> + <p> + Now round the open space where these savages were celebrating their + worship, or whatever it might be, ran a rough stone wall about six feet in + height, in which wall was a gateway. Towards this we advanced quite + unseen, for upon our side of the wall grew many stunted pines. Through + these pines our guide led us, till in the thickest of them, some few yards + from the open gateway and a little to the right of it, she motioned to us + to stop. + </p> + <p> + Then she went to a low place in the wall and stood there as though she + were considering the scene beyond. It seemed to us, indeed, that she saw + what she had not expected and was thereby perplexed or angered. Presently + she appeared to make up her mind, for again she motioned to us to remain + where we were, enjoining silence upon us by placing her swathed hand upon + the mask that hid her face. Next moment she was gone. How she went, or + whither, I cannot say; all we knew was that she was no longer there. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do now?” whispered Leo to me. + </p> + <p> + “Stay where we are till she comes back again or something happens,” I + answered. + </p> + <p> + So there being nothing else to be done, we stayed, hoping that the horse + would not betray us by neighing, or that we might not be otherwise + discovered, since we were certain that if so we should be in danger of + death. Very soon, however, we forgot the anxieties of our own position in + the study of the wild scene before us, which now began to develop a + fearful interest. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that what has been described was but preliminary to the + drama itself, and that this drama was the trial of certain people for + their lives. This we could guess, for after awhile the incantation ceased + and the crowd in front of the big man with the cat upon his head opened + out, while behind him a column of smoke rose into the air, as though light + had been set to some sunk furnace. + </p> + <p> + Into the space that had thus been cleared were now led seven persons, + whose hands were tied behind them. They were of both sexes and included an + old man and a woman with a tall and handsome figure, who appeared to be + quite young, scarcely more than a girl indeed. These seven were ranged in + a line where they stood, clearly in great fear, for the old man fell upon + his knees and one of the women began to sob. Thus they were left awhile, + perhaps to allow the fire behind them to burn up, which it soon did with + great fierceness, throwing a vivid light upon every detail of the + spectacle. + </p> + <p> + Now all was ready, and a man brought a wooden tray to the red-bearded + priest, who was seated on a stool, the white cat upon his knees, whither + we had seen it leap from his head a little while before. He took the tray + by its handles and at a word from him the cat jumped on to it and sat + there. Then amidst the most intense silence he rose and uttered some + prayer, apparently to the cat, which sat facing him. This done he turned + the tray round so that the creature’s back was now towards him, and, + advancing to the line of prisoners, began to walk up and down in front of + them, which he did several times, at each turn drawing a little nearer. + </p> + <p> + Holding out the tray, he presented it at the face of the prisoner on the + left, whereon the cat rose, arched its back and began to lift its paws up + and down. Presently he moved to the next prisoner and held it before him + awhile, and so on till he came to the fifth, that young woman of whom I + have spoken. Now the cat grew very angry, for in the death-like stillness + we could hear it spitting and growling. At length it seemed to lift its + paws and strike the girl upon the face, whereon she screamed aloud, a + terrible scream. Then all the audience broke out into a shout, a single + word, which we understood, for we had heard one very like it used by the + people of the Plain. It was “Witch! Witch! <i>Witch!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Executioners who were waiting for the victim to be chosen in this ordeal + by cat, rushed forward and seizing the girl began to drag her towards the + fire. The prisoner who was standing by her and whom we rightly guessed to + be her husband, tried to protect her, but his arms being bound, poor + fellow, he could do nothing. One of the executioners knocked him down with + a stick. For a moment his wife escaped and threw herself upon him, but the + brutes lifted her up again, haling her towards the fire, whilst all the + audience shouted wildly. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t stand this,” said Leo, “it’s murder—coldblooded murder,” + and he drew his sword. + </p> + <p> + “Best leave the beasts alone,” I answered doubtfully, though my own blood + was boiling in my veins. + </p> + <p> + Whether he heard or not I do not know, for the next thing I saw was Leo + rushing through the gate waving the Khan’s sword and shouting at the top + of his voice. Then I struck my heels into the ribs of the horse and + followed after him. In ten seconds we were among them. As we came the + savages fell back this way and that, staring at us amazed, for at first I + think they took us for apparitions. Thus Leo on foot and I galloping after + him, we came to the place. + </p> + <p> + The executioners and their victim were near the fire now—a very + great fire of resinous pine logs built in a pit that measured about eight + feet across. Close to it sat the priest upon his stool, watching the scene + with a cruel smile, and rewarding the cat with little gobbets of raw meat, + that he took from a leathern pouch at his side, occupations in which he + was so deeply engaged that he never saw us until we were right on to him. + </p> + <p> + Shouting, “Leave her alone, you blackguards,” Leo rushed at the + executioners, and with a single blow of his sword severed the arm of one + of them who gripped the woman by the nape of the neck. + </p> + <p> + With a yell of pain and rage the man sprang back and stood waving the + stump towards the people and staring at it wildly. In the confusion that + followed I saw the victim slip from the hands of her astonished would-be + murderers and run into the darkness, where she vanished. Also I saw the + witch-doctor spring up, still holding the tray on which the cat was + sitting, and heard him begin to shout a perfect torrent of furious abuse + at Leo, who in reply waved his sword and cursed him roundly in English and + many other languages. + </p> + <p> + Then of a sudden the cat upon the tray, infuriated, I suppose, by the + noise and the interruption of its meal, sprang straight at Leo’s face. He + appeared to catch it in mid-air with his left hand and with all his + strength dashed it to the ground, where it lay writhing and screeching. + Then, as though by an afterthought, he stooped, picked the devilish + creature up again and hurled it into the heart of the fire, for he was mad + with rage and knew not what he did. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of that awful sacrilege—for such it was to them who + worshipped this beast—a gasp of horror rose from the spectators, + followed by a howl of execration. Then like a wave of the sea they rushed + at us. I saw Leo cut one man down, and next instant I was off the horse + and being dragged towards the furnace. At the edge of it I met Leo in like + plight, but fighting furiously, for his strength was great and they were + half afraid of him. + </p> + <p> + “Why couldn’t you leave the cat alone?” I shouted at him in idiotic + remonstrance, for my brain had gone, and all I knew was that we were about + to be thrown into the fiery pit. Already I was over it; I felt the flames + singe my hair and saw its red caverns awaiting me, when of a sudden the + brutal hands that held me were unloosed and I fell backwards to the + ground, where I lay staring upwards. + </p> + <p> + This was what I saw. Standing in front of the fire, her draped form + quivering as though with rage, was our ghostly-looking guide, who pointed + with her hand at the gigantic, red-headed witch-doctor. But she was no + longer alone, for with her were a score or more of men clad in white robes + and armed with swords; black-eyed, ascetic-looking men, with clean-shaved + heads and faces, for their scalps shone in the firelight. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of them terror had seized that multitude which, mad as goaded + bulls but a few seconds before, now fled in every direction like sheep + frightened by a wolf. The leader of the white-robed priests, a man with a + gentle face, which when at rest was clothed in a perpetual smile, was + addressing the medicine-man, and I understood something of his talk. + </p> + <p> + “Dog,” he said in effect, speaking in a smooth, measured voice that yet + was terrible, “accursed dog, beast-worshipper, what were you about to do + to the guests of the mighty Mother of the Mountain? Is it for this that + you and your idolatries have been spared so long? Answer, if you have + anything to say. Answer quickly, for your time is short.” + </p> + <p> + With a groan of fear the great fellow flung himself upon his knees, not to + the head-priest who questioned him, but before the quivering shape of our + guide, and to her put up half-articulate prayers for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” said the high-priest, “she is the Minister who judges and the + Sword that strikes. I am the Ears and the Voice. Speak and tell me—were + you about to cast those men, whom you were commanded to receive + hospitably, into yonder fire because they saved the victim of your + devilries and killed the imp you cherished? Nay, I saw it all. Know that + it was but a trap set to catch you, who have been allowed to live too + long.” + </p> + <p> + But still the wretch writhed before the draped form and howled for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Messenger,” said the high-priest, “with thee the power goes. Declare thy + decree.” + </p> + <p> + Then our guide lifted her hand slowly and pointed to the fire. At once the + man turned ghastly white, groaned and fell back, as I think, quite dead, + slain by his own terror. + </p> + <p> + Now many of the people had fled, but some remained, and to these the + priest called in cold tones, bidding them approach. They obeyed, creeping + towards him. + </p> + <p> + “Look,” he said, pointing to the man, “look and tremble at the justice of + Hes the Mother. Aye, and be sure that as it is with him, so shall it be + with every one of you who dares to defy her and to practise sorcery and + murder. Lift up that dead dog who was your chief.” + </p> + <p> + Some of them crept forward and did his bidding. + </p> + <p> + “Now, cast him into the bed which he had made ready for his victims.” + </p> + <p> + Staggering forward to the edge of the flaming pit, they obeyed, and the + great body fell with a crash amongst the burning boughs and vanished + there. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, you people,” said the priest, “and learn that this man deserved + his dreadful doom. Know you why he purposed to kill that woman whom the + strangers saved? Because his familiar marked her as a witch, you think. I + tell you it was not so. It was because she being fair, he would have taken + her from her husband, as he had taken many another, and she refused him. + But the Eye saw, the Voice spoke, and the Messenger did judgment. He is + caught in his own snare, and so shall you be, every one of you who dares + to think evil in his heart or to do it with his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Such is the just decree of the Hesea, spoken by her from her throne + amidst the fires of the Mountain.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"></a> + CHAPTER XIII<br /> + BENEATH THE SHADOWING WINGS + </h2> + <p> + One by one the terrified tribesmen crept away. When the last of them were + gone the priest advanced to Leo and saluted him by placing his hand upon + his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Lord,” he said, in the same corrupt Grecian dialect which was used by the + courtiers of Kaloon, “I will not ask if you are hurt, since from the + moment that you entered the sacred river and set foot within this land you + and your companion were protected by a power invisible and could not be + harmed by man or spirit, however great may have seemed your danger. Yet + vile hands have been laid upon you, and this is the command of the Mother + whom I serve, that, if you desire it, every one of those men who touched + you shall die before your eyes. Say, is that your will?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Leo; “they were mad and blind, let no blood be shed for <i>us</i>. + All we ask of you, friend—but, how are you called?” + </p> + <p> + “Name me Oros,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Friend Oros—a good title for one who dwells upon the Mountain—all + we ask is food and shelter, and to be led swiftly into the presence of her + whom you name Mother, that Oracle whose wisdom we have travelled far to + seek.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed and answered: “The food and shelter are prepared and to-morrow, + when you have rested, I am commanded to conduct you whither you desire to + be. Follow me, I pray you”; and he preceded us past the fiery pit to a + building that stood about fifty yards away against the rock wall of the + amphitheatre. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that it was a guest-house, or at least had been made ready + to serve that purpose, as in it lamps were lit and a fire burned, for here + the air was cold. The house was divided into two rooms, the second of them + a sleeping place, to which he led us through the first. + </p> + <p> + “Enter,” he said, “for you will need to cleanse yourselves, and you”—here + he addressed himself to me—“to be treated for that hurt to your arm + which you had from the jaws of the great hound.” + </p> + <p> + “How know you that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It matters not if I do know and have made ready,” Oros answered gravely. + </p> + <p> + This second room was lighted and warmed like the first, moreover, heated + water stood in basins of metal and on the beds were laid clean linen + garments and dark-coloured hooded robes, lined with rich fur. Also upon a + little table were ointments, bandages, and splints, a marvellous thing to + see, for it told me that the very nature of my hurt had been divined. But + I asked no more questions; I was too weary; moreover, I knew that it would + be useless. + </p> + <p> + Now the priest Oros helped me to remove my tattered robe, and, undoing the + rough bandages upon my arm, washed it gently with warm water, in which he + mixed some spirit, and examined it with the skill of a trained doctor. + </p> + <p> + “The fangs rent deep,” he said, “and the small bone is broken, but you + will take no harm, save for the scars which must remain.” Then, having + treated the wounds with ointment, he wrapped the limb with such a delicate + touch that it scarcely pained me, saying that by the morrow the swelling + would have gone down and he would set the bone. This indeed happened. + </p> + <p> + After it was done he helped me to wash and to clothe myself in the clean + garments, and put a sling about my neck to serve as a rest for my arm. + Meanwhile Leo had also dressed himself, so that we left the chamber + together very different men to the foul, blood-stained wanderers who had + entered there. In the outer room we found food prepared for us, of which + we ate with a thankful heart and without speaking. Then, blind with + weariness, we returned to the other chamber and, having removed our outer + garments, flung ourselves upon the beds and were soon plunged in sleep. + </p> + <p> + At some time in the night I awoke suddenly, at what hour I do not know, as + certain people wake, I among them, when their room is entered, even + without the slightest noise. Before I opened my eyes I felt that some one + was with us in the place. Nor was I mistaken. A little lamp still burned + in the chamber, a mere wick floating in oil, and by its light I saw a dim, + ghost-like form standing near the door. Indeed I thought almost that it + was a ghost, till presently I remembered, and knew it for our corpse-like + guide, who appeared to be looking intently at the bed on which Leo lay, or + so I thought, for the head was bent in that direction. + </p> + <p> + At first she was quite still, then she moaned aloud, a low and terrible + moan, which seemed to well from the very heart. + </p> + <p> + So the thing was not dumb, as I had believed. Evidently it could suffer, + and express its suffering in a human fashion. Look! it was wringing its + padded hands as in an excess of woe. Now it would seem that Leo began to + feel its influence also, for he stirred and spoke in his sleep, so low at + first that I could only distinguish the tongue he used, which was Arabic. + Presently I caught a few words. + </p> + <p> + “Ayesha,” he said, “<i>Ayesha!</i>” + </p> + <p> + The figure glided towards him and stopped. He sat up in the bed still fast + asleep, for his eyes were shut. He stretched out his arms, as though + seeking one whom he would embrace, and spoke again in a low and passionate + voice—“Ayesha, through life and death I have sought thee long. Come + to me, my goddess, my desired.” + </p> + <p> + The figure glided yet nearer, and I could see that it was trembling, and + now its arms were extended also. + </p> + <p> + At the bedside she halted, and Leo laid himself down again. Now the + coverings had fallen back, exposing his breast, where lay the leather + satchel he always wore, that which contained the lock of Ayesha’s hair. He + was fast asleep, and the figure seemed to fix its eyes upon this satchel. + Presently it did more, for, with surprising deftness those white-wrapped + fingers opened its clasp, yes, and drew out the long tress of shining + hair. Long and earnestly she gazed at it, then gently replaced the relic, + closed the satchel and for a little while seemed to weep. While she stood + thus the dreaming Leo once more stretched out his arms and spoke, saying, + in the same passion-laden voice—“Come to me, my darling, my + beautiful, my beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + At those words, with a little muffled scream, like that of a scared + night-bird, the figure turned and flitted through the doorway. + </p> + <p> + When I was quite certain that she had gone, I gasped aloud. + </p> + <p> + What might this mean, I wondered, in a very agony of bewilderment. This + could certainly be no dream: it was real, for I was wide awake. Indeed, + what did it all mean? Who was the ghastly, mummy-like thing which had + guided us unharmed through such terrible dangers; the Messenger that all + men feared, who could strike down a brawny savage with a motion of its + hand? Why did it creep into the place thus at dead of night, like a spirit + revisiting one beloved? Why did its presence cause me to awake and Leo to + dream? Why did it draw out the tress; indeed, how knew it that this tress + was hidden there? And why—oh! why, at those tender and passionate + words did it flit away at last like some scared bat? + </p> + <p> + The priest Oros had called our guide Minister, and Sword, that is, one who + carries out decrees. But what if they were its own decrees? What if this + thing should be she whom we sought, <i>Ayesha herself?</i> Why should I + tremble at the thought, seeing that if so, our quest was ended, we had + achieved? Oh! it must be because about this being there was something + terrible, something un-human and appalling. If Ayesha lived within those + mummy-cloths, then it was a different Ayesha whom we had known and + worshipped. Well could I remember the white-draped form of <i>She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed</i>, + and how, long before she revealed her glorious face to us, we guessed the + beauty and the majesty hidden beneath that veil by which her radiant life + and loveliness incarnate could not be disguised. + </p> + <p> + But what of this creature? I would not pursue the thought. I was mistaken. + Doubtless she was what the priest Oros had said—some + half-supernatural being to whom certain powers were given, and, doubtless, + she had come to spy on us in our rest that she might make report to the + giver of those powers. + </p> + <p> + Comforting myself thus I fell asleep again, for fatigue overcame even such + doubts and fears. In the morning, when they were naturally less vivid, I + made up my mind that, for various reasons, it would be wisest to say + nothing of what I had seen to Leo. Nor, indeed, did I do so until some + days had gone by. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke the full light was pouring into the chamber, and by it I saw + the priest Oros standing at my bedside. I sat up and asked him what time + it was, to which he answered with a smile, but in a low voice, that it + lacked but two hours of mid-day, adding that he had come to set my arm. + Now I saw why he spoke low, for Leo was still fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + “Let him rest on,” he said, as he undid the wrappings on my arm, “for he + has suffered much, and,” he continued significantly, “may still have more + to suffer.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, friend Oros?” I asked sharply. “I thought you told us + that we were safe upon this Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you, friend——” and he looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “Holly is my name——” + </p> + <p> + “—friend Holly, that your bodies are safe. I said nothing of all the + rest of you. Man is more than flesh and blood. He is mind and spirit as + well, and these can be injured also.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is there that would injure them?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Friend,” he answered, gravely, “you and your companion have come to a + haunted land, not as mere wanderers, for then you would be dead ere now, + but of set purpose, seeking to lift the veil from mysteries which have + been hid for ages. Well, your aim is known and it may chance that it will + be achieved. But if this veil is lifted, it may chance also that you will + find what shall send your souls shivering to despair and madness. Say, are + you not afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “Somewhat,” I answered. “Yet my foster-son and I have seen strange things + and lived. We have seen the very Light of Life roll by in majesty; we have + been the guests of an Immortal, and watched Death seem to conquer her and + leave us untouched. Think you then that we will turn cowards now? Nay, we + march on to fulfil our destinies.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Oros showed neither curiosity nor surprise; it was as + though I told him only what he knew. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” he replied, smiling, and with a courteous bow of his shaven head, + “within an hour you shall march on—to fulfil your destinies. If I + have warned you, forgive me, for I was bidden so to do, perhaps to try + your mettle. Is it needful that I should repeat this warning to the lord——” + and again he looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey,” I said. + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey, yes, Leo Vincey,” he repeated, as though the name were + familiar to him but had slipped his mind. “But you have not answered my + question. Is it needful that I should repeat the warning?” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least; but you can do so if you wish when he awakes.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I think with you, that it would be but waste of words, for—forgive + the comparison;—what the wolf dares”—and he looked at me—“the + tiger does not flee from,” and he nodded towards Leo. “There, see how much + better are the wounds upon your arm, which is no longer swollen. Now I + will bandage it, and within some few weeks the bone will be as sound again + as it was before you met the Khan Rassen hunting in the Plains. By the + way, you will see him again soon, and his fair wife with him.” + </p> + <p> + “See him again? Do the dead, then, come to life upon this Mountain?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, but certain of them are brought hither for burial. It is the + privilege of the rulers of Kaloon; also, I think, that the Khania has + questions to ask of its Oracle.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is its Oracle?” I asked with eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “The Oracle,” he replied darkly, “is a Voice. It was ever so, was it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I have heard that from Atene, but a voice implies a speaker. Is this + speaker she whom you name Mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, friend Holly.” + </p> + <p> + “And is this Mother a spirit?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a point that has been much debated. They told you so in the Plains, + did they not? Also the Tribes think it on the Mountain. Indeed, the thing + seems reasonable, seeing that all of us who live are flesh and spirit. But + you will form your own judgment and then we can discuss the matter. There, + your arm is finished. Be careful now not to strike it or to fall, and + look, your companion awakes.” + </p> + <p> + Something over an hour later we started upon our upward journey. I was + again mounted on the Khan’s horse, which having been groomed and fed was + somewhat rested, while to Leo a litter had been offered. This he declined, + however, saying that he had now recovered and would not be carried like a + woman. So he walked by the side of my horse, using his spear as a staff. + We passed the fire-pit—now full of dead, white ashes, among which + were mixed those of the witch-finder and his horrible cat—preceded + by our dumb guide, at the sight of whom, in her pale wrappings, the people + of the tribe who had returned to their village prostrated themselves, and + so remained until she was gone by. + </p> + <p> + One of them, however, rose again and, breaking through our escort of + priests, ran to Leo, knelt before him and kissed his hand. It was that + young woman whose life he had saved, a noble-looking girl, with masses of + red hair, and by her was her husband, the marks of his bonds still showing + on his arms. Our guide seemed to see this incident, though how she did so + I do not know. At any rate she turned and made some sign which the priest + interpreted. + </p> + <p> + Calling the woman to him he asked her sternly how she dared to touch the + person of this stranger with her vile lips. She answered that it was + because her heart was grateful. Oros said that for this reason she was + forgiven; moreover, that in reward for what they had suffered he was + commanded to lift up her husband to be the ruler of that tribe during the + pleasure of the Mother. He gave notice, moreover, that all should obey the + new chief in his place, according to their customs, and if he did any + evil, make report that he might suffer punishment. Then waving the pair + aside, without listening to their thanks or the acclamations of the crowd, + he passed on. + </p> + <p> + As we went down the ravine by which we had approached the village on the + previous night, a sound of chanting struck our ears. Presently the path + turned, and we saw a solemn procession advancing up that dismal, sunless + gorge. At the head of it rode none other than the beautiful Khania, + followed by her great-uncle, the old Shaman, and after these came a + company of shaven priests in their white robes, bearing between them a + bier, upon which, its face uncovered, lay the body of the Khan, draped in + a black garment. Yet he looked better thus than he had ever done, for now + death had touched this insane and dissolute man with something of the + dignity which he lacked in life. + </p> + <p> + Thus then we met. At the sight of our guide’s white form, the horse which + the Khania rode reared up so violently that I thought it would have thrown + her. But she mastered the animal with her whip and voice, and called out—“Who + is this draped hag of the Mountain that stops the path of the Khania Atene + and her dead lord? My guests, I find you in ill company, for it seems that + you are conducted by an evil spirit to meet an evil fate. That guide of + yours must surely be something hateful and hideous, for were she a + wholesome woman she would not fear to show her face.” + </p> + <p> + Now the Shaman plucked his mistress by the sleeve, and the priest Oros, + bowing to her, prayed her to be silent and cease to speak such ill-omened + words into the air, which might carry them she knew not whither. But some + instinctive hate seemed to bubble up in Atene, and she would not be + silent, for she addressed our guide using the direct “thou,” a manner of + speech that we found was very usual on the Mountain though rare upon the + Plains. + </p> + <p> + “Let the air carry them whither it will,” she cried. “Sorceress, strip off + thy rags, fit only for a corpse too vile to view. Show us what thou art, + thou flitting night-owl, who thinkest to frighten me with that livery of + death, which only serves to hide the death within.” + </p> + <p> + “Cease, I pray lady, cease,” said Oros, stirred for once out of his + imperturbable calm. “She is the Minister, none other, and with her goes + the Power.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it goes not against Atene, Khania of Kaloon,” she answered, “or so I + think. Power, forsooth! Let her show her power. If she has any it is not + her own, but that of the Witch of the Mountain, who feigns to be a spirit, + and by her sorceries has drawn away my guests”—and she pointed to us—“thus + bringing my husband to his death.” + </p> + <p> + “Niece, be silent!” said the old Shaman, whose wrinkled face was white + with terror, whilst Oros held up his hands as though in supplication to + some unseen Strength, saying—“O thou that hearest and seest, be + merciful, I beseech thee, and forgive this woman her madness, lest the + blood of a guest should stain the hands of thy servants, and the ancient + honour of our worship be brought low in the eyes of men.” + </p> + <p> + Thus he prayed, but although his hands were uplifted, it seemed to me that + his eyes were fixed upon our guide, as ours were. While he spoke, I saw + her hand raised, as she had raised it when she slew or rather sentenced + the witch-doctor. Then she seemed to reflect, and stayed it in mid air, so + that it pointed at the Khania. She did not move, she made no sound, only + she pointed, and the angry words died upon Atene’s lips, the fury left + her eyes, and the colour her face. Yes, she grew white and silent as the + corpse upon the bier behind her. Then, cowed by that invisible power, she + struck her horse so fiercely that it bounded by us onward towards the + village, at which the funeral company were to rest awhile. + </p> + <p> + As the Shaman Simbri followed the Khania, the priest Oros caught his + horse’s bridle and said to him—“Magician, we have met before, for + instance, when your lady’s father was brought to his funeral. Warn her, + then, you that know something of the truth and of her power to speak more + gently of the ruler of this land. Say to her, from me, that had she not + been the ambassadress of death, and, therefore, inviolate, surely ere now + she would have shared her husband’s bier. Farewell, tomorrow we will speak + again,” and, loosing the Shaman’s bridle, Oros passed on. + </p> + <p> + Soon we had left the melancholy procession behind us and, issuing from the + gorge, turned up the Mountain slope towards the edge of the bright snows + that lay not far above. It was as we came out of this darksome valley, + where the overhanging pine trees almost eclipsed the light, that suddenly + we missed our guide. + </p> + <p> + “Has she gone back to—to reason with the Khania?” I asked of Oros. + </p> + <p> + “Nay!” he answered, with a slight smile, “I think that she has gone + forward to give warning that the Hesea’s guests draw near.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I answered, staring hard at the bare slope of mountain, up which + not a mouse could have passed without being seen. “I understand—she + has gone forward,” and the matter dropped. But what I did <i>not</i> + understand was—how she had gone. As the Mountain was honeycombed + with caves and galleries, I suppose, however, that she entered one of + them. + </p> + <p> + All the rest of that day we marched upwards, gradually drawing nearer to + the snow-line, as we went gathering what information we could from the + priest Oros. This was the sum of it—From the beginning of the world, + as he expressed it, that is, from thousands and thousands of years ago, + this Mountain had been the home of a peculiar fire-worship, of which the + head heirophant was a woman. About twenty centuries before, however, the + invading general named Rassen, had made himself Khan of Kaloon. Rassen + established a new priestess on the Mountain, a worshipper of the Egyptian + goddess, Hes, or Isis. This priestess had introduced certain modifications + in the ancient doctrines, superseding the cult of fire, pure and simple, + by a new faith, which, while holding to some of the old ceremonies, + revered as its head the Spirit of Life or Nature, of whom they looked upon + their priestess as the earthly representative. + </p> + <p> + Of this priestess Oros would only tell us that she was “ever present,” + although we gathered that when one priestess died or was “taken to the + fire,” as he put it, her child, whether in fact or by adoption, succeeded + her and was known by the same names, those of “Hes” or the “Hesea” and + “Mother.” We asked if we should see this Mother, to which he answered that + she manifested herself very rarely. As to her appearance and attributes he + would say nothing, except that the former changed from time to time and + that when she chose to use it she had “all power.” + </p> + <p> + The priests of her College, he informed us, numbered three hundred, never + more nor less, and there were also three hundred priestesses. Certain of + those who desired it were allowed to marry, and from among their children + were reared up the new generation of priests and priestesses. Thus they + were a people apart from all others, with distinct racial characteristics. + This, indeed, was evident, for our escort were all exceedingly like to + each other, very handsome and refined in appearance, with dark eyes, + clean-cut features and olive-hued skins; such a people as might well have + descended from Easterns of high blood, with a dash of that of the + Egyptians and Greeks thrown in. + </p> + <p> + We asked him whether the mighty looped pillar that towered from the + topmost cup of the Mountain was the work of men. He answered, No; the hand + of Nature had fashioned it, and that the light shining through it came + from the fires which burned in the crater of the volcano. The first + priestess, having recognized in this gigantic column the familiar Symbol + of Life of the Egyptian worship, established her altars beneath its + shadow. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, the Mountain with its mighty slopes and borderlands was + peopled by a multitude of half-savage folk, who accepted the rule of the + Hesea, bringing her tribute of all things necessary, such as food and + metals. Much of the meat and grain however the priests raised themselves + on sheltered farms, and the metals they worked with their own hands. This + rule, however, was of a moral nature, since for centuries the College had + sought no conquests and the Mother contented herself with punishing crime + in some such fashion as we had seen. For the petty wars between the Tribes + and the people of the Plain they were not responsible, and those chiefs + who carried them on were deposed, unless they had themselves been + attacked. All the Tribes, however, were sworn to the defence of the Hesea + and the College, and, however much they might quarrel amongst themselves, + if need arose, were ready to die for her to the last man. That war must + one day break out again between the priests of the Mountain and the people + of Kaloon was recognized; therefore they endeavoured to be prepared for + that great and final struggle. + </p> + <p> + Such was the gist of his history, which, as we learned afterwards, proved + to be true in every particular. + </p> + <p> + Towards sundown we came to a vast cup extending over many thousand acres, + situated beneath the snow-line of the peak and filled with rich soil + washed down, I suppose, from above. So sheltered was the place by its + configuration and the over-hanging mountain that, facing south-west as it + did, notwithstanding its altitude it produced corn and other temperate + crops in abundance. Here the College had its farms, and very well + cultivated these seemed to be. This great cup, which could not be seen + from below, we entered through a kind of natural gateway, that might be + easily defended against a host. + </p> + <p> + There were other peculiarities, but it is not necessary to describe them + further than to say that I think the soil benefited by the natural heat of + the volcano, and that when this erupted, as happened occasionally, the + lava streams always passed to the north and south of the cup of land. + Indeed, it was these lava streams that had built up the protecting cliffs. + </p> + <p> + Crossing the garden-like lands, we came to a small town beautifully built + of lava rock. Here dwelt the priests, except those who were on duty, no + man of the Tribes or other stranger being allowed to set foot within the + place. + </p> + <p> + Following the main street of this town, we arrived at the face of the + precipice beyond, and found ourselves in front of a vast archway, closed + with massive iron gates fantastically wrought. Here, taking my horse with + them, our escort left us alone with Oros. As we drew near the great gates + swung back upon their hinges. We passed them—with what sensations I + cannot describe—and groped our way down a short corridor which ended + in tall, iron-covered doors. These also rolled open at our approach, and + next instant we staggered back amazed and half-blinded by the intense + blaze of light within. + </p> + <p> + Imagine, you who read, the nave of the vastest cathedral with which you + are acquainted. Then double or treble its size, and you will have some + conception of that temple in which we found ourselves. Perhaps in the + beginning it had been a cave, who can say? but now its sheer walls, its + multitudinous columns springing to the arched roof far above us, had all + been worked on and fashioned by the labour of men long dead; doubtless the + old fire-worshippers of thousands of years ago. + </p> + <p> + You will wonder how so great a place was lighted, but I think that never + would you guess. Thus—by twisted columns of living flame! I counted + eighteen of them, but there may have been others. They sprang from the + floor at regular intervals along the lines of what in a cathedral would be + the aisles. Right to the roof they sprang, of even height and girth, so + fierce was the force of the natural gas that drove them, and there were + lost, I suppose, through chimneys bored in the thickness of the rock. Nor + did they give off smell or smoke, or in that great, cold place, any heat + which could be noticed, only an intense white light like that of molten + iron, and a sharp hissing noise as of a million angry snakes. + </p> + <p> + The huge temple was utterly deserted, and, save for this sybilant, + pervading sound, utterly silent; an awesome, an overpowering place. + </p> + <p> + “Do these candles of yours ever go out?” asked Leo of Oros, placing his + hand before his dazzled eyes. + </p> + <p> + “How can they,” replied the priest, in his smooth, matter-of-fact voice, + “seeing that they rise from the eternal fire which the builders of this + hall worshipped? Thus they have burned from the beginning, and thus they + will burn for ever, though, if we wish it, we can shut off their light.<a href="#fn-4" name="fnref-4" id="fnref-4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> + Be pleased to follow me: you will see greater things.” + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-4" id="fn-4"></a> <a href="#fnref-4">[4]</a> +This, as I ascertained afterwards, was done by thrusting a broad stone of great +thickness over the apertures through which the gas or fire rushed and thus +cutting off the air. These stones were worked to and fro by means of pulleys +connected with iron rods.—L. H. H. +</p> + <p> + So in awed silence we followed, and, oh! how small and miserable we three + human beings looked alone in that vast temple illuminated by this + lightning radiance. We reached the end of it at length, only to find that + to right and left ran transepts on a like gigantic scale and lit in the + same amazing fashion. Here Oros bade us halt, and we waited a little + while, till presently, from either transept arose a sound of chanting, and + we perceived two white-robed processions advancing towards us from their + depths. + </p> + <p> + On they came, very slowly, and we saw that the procession to the right was + a company of priests, and that to the left a company of priestesses, a + hundred or so of them in all. + </p> + <p> + Now the men ranged themselves in front of us, while the women ranged + themselves behind, and at a signal from Oros, all of them still chanting + some wild and thrilling hymn, once more we started forward, this time + along a narrow gallery closed at the end with double wooden doors. As our + procession reached these they opened, and before us lay the crowning + wonder of this marvellous fane, a vast, ellipse-shaped apse. Now we + understood. The plan of the temple was the plan of the looped pillar which + stood upon the brow of the Peak, and as we rightly guessed, its dimensions + were the same. + </p> + <p> + At intervals around this ellipse the fiery columns flared, but otherwise + the place was empty. + </p> + <p> + No, not quite, for at the head of the apse, almost between two of the + flame columns, stood a plain, square altar of the size of a small room, in + front of which, as we saw when we drew nearer, were hung curtains of woven + silver thread. On this altar was placed a large statue of silver, that, + backed as it was by the black rock, seemed to concentrate and reflect from + its burnished surface the intense light of the two blazing pillars. + </p> + <p> + It was a lovely thing, but to describe it is hard indeed. The figure, + which was winged, represented a draped woman of mature years, and pure but + gracious form, half hidden by the forward-bending wings. Sheltered by + these, yet shown between them, appeared the image of a male child, clasped + to its bearer’s breast with her left arm, while the right was raised + toward the sky. A study of Motherhood, evidently, but how shall I write of + all that was conveyed by those graven faces? + </p> + <p> + To begin with the child. It was that of a sturdy boy, full of health and + the joy of life. Yet he had been sleeping, and in his sleep some terror + had over-shadowed him with the dark shades of death and evil. There was + fear in the lines of his sweet mouth and on the lips and cheeks, that + seemed to quiver. He had thrown his little arm about his mother’s neck, + and, pressing close against her breast, looked up to her for safety, his + right hand and outstretched finger pointing downwards and behind him, as + though to indicate whence the danger came. Yet it was passing, already + half-forgotten, for the upturned eyes expressed confidence renewed, peace + of soul attained. + </p> + <p> + And the mother. She did not seem to mock or chide his fears, for her + lovely face was anxious and alert. Yet upon it breathed a very atmosphere + of unchanging tenderness and power invincible; care for the helpless, + strength to shelter it from every harm. The great, calm eyes told their + story, the parted lips were whispering some tale of hope, sure and + immortal; the raised hand revealed whence that hope arose. All love seemed + to be concentrated in the brooding figure, so human, yet so celestial; all + heaven seemed to lie an open path before those quivering wings. And see, + the arching instep, the upward-springing foot, suggested that thither + those wings were bound, bearing their God-given burden far from the horror + of the earth, deep into the bosom of a changeless rest above. + </p> + <p> + The statue was only that of an affrighted child in its mother’s arms; its + interpretation made clear even to the dullest by the simple symbolism of + some genius—Humanity saved by the Divine. + </p> + <p> + While we gazed at its enchanting beauty, the priests and priestesses, + filing away to right and left, arranged themselves alternately, first a + man and then a woman, within the ring of the columns of fire that burned + around the loop-shaped shrine. So great was its circumference that the + whole hundred of them must stand wide apart one from another, and, to our + sight, resembled little lonely children clad in gleaming garments, while + their chant of worship reached us only like echoes thrown from a far + precipice. In short, the effect of this holy shrine and its occupants was + superb yet overwhelming, at least I know that it filled me with a feeling + akin to fear. + </p> + <p> + Oros waited till the last priest had reached his appointed place. Then he + turned and said, in his gentle, reverent tones—“Draw nigh, now, O + Wanderers well-beloved, and give greeting to the Mother,” and he pointed + towards the statue. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she?” asked Leo, in a whisper, for here we scarcely dared to + speak aloud. “I see no one.” + </p> + <p> + “The Hesea dwells yonder,” he answered, and, taking each of us by the + hand, he led us forward across the great emptiness of the apse to the + altar at its head. + </p> + <p> + As we drew near the distant chant of the priests gathered in volume, + assuming a glad, triumphant note, and it seemed to me—though this, + perhaps was fancy—that the light from the twisted columns of flame + grew even brighter. + </p> + <p> + At length we were there, and, Oros, loosing our hands, prostrated himself + thrice before the altar. Then he rose again, and, falling behind us, stood + in silence with bent head and folded fingers. We stood silent also, our + hearts filled with mingled hope and fear like a cup with wine. + </p> + <p> + Were our labours ended? Had we found her whom we sought, or were we, + perchance, but enmeshed in the web of some marvellous mummery and about to + make acquaintance with the secret of another new and mystical worship? For + years and years we had searched, enduring every hardness of flesh and + spirit that man can suffer, and now we were to learn whether we had + endured in vain. Yes, and Leo would learn if the promise was to be + fulfilled to him, or whether she whom he adored had become but a departed + dream to be sought for only beyond the gate of Death. Little wonder that + he trembled and turned white in the agony of that great suspense. + </p> + <p> + Long, long was the time. Hours, years, ages, aeons, seemed to flow over us + as we stood there before glittering silver curtains that hid the front of + the black altar beneath the mystery of the sphinx-like face of the + glorious image which was its guardian, clothed with that frozen smile of + eternal love and pity. All the past went before us as we struggled in + those dark waters of our doubt. Item by item, event by event, we rehearsed + the story which began in the Caves of Kôr, for our thoughts, so long + attuned, were open to each other and flashed from soul to soul. + </p> + <p> + Oh! now we knew, they were open also to <i>another</i> soul. We could see + nothing save the Altar and the Effigy, we could only hear the slow chant + of the priests and priestesses and the snake-like hiss of the rushing + fires. Yet we knew that our hearts were as an open book to One who watched + beneath the Mother’s shadowing wings. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"></a> + CHAPTER XIV<br /> + THE COURT OF DEATH + </h2> + <p> + Now the curtains were open. Before us appeared a chamber hollowed from the + thickness of the altar, and in its centre a throne, and on the throne a + figure clad in waves of billowy white flowing from the head over the arms + of the throne down to its marble steps. We could see no more in the + comparative darkness of that place, save that beneath the folds of the + drapery the Oracle held in its hand a loop-shaped, jewelled sceptre. + </p> + <p> + Moved by some impulse, we did as Oros had done, prostrating ourselves, and + there remained upon our knees. At length we heard a tinkling as of little + bells, and, looking up, saw that the sistrum-shaped sceptre was stretched + towards us by the draped arm which held it. Then a thin, clear voice + spoke, and I thought that it trembled a little. It spoke in Greek, but in + a much purer Greek than all these people used. + </p> + <p> + “I greet you, Wanderers, who have journeyed so far to visit this most + ancient shrine, and although doubtless of some other faith, are not + ashamed to do reverence to that unworthy one who is for this time its + Oracle and the guardian of its mysteries. Rise now and have no fear of me; + for have I not sent my Messenger and servants to conduct you to this + Sanctuary?” + </p> + <p> + Slowly we rose, and stood silent, not knowing what to say. + </p> + <p> + “I greet you, Wanderers,” the voice repeated. “Tell me thou”—and the + sceptre pointed towards Leo—“how art thou named?” + </p> + <p> + “I am named Leo Vincey,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey! I like the name, which to me well befits a man so goodly. And + thou, the companion of—Leo Vincey?” + </p> + <p> + “I am named Horace Holly.” + </p> + <p> + “So. Then tell me, Leo Vincey and Horace Holly, what came ye so far to + seek?” + </p> + <p> + We looked at each other, and I said—“The tale is long and strange. O—but + by what title must we address thee?” + </p> + <p> + “By the name which I bear here, Hes.” + </p> + <p> + “O Hes,” I said, wondering what name she bore elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + “Yet I desire to hear that tale,” she went on, and to me her voice sounded + eager. “Nay, not all to-night, for I know that you both are weary; a + little of it only. In sooth, Strangers, there is a sameness in this home + of contemplations, and no heart can feed only on the past, if such a thing + there be. Therefore I welcome a new history from the world without. Tell + it me, thou, Leo, as briefly as thou wilt, so that thou tell the truth, + for in the Presence of which I am a Minister, may nothing else be + uttered.” + </p> + <p> + “Priestess,” he said, in his curt fashion, “I obey. Many years ago when I + was young, my friend and foster-father and I, led by records of the past, + travelled to a wild land, and there found a certain divine woman who had + conquered time.” + </p> + <p> + “Then that woman must have been both aged and hideous.” + </p> + <p> + “I said, Priestess, that she had conquered time, not suffered it, for the + gift of immortal youth was hers. Also she was not hideous; she was beauty + itself.” + </p> + <p> + “Therefore stranger, thou didst worship her for her beauty’s sake, as a + man does.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not worship her; I loved her, which is another thing. The priest + Oros here worships thee, whom he calls Mother. I loved that immortal + woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou shouldst love her still. Yet, not so, since love is very + mortal.” + </p> + <p> + “I love her still,” he answered, “although she died.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how is that? Thou saidst she was immortal.” + </p> + <p> + “Perchance she only seemed to die; perchance she changed. At least I lost + her, and what I lost I seek, and have sought this many a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Why dost thou seek her in my Mountain, Leo Vincey?” + </p> + <p> + “Because a vision led me to ask counsel of its Oracle. I am come hither to + learn tidings of my lost love, since here alone these may be found.” + </p> + <p> + “And thou, Holly, didst thou also love an immortal woman whose + immortality, it seems, must bow to death?” + </p> + <p> + “Priestess,” I answered, “I am sworn to this quest, and where my + foster-son goes I follow. He follows beauty that is dead——” + </p> + <p> + “And thou dost follow him. Therefore both of you follow beauty as men have + ever done, being blind and mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” I answered, “if they were blind, beauty would be naught to them who + could not see it, and if they were mad, they would not know it when it was + seen. Knowledge and vision belong to the wise, O Hes.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou art quick of wit and tongue, Holly, as——” and she + checked herself, then of a sudden, said, “Tell me, did my servant the + Khania of Kaloon entertain both of you hospitably in her city, and speed + you on your journey hither, as I commanded her?” + </p> + <p> + “We knew not that she was thy servant,” I replied. “Hospitality we had and + to spare, but we were sped from her Court hitherward by the death-hounds + of the Khan, her husband. Tell us, Priestess, what thou knowest of this + journey of ours.” + </p> + <p> + “A little,” she answered carelessly. “More than three moons ago my spies + saw you upon the far mountains, and, creeping very close to you at night, + heard you speak together of the object of your wanderings, then, returning + thence swiftly, made report to me. Thereon I bade the Khania Atene, and + that old magician her great-uncle, who is Guardian of the Gate, go down to + the ancient gates of Kaloon to receive you and bring you hither with all + speed. Yet for men who burned to learn the answer to a riddle, you have + been long in coming.” + </p> + <p> + “We came as fast as we might, O Hes,” said Leo; “and if thy spies could + visit those mountains, where no man was, and find a path down that hideous + precipice, they must have been able also to tell thee the reason of our + delay. Therefore I pray, ask it not of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I will ask it of Atene herself, and she shall surely answer me, for + she stands without,” replied the Hesea in a cold voice. “Oros, lead the + Khania hither and be swift.” + </p> + <p> + The priest turned and walking quickly to the wooden doors by which we had + entered the shrine, vanished there. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said Leo to me nervously in the silence that followed, and speaking + in English, “now I wish we were somewhere else, for I think that there + will be trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think, I am sure,” I answered; “but the more the better, for out + of trouble may come the truth, which we need sorely.” Then I stopped, + reflecting that the strange woman before us said that her spies had + overheard our talk upon the mountains, where we had spoken nothing but + English. + </p> + <p> + As it proved, I was wise, for quite quietly the Hesea repeated after me—“Thou + hast experience, Holly, for out of trouble comes the truth, as out of + wine.” + </p> + <p> + Then she was silent, and, needless to say, I did not pursue the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + The doors swung open, and through them came a procession clad in black, + followed by the Shaman Simbri, who walked in front of a bier, upon which + lay the body of the Khan, carried by eight priests. Behind it was Atene, + draped in a black veil from head to foot, and after her marched another + company of priests. In front of the altar the bier was set down and the + priests fell back, leaving Atene and her uncle standing alone before the + corpse. + </p> + <p> + “What seeks my vassal, the Khania of Kaloon?” asked the Hesea in a cold + voice. + </p> + <p> + Now Atene advanced and bent the knee, but with little graciousness. + </p> + <p> + “Ancient Mother, Mother from of old, I do reverence to thy holy Office, as + my forefathers have done for many a generation,” and again she curtseyed. + “Mother, this dead man asks of thee that right of sepulchre in the fires + of the holy Mountain which from the beginning has been accorded to the + royal departed who went before him.” + </p> + <p> + “It has been accorded as thou sayest,” answered the Hesea, “by those + priestesses who filled my place before me, nor shall it be refused to thy + dead lord—or to thee Atene—when thy time comes.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee, O Hes, and I pray that this decree may be written down, for + the snows of age have gathered on thy venerable head and soon thou must + leave us for awhile. Therefore bid thy scribes that it be written down, so + that the Hesea who rules after thee may fulfil it in its season.” + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” said the Hesea, “cease to pour out thy bitterness at that which + should command thy reverence, oh! thou foolish child, who dost not know + but that to-morrow the fire shall claim the frail youth and beauty which + are thy boast. I bid thee cease, and tell me how did death find this lord + of thine?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask those wanderers yonder, that were his guests, for his blood is on + their heads and cries for vengeance at thy hands.” + </p> + <p> + “I killed him,” said Leo, “to save my own life. He tried to hunt us down + with his dogs, and there are the marks of them,” and he pointed to my arm. + “The priest Oros knows, for he dressed the hurts.” + </p> + <p> + “How did this chance?” asked the Hesea of Atene. + </p> + <p> + “My lord was mad,” she answered boldly, “and such was his cruel sport.” + </p> + <p> + “So. And was thy lord jealous also? Nay, keep back the falsehood I see + rising to thy lips. Leo Vincey, answer thou me. Yet, I will not ask thee + to lay bare the secrets of a woman who has offered thee her love. Thou, + Holly, speak, and let it be the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “It is this, O Hes,” I answered. “Yonder lady and her uncle the Shaman + Simbri saved us from death in the waters of the river that bounds the + precipices of Kaloon. Afterwards we were ill, and they treated us kindly, + but the Khania became enamoured of my foster-son.” + </p> + <p> + Here the figure of the Priestess stirred beneath its gauzy wrappings, and + the Voice asked—“And did thy foster-son become enamoured of the + Khania, as being a man he may well have done, for without doubt she is + fair?” + </p> + <p> + “He can answer that question for himself, O Hes. All I know is that he + strove to escape from her, and that in the end she gave him a day to + choose between death and marriage with her, when her lord should be dead. + So, helped by the Khan, her husband, who was jealous of him, we fled + towards this Mountain, which we desired to reach. Then the Khan set his + hounds upon us, for he was mad and false-hearted. We killed him and came + on in spite of this lady, his wife, and her uncle, who would have + prevented us, and were met in a Place of Bones by a certain veiled guide, + who led us up the Mountain and twice saved us from death. That is all the + story.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman, what hast thou to say?” asked the Hesea in a menacing voice. + </p> + <p> + “But little,” Atene answered, without flinching. “For years I have been + bound to a madman and a brute, and if my fancy wandered towards this man + and his fancy wandered towards me—well, Nature spoke to us, and that + is all. Afterwards it seems that he grew afraid of the vengeance of + Rassen, or this Holly, whom I would that the hounds had torn bone from + bone, grew afraid. So they strove to escape the land, and perchance + wandered to thy Mountain. But I weary of this talk, and ask thy leave to + rest before to-morrow’s rite.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou sayest, Atene,” said the Hesea, “that Nature spoke to this man and + to thee, and that his heart is thine; but that, fearing thy lord’s + vengeance, he fled from thee, he who seems no coward. Tell me, then, is + that tress he hides in the satchel on his breast thy gage of love to him?” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing of what he hides in the satchel,” answered the Khania + sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, yonder in the Gatehouse when he lay so sick he set the lock + against thine own—ah, dost remember now?” + </p> + <p> + “So, O Hes, already he has told thee all our secrets, though they be such + as most men hide within their breasts;” and she looked contemptuously at + Leo. + </p> + <p> + “I told her nothing of the matter, Khania,” Leo said in an angry voice. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, <i>thou</i> toldest me nothing, Wanderer; my watching wisdom told + me. Oh, didst thou think, Atene, that thou couldst hide the truth from the + all-seeing Hesea of the Mountain? If so, spare thy breath, for I know all, + and have known it from the first. I passed thy disobedience by; of thy + false messages I took no heed. For my own purposes I, to whom time is + naught, suffered even that thou shouldst hold these, my guests, thy + prisoners whilst thou didst strive by threats and force to win a love + denied.” + </p> + <p> + She paused, then went on coldly: “Woman, I tell thee that, to complete thy + sin, thou hast even dared to lie to me here, in my very Sanctuary.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, what of it?” was the bold answer. “Dost thou love the man thyself? + Nay, it is monstrous. Nature would cry aloud at such a shame. Oh! tremble + not with rage. Hes, I know thy evil powers, but I know also that I am thy + guest, and that in this hallowed place, beneath yonder symbol of eternal + Love, thou may’st shed no blood. More, thou canst not harm me, Hes, who am + thy equal.” + </p> + <p> + “Atene,” replied the measured Voice, “did I desire it, I could destroy + thee where thou art. Yet thou art right, I shall not harm thee, thou + faithless servant. Did not my writ bid thee through yonder searcher of the + stars, thy uncle, to meet these guests of mine and bring them straight to + my shrine? Tell me, for I seek to know, how comes it that thou didst + disobey me?” + </p> + <p> + “Have then thy desire,” answered Atene in a new and earnest voice, devoid + now of bitterness and falsehood. “I disobeyed because that man is not + thine, but mine, and no other woman’s; because I love him and have loved + him from of old. Aye, since first our souls sprang into life I have loved + him, as he has loved me. My own heart tells me so; the magic of my uncle + here tells me so, though how and where and when these things have been I + know not. Therefore I come to thee, Mother of Mysteries, Guardian of the + secrets of the past, to learn the truth. At least <i>thou</i> canst not + lie at thine own altar, and I charge thee, by the dread name of that Power + to which thou also must render thy account, that thou answer now and here. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this man to whom my being yearns? What has he been to me? What has + he to do with thee? Speak, O Oracle and make the secret clear. Speak, I + command, even though afterwards thou dost slay me—if thou canst.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, speak! speak!” said Leo, “for know I am in sore suspense. I also am + bewildered by memories and rent with hopes and fears.” + </p> + <p> + And I too echoed, “Speak!” + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey,” asked the Hesea, after she had thought awhile, “whom dost + thou believe me to be?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe,” he answered solemnly, “that thou art that Ayesha at whose + hands I died of old in the Caves of Kôr in Africa. I believe thou art that + Ayesha whom not twenty years ago I found and loved in those same Caves of + Kôr, and there saw perish miserably, swearing that thou wouldst return + again.” + </p> + <p> + “See now, how madness can mislead a man,” broke in Atene triumphantly. + “‘Not twenty years ago,’ he said, whereas I know well that more than + eighty summers have gone by since my grandsire in his youth saw this same + priestess sitting on the Mother’s throne.” + </p> + <p> + “And whom dost thou believe me to be, O Holly?” the Priestess asked, + taking no note of the Khania’s words. + </p> + <p> + “What he believes I believe,” I answered. “The dead come back to life—sometimes. + Yet alone thou knowest the truth, and by thee only it can be revealed.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she said, as though musing, “the dead come back to life—sometimes—and + in strange shape, and, mayhap, I know the truth. To-morrow when yonder + body is borne on high for burial we will speak of it again. Till then rest + you all, and prepare to face that fearful thing—the Truth.” + </p> + <p> + While the Hesea still spoke the silvery curtains swung to their place as + mysteriously as they had opened. Then, as though at some signal, the + black-robed priests advanced. Surrounding Atene, they led her from the + Sanctuary, accompanied by her uncle the Shaman, who, as it seemed to me, + either through fatigue or fear, could scarcely stand upon his feet, but + stood blinking his dim eyes as though the light dazed him. When these were + gone, the priests and priestesses, who all this time had been ranged round + the walls, far out of hearing of our talk, gathered themselves into their + separate companies, and still chanting, departed also, leaving us alone + with Oros and the corpse of the Khan, which remained where it had been set + down. + </p> + <p> + Now the head-priest Oros beckoned to us to follow him, and we went also. + Nor was I sorry to leave the place, for its death-like loneliness—enhanced, + strangely enough, as it was, by the flood of light that filled it; a + loneliness which was concentrated and expressed in the awful figure + stretched upon the bier, oppressed and overcame us, whose nerves were + broken by all that we had undergone. Thankful enough was I when, having + passed the transepts and down the length of the vast nave, we came to the + iron doors, the rock passage, and the outer gates, which, as before, + opened to let us through, and so at last into the sweet, cold air of the + night at that hour which precedes the dawn. + </p> + <p> + Oros led us to a house well-built and furnished, where at his bidding, + like men in a dream, we drank of some liquor which he gave us. I think + that drink was drugged, at least after swallowing it I remembered no more + till I awoke to find myself lying on a bed and feeling wonderfully strong + and well. This I thought strange, for a lamp burning in the room showed me + that it was still dark, and therefore that I could have rested but a + little time. + </p> + <p> + I tried to sleep again, but was not able, so fell to thinking till I grew + weary of the task. For here thoughts would not help me; nothing could + help, except the truth, “that fearful thing,” as the veiled Priestess had + called it. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what if she should prove not the Ayesha whom we desired, but some + “fearful thing”? What were the meaning of the Khania’s hints and of her + boldness, that surely had been inspired by the strength of a hidden + knowledge? What if—nay, it could not be—I would rise and dress + my arm. Or I would wake Leo and make him dress it—anything to occupy + my mind until the appointed hour, when we must learn—the best—or + the worst. + </p> + <p> + I sat up in the bed and saw a figure advancing towards me. It was Oros, + who bore a lamp in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “You have slept long, friend Holly,” he said, “and now it is time to be up + and doing.” + </p> + <p> + “Long?” I answered testily. “How can that be, when it is still dark?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, friend, the dark is that of a new night. Many hours have gone by + since you lay down upon this bed. Well, you were wise to rest you while + you may, for who knows when you will sleep again! Come, let me bathe your + arm.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” I broke in——“Nay, friend,” he interrupted firmly, + “I will tell you nothing, except that soon you must start to be present at + the funeral of the Khan, and, perchance, to learn the answer to your + questions.” + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later he led me to the eating-chamber of the house, where I + found Leo already dressed, for Oros had awakened him before he came to me + and bidden him to prepare himself. Oros told us here that the Hesea had + not suffered us to be disturbed until the night came again since we had + much to undergo that day. So presently we started. + </p> + <p> + Once more we were led through the flame-lit hall till we came to the + loop-shaped apse. The place was empty now, even the corpse of the Khan had + gone, and no draped Oracle sat in the altar shrine, for its silver + curtains were drawn, and we saw that it was untenanted. + </p> + <p> + “The Mother has departed to do honour to the dead, according to the + ancient custom,” Oros explained to us. + </p> + <p> + Then we passed the altar, and behind the statue found a door in the rock + wall of the apse, and beyond the door a passage, and a hall as of a house, + for out of it opened other doors leading to chambers. These, our guide + told us, were the dwelling-places of the Hesea and her maidens. He added + that they ran to the side of the Mountain and had windows that opened on + to gardens and let in the light and air. In this hall six priests were + waiting, each of whom carried a bundle of torches beneath his arm and held + in his hand a lighted lamp. + </p> + <p> + “Our road runs through the dark,” said Oros, “though were it day we might + climb the outer snows, but this at night it is dangerous to do.” + </p> + <p> + Then taking torches, he lit them at a lamp and gave one to each of us. + </p> + <p> + Now our climb began. Up endless sloping galleries we went, hewn with + inconceivable labour by the primeval fire-worshippers from the living rock + of the Mountain. It seemed to me that they stretched for miles, and indeed + this was so, since, although the slope was always gentle, it took us more + than an hour to climb them. At length we came to the foot of a great + stair. + </p> + <p> + “Rest awhile here, my lord,” Oros said, bowing to Leo with the reverence + that he had shown him from the first, “for this stair is steep and long. + Now we stand upon the Mountain’s topmost lip, and are about to climb that + tall looped column which soars above.” + </p> + <p> + So we sat down in the vault-like place and let the sharp draught of air + rushing to and from the passages play upon us, for we were heated with + journeying up those close galleries. As we sat thus I heard a roaring + sound and asked Oros what it might be. He answered that we were very near + to the crater of the volcano, and that what we heard through the thickness + of the rock was the rushing of its everlasting fires. Then the ascent + commenced. + </p> + <p> + It was not dangerous though very wearisome, for there were nearly six + hundred of those steps. The climb of the passages had reminded me of that + of the gallery of the Great Pyramid drawn out for whole furlongs; that of + the pillar was like the ascent of a cathedral spire, or rather of several + spires piled one upon another. + </p> + <p> + Resting from time to time, we dragged ourselves up the steep steps, each + of them quite a foot in height, till the pillar was climbed and only the + loop remained. Up it we went also, Oros leading us, and glad was I that + the stairway still ran within the substance of the rock, for I could feel + the needle’s mighty eye quiver in the rush of the winds which swept about + its sides. + </p> + <p> + At length we saw light before us, and in another twenty steps emerged upon + a platform. As Leo, who went in front of me, walked from the stairway I + saw Oros and another priest seize him by the arms, and called to him to + ask what they were doing. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” he cried back, “except that this is a dizzy place and they + feared lest I should fall. Mind how you come, Horace,” and he stretched + out his hand to me. + </p> + <p> + Now I was clear of the tunnel, and I believe that had it not been for that + hand I should have sunk to the rocky floor, for the sight before me seemed + to paralyse my brain. Nor was this to be wondered at, for I doubt whether + the world can show such another. + </p> + <p> + We stood upon the very apex of the loop, a flat space of rock about eighty + yards in length by some thirty in breadth, with the star-strewn sky above + us. To the south, twenty thousand feet or more below, stretched the dim + Plain of Kaloon, and to the east and west the snow-clad shoulders of the + peak and the broad brown slopes beneath. To the north was a different + sight, and one more awesome. There, right under us as it seemed, for the + pillar bent inwards, lay the vast crater of the volcano, and in the centre + of it a wide lake of fire that broke into bubbles and flowers of sudden + flame or spouted, writhed and twisted like an angry sea. + </p> + <p> + From the surface of this lake rose smoke and gases that took fire as they + floated upwards, and, mingling together, formed a gigantic sheet of living + light. Right opposite to us burned this sheet and, the flare of it passing + through the needle-eye of the pillar under us, sped away in one dazzling + beam across the country of Kaloon, across the mountains beyond, till it + was lost on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + The wind blew from south to north, being sucked in towards the hot crater + of the volcano, and its fierce breath, that screamed through the eye of + the pillar and against its rugged surface, bent the long crest of the + sheet of flame, as an ocean roller is bent over by the gale, and tore from + it fragments of fire, that floated away to leeward like the blown-out + sails of a burning ship. + </p> + <p> + Had it not been for this strong and steady wind indeed, no creature could + have lived upon the pillar, for the vapours would have poisoned him; but + its unceasing blast drove these all away towards the north. For the same + reason, in the thin air of that icy place the heat was not too great to be + endured. + </p> + <p> + Appalled by that terrific spectacle, which seemed more appropriate to the + terrors of the Pit than to this earth of ours, and fearful lest the blast + should whirl me like a dead leaf into the glowing gulf beneath, I fell on + to my sound hand and my knees, shouting to Leo to do likewise, and looked + about me. Now I observed lines of priests wrapped in great capes, kneeling + upon the face of the rock and engaged apparently in prayer, but of Hes the + Mother, or of Atene, or of the corpse of the dead Khan I could see + nothing. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I wondered where they might be, Oros, upon whose nerves this dread + scene appeared to have no effect, and some of our attendant priests + surrounded us and led us onwards by a path that ran perilously near to the + rounded edge of the rock. A few downward steps and we found that we were + under shelter, for the gale was roaring over us. Twenty more paces and we + came to a recess cut, I suppose, by man in the face of the loop, in such + fashion that a lava roof was left projecting half across its width. + </p> + <p> + This recess, or rock chamber, which was large enough to shelter a great + number of people, we reached safely, to discover that it was already + tenanted. Seated in a chair hewn from the rock was the Hesea, wearing a + broidered, purple mantle above her gauzy wrappings that enveloped her from + head to foot. There, too, standing near to her were the Khania Atene and + her uncle the old Shaman, who looked but ill at ease, and lastly, + stretched upon his funeral couch, the fiery light beating upon his stark + form and face, lay the dead Khan, Rassen. + </p> + <p> + We advanced to the throne and bowed to her who sat thereon. The Hesea + lifted her hooded head, which seemed to have been sunk upon her breast as + though she were overcome by thought or care, and addressed Oros the + priest. For in the shelter of those massive walls by comparison there was + silence and folk could hear each other speak. + </p> + <p> + “So thou hast brought them safely, my servant,” she said, “and I am glad, + for to those that know it not this road is fearful. My guests, what say + you of the burying-pit of the Children of Hes?” + </p> + <p> + “Our faith tells us of a hell, lady,” answered Leo, “and I think that + yonder cauldron looks like its mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she answered, “there is no hell, save that which from life to life + we fashion for ourselves within the circle of this little star. Leo + Vincey, I tell thee that hell is here, aye, <i>here</i>,” and she struck + her hand upon her breast, while once more her head drooped forward as + though bowed down beneath some load of secret misery. + </p> + <p> + Thus she stayed awhile, then lifted it and spoke again, saying—“Midnight + is past, and much must be done and suffered before the dawn. Aye, the + darkness must be turned to light, or perchance the light to eternal + darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “Royal woman,” she went on, addressing Atene, “as is his right, thou hast + brought thy dead lord hither for burial in this consecrated place, where + the ashes of all who went before him have become fuel for the holy fires. + Oros, my priest, summon thou the Accuser and him who makes defence, and + let the books be opened that I may pass my judgment on the dead, and call + his soul to live again, or pray that from it the breath of life may be + withheld. + </p> + <p> + “Priest, I say the Court of Death is open.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"></a> + CHAPTER XV<br /> + THE SECOND ORDEAL + </h2> + <p> + Oros bowed and left the place, whereon the Hesea signed to us to stand + upon her right and to Atene to stand upon her left. Presently from either + side the hooded priests and priestesses stole into the chamber, and to the + number of fifty or more ranged themselves along its walls. Then came two + figures draped in black and masked, who bore parchment books in their + hands, and placed themselves on either side of the corpse, while Oros + stood at its feet, facing the Hesea. + </p> + <p> + Now she lifted the sistrum that she held, and in obedience to the signal + Oros said—“Let the books be opened.” + </p> + <p> + Thereon the masked Accuser to the right broke the seal of his book and + began to read its pages. It was a tale of the sins of this dead man + entered as fully as though that officer were his own conscience given life + and voice. In cold and horrible detail it told of the evil doings of his + childhood, of his youth, and of his riper years, and thus massed together + the record was black indeed. + </p> + <p> + I listened amazed, wondering what spy had been set upon the deeds of + yonder man throughout his days; thinking also with a shudder of how heavy + would be the tale against any one of us, if such a spy should companion + him from the cradle to the grave; remembering too that full surely this + count is kept by scribes even more watchful than the ministers of Hes. + </p> + <p> + At length the long story drew to its close. Lastly it told of the murder + of that noble upon the banks of the river; it told of the plot against our + lives for no just cause; it told of our cruel hunting with the + death-hounds, and of its end. Then the Accuser shut his book and cast it + on the ground, saying—“Such is the record, O Mother. Sum it up as + thou hast been given wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + Without speaking, the Hesea pointed with her sistrum to the Defender, who + thereon broke the seal of his book and began to read. + </p> + <p> + Its tale spoke of all the good that the dead man had done; of every noble + word that he had said, of every kind action; of plans which he had made + for the welfare of his vassals; of temptations to ill that he had + resisted; of the true love that he had borne to the woman who became his + wife; of the prayers which he had made and of the offerings which he had + sent to the temple of Hes. + </p> + <p> + Making no mention of her name, it told of how that wife of his had hated + him, of how she and the magician, who had fostered and educated her, and + was her relative and guide, had set other women to lead him astray that + she might be free of him. Of how too they had driven him mad with a + poisonous drink which took away his judgment, unchained all the evil in + his heart, and caused him by its baneful influence to shrink unnaturally + from her whose love he still desired. + </p> + <p> + Also it set out that the heaviest of his crimes were inspired by this wife + of his, who sought to befoul his name in the ears of the people whom she + led him to oppress, and how bitter jealousy drove him to cruel acts, the + last and worst of which caused him foully to violate the law of + hospitality, and in attempting to bring about the death of blameless + guests at their hands to find his own. + </p> + <p> + Thus the Defender read, and having read, closed the book and threw it on + the ground, saying—“Such is the record, O Mother, sum it up as thou + hast been given wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Khania, who all this time had stood cold and impassive, stepped + forward to speak, and with her her uncle, the Shaman Simbri. But before a + word passed Atene’s lips the Hesea raised her sceptre and forbade them, + saying—“Thy day of trial is not yet, nor have we aught to do with + thee. When thou liest where he lies and the books of thy deeds are read + aloud to her who sits in judgment, then let thine advocate make answer for + these things.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” answered Atene haughtily and fell back. + </p> + <p> + Now it was the turn of the high-priest Oros. “Mother,” he said, “thou hast + heard. Balance the writings, assess the truth, and according to thy + wisdom, issue thy commands. Shall we hurl him who was Rassen feet first + into the fiery gulf, that he may walk again in the paths of life, or head + first, in token that he is dead indeed?” + </p> + <p> + Then while all waited in a hushed expectancy, the great Priestess + delivered her verdict. + </p> + <p> + “I hear, I balance, I assess, but judge I do not, who claim no such power. + Let the Spirit who sent him forth, to whom he is returned again, pass + judgment on his spirit. This dead one has sinned deeply, yet has he been + more deeply sinned against. Nor against that man can be reckoned the + account of his deeds of madness. Cast him then to his grave feet first + that his name may be whitened in the ears of those unborn, and that thence + he may return again at the time appointed. It is spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Now the Accuser lifted the book of his accusations from the ground and, + advancing, hurled it into the gulf in token that it was blotted out. Then + he turned and vanished from the chamber; while the Advocate, taking up his + book, gave it into the keeping of the priest Oros, that it might be + preserved in the archives of the temple for ever. This done, the priests + began a funeral chant and a solemn invocation to the great Lord of the + Under-world that he would receive this spirit and acquit it there as here + it had been acquitted by the Hesea, his minister. + </p> + <p> + Ere their dirge ended certain of the priests, advancing with slow steps, + lifted the bier and carried it to the edge of the gulf; then at a sign + from the Mother, hurled it feet foremost into the fiery lake below, whilst + all watched to see how it struck the flame. For this they held to be an + omen, since should the body turn over in its descent it was taken as a + sign that the judgment of mortal men had been refused in the Place of the + Immortals. It did not turn; it rushed downwards straight as a plummet and + plunged into the fire hundreds of feet below, and there for ever vanished. + This indeed was not strange since, as we discovered afterwards, the feet + were weighted. + </p> + <p> + In fact this solemn rite was but a formula that, down to the exact words + of judgment and committal, had been practised here from unknown antiquity + over the bodies of the priests and priestesses of the Mountain, and of + certain of the great ones of the Plain. So it was in ancient Egypt, whence + without doubt this ceremony of the trial of the dead was derived, and so + it continued to be in the land of Hes, for no priestess ever ventured to + condemn the soul of one departed. + </p> + <p> + The real interest of the custom, apart from its solemnity and awful + surroundings, centred in the accurate knowledge displayed by the masked + Accuser and Advocate of the life-deeds of the deceased. It showed that + although the College of Hes affected to be indifferent to the doings and + politics of the people of the Plain that they once ruled and over which, + whilst secretly awaiting an opportunity of re-conquest, they still claimed + a spiritual authority, the attitude was assumed rather than real. Moreover + it suggested a system of espionage so piercing and extraordinary that it + was difficult to believe it unaided by the habitual exercise of some gift + of clairvoyance. + </p> + <p> + The service, if I may call it so, was finished; the dead man had followed + the record of his sins into that lurid sea of fire, and by now was but a + handful of charred dust. But if his book had closed, ours remained open + and at its strangest chapter. We knew it, all of us, and waited, our + nerves thrilled, with expectancy. + </p> + <p> + The Hesea sat brooding on her rocky throne. She also knew that the hour + had come. Presently she sighed, then motioned with her sceptre and spoke a + word or two, dismissing the priests and priestesses, who departed and were + seen no more. Two of them remained however, Oros and the head priestess + who was called Papave, a young woman of a noble countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, my servants,” she said. “Great things are about to happen, which + have to do with the coming of yonder strangers, for whom I have waited + these many years as is well known to you. Nor can I tell the issue since + to me, to whom power is given so freely, foresight of the future is + denied. It well may happen, therefore, that this seat will soon be empty + and this frame but food for the eternal fires. Nay, grieve not, grieve + not, for I do not die and if so, the spirit shall return again. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken, Papave. Thou art of the blood, and to thee alone have I opened + all the doors of wisdom. If I pass now or at any time, take thou the + ancient power, fill thou my place, and in all things do as I have + instructed thee, that from this Mountain light may shine upon the world. + Further I command thee, and thee also, Oros my priest, that if I be + summoned hence you entertain these strangers hospitably until it is + possible to escort them from the land, whether by the road they came or + across the northern hills and deserts. Should the Khania Atene attempt to + detain them against their will, then raise the Tribes upon her in the name + of the Hesea; depose her from her seat, conquer her land and hold it. Hear + and obey.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother, we hear and we will obey,” answered Oros and Papave as with a + single voice. + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand to show that this matter was finished; then after long + thought spoke again, addressing herself to the Khania. + </p> + <p> + “Atene, last night thou didst ask me a question—why thou dost love + this man,” and she pointed to Leo. “To that the answer would be easy, for + is he not one who might well stir passion in the breast of a woman such as + thou art? But thou didst say also that thine own heart and the wisdom of + yonder magician, thy uncle, told thee that since thy soul first sprang to + life thou hadst loved him, and didst adjure me by the Power to whom I must + give my account to draw the curtain from the past and let the truth be + known. + </p> + <p> + “Woman, the hour has come, and I obey thy summons—not because thou + dost command but because it is my will. Of the beginning I can tell thee + nothing, who am still human and no goddess. I know not why we three are + wrapped in this coil of fate; I know not the destinies to which we journey + up the ladder of a thousand lives, with grief and pain climbing the + endless stair of circumstance, or, if I know, I may not say. Therefore I + take up the tale where my own memory gives me light.” + </p> + <p> + The Hesea paused, and we saw her frame shake as though beneath some + fearful inward effort of the will. “Look now behind you,” she cried, + throwing her arms wide. + </p> + <p> + We turned, and at first saw nothing save the great curtain of fire that + rose from the abyss of the volcano, whereof, as I have told, the crest was + bent over by the wind like the crest of a breaking billow. But presently, + as we watched, in the depths of this red veil, Nature’s awful lamp-flame, + a picture began to form as it forms in the seer’s magic crystal. + </p> + <p> + Behold! a temple set amid sands and washed by a wide, palm-bordered river, + and across its pyloned court processions of priests, who pass to and fro + with flaunting banners. The court empties; I could see the shadow of a + falcon’s wings that fled across its sunlit floor. A man clad in a priest’s + white robe, shaven-headed, and barefooted, enters through the southern + pylon gate and walks slowly towards a painted granite shrine, in which + sits the image of a woman crowned with the double crown of Egypt, + surmounted by a lotus bloom, and holding in her hand the sacred sistrum. + Now, as though he heard some sound, he halts and looks towards us, and by + the heaven above me, his face is the face of Leo Vincey in his youth, the + face too of that Kallikrates whose corpse we had seen in the Caves of Kôr! + </p> + <p> + “Look, look!” gasped Leo, catching me by the arm; but I only nodded my + head in answer. + </p> + <p> + The man walks on again, and kneeling before the goddess in the shrine, + embraces her feet and makes his prayer to her. Now the gates roll open, + and a procession enters, headed by a veiled, noble-looking woman, who + bears offerings, which she sets on the table before the shrine, bending + her knee to the effigy of the goddess. Her oblations made, she turns to + depart, and as she goes brushes her hand against the hand of the watching + priest, who hesitates, then follows her. + </p> + <p> + When all her company have passed the gate she lingers alone in the shadow + of the pylon, whispering to the priest and pointing to the river and the + southern land beyond. He is disturbed; he reasons with her, till, after + one swift glance round, she lets drop her veil, bending towards him and—their + lips meet. + </p> + <p> + As time flies her face is turned towards us, and lo! it is the face of + Atene, and amid her dusky hair the aura is reflected in jewelled gold, the + symbol of her royal rank. She looks at the shaven priest; she laughs as + though in triumph; she points to the westering sun and to the river, and + is gone. + </p> + <p> + Aye, and that laugh of long ago is echoed by Atene at our side, for she + also laughs in triumph and cries aloud to the old Shaman—“True + diviners were my heart and thou! Behold how I won him in the past.” + </p> + <p> + Then, like ice on fire fell the cold voice of the Hesea. + </p> + <p> + “Be silent, woman, and see how thou didst lose him in the past.” + </p> + <p> + Lo! the scene changes, and on a couch a lovely shape lies sleeping. She + dreams; she is afraid; and over her bends and whispers in her ear a + shadowy form clad with the emblems of the goddess in the shrine, but now + wearing upon her head the vulture cap. The woman wakes from her dream and + looks round, and oh! the face is the face of Ayesha as it was seen of us + when first she loosed her veil in the Caves of Kôr. + </p> + <p> + A sigh went up from us; we could not speak who thus fearfully once more + beheld her loveliness. + </p> + <p> + Again she sleeps, again the awful form bends over her and whispers. It + points, the distance opens. Lo! on a stormy sea a boat, and in the boat + two wrapped in each other’s arms, the priest and the royal woman, while + over them like a Vengeance, raw-necked and ragged-pinioned, hovers a + following vulture, such a vulture as the goddess wore for headdress. + </p> + <p> + That picture fades from its burning frame, leaving the vast sheet of fire + empty as the noonday sky. Then another forms. First a great, smooth-walled + cave carpeted with sand, a cave that we remembered well. Then lying on the + sand, now no longer shaven, but golden-haired, the corpse of the priest + staring upwards with his glazed eyes, his white skin streaked with blood, + and standing over him two women. One holds a javelin in her hand and is + naked except for her flowing hair, and beautiful, beautiful beyond + imagining. The other, wrapped in a dark cloak, beats the air with her + hands, casting up her eyes as though to call the curse of Heaven upon her + rival’s head. And those women are she into whose sleeping ear the shadow + had whispered, and the royal Egyptian who had kissed her lover beneath the + pylon gate. + </p> + <p> + Slowly all the figures faded; it was as though the fire ate them up, for + first they became thin and white as ashes; then vanished. The Hesea, who + had been leaning forward, sank backwards in her chair, as if weary with + the toil of her own magic. + </p> + <p> + For a while confused pictures flitted rapidly to and fro across the vast + mirror of the flame, such as might be reflected from an intelligence + crowded with the memories of over two thousand years which it was too + exhausted to separate and define. + </p> + <p> + Wild scenes, multitudes of people, great caves, and in them faces, amongst + others our own, starting up distorted and enormous, to grow tiny in an + instant and depart; stark imaginations of Forms towering and divine; of + Things monstrous and inhuman; armies marching, illimitable battle-fields, + and corpses rolled in blood, and hovering over them the spirits of the + slain. + </p> + <p> + These pictures died as the others had died, and the fire was blank again. + </p> + <p> + Then the Hesea spoke in a voice very faint at first, that by slow degrees + grew stronger. + </p> + <p> + “Is thy question answered, O Atene?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen strange sights, Mother, mighty limnings worthy of thy magic, + but how know I that they are more than vapours of thine own brain cast + upon yonder fire to deceive and mock us?”<a href="#fn-5" name="fnref-5" id="fnref-5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-5" id="fn-5"></a> <a href="#fnref-5">[5]</a> +Considered in the light of subsequent revelations, vouchsafed to us by Ayesha +herself, I am inclined to believe that Atene’s shrewd surmise was +accurate, and that these fearful pictures, although founded on events that had +happened in the past, were in the main “vapours” cast upon the +crater fire; visions raised in our minds to “deceive and mock +us.”—L. H. H. +</p> + <p> + “Listen then,” said the Hesea, in her weary voice, “to the interpretation + of the writing, and cease to trouble me with thy doubts. Many an age ago, + but shortly after I began to live this last, long life of mine, Isis, the + great goddess of Egypt, had her Holy House at Behbit, near the Nile. It is + a ruin now, and Isis has departed from Egypt, though still under the Power + that fashioned it and her: she rules the world, for she is Nature’s self. + Of that shrine a certain man, a Greek, Kallikrates by name, was chief + priest, chosen for her service by the favour of the goddess, vowed to her + eternally and to her alone, by the dreadful oath that might not be broken + without punishment as eternal. + </p> + <p> + “In the flame thou sawest that priest, and here at thy side he stands, + re-born, to fulfil his destiny and ours. + </p> + <p> + “There lived also a daughter of Pharaoh’s house, one Amenartas, who cast + eyes of love upon this Kallikrates, and, wrapping him in her spells—for + then as now she practised witcheries—caused him to break his oaths + and fly with her, as thou sawest written in the flame. Thou, Atene, wast + that Amenartas. + </p> + <p> + “Lastly there lived a certain Arabian, named Ayesha, a wise and lovely + woman, who, in the emptiness of her heart, and the sorrow of much + knowledge, had sought refuge in the service of the universal Mother, + thinking there to win the true wisdom which ever fled from her. That + Ayesha, as thou sawest also, the goddess visited in a dream, bidding her + to follow those faithless ones, and work Heaven’s vengeance on them, and + promising her in reward victory over death upon the earth and beauty such + as had not been known in woman. + </p> + <p> + “She followed far; she awaited them where they wandered. Guided by a sage + named Noot, one who from the beginning had been appointed to her service + and that of another—thou, O Holly, wast that man—she found the + essence in which to bathe is to outlive Generations, Faiths, and Empires, + saying—“‘I will slay these guilty ones. I will slay them presently, + as I am commanded.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yet Ayesha slew not, for now their sin was her sin, since she who had + never loved came to desire this man. She led them to the Place of Life, + purposing there to clothe him and herself with immortality, and let the + woman die. But it was not so fated, for then the goddess smote. The life + was Ayesha’s as had been sworn, but in its first hour, blinded with + jealous rage because he shrank from her unveiled glory to the mortal woman + at his side, this Ayesha brought him to his death, and alas! alas! left + herself undying. + </p> + <p> + “Thus did the angry goddess work woe upon her faithless ministers, giving + to the priest swift doom, to the priestess Ayesha, long remorse and + misery, and to the royal Amenartas jealousy more bitter than life or + death, and the fate of unending effort to win back that love which, + defying Heaven, she had dared to steal, but to be bereft thereof again. + </p> + <p> + “Lo! now the ages pass, and, at the time appointed, to that undying Ayesha + who, whilst awaiting his re-birth, from century to century mourned his + loss, and did bitter penance for her sins, came back the man, her heart’s + desire. Then, whilst all went well for her and him, again the goddess + smote and robbed her of her reward. Before her lover’s living eyes, sunk + in utter shame and misery, the beautiful became hideous, the undying + seemed to die. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, O Kallikrates, I tell thee that she died not. Did not Ayesha swear + to thee yonder in the Caves of Kôr that she would come again? for even in + that awful hour this comfort kissed her soul. Thereafter, Leo Vincey, who + art Killikrates, did not her spirit lead thee in thy sleep and stand with + thee upon this very pinnacle which should be thy beacon light to guide + thee back to her? And didst thou not search these many years, not knowing + that she companioned thy every step and strove to guard thee in every + danger, till at length in the permitted hour thou camest back to her?” + </p> + <p> + She paused, and looked towards Leo, as though awaiting his reply. + </p> + <p> + “Of the first part of the tale, except from the writing on the Sherd, I + know nothing, Lady,” he said; “of the rest I, or rather we, know that it + is true. Yet I would ask a question, and I pray thee of thy charity let + thy answer be swift and short. Thou sayest that in the permitted hour I + came back to Ayesha. Where then is Ayesha? Art thou Ayesha? And if so why + is thy voice changed? Why art thou less in stature? Oh! in the name of + whatever god thou dost worship, tell me art thou Ayesha?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>I am Ayesha</i>” she answered solemnly, “that very Ayesha to whom thou + didst pledge thyself eternally.” + </p> + <p> + “She lies, she lies,” broke in Atene. “I tell thee, husband—for such + with her own lips she declares thou art to me—that yonder woman who + says that she parted from thee young and beautiful, less than twenty years + ago, is none other than the aged priestess who for a century at least has + borne rule in these halls of Hes. Let her deny it if she can.” + </p> + <p> + “Oros,” said the Mother, “tell thou the tale of the death of that + priestess of whom the Khania speaks.” + </p> + <p> + The priest bowed, and in his usual calm voice, as though he were narrating + some event of every day, said mechanically, and in a fashion that carried + no conviction to my mind—“Eighteen years ago, on the fourth night of + the first month of the winter in the year 2333 of the founding of the + worship of Hes on this Mountain, the priestess of whom the Khania Atene + speaks, died of old age in my presence in the hundred and eighth year of + her rule. Three hours later we went to lift her from the throne on which + she died, to prepare her corpse for burial in this fire, according to the + ancient custom. Lo! a miracle, for she lived again, the same, yet very + changed. + </p> + <p> + “Thinking this a work of evil magic, the Priests and Priestesses of the + College rejected her, and would have driven her from the throne. Thereon + the Mountain blazed and thundered, the light from the fiery pillars died, + and great terror fell upon the souls of men. Then from the deep darkness + above the altar where stands the statue of the Mother of Men, the voice of + the living goddess spoke, saying—“‘Accept ye her whom I have set to + rule over you, that my judgments and my purposes may be fulfilled.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Voice ceased, the fiery torches burnt again, and we bowed the knee to + the new Hesea, and named her Mother in the ears of all. That is the tale + to which hundreds can bear witness.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou hearest, Atene,” said the Hesea. “Dost thou still doubt?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” answered the Khania, “for I hold that Oros also lies, or if he lies + not, then he dreams, or perchance that voice he heard was thine own. Now + if thou art this undying woman, this Ayesha, let proof be made of it to + these two men who knew thee in the past. Tear away those wrappings that + guard thy loveliness thus jealously. Let thy shape divine, thy beauty + incomparable, shine out upon our dazzled sight. Surely thy lover will not + forget such charms; surely he will know thee, and bow the knee, saying, + ‘This is my Immortal, and no other woman.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then, and not till then, will I believe that thou art even what thou + declarest thyself to be, an evil spirit, who bought undying life with + murder and used thy demon loveliness to bewitch the souls of men.” + </p> + <p> + Now the Hesea on the throne seemed to be much troubled, for she rocked + herself to and fro, and wrung her white-draped hands. + </p> + <p> + “Kallikrates,” she said in a voice that sounded like a moan, “is this thy + will? For if it be, know that I must obey. Yet I pray thee command it not, + for the time is not yet come; the promise unbreakable is not yet + fulfilled. <i>I am somewhat changed</i>, Kallikrates, since I kissed thee + on the brow and named thee mine, yonder in the Caves of Kôr.” + </p> + <p> + Leo looked about him desperately, till his eyes fell upon the mocking face + of Atene, who cried—“Bid her unveil, my lord. I swear to thee I’ll + not be jealous.” + </p> + <p> + At that taunt he took fire. + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” he said, “I bid her unveil, that I may learn the best or worst, who + otherwise must die of this suspense. Howsoever changed, if she be Ayesha I + shall know her, and if she be Ayesha, I shall love her.” + </p> + <p> + “Bold words, Kallikrates,” answered the Hesea; “yet from my very heart I + thank thee for them: those sweet words of trust and faithfulness to thou + knowest not what. Learn now the truth, for I may keep naught back from + thee. When I unveil it is decreed that thou must make thy choice for the + last time on this earth between yonder woman, my rival from the beginning, + and that Ayesha to whom thou art sworn. Thou canst reject me if thou wilt, + and no ill shall come to thee, but many a blessing, as men reckon them—power + and wealth and love. Only then thou must tear my memory from thy heart, + for then I leave thee to follow thy fate alone, till at the last the + purpose of these deeds and sufferings is made clear. + </p> + <p> + “Be warned. No light ordeal lies before thee. Be warned. I can promise + thee naught save such love as woman never gave to man, love that perchance—I + know not—must yet remain unsatisfied upon the earth.” + </p> + <p> + Then she turned to me and said: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! thou, Holly, thou true friend, thou guardian from of old, thou, next + to him most beloved by me, to thy clear and innocent spirit perchance + wisdom may be given that is denied to us, the little children whom thine + arms protect. Counsel thou him, my Holly, with the counsel that is given + thee, and I will obey thy words and his, and, whatever befalls, will bless + thee from my soul. Aye, and should he cast me off, then in the Land beyond + the lands, in the Star appointed, where all earthly passions fade, + together will we dwell eternally in a friendship glorious, thou and I + alone. + </p> + <p> + “For <i>thou</i> wilt not reject; thy steel, forged in the furnace of pure + truth and power, shall not lose its temper in these small fires of + temptation and become a rusted chain to bind thee to another woman’s + breast—until it canker to her heart and thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Ayesha, I thank thee for thy words,” I answered simply, “and by them and + that promise of thine, I, thy poor friend—for more I never thought + to be—am a thousandfold repaid for many sufferings. This I will add, + that for my part I know that thou art She whom we have lost, since, + whatever the lips that speak them, those thoughts and words are Ayesha’s + and hers alone.” + </p> + <p> + Thus I spoke, not knowing what else to say, for I was filled with a great + joy, a calm and ineffable satisfaction, which broke thus feebly from my + heart. For now I knew that I was dear to Ayesha as I had always been dear + to Leo; the closest of friends, from whom she never would be parted. What + more could I desire? + </p> + <p> + We fell back; we spoke together, whilst they watched us silently. What we + said I do not quite remember, but the end of it was that, as the Hesea had + done, Leo bade me judge and choose. Then into my mind there came a clear + command, from my own conscience or otherwhere, who can say? This was the + command, that I should bid her to unveil, and let fate declare its + purposes. + </p> + <p> + “Decide,” said Leo, “I cannot bear much more. Like that woman, whoever she + may be, whatever happens, I will not blame you, Horace.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” I answered, “I have decided,” and, stepping forward, I said: “We + have taken counsel, Hes, and it is our will, who would learn the truth and + be at rest, that thou shouldst unveil before us, here and now.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear and obey,” the Priestess answered, in a voice like to that of a + dying woman, “only, I beseech you both, be pitiful to me, spare me your + mockeries; add not the coals of your hate and scorn to the fires of a soul + in hell, for whate’er I am, I became it for thy sake, Kallikrates. Yet, + yet I also am athirst for knowledge; for though I know all wisdom, + although I wield much power, one thing remains to me to learn—what + is the worth of the love of man, and if, indeed, it can live beyond the + horrors of the grave?” + </p> + <p> + Then, rising slowly, the Hesea walked, or rather tottered to the unroofed + open space in front of the rock chamber, and stood there quite near to the + brink of the flaming gulf beneath. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, Papave, and loose these veils,” she cried in a shrill, thin + voice. + </p> + <p> + Papave advanced, and with a look of awe upon her handsome face began the + task. She was not a tall woman, yet as she bent over her I noted that she + seemed to tower above her mistress, the Hesea. + </p> + <p> + The outer veils fell revealing more within. These fell also, and now + before us stood the mummy-like shape, although it seemed to be of less + stature, of that strange being who had met us in the Place of Bones. So it + would seem that our mysterious guide and the high priestess Hes were the + same. + </p> + <p> + Look! Length by length the wrappings sank from her. Would they never end? + How small grew the frame within? She was very short now, unnaturally short + for a full-grown woman, and oh! I grew sick at heart. The last bandages + uncoiled themselves like shavings from a stick; two wrinkled hands + appeared, if hands they could be called. Then the feet—once I had + seen such on the mummy of a princess of Egypt, and even now by some + fantastic play of the mind, I remembered that on her coffin this princess + was named “The Beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Everything was gone now, except a shift and a last inner veil about the + head. Hes waved back the priestess Papave, who fell half fainting to the + ground and lay there covering her eyes with her hand. Then uttering + something like a scream she gripped this veil in her thin talons, tore it + away, and with a gesture of uttermost despair, turned and faced us. + </p> + <p> + Oh! she was—nay, I will not describe her. I knew her at once, for + thus had I seen her last before the Fire of Life, and, strangely enough, + through the mask of unutterable age, through that cloak of humanity’s last + decay, still shone some resemblance to the glorious and superhuman Ayesha: + the shape of the face, the air of defiant pride that for an instant bore + her up—I know not what. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there she stood, and the fierce light of the heartless fires beat + upon her, revealing every shame. + </p> + <p> + There was a dreadful silence. I saw Leo’s lips turn white and his knees + begin to give; but by some effort he recovered himself, and stayed still + and upright like a dead man held by a wire. Also I saw Atene—and + this is to her credit—turn her head away. She had desired to see her + rival humiliated, but that horrible sight shocked her; some sense of their + common womanhood for the moment touched her pity. Only Simbri, who, I + think, knew what to expect, and Oros remained quite unmoved; indeed, in + that ghastly silence the latter spoke, and ever afterwards I loved him for + his words. + </p> + <p> + “What of the vile vessel, rotted in the grave of time? What of the flesh + that perishes?” he said. “Look through the ruined lamp to the eternal + light which burns within. Look through its covering carrion to the + inextinguishable soul.” + </p> + <p> + My heart applauded these noble sentiments. I was of one mind with Oros, + but oh, Heaven! I felt that my brain was going, and I wished that it would + go, so that I might hear and see no more. + </p> + <p> + That look which gathered on Ayesha’s mummy face? At first there had been a + little hope, but the hope died, and anguish, anguish, <i>anguish</i> took + its place. + </p> + <p> + Something must be done, this could not endure. My lips clave together, no + word would come; my feet refused to move. + </p> + <p> + I began to contemplate the scenery. How wonderful were that sheet of + flame, and the ripples which ran up and down its height. How awesome its + billowy crest. It would be warm lying in yonder red gulf below with the + dead Rassen, but oh! I wished that I shared his bed and had finished with + these agonies. + </p> + <p> + Thank Heaven, Atene was speaking. She had stepped to the side of the + naked-headed Thing, and stood by it in all the pride of her rich beauty + and perfect womanhood. + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey, or Kallikrates,” said Atene, “take which name thou wilt; thou + thinkest ill of me perhaps, but know that at least I scorn to mock a rival + in her mortal shame. She told us a wild tale but now, a tale true or + false, but more false than true, I think, of how I robbed a goddess of a + votary, and of how that goddess—Ayesha’s self perchance—was + avenged upon me for the crime of yielding to the man I loved. Well, let + goddesses—if such indeed there be—take their way and work + their will upon the helpless, and I, a mortal, will take mine until the + clutch of doom closes round my throat and chokes out life and memory, and + I too am a goddess—or a clod. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, thou man, I shame not to say it before all these witnesses, I + love thee, and it seems that this—this woman or goddess—loves + thee also, and she has told us that now, <i>now</i> thou must choose + between us once and for ever. She has told us too that if I sinned against + Isis, whose minister be it remembered she declares herself, herself she + sinned yet more. For she would have taken thee both from a heavenly + mistress and from an earthly bride, and yet snatch that guerdon of + immortality which is hers to-day. Therefore if I am evil, she is worse, + nor does the flame that burns within the casket whereof Oros spoke shine + so very pure and bright. + </p> + <p> + “Choose thou then Leo Vincey, and let there be an end. I vaunt not myself; + thou knowest what I have been and seest what I am. Yet I can give thee + love and happiness and, mayhap, children to follow after thee, and with + them some place and power. What yonder witch can give thee thou canst + guess. Tales of the past, pictures on the flame, wise maxims and honeyed + words, and after thou art dead once more, promises perhaps, of joy to come + when that terrible goddess whom she serves so closely shall be appeased. I + have spoken. Yet I will add a word: + </p> + <p> + “O thou for whom, if the Hesea’s tale be true, I did once lay down my + royal rank and dare the dangers of an unsailed sea; O thou whom in ages + gone I would have sheltered with my frail body from the sorceries of this + cold, self-seeking witch; O thou whom but a little while ago at my own + life’s risk I drew from death in yonder river, choose, choose!” + </p> + <p> + To all this speech, so moderate yet so cruel, so well-reasoned and yet so + false, because of its glosses and omissions, the huddled Ayesha seemed to + listen with a fierce intentness. Yet she made no answer, not a single + word, not a sign even; she who had said her say and scorned to plead her + part. + </p> + <p> + I looked at Leo’s ashen face. He leaned towards Atene, drawn perhaps by + the passion shining in her beauteous eyes, then of a sudden straightened + himself, shook his head and sighed. The colour flamed to his brow, and his + eyes grew almost happy. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” he said, thinking aloud rather than speaking, “I have to do + not with unknowable pasts or with mystic futures, but with the things of + my own life. Ayesha waited for me through two thousand years; Atene could + marry a man she hated for power’s sake, and then could poison him, as + perhaps she would poison me when I wearied her. I know not what oaths I + swore to Amenartas, if such a woman lived. I remember the oaths I swore to + Ayesha. If I shrink from her now, why then my life is a lie and my belief + a fraud; then love will not endure the touch of age and never can survive + the grave. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, remembering what Ayesha was I take her as she is, in faith and hope + of what she shall be. At least love is immortal and if it must, why let it + feed on memory alone till death sets free the soul.” + </p> + <p> + Then stepping to where stood the dreadful, shrivelled form, Leo knelt down + before it and kissed her on the brow. + </p> + <p> + Yes, he kissed the trembling horror of that wrinkled head, and I think it + was one of the greatest, bravest acts ever done by man. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast chosen,” said Atene in a cold voice, “and I tell thee, Leo + Vincey, that the manner of thy choice makes me mourn my loss the more. + Take now thy—thy bride and let me hence.” + </p> + <p> + But Ayesha still said no word and made no sign, till presently she sank + upon her bony knees and began to pray aloud. These were the words of her + prayer, as I heard them, though the exact Power to which it was addressed + is not very easy to determine, as I never discovered who or what it was + that she worshipped in her heart—“O Thou minister of the almighty + Will, thou sharp sword in the hand of Doom, thou inevitable Law that art + named Nature; thou who wast crowned as Isis of the Egyptians, but art the + goddess of all climes and ages; thou that leadest the man to the maid, and + layest the infant on his mother’s breast, that bringest our dust to its + kindred dust, that givest life to death, and into the dark of death + breathest the light of life again; thou who causest the abundant earth to + bear, whose smile is Spring, whose laugh is the ripple of the sea, whose + noontide rest is drowsy Summer, and whose sleep is Winter’s night, hear + thou the supplication of thy chosen child and minister: + </p> + <p> + “Of old thou gavest me thine own strength with deathless days, and beauty + above every daughter of this Star. But I sinned against thee sore, and for + my sin I paid in endless centuries of solitude, in the vileness that makes + me loathsome to my lover’s eyes, and for its diadem of perfect power sets + upon my brow this crown of naked mockery. Yet in thy breath, the swift + essence that brought me light, that brought me gloom, thou didst vow to me + that I who cannot die should once more pluck the lost flower of my + immortal loveliness from this foul slime of shame. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, merciful Mother that bore me, to thee I make my prayer. Oh, + let his true love atone my sin; or, if it may not be, then give me death, + the last and most blessed of thy boons!” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"></a> + CHAPTER XVI<br /> + THE CHANGE + </h2> + <p> + She ceased, and there was a long, long silence. Leo and I looked at each + other in dismay. We had hoped against hope that this beautiful and piteous + prayer, addressed apparently to the great, dumb spirit of Nature, would be + answered. That meant a miracle, but what of it? The prolongation of the + life of Ayesha was a miracle, though it is true that some humble reptiles + are said to live as long as she had done. + </p> + <p> + The transference of her spirit from the Caves of Kôr to this temple was a + miracle, that is, to our western minds, though the dwellers in these parts + of Central Asia would not hold it so. That she should re-appear with the + same hideous body was a miracle. But was it the same body? Was it not the + body of the last Hesea? One very ancient woman is much like another, and + eighteen years of the working of the soul or identity within might well + wear away their trivial differences and give to the borrowed form some + resemblance to that which it had left. + </p> + <p> + At least the figures on that mirror of the flame were a miracle. Nay, why + so? A hundred clairvoyants in a hundred cities can produce or see their + like in water and in crystal, the difference being only one of size. They + were but reflections of scenes familiar to the mind of Ayesha, or perhaps + not so much as that. Perhaps they were only phantasms called up in <i>our</i> + minds by her mesmeric force. + </p> + <p> + Nay, none of these things were true miracles, since all, however strange, + might be capable of explanation. What right then had we to expect a marvel + now? + </p> + <p> + Such thoughts as these rose in our minds as the endless minutes were born + and died and—nothing happened. + </p> + <p> + Yes, at last one thing did happen. The light from the sheet of flame died + gradually away as the flame itself sank downwards into the abysses of the + pit. But about this in itself there was nothing wonderful, for as we had + seen with our own eyes from afar this fire varied much, and indeed it was + customary for it to die down at the approach of dawn, which now drew very + near. + </p> + <p> + Still that onward-creeping darkness added to the terrors of the scene. By + the last rays of the lurid light we saw Ayesha rise and advance some few + paces to that little tongue of rock at the edge of the pit off which the + body of Rassen had been hurled; saw her standing on it, also, looking like + some black, misshapen imp against the smoky glow which still rose from the + depths beneath. + </p> + <p> + Leo would have gone forward to her, for he believed that she was about to + hurl herself to doom, which indeed I thought was her design. But the + priest Oros, and the priestess Papave, obeying, I suppose, some secret + command that reached them I know not how, sprang to him and seizing his + arms, held him back. Then it became quite dark, and through the darkness + we could hear Ayesha chanting a dirge-like hymn in some secret, holy + tongue which was unknown to us. + </p> + <p> + A great flake of fire floated through the gloom, rocking to and fro like + some vast bird upon its pinions. We had seen many such that night, torn by + the gale from the crest of the blazing curtain as I have described. But—but—“Horace,” + whispered Leo through his chattering teeth, “that flame is coming up <i>against + the wind!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the wind has changed,” I answered, though I knew well that it had + not; that it blew stronger than ever from the south. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer sailed the rocking flame, two enormous wings was the + shape of it, with something dark between them. It reached the little + promontory. The wings appeared to fold themselves about the dwarfed figure + that stood thereon—illuminating it for a moment. Then the light went + out of them and they vanished—everything vanished. + </p> + <p> + A while passed, it may have been one minute or ten, when suddenly the + priestess Papave, in obedience to some summons which we could not hear, + crept by me. I knew that it was she because her woman’s garments touched + me as she went. Another space of silence and of deep darkness, during + which I heard Papave return, breathing in short, sobbing gasps like one + who is very frightened. + </p> + <p> + Ah! I thought, Ayesha has cast herself into the pit. The tragedy is + finished! + </p> + <p> + Then it was that the wondrous music came. Of course it <i>may</i> have + been only the sound of priests chanting beyond us, but I do not think so, + since its quality was quite different to any that I heard in the temple + before or afterwards: to any indeed that ever I heard upon the earth. + </p> + <p> + I cannot describe it, but it was awful to listen to, yet most entrancing. + From the black, smoke-veiled pit where the fire had burned it welled and + echoed—now a single heavenly voice, now a sweet chorus, and now an + air-shaking thunder as of a hundred organs played to time. + </p> + <p> + That diverse and majestic harmony seemed to include, to express every + human emotion, and I have often thought since then that in its + all-embracing scope and range, this, the song or paean of her re-birth was + symbolical of the infinite variety of Ayesha’s spirit. Yet like that + spirit it had its master notes; power, passion, suffering, mystery and + loveliness. Also there could be no doubt as to the general significance of + the chant by whomsoever it was sung. It was the changeful story of a + mighty soul; it was worship, worship, worship of a queen divine! + </p> + <p> + Like slow clouds of incense fading to the bannered roof of some high + choir, the bursts of unearthly melodies grew faint; in the far distance of + the hollow pit they wailed themselves away. + </p> + <p> + Look! from the east a single ray of upward-springing light. + </p> + <p> + “Behold the dawn,” said the quiet voice of Oros. + </p> + <p> + That ray pierced the heavens above our heads, a very sword of flame. It + sank downwards, swiftly. Suddenly it fell, not upon us, for as yet the + rocky walls of our chamber warded it away, but on to the little promontory + at its edge. + </p> + <p> + Oh! and there—a Glory covered with a single garment—stood a + shape celestial. It seemed to be asleep, since the eyes were shut. Or was + it dead, for at first that face was a face of death? Look, the sunlight + played upon her, shining through the thin veil, the dark eyes opened like + the eyes of a wondering child; the blood of life flowed up the ivory bosom + into the pallid cheeks; the raiment of black and curling tresses wavered + in the wind; the head of the jewelled snake that held them sparkled + beneath her breast. + </p> + <p> + Was it an illusion, or was this Ayesha as she had been when she entered + the rolling flame in the caverns of Kôr? Our knees gave way beneath us, + and down, our arms about each other’s necks, Leo and I sank till we lay + upon the ground. Then a voice sweeter than honey, softer than the whisper + of a twilight breeze among the reeds, spoke near to us, and these were the + words it said—“<i>Come hither to me, Kallikrates, who would pay thee + back that redeeming kiss of faith and love thou gavest me but now!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Leo struggled to his feet. Like a drunken man he staggered to where Ayesha + stood, then overcome, sank before her on his knees. + </p> + <p> + “Arise,” she said, “it is I who should kneel to thee,” and she stretched + out her hand to raise him, whispering in his ear the while. + </p> + <p> + Still he would not, or could not rise, so very slowly she bent over him + and touched him with her lips upon the brow. Next she beckoned to me. I + came and would have knelt also, but she suffered it not. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she said, in her rich, remembered voice, “thou art no suitor; it + shall not be. Of lovers and worshippers henceforth as before, I can find a + plenty if I will, or even if I will it not. But where shall I find another + friend like to thee, O Holly, whom thus I greet?” and leaning towards me, + with her lips she touched me also on the brow—just touched me, and + no more. + </p> + <p> + Fragrant was Ayesha’s breath as roses, the odour of roses clung to her + lovely hair; her sweet body gleamed like some white sea-pearl; a faint but + palpable radiance crowned her head; no sculptor ever fashioned such a + marvel as the arm with which she held her veil about her; no stars in + heaven ever shone more purely bright than did her calm, entranced eyes. + </p> + <p> + Yet it is true, even with her lips upon me, all I felt for her was a love + divine into which no human passion entered. Once, I acknowledge to my + shame, it was otherwise, but I am an old man now and have done with such + frailties. Moreover, had not Ayesha named me Guardian, Protector, Friend, + and sworn to me that with her and Leo I should ever dwell where all + earthly passions fail. I repeat: what more could I desire? + </p> + <p> + Taking Leo by the hand Ayesha returned with him into the shelter of the + rock-hewn chamber and when she entered its shadows, shivered a little as + though with cold. I rejoiced at this I remember, for it seemed to show me + that she still was human, divine as she might appear. Here her priest and + priestess prostrated themselves before her new-born splendour, but she + motioned to them to rise, laying a hand upon the head of each as though in + blessing. “I am cold,” she said, “give me my mantle,” and Papave threw the + purple-broidered garment upon her shoulders, whence now it hung royally, + like a coronation robe. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she went on, “it is not this long-lost shape of mine, which in his + kiss my lord gave back to me, that shivers in the icy wind, it is my + spirit’s self bared to the bitter breath of Destiny. O my love, my love, + offended Powers are not easily appeased, even when they appear to pardon, + and though I shall no more be made a mockery in thy sight, how long is + given us together upon the world I know not; but a little hour perchance. + Well, ere we pass otherwhere, we will make it glorious, drinking as deeply + of the cup of joy as we have drunk of those of sorrows and of shame. This + place is hateful to me, for here I have suffered more than ever woman did + on earth or phantom in the deepest hell. It is hateful, it is ill-omened. + I pray that never again may I behold it. + </p> + <p> + “Say, what is it passes in thy mind, magician?” and of a sudden she turned + fiercely upon the Shaman Simbri who stood near, his arms crossed upon his + breast. + </p> + <p> + “Only, thou Beautiful,” he answered, “a dim shadow of things to come. I + have what thou dost lack with all thy wisdom, the gift of foresight, and + here I see a dead man lying——” + </p> + <p> + “Another word,” she broke in with fury born of some dark fear, “and thou + shalt be that man. Fool, put me not in mind that now I have strength again + to rid me of the ancient foes I hate, lest I should use a sword thou + thrustest to my hand,” and her eyes that had been so calm and happy, + blazed upon him like fire. + </p> + <p> + The old wizard felt their fearsome might and shrank from it till the wall + stayed him. + </p> + <p> + “Great One! now as ever I salute thee. Yes, now as at the first beginning + whereof we know alone,” he stammered. “I had no more to say; the face of + that dead man was not revealed to me. I saw only that some crowned Khan of + Kaloon to be shall lie here, as he whom the flame has taken lay an hour + ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless many a Khan of Kaloon will lie here,” she answered coldly. + “Fear not, Shaman, my wrath is past, yet be wise, mine enemy, and prophesy + no more evil to the great. Come, let us hence.” + </p> + <p> + So, still led by Leo, she passed from that chamber and stood presently + upon the apex of the soaring pillar. The sun was up now, flooding the + Mountain flanks, the plains of Kaloon far beneath and the distant, misty + peaks with a sheen of gold. Ayesha stood considering the mighty prospect, + then addressing Leo, she said—“The world is very fair; I give it all + to thee.” + </p> + <p> + Now Atene spoke for the first time. + </p> + <p> + “Dost thou mean Hes—if thou art still the Hesea and not a demon + arisen from the Pit—that thou offerest my territories to this man as + a love-gift? If so, I tell thee that first thou must conquer them.” + </p> + <p> + “Ungentle are thy words and mien,” answered Ayesha, “yet I forgive them + both, for I also can scorn to mock a rival in my hour of victory. When + thou wast the fairer, thou didst proffer him these very lands, but say, + who is the fairer now? Look at us, all of you, and judge,” and she stood + by Atene and smiled. + </p> + <p> + The Khania was a lovely woman. Never to my knowledge have I seen one + lovelier, but oh! how coarse and poor she showed beside the wild, ethereal + beauty of Ayesha born again. For that beauty was not altogether human, far + less so indeed than it had been in the Caves of Kôr; now it was the beauty + of a spirit. + </p> + <p> + The little light that always shone upon Ayesha’s brow; the wide-set, + maddening eyes which were filled sometimes with the fire of the stars and + sometimes with the blue darkness of the heavens wherein they float; the + curved lips, so wistful yet so proud; the tresses fine as glossy silk that + still spread and rippled as though with a separate life; the general air, + not so much of majesty as of some secret power hard to be restrained, + which strove in that delicate body and proclaimed its presence to the most + careless; that flame of the soul within whereof Oros had spoken, shining + now through no “vile vessel,” but in a vase of alabaster and of pearl—none + of these things and qualities were altogether human. I felt it and was + afraid, and Atene felt it also, for she answered—“I am but a woman. + What thou art, thou knowest best. Still a taper cannot shine midst yonder + fires or a glow-worm against a fallen star; nor can my mortal flesh + compare with the glory thou hast earned from hell in payment for thy gifts + and homage to the lord of ill. Yet as woman I am thy equal, and as spirit + I shall be thy mistress, when robbed of these borrowed beauties thou, + Ayesha, standest naked and ashamed before the Judge of all whom thou hast + deserted and defied; yes, as thou stoodest but now upon yonder brink above + the burning pit where thou yet shalt wander wailing thy lost love. For + this I know, mine enemy, that <i>man and spirit cannot mate</i>,” and + Atene ceased, choking in her bitter rage and jealousy. + </p> + <p> + Now watching Ayesha, I saw her wince a little beneath these evil-omened + words, saw also a tinge of grey touch the carmine of her lips and her deep + eyes grow dark and troubled. But in a moment her fears had gone and she + was asking in a voice that rang clear as silver bells—“Why ravest + thou, Atene, like some short-lived summer torrent against the barrier of a + seamless cliff? Dost think, poor creature of an hour, to sweep away the + rock of my eternal strength with foam and bursting bubbles? Have done and + listen. I do not seek thy petty rule, who, if I will it, can take the + empire of the world. Yet learn, thou holdest it of my hand. More—I + purpose soon to visit thee in thy city—choose thou if it shall be in + peace or war! Therefore, Khania, purge thy court and amend thy laws, that + when I come I may find contentment in the land which now it lacks, and + confirm thee in thy government. My counsel to thee also is that thou + choose some worthy man to husband, let him be whom thou wilt, if only he + is just and upright and one upon whom thou mayest rest, needing wise + guidance as thou dost, Atene. Come, now, my guests, let us hence,” and she + walked past the Khania, stepping fearlessly upon the very edge of the + wind-swept, rounded peak. + </p> + <p> + In a second the attempt had been made and failed, so quickly indeed that + it was not until Leo and I compared our impressions afterwards that we + could be sure of what had happened. As Ayesha passed her, the maddened + Khania drew a hidden dagger and struck with all her force at her rival’s + back. I saw the knife vanish to the hilt in her body, as I thought, but + this cannot have been so since it fell to the ground, and she who should + have been dead, took no hurt at all. + </p> + <p> + Feeling that she had failed, with a movement like the sudden lurch of a + ship, Atene thrust at Ayesha, proposing to hurl her to destruction in the + depths beneath. Lo! her outstretched arms went past her although Ayesha + never seemed to stir. Yes it was Atene who would have fallen, Atene who + already fell, had not Ayesha put out her hand and caught her by the wrist, + bearing all her backward-swaying weight as easily as though she were but + an infant, and without effort drawing her to safety. + </p> + <p> + “Foolish woman!” she said in pitying tones. “Wast thou so vexed that thou + wouldst strip thyself of the pleasant shape which heaven has given thee? + Surely this is madness, Atene, for how knowest thou in what likeness thou + mightest be sent to tread the earth again? As no queen perhaps, but as a + peasant’s child, deformed, unsightly; for such reward, it is said, is + given to those that achieve self-murder. Or even, as many think, shaped + like a beast—a snake, a cat, a tigress! Why, see,” and she picked + the dagger from the ground and cast it into the air, “that point was + poisoned. Had it but pricked thee now!” and she smiled at her and shook + her head. + </p> + <p> + But Atene could bear no more of this mockery, more venomed than her own + steel. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art not mortal,” she wailed. “How can I prevail against thee? To + Heaven I leave thy punishment,” and there upon the rocky peak Atene sank + down and wept. + </p> + <p> + Leo stood nearest to her, and the sight of this royal woman in her misery + proved too much for him to bear. Stepping to her side he stooped and + lifted her to her feet, muttering some kind words. For a moment she rested + on his arm, then shook herself free of him and took the proffered hand of + her old uncle Simbri. + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Ayesha, “that as ever, thou art courteous, my lord Leo, but + it is best that her own servant should take charge of her, for—she + may hide more daggers. Come, the day grows, and surely we need rest.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"></a> + CHAPTER XVII<br /> + THE BETROTHAL + </h2> + <p> + Together we descended the multitudinous steps and passed the endless, + rock-hewn passages till we came to the door of the dwelling of the + high-priestess and were led through it into a hall beyond. Here Ayesha + parted from us saying that she was outworn, as indeed she seemed to be + with an utter weariness, not of the body, but of the spirit. For her + delicate form drooped like a rain-laden lily, her eyes grew dim as those + of a person in a trance, and her voice came in a soft, sweet whisper, the + voice of one speaking in her sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye,” she said to us. “Oros will guard you both, and lead you to me + at the appointed time. Rest you well.” + </p> + <p> + So she went and the priest led us into a beautiful apartment that opened + on to a sheltered garden. So overcome were we also by all that we had + endured and seen, that we could scarcely speak, much less discuss these + marvellous events. + </p> + <p> + “My brain swims,” said Leo to Oros, “I desire to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed and conducted us to a chamber where were beds, and on these we + flung ourselves down and slept, dreamlessly, like little children. + </p> + <p> + When we awoke it was afternoon. We rose and bathed, then saying that we + wished to be alone, went together into the garden where even at this + altitude, now, at the end of August, the air was still mild and pleasant. + Behind a rock by a bed of campanulas and other mountain flowers and ferns, + was a bench near to the banks of a little stream, on which we seated + ourselves. + </p> + <p> + “What have you to say, Horace?” asked Leo laying his hand upon my arm. + </p> + <p> + “Say?” I answered. “That things have come about most marvellously; that we + have dreamed aright and laboured not in vain; that you are the most + fortunate of men and should be the most happy.” + </p> + <p> + He looked at me somewhat strangely, and answered—“Yes, of course; + she is lovely, is she not—but,” and his voice dropped to its lowest + whisper, “I wish, Horace, that Ayesha were a little more human, even as + human as she was in the Caves of Kôr. I don’t think she is quite flesh and + blood, I felt it when she kissed me—if you can call it a kiss—for + she barely touched my hair. Indeed how can she be who changed thus in an + hour? Flesh and blood are not born of flame, Horace.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure that she was so born?” I asked. “Like the visions on the + fire, may not that hideous shape have been but an illusion of our minds? + May she not be still the same Ayesha whom we knew in Kôr, not re-born, but + wafted hither by some mysterious agency?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps. Horace, we do not know—I think that we shall never know. + But I admit that to me the thing is terrifying. I am drawn to her by an + infinite attraction, her eyes set my blood on fire, the touch of her hand + is as that of a wand of madness laid upon my brain. And yet between us + there is some wall, invisible, still present. Or perhaps it is only fancy. + But, Horace, I think that she is afraid of Atene. Why, in the old days the + Khania would have been dead and forgotten in an hour—you remember + Ustane?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps she may have grown more gentle, Leo, who, like ourselves, has + learned hard lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, “I hope that is so. At any rate she has grown more + divine—only, Horace, what kind of a husband shall I be for that + bright being, if ever I get so far?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you not get so far?” I asked angrily, for his words jarred + upon my tense nerves. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” he answered, “but on general principles do you think that + such fortune will be allowed to a man? Also, what did Atene mean when she + said that man and spirit cannot mate—and—other things?” + </p> + <p> + “She meant that she <i>hoped</i> they could not, I imagine, and, Leo, it + is useless to trouble yourself with forebodings that are more fitted to my + years than yours, and probably are based on nothing. Be a philosopher, + Leo. You have striven by wonderful ways such as are unknown in the history + of the world; you have attained. Take the goods the gods provide you—the + glory, the love and the power—and let the future look to itself.” + </p> + <p> + Before he could answer Oros appeared from round the rock, and, bowing with + more than his usual humility to Leo, said that the Hesea desired our + presence at a service in the Sanctuary. Rejoiced at the prospect of seeing + her again before he had hoped to do so, Leo sprang up and we accompanied + him back to our apartment. + </p> + <p> + Here priests were waiting, who, somewhat against his will, trimmed his + hair and beard, and would have done the same for me had I not refused + their offices. Then they placed gold-embroidered sandals on our feet and + wrapped Leo in a magnificent, white robe, also richly worked with gold and + purple; a somewhat similar robe but of less ornate design being given to + me. Lastly, a silver sceptre was thrust into his hand and into mine a + plain wand. This sceptre was shaped like a crook, and the sight of it gave + me some clue to the nature of the forthcoming ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “The crook of Osiris!” I whispered to Leo. + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” he answered, “I don’t want to impersonate any Egyptian god, + or to be mixed up in their heathen idolatries; in fact, I won’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Better go through with it,” I suggested, “probably it is only something + symbolical.” + </p> + <p> + But Leo, who, notwithstanding the strange circumstances connected with his + life, retained the religious principles in which I had educated him, very + strongly indeed, refused to move an inch until the nature of this service + was made clear to him. Indeed he expressed himself upon the subject with + vigour to Oros. At first the priest seemed puzzled what to do, then + explained that the forthcoming ceremony was one of betrothal. + </p> + <p> + On learning this Leo raised no further objections, asking only with some + nervousness whether the Khania would be present. Oros answered “No,” as + she had already departed to Kaloon, vowing war and vengeance. + </p> + <p> + Then we were led through long passages, till finally we emerged into the + gallery immediately in front of the great wooden doors of the apse. At our + approach these swung open and we entered it, Oros going first, then Leo, + then myself, and following us, the procession of attendant priests. + </p> + <p> + As soon as our eyes became accustomed to the dazzling glare of the flaming + pillars, we saw that some great rite was in progress in the temple, for in + front of the divine statue of Motherhood, white-robed and arranged in + serried ranks, stood the company of the priests to the number of over two + hundred, and behind these the company of the priestesses. Facing this + congregation and a little in advance of the two pillars of fire that + flared on either side of the shrine, Ayesha herself was seated in a raised + chair so that she could be seen of all, while to her right stood a similar + chair of which I could guess the purpose. + </p> + <p> + She was unveiled and gorgeously apparelled, though save for the white + beneath, her robes were those of a queen rather than of a priestess. About + her radiant brow ran a narrow band of gold, whence rose the head of a + hooded asp cut out of a single, crimson jewel, beneath which in endless + profusion the glorious waving hair flowed down and around, hiding even the + folds of her purple cloak. + </p> + <p> + This cloak, opening in front, revealed an undertunic of white silk cut low + upon her bosom and kept in place by a golden girdle, a double-headed + snake, so like to that which She had worn in Kôr that it might have been + the same. Her naked arms were bare of ornament, and in her right hand she + held the jewelled sistrum set with its gems and bells. + </p> + <p> + No empress could have looked more royal and no woman was ever half so + lovely, for to Ayesha’s human beauty was added a spiritual glory, her + heritage alone. Seeing her we could see naught else. The rhythmic movement + of the bodies of the worshippers, the rolling grandeur of their chant of + welcome echoed from the mighty roof, the fearful torches of living flame; + all these things were lost on us. For there re-born, enthroned, her arms + stretched out in gracious welcome, sat that perfect and immortal woman, + the appointed bride of one of us, the friend and lady of the other, her + divine presence breathing power, mystery and love. + </p> + <p> + On we marched between the ranks of hierophants, till Oros and the priests + left us and we stood alone face to face with Ayesha. Now she lifted her + sceptre and the chant ceased. In the midst of the following silence, she + rose from her seat and gliding down its steps, came to where Leo stood and + touched him on the forehead with her sistrum, crying in a loud, sweet + voice—“Behold the Chosen of the Hesea!” whereon all that audience + echoed in a shout of thunder—“Welcome to the Chosen of the Hesea!” + </p> + <p> + Then while the echoes of that glad cry yet rang round the rocky walls, + Ayesha motioned to me to stand at her side, and taking Leo by the hand + drew him towards her, so that now he faced the white-robed company. + Holding him thus she began to speak in clear and silvery tones. + </p> + <p> + “Priests and priestesses of Hes, servants with her of the Mother of the + world, hear me. Now for the first time I appear among you as <i>I</i> am, + you who heretofore have looked but on a hooded shape, not knowing its form + or fashion. Learn now the reason that I draw my veil. Ye see this man, + whom ye believed a stranger that with his companion had wandered to our + shrine. I tell you that he is no stranger; that of old, in lives + forgotten, he was my lord who now comes to seek his love again. Say, is it + not so, Kallikrates?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so,” answered Leo. + </p> + <p> + “Priests and priestesses of Hes, as ye know, from the beginning it has + been the right and custom of her who holds my place to choose one to be + her lord. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so, O Hes,” they answered. + </p> + <p> + She paused a while, then with a gesture of infinite sweetness turned to + Leo, bent towards him thrice and slowly sank upon her knee. + </p> + <p> + “Say thou,” Ayesha said, looking up at him with her wondrous eyes, “say + before these here gathered, and all those witnesses whom thou canst not + see, dost thou again accept me as thy affianced bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Lady,” he answered, in a deep but shaken voice, “now and for ever.” + </p> + <p> + Then while all watched, in the midst of a great silence, Ayesha rose, cast + down her sistrum sceptre that rang upon the rocky floor, and stretched out + her arms towards him. + </p> + <p> + Leo also bent towards her, and would have kissed her upon the lips. But I + who watched, saw his face grow white as it drew near to hers. While the + radiance crept from her brow to his, turning his bright hair to gold, I + saw also that this strong man trembled like a reed and seemed as though he + were about to fall. + </p> + <p> + I think that Ayesha noted it too, for ere ever their lips met, she thrust + him from her and again that grey mist of fear gathered on her face. + </p> + <p> + In an instant it passed. She had slipped from him and with her hand held + his hand as though to support him. Thus they stood till his feet grew firm + and his strength returned. + </p> + <p> + Oros restored the sceptre to her, and lifting it she said—“O love + and lord, take thou the place prepared for thee, where thou shalt sit for + ever at my side, for with myself I give thee more than thou canst know or + than I will tell thee now. Mount thy throne, O Affianced of Hes, and + receive the worship of thy priests.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he answered with a start as that word fell upon his ears. “Here and + now I say it once and for all. I am but a man who know nothing of strange + gods, their attributes and ceremonials. None shall bow the knee to me and + on earth, Ayesha, I bow mine to thee alone.” + </p> + <p> + Now at this bold speech some of those who heard it looked astonished and + whispered to each other, while a voice called—“Beware, thou Chosen, + of the anger of the Mother!” + </p> + <p> + Again for a moment Ayesha looked afraid, then with a little laugh, swept + the thing aside, saying—“Surely with that I should be content. For + me, O Love, thy adoration for thee the betrothal song, no more.” + </p> + <p> + So having no choice Leo mounted the throne, where notwithstanding his + splendid presence, enhanced as it was by those glittering robes, he looked + ill enough at ease, as indeed must any man of his faith and race. Happily + however, if some act of semi-idolatrous homage had been proposed, Ayesha + found a means to prevent its celebration, and soon all such matters were + forgotten both by the singers who sang, and us who listened to the + majestic chant that followed. + </p> + <p> + Of its words unfortunately we were able to understand but little, both + because of the volume of sound and of the secret, priestly language in + which it was given, though its general purport could not be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + The female voices began it, singing very low, and conveying a strange + impression of time and distance. Now followed bursts of gladness + alternating with melancholy chords suggesting sighs and tears and sorrows + long endured, and at the end a joyous, triumphant paean thrown to and fro + between the men and women singers, terminating in one united chorus + repeated again and again, louder and yet louder, till it culminated in a + veritable crash of melody, then of a sudden ceased. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha rose and waved her sceptre, whereon all the company bowed thrice, + then turned and breaking into some sweet, low chant that sounded like a + lullaby, marched, rank after rank, across the width of the Sanctuary and + through the carven doors which closed behind the last of them. + </p> + <p> + When all had gone, leaving us alone, save for the priest Oros and the + priestess Papave, who remained in attendance on their mistress, Ayesha, + who sat gazing before her with dreaming, empty eyes, seemed to awake, for + she rose and said—“A noble chant, is it not, and an ancient? It was + the wedding song of the feast of Isis and Osiris at Behbit in Egypt, and + there I heard it before ever I saw the darksome Caves of Kôr. Often have I + observed, my Holly, that music lingers longer than aught else in this + changeful world, though it is rare that the very words should remain + unvaried. Come, beloved—tell me, by what name shall I call thee? + Thou art Kallikrates and yet——” + </p> + <p> + “Call me Leo, Ayesha,” he answered, “as I was christened in the only life + of which I have any knowledge. This Kallikrates seems to have been an + unlucky man, and the deeds he did, if in truth he was aught other than a + tool in the hand of destiny, have bred no good to the inheritors of his + body—or his spirit, whichever it may be—or to those women with + whom his life was intertwined. Call me Leo, then, for of Kallikrates I + have had enough since that night when I looked upon the last of him in + Kôr.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I remember,” she answered, “when thou sawest thyself lying in that + narrow bed, and I sang thee a song, did I not, of the past and of the + future? I can recall two lines of it; the rest I have forgotten— + </p> +<p class="poem"> + “‘Onward, never weary, clad with splendour for a robe!<br /> + Till accomplished be our fate, and the night is rushing down.’ +</p> + <p> + “Yes, my Leo, now indeed we are ‘clad with splendour for a robe,’ and now + our fate draws near to its accomplishment. Then perchance will come the + down-rushing of the night;” and she sighed, looked up tenderly and said, + “See, I am talking to thee in Arabic. Hast thou forgotten it?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let it be our tongue, for I love it best of all, who lisped it at my + mother’s knee. Now leave me here alone awhile; I would think. Also,” she + added thoughtfully, and speaking with a strange and impressive inflexion + of the voice, “there are some to whom I must give audience.” + </p> + <p> + So we went, all of us, supposing that Ayesha was about to receive a + deputation of the Chiefs of the Mountain Tribes who came to felicitate her + upon her betrothal. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"></a> + CHAPTER XVIII<br /> + THE THIRD ORDEAL + </h2> + <p> + An hour, two hours passed, while we strove to rest in our sleeping place, + but could not, for some influence disturbed us. + </p> + <p> + “Why does not Ayesha come?” asked Leo at length, pausing in his walk up + and down the room. “I want to see her again; I cannot bear to be apart + from her. I feel as though she were drawing me to her.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell you? Ask Oros; he is outside the door.” + </p> + <p> + So he went and asked him, but Oros only smiled, and answered that the + Hesea had not entered her chamber, so doubtless she must still remain in + the Sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + “Then I am going to look for her. Come, Oros, and you too, Horace.” + </p> + <p> + Oros bowed, but declined, saying that he was bidden to bide at our door, + adding that we, “to whom all the paths were open,” could return to the + Sanctuary if we thought well. + </p> + <p> + “I do think well,” replied Leo sharply. “Will you come, Horace, or shall I + go without you?” + </p> + <p> + I hesitated. The Sanctuary was a public place, it is true, but Ayesha had + said that she desired to be alone there for awhile. Without more words, + however, Leo shrugged his shoulders and started. + </p> + <p> + “You will never find your way,” I said, and followed him. + </p> + <p> + We went down the long passages that were dimly lighted with lamps and came + to the gallery. Here we found no lamps; still we groped our way to the + great wooden doors. They were shut, but Leo pushed upon them impatiently, + and one of them swung open a little, so that we could squeeze ourselves + between them. As we passed it closed noiselessly behind us. + </p> + <p> + Now we should have been in the Sanctuary, and in the full blaze of those + awful columns of living fire. But they were out, or we had strayed + elsewhere; at least the darkness was intense. We tried to work our way + back to the doors again, but could not. We were lost. + </p> + <p> + More, something oppressed us; we did not dare to speak. We went on a few + paces and stopped, for we became aware that we were not alone. Indeed, it + seemed to me that we stood in the midst of a thronging multitude, but not + of men and women. Beings pressed about us; we could feel their robes, yet + could not touch them; we could feel their breath, but it was <i>cold</i>. + The air stirred all round us as they passed to and fro, passed in endless + numbers. It was as though we had entered a cathedral filled with the vast + congregation of all the dead who once had worshipped there. We grew afraid—my + face was damp with fear, the hair stood up upon my head. We seemed to have + wandered into a hall of the Shades. + </p> + <p> + At length light appeared far away, and we saw that it emanated from the + two pillars of fire which had burned on either side of the Shrine, that of + a sudden became luminous. So we were in the Sanctuary, and still near to + the doors. Now those pillars were not bright; they were low and lurid; the + rays from them scarcely reached us standing in the dense shadow. + </p> + <p> + But if we could not be seen in them we still could see. Look! Yonder sat + Ayesha on a throne, and oh! she was awful in her death-like majesty. The + blue light of the sunken columns played upon her, and in it she sat erect, + with such a face and mien of pride as no human creature ever wore. Power + seemed to flow from her; yes, it flowed from those wide-set, glittering + eyes like light from jewels. + </p> + <p> + She seemed a Queen of Death receiving homage from the dead. More, she <i>was</i> + receiving homage from dead or living—I know not which—for, as + I thought it, a shadowy Shape arose before the throne and bent the knee to + her, then another, and another, and another. + </p> + <p> + As each vague Being appeared and bowed its starry head she raised her + sceptre in answering salutation. We could hear the distant tinkle of the + sistrum bells, the only sound in all that place, yes, and see her lips + move, though no whisper reached us from them. Surely spirits were + worshipping her! + </p> + <p> + We gripped each other. We shrank back and found the door. It gave to our + push. Now we were in the passages again, and now we had reached our room. + </p> + <p> + At its entrance Oros was standing as we had left him. He greeted us with + his fixed smile, taking no note of the terror written on our faces. We + passed him, and entering the room stared at each other. + </p> + <p> + “What is she?” gasped Leo. “An angel?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “something of that sort.” But to myself I thought that + there are doubtless many kinds of angels. + </p> + <p> + “And what were those—those <i>shadows</i>—doing?” he asked + again. + </p> + <p> + “Welcoming her after her transformation, I suppose. But perhaps they were + not shadows—only priests disguised and conducting some secret + ceremonial!” + </p> + <p> + Leo shrugged his shoulders but made no other answer. + </p> + <p> + At length the door opened, and Oros, entering, said that the Hesea + commanded our presence in her chamber. + </p> + <p> + So, still oppressed with fear and wonder—for what we had seen was + perhaps more dreadful than anything that had gone before—we went, to + find Ayesha seated and looking somewhat weary, but otherwise unchanged. + With her was the priestess Papave, who had just unrobed her of the royal + mantle which she wore in the Sanctuary. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha beckoned Leo to her, taking his hand and searching his face with + her eyes, not without anxiety as I thought. + </p> + <p> + Now I turned, purposing to leave them alone, but she saw, and said to me, + smiling—“Why wouldst thou forsake us, Holly? To go back to the + Sanctuary once more?” and she looked at me with meaning in her glance. + “Hast thou questions to ask of the statue of the Mother yonder that thou + lovest the place so much? They say it speaks, telling of the future to + those who dare to kneel beside it uncompanioned from night till dawn. Yet + I have often done so, but to me it has never spoken, though none long to + learn the future more.” + </p> + <p> + I made no answer, nor did she seem to expect any, for she went on at once—“Nay, + bide here and let us have done with all sad and solemn thoughts. We three + will sup together as of old, and for awhile forget our fears and cares, + and be happy as children who know not sin and death, or that change which + is death indeed. Oros, await my lord without. Papave, I will call thee + later to disrobe me. Till then let none disturb us.” + </p> + <p> + The room that Ayesha inhabited was not very large, as we saw by the + hanging lamps with which it was lighted. It was plainly though richly + furnished, the rock walls being covered with tapestries, and the tables + and chairs inlaid with silver, but the only token that here a woman had + her home was that about it stood several bowls of flowers. One of these, I + remember, was filled with the delicate harebells I had admired, dug up + roots and all, and set in moss. + </p> + <p> + “A poor place,” said Ayesha, “yet better than that in which I dwelt those + two thousand years awaiting thy coming, Leo, for, see, beyond it is a + garden, wherein I sit,” and she sank down upon a couch by the table, + motioning to us to take our places opposite to her. + </p> + <p> + The meal was simple; for us, eggs boiled hard and cold venison; for her, + milk, some little cakes of flour, and mountain berries. + </p> + <p> + Presently Leo rose and threw off his gorgeous, purple-broidered robe, + which he still wore, and cast upon a chair the crook-headed sceptre that + Oros had again thrust into his hand. Ayesha smiled as he did so, saying—“It + would seem that thou holdest these sacred emblems in but small respect.” + </p> + <p> + “Very small,” he answered. “Thou heardest my words in the Sanctuary, + Ayesha, so let us make a pact. Thy religion I do not understand, but I + understand my own, and not even for thy sake will I take part in what I + hold to be idolatry.” + </p> + <p> + Now I thought that she would be angered by this plain speaking, but she + only bowed her head and answered meekly—“Thy will is mine, Leo, + though it will not be easy always to explain thy absence from the + ceremonies in the temple. Yet thou hast a right to thine own faith, which + doubtless is mine also.” + </p> + <p> + “How can that be?” he asked, looking up. + </p> + <p> + “Because all great Faiths are the same, changed a little to suit the needs + of passing times and peoples. What taught that of Egypt, which, in a + fashion, we still follow here? That hidden in a multitude of + manifestations, one Power great and good, rules all the universes: that + the holy shall inherit a life eternal and the vile, eternal death: that + men shall be shaped and judged by their own hearts and deeds, and here and + hereafter drink of the cup which they have brewed: that their real home is + not on earth, but beyond the earth, where all riddles shall be answered + and all sorrows cease. Say, dost thou believe these things, as I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Ayesha, but Hes or Isis is thy goddess, for hast thou not told us + tales of thy dealings with her in the past, and did we not hear thee make + thy prayer to her? Who, then, is this goddess Hes?” + </p> + <p> + “Know, Leo, that she is what I named her—Nature’s soul, no divinity, + but the secret spirit of the world; that universal Motherhood, whose + symbol thou hast seen yonder, and in whose mysteries lie hid all earthly + life and knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “Does, then, this merciful Motherhood follow her votaries with death and + evil, as thou sayest she has followed thee for thy disobedience, and me—and + another—because of some unnatural vows broken long ago?” Leo asked + quietly. + </p> + <p> + Resting her arm upon the table, Ayesha looked at him with sombre eyes and + answered—“In that Faith of thine of which thou speakest are there + perchance two gods, each having many ministers: a god of good and a god of + evil, an Osiris and a Set?” + </p> + <p> + He nodded. + </p> + <p> + “I thought it. And the god of ill is strong, is he not, and can put on the + shape of good? Tell me, then, Leo, in the world that is to-day, whereof I + know so little, hast thou ever heard of frail souls who for some earthly + bribe have sold themselves to that evil one, or to his minister, and been + paid their price in bitterness and anguish?” + </p> + <p> + “All wicked folk do as much in this form or in that,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “And if once there lived a woman who was mad with the thirst for beauty, + for life, for wisdom, and for love, might she not—oh! might she not + perchance——” + </p> + <p> + “Sell herself to the god called Set, or one of his angels? Ayesha, dost + thou mean”—and Leo rose, speaking in a voice that was full of fear—“that + thou art such a woman?” + </p> + <p> + “And if so?” she asked, also rising and drawing slowly near to him. + </p> + <p> + “If so,” he answered hoarsely, “if so, I think that perhaps we had best + fulfil our fates apart——” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said, with a little scream of pain as though a knife had stabbed + her, “wouldst thou away to Atene? I tell thee that thou canst not leave + me. I have power—above all men thou shouldst know it, whom once I + slew. Nay, thou hast no memory, poor creature of a breath, and I—I + remember too well. I will not hold thee dead again—I’ll hold thee + living. Look now on my beauty, Leo”—and she bent her swaying form + towards him, compelling him with her glorious, alluring eyes—“and + begone if thou canst. Why, thou drawest nearer to me. Man, that is not the + path of flight. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I will not tempt thee with these common lures. Go, Leo, if thou + wilt. Go, my love, and leave me to my loneliness and my sin. Now—at + once. Atene will shelter thee till spring, when thou canst cross the + mountains and return to thine own world again, and to those things of + common life which are thy joy. See, Leo, I veil myself that thou mayest + not be tempted,” and she flung the corner of her cloak about her head, + then asked a sudden question through it—“Didst thou not but now + return to the Sanctuary with Holly after I bade thee leave me there alone? + Methought I saw the two of you standing by its doors.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we came to seek thee,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “And found more than ye sought, as often chances to the bold—is it + not so? Well, I willed that ye should come and see, and protected you + where others might have died.” + </p> + <p> + “What didst thou there upon the throne, and whose were those forms which + we saw bending before thee?” he asked coldly. + </p> + <p> + “I have ruled in many shapes and lands, Leo. Perchance they were ancient + companions and servitors of mine come to greet me once again and to hear + my tidings. Or perchance they were but shadows of thy brain, pictures like + those upon the fire, that it pleased me to summon to thy sight, to try thy + strength and constancy. + </p> + <p> + “Leo Vincey, know now the truth; that all things are illusions, even that + there exists no future and no past, that what has been and what shall be + already <i>is</i> eternally. Know that I, Ayesha, am but a magic wraith, + foul when thou seest me foul, fair when thou seest me fair; a + spirit-bubble reflecting a thousand lights in the sunshine of thy smile, + grey as dust and gone in the shadow of thy frown. Think of the throned + Queen before whom the shadowy Powers bowed and worship, for that is I. + Think of the hideous, withered Thing thou sawest naked on the rock, and + flee away, for that is I. Or keep me lovely, and adore, knowing all evil + centred in my spirit, for that is I. Now, Leo, thou hast the truth. Put me + from thee for ever and for ever if thou wilt, and be safe; or clasp me, + clasp me to thy heart, and in payment for my lips and love take my sin + upon thy head! Nay, Holly, be thou silent, for now he must judge alone.” + </p> + <p> + Leo turned, as I thought, at first, to find the door. But it was not so, + for he did but walk up and down the room awhile. Then he came back to + where Ayesha stood, and spoke quite simply and in a very quiet voice, such + as men of his nature often assume in moments of great emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Ayesha,” he said, “when I saw thee as thou wast, aged and—thou + knowest how—I clung to thee. Now, when thou hast told me the secret + of this unholy pact of thine, when with my eyes, at least, I have seen + thee reigning a mistress of spirits good or ill, yet I cling to thee. Let + thy sin, great or little—whate’er it is—be my sin also. In + truth, I feel its weight sink to my soul and become a part of me, and + although I have no vision or power of prophecy, I am sure that I shall not + escape its punishment. Well, though I be innocent, let me bear it for thy + sake. I am content.” + </p> + <p> + Ayesha heard, the cloak slipped from her head, and for a moment she stood + silent like one amazed, then burst into a passion of sudden tears. Down + she went before him, and clinging to his garments, she bowed her stately + shape until her forehead touched the ground. Yes, that proud being, who + was more than mortal, whose nostrils but now had drunk the incense of the + homage of ghosts or spirits, humbled herself at this man’s feet. + </p> + <p> + With an exclamation of horror, half-maddened at the piteous sight, Leo + sprang to one side, then stooping, lifted and led her still weeping to the + couch. + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest not what thou hast done,” Ayesha said at last. “Let all thou + sawest on the Mountain’s crest or in the Sanctuary be but visions of the + night; let that tale of an offended goddess be a parable, a fable, if thou + wilt. This at least is true, that ages since I sinned for thee and against + thee and another; that ages since I bought beauty and life indefinite + wherewith I might win thee and endow thee at a cost which few would dare; + that I have paid interest on the debt, in mockery, utter loneliness, and + daily pain which scarce could be endured, until the bond fell due at last + and must be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, how I may not tell thee, thou and thou alone stoodst between me and + the full discharge of this most dreadful debt—for know that in mercy + it is given to us to redeem one another.” + </p> + <p> + Now he would have spoken, but with a motion of her hand she bade him be + silent, and continued—“See now, Leo, three great dangers has thy + body passed of late upon its journey to my side; the Death-hounds, the + Mountains, and the Precipice. Know that these were but types and ordained + foreshadowings of the last threefold trial of thy soul. From the pursuing + passions of Atene which must have undone us both, thou hast escaped + victorious. Thou hast endured the desert loneliness of the sands and snows + starving for a comfort that never came. Even when the avalanche thundered + round thee thy faith stood fast as it stood above the Pit of flame, while + after bitter years of doubt a rushing flood of horror swallowed up thy + hopes. As thou didst descend the glacier’s steep, not knowing what lay + beneath that fearful path, so but now and of thine own choice, for very + love of me, thou hast plunged headlong into an abyss that is deeper far, + to share its terrors with my spirit. Dost thou understand at last?” + </p> + <p> + “Something, not all, I think,” he answered slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Surely thou art wrapped in a double veil of blindness,” she cried + impatiently. “Listen again: + </p> + <p> + “Hadst thou yielded to Nature’s crying and rejected me but yesterday, in + that foul shape I must perchance have lingered for uncounted time, playing + the poor part of priestess of a forgotten faith. This was the first + temptation, the ordeal of thy flesh—nay, not the first—the + second, for Atene and her lurings were the first. But thou wast loyal, and + in the magic of thy conquering love my beauty and my womanhood were + re-born. + </p> + <p> + “Hadst thou rejected me to-night, when, as I was bidden to do, I showed + thee that vision in the Sanctuary and confessed to thee my soul’s black + crime, then hopeless and helpless, unshielded by my earthly power, I must + have wandered on into the deep and endless night of solitude. This was the + third appointed test, the trial of thy spirit, and by thy steadfastness, + Leo, thou hast loosed the hand of Destiny from about my throat. Now I am + regenerate in thee—through thee may hope again for some true life + beyond, which thou shalt share. And yet, and yet, if thou shouldst suffer, + as well may chance——” + </p> + <p> + “Then I suffer, and there’s an end,” broke in Leo serenely. “Save for a + few things my mind is clear, and there must be justice for us all at last. + If I have broken the bond that bound thee, if I have freed thee from some + threatening, spiritual ill by taking a risk upon my head, well, I have not + lived, and if need be, shall not die in vain. So let us have done with all + these problems, or rather first answer thou me one. Ayesha, how wast thou + changed upon that peak?” + </p> + <p> + “In flame I left thee, Leo, and in flame I did return, as in flame, + mayhap, we shall both depart. Or perhaps the change was in the eyes of all + of you who watched, and not in this shape of mine. I have answered. Seek + to learn no more.” + </p> + <p> + “One thing I do still seek to learn. Ayesha, we were betrothed to-night. + When wilt thou marry me?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, not yet,” she answered hurriedly, her voice quivering as she + spoke. “Leo, thou must put that hope from thy thoughts awhile, and for + some few months, a year perchance, be content to play the part of friend + and lover.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” he asked, with bitter disappointment. “Ayesha, those parts have + been mine for many a day; more, I grow no younger, and, unlike thee, shall + soon be old. Also, life is fleeting, and sometimes I think that I near its + end.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak no such evil-omened words,” she said, springing from the couch and + stamping her sandalled foot upon the ground in anger born of fear. “Yet + thou sayest truth; thou art unfortified against the accidents of time and + chance. Oh! horrible, horrible; thou mightest die again, and leave me + living.” + </p> + <p> + “Then give me of thy life, Ayesha.” + </p> + <p> + “That would I gladly, all of it, couldst thou but repay me with the boon + of death to come. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! ye poor mortals,” she went on, with a sudden burst of passion; “ye + beseech your gods for the gift of many years, being ignorant that ye would + sow a seed within your breasts whence ye must garner ten thousand + miseries. Know ye not that this world is indeed the wide house of hell, in + whose chambers from time to time the spirit tarries a little while, then, + weary and aghast, speeds wailing to the peace that it has won. + </p> + <p> + “Think then what it is to live on here eternally and yet be human; to age + in soul and see our beloved die and pass to lands whither we may not hope + to follow; to wait while drop by drop the curse of the long centuries + falls upon our imperishable being, like water slow dripping on a diamond + that it cannot wear, till they be born anew forgetful of us, and again + sink from our helpless arms into the void unknowable. + </p> + <p> + “Think what it is to see the sins we sin, the tempting look, the word idle + or unkind—aye, even the selfish thought or struggle, multiplied ten + thousandfold and more eternal than ourselves, spring up upon the universal + bosom of the earth to be the bane of a million destinies, whilst the + everlasting Finger writes its endless count, and a cold voice of Justice + cries in our conscience-haunted solitude, ‘Oh! soul unshriven, behold the + ripening harvest thy wanton hand did scatter, and long in vain for the + waters of forgetfulness.’ + </p> + <p> + “Think what it is to have every earthly wisdom, yet to burn unsatisfied + for the deeper and forbidden draught; to gather up all wealth and power + and let them slip again, like children weary of a painted toy; to sweep + the harp of fame, and, maddened by its jangling music, to stamp it small + beneath our feet; to snatch at pleasure’s goblet and find its wine is + sand, and at length, outworn, to cast us down and pray the pitiless gods + with whose stolen garment we have wrapped ourselves, to take it back + again, and suffer us to slink naked to the grave. + </p> + <p> + “Such is the life thou askest, Leo. Say, wilt thou have it now?” + </p> + <p> + “If it may be shared with thee,” he answered. “These woes are born of + loneliness, but then our perfect fellowship would turn them into joy.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she said, “while it was permitted to endure. So be it, Leo. In the + spring, when the snows melt, we will journey together to Libya, and there + thou shalt be bathed in the Fount of Life, that forbidden Essence of which + once thou didst fear to drink. Afterwards I will wed thee.” + </p> + <p> + “That place is closed for ever, Ayesha.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to my feet and thine,” she answered. “Fear not, my love, were this + mountain heaped thereon, I would blast a path through it with mine eyes + and lay its secret bare. Oh! would that thou wast as I am, for then before + tomorrow’s sun we’d watch the rolling pillar thunder by, and thou shouldst + taste its glory. + </p> + <p> + “But it may not be. Hunger or cold can starve thee, and waters drown; + swords can slay thee, or sickness sap away thy strength. Had it not been + for the false Atene, who disobeyed my words, as it was foredoomed that she + should do, by this day we were across the mountains, or had travelled + northward through the frozen desert and the rivers. Now we must await the + melting of the snows, for winter is at hand, and in it, as thou knowest, + no man can live upon their heights.” + </p> + <p> + “Eight months till April before we can start, and how long to cross the + mountains and all the vast distances beyond, and the seas, and the swamps + of Kôr? Why, at the best, Ayesha, two years must go by before we can even + find the place;” and he fell to entreating her to let them be wed at once + and journey afterwards. + </p> + <p> + But she said, Nay, and nay, and nay, it should not be, till at length, as + though fearing his pleading, or that of her own heart, she rose and + dismissed us. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my Holly,” she said to me as we three parted, “I promised thee and + myself some few hours of rest and of the happiness of quiet, and thou + seest how my desire has been fulfilled. Those old Egyptians were wont to + share their feasts with one grizzly skeleton, but here I counted four + to-night that you both could see, and they are named Fear, Suspense, + Foreboding, and Love-denied. Doubtless also, when these are buried others + will come to haunt us, and snatch the poor morsel from our lips. + </p> + <p> + “So hath it ever been with me, whose feet misfortune dogs. Yet I hope on, + and now many a barrier lies behind us; and Leo, thou hast been tried in + the appointed, triple fires and yet proved true. Sweet be thy slumbers, O + my love, and sweeter still thy dreams, for know, my soul shall share them. + I vow to thee that to-morrow we’ll be happy, aye, to-morrow without fail.” + </p> + <p> + “Why will she not marry me at once?” asked Leo, when we were alone in our + chamber. “Because she is afraid,” I answered. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"></a> + CHAPTER XIX<br /> + LEO AND THE LEOPARD + </h2> + <p> + During the weeks that followed these momentous days often and often I + wondered to myself whether a more truly wretched being had ever lived than + the woman, or the spirit, whom we knew as She, Hes, and Ayesha. Whether in + fact also, or in our imagination only, she had arisen from the ashes of + her hideous age into the full bloom of perpetual life and beauty + inconceivable. + </p> + <p> + These things at least were certain: Ayesha had achieved the secret of an + existence so enduring that for all human purposes it might be called + unending. Within certain limitations—such as her utter inability to + foresee the future—undoubtedly also, she was endued with powers that + can only be described as supernatural. + </p> + <p> + Her rule over the strange community amongst whom she lived was absolute; + indeed, its members regarded her as a goddess, and as such she was + worshipped. After marvellous adventures, the man who was her very life, I + might almost say her soul, whose being was so mysteriously intertwined + with hers, whom she loved also with the intensest human passion of which + woman can be capable, had sought her out in this hidden corner of the + world. + </p> + <p> + More, thrice he had proved his unalterable fidelity to her. First, by his + rejection of the royal and beautiful, if undisciplined, Atene. Secondly, + by clinging to Ayesha when she seemed to be repulsive to every natural + sense. Thirdly, after that homage scene in the Sanctuary—though with + her unutterable perfections before his eyes this did not appear to be so + wonderful—by steadfastness in the face of her terrible avowal, true + or false, that she had won her gifts and him through some dim, unholy pact + with the powers of evil, in the unknown fruits and consequences of which + he must be involved as the price of her possession. + </p> + <p> + Yet Ayesha was miserable. Even in her lightest moods it was clear to me + that those skeletons at the feast of which she had spoken were her + continual companions. Indeed, when we were alone she would acknowledge it + in dark hints and veiled allegories or allusions. Crushed though her rival + the Khania Atene might be, also she was still jealous of her. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps “afraid” would be a better word, for some instinct seemed to warn + Ayesha that soon or late her hour would come to Atene again, and that then + it would be her own turn to drink of the bitter waters of despair. + </p> + <p> + What troubled her more a thousandfold, however, were her fears for Leo. As + may well be understood, to stand in his intimate relationship to this half + divine and marvellous being, and yet not to be allowed so much as to touch + her lips, did not conduce to his physical or mental well-being, especially + as he knew that the wall of separation must not be climbed for at least + two years. Little wonder that Leo lost appetite, grew thin and pale, and + could not sleep, or that he implored her continually to rescind her decree + and marry him. + </p> + <p> + But on this point Ayesha was immovable. Instigated thereto by Leo, and I + may add my own curiosity, when we were alone I questioned her again as to + the reasons of this self-denying ordinance. All she would tell me, + however, was that between them rose the barrier of Leo’s mortality, and + that until his physical being had been impregnated with the mysterious + virtue of the Vapour of Life, it was not wise that she should take him as + a husband. + </p> + <p> + I asked her why, seeing that though a long-lived one, she was still a + woman, whereon her face assumed a calm but terrifying smile, and she + answered—“Art so sure, my Holly? Tell me, do your women wear such + jewels as that set upon my brow?” and she pointed to the faint but lambent + light which glowed about her forehead. + </p> + <p> + More, she began slowly to stroke her abundant hair, then her breast and + body. Wherever her fingers passed the mystic light was born, until in that + darkened room—for the dusk was gathering—she shimmered from + head to foot like the water of a phosphorescent sea, a being glorious yet + fearful to behold. Then she waved her hand, and, save for the gentle + radiance on her brow, became as she had been. + </p> + <p> + “Art so sure, my Holly?” Ayesha repeated. “Nay, shrink not; that flame + will not burn thee. Mayhap thou didst but imagine it, as I have noted thou + dost imagine many things; for surely no woman could clothe herself in + light and live, nor has so much as the smell of fire passed upon my + garments.” + </p> + <p> + Then at length my patience was outworn, and I grew angry. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure of nothing, Ayesha,” I answered, “except that thou wilt make us + mad with all these tricks and changes. Say, art thou a spirit then?” + </p> + <p> + “We are all spirits,” she said reflectively, “and I, perhaps, more than + some. Who can be certain?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” I answered. “Yet I implore, woman or spirit, tell me one thing. + Tell me the truth. In the beginning what wast thou to Leo, and what was he + to thee?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me very solemnly and answered—“Does my memory deceive + me, Holly, or is it written in the first book of the Law of the Hebrews, + which once I used to study, that the sons of Heaven came down to the + daughters of men, and found that they were fair?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so written,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Then, Holly, might it not have chanced that once a daughter of Heaven + came down to a man of Earth and loved him well? Might it not chance that + for her great sin, she, this high, fallen star, who had befouled her + immortal state for him, was doomed to suffer till at length his love, made + divine by pain and faithful even to a memory, was permitted to redeem + her?” + </p> + <p> + Now at length I saw light and sprang up eagerly, but in a cold voice she + added: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Holly, cease to question me, for there are things of which I can but + speak to thee in figures and in parables, not to mock and bewilder thee, + but because I must. Interpret them as thou wilt. Still, Atene thought me + no mortal, since she told us that man and spirit may not mate; and there + are matters in which I let her judgment weigh with me, as without doubt + now, as in other lives, she and that old Shaman, her uncle, have wisdom, + aye, and foresight. So bid my lord press me no more to wed him, for it + gives me pain to say him nay—ah! thou knowest not how much. + </p> + <p> + “Moreover, I will declare myself to thee, old friend; whatever else I be, + at least I am too womanly to listen to the pleadings of my best beloved + and not myself be moved. See, I have set a curb upon desire and drawn it + until my heart bleeds; but if he pursues me with continual words and looks + of burning love, who knoweth but that I shall kindle in his flame and + throw the reins of reason to the winds? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then together we might race adown our passions’ steep; together dare + the torrent that rages at its foot, and there perchance be whelmed or torn + asunder. Nay, nay, another space of journeying, but a little space, and we + reach the bridge my wisdom found, and cross it safely, and beyond for ever + ride on at ease through the happy meadows of our love.” + </p> + <p> + Then she was silent, nor would she speak more upon the matter. Also—and + this was the worst of it—even now I was not sure that she told me + the truth, or, at any rate, all of it, for to Ayesha’s mind truth seemed + many coloured as are the rays of light thrown from the different faces of + a cut jewel. We never could be certain which shade of it she was pleased + to present, who, whether by preference or of necessity, as she herself had + said, spoke of such secrets in figures of speech and parables. + </p> + <p> + It is a fact that to this hour I do not know whether Ayesha is spirit or + woman, or, as I suspect, a blend of both. I do not know the limits of her + powers, or if that elaborate story of the beginning of her love for Leo + was true—which personally I doubt—or but a fable, invented by + her mind, and through it, as she had hinted, pictured on the flame for her + own hidden purposes. + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether when first we saw her on the Mountain she was really + old and hideous, or did but put on that shape in our eyes in order to test + her lover. I do not know whether, as the priest Oros bore witness—which + he may well have been bidden to do—her spirit passed into the body + of the dead priestess of Hes, or whether when she seemed to perish there + so miserably, her body and her soul were wafted straightway from the Caves + of Kôr to this Central Asian peak. + </p> + <p> + I do not know why, as she was so powerful, she did not come to seek us, + instead of leaving us to seek her through so many weary years, though I + suggest that some superior force forbade her to do more than companion us + unseen, watching our every act, reading our every thought, until at length + we reached the predestined place and hour. Also, as will appear, there + were other things of which this is not the time to speak, whereby I am + still more tortured and perplexed. + </p> + <p> + In short, I know nothing, except that my existence has been intertangled + with one of the great mysteries of the world; that the glorious being + called Ayesha won the secret of life from whatever power holds it in its + keeping; that she alleged—although of this, remember, we have no + actual proof—such life was to be attained by bathing in a certain + emanation, vapour or essence; that she was possessed by a passion not easy + to understand, but terrific in its force and immortal in its nature, + concentrated upon one other being and one alone. That through this passion + also some angry fate smote her again, again, and yet again, making of her + countless days a burden, and leading the power and the wisdom which knew + all but could foreknow nothing, into abysses of anguish, suspense, and + disappointment such as—Heaven be thanked!—we common men and + women are not called upon to plumb. + </p> + <p> + For the rest, should human eyes ever fall upon it, each reader must form + his own opinion of this history, its true interpretation and significance. + These and the exact parts played by Atene and myself in its development I + hope to solve shortly, though not here. + </p> + <p> + Well, as I have said, the upshot of it all was that Ayesha was devoured + with anxiety about Leo. Except in this matter of marriage, his every wish + was satisfied, and indeed forestalled. Thus he was never again asked to + share in any of the ceremonies of the Sanctuary, though, indeed, stripped + of its rites and spiritual symbols, the religion of the College of Hes + proved pure and harmless enough. It was but a diluted version of the + Osiris and Isis worship of old Egypt, from which it had been inherited, + mixed with the Central Asian belief in the transmigration or reincarnation + of souls and the possibility of drawing near to the ultimate Godhead by + holiness of thought and life. + </p> + <p> + In fact, the head priestess and Oracle was only worshipped as a + representative of the Divinity, while the temporal aims of the College in + practice were confined to good works, although it is true that they still + sighed for their lost authority over the country of Kaloon. Thus they had + hospitals, and during the long and severe winters, when the Tribes of the + Mountain slopes were often driven to the verge of starvation, gave + liberally to the destitute from their stores of food. + </p> + <p> + Leo liked to be with Ayesha continually, so we spent each evening in her + company, and much of the day also, until she found that this inactivity + told upon him who for years had been accustomed to endure every rigour of + climate in the open air. After this came home to her—although she + was always haunted by terror lest any accident should befall him—Ayesha + insisted upon his going out to kill the wild sheep and the ibex, which + lived in numbers on the mountain ridges, placing him in the charge of the + chiefs and huntsmen of the Tribes, with whom thus he became well + acquainted. In this exercise, however, I accompanied him but rarely, as, + if used too much, my arm still gave me pain. + </p> + <p> + Once indeed such an accident did happen. I was seated in the garden with + Ayesha and watching her. Her head rested on her hand, and she was looking + with her wide eyes, across which the swift thoughts passed like clouds + over a windy sky, or dreams through the mind of a sleeper—looking + out vacantly towards the mountain snows. Seen thus her loveliness was + inexpressible, amazing; merely to gaze upon it was an intoxication. + Contemplating it, I understood indeed that, like to that of the fabled + Helen, this gift of hers alone—and it was but one of many—must + have caused infinite sorrows, had she ever been permitted to display it to + the world. It would have driven humanity to madness: the men with longings + and the women with jealousy and hate. + </p> + <p> + And yet in what did her surpassing beauty lie? Ayesha’s face and form were + perfect, it is true; but so are those of some other women. Not in these + then did it live alone, but rather, I think, especially while what I may + call her human moods were on her, in the soft mystery that dwelt upon her + features and gathered and changed in her splendid eyes. Some such mystery + may be seen, however faintly, on the faces of certain of the masterpieces + of the Greek sculptors, but Ayesha it clothed like an ever-present + atmosphere, suggesting a glory that was not of earth, making her divine. + </p> + <p> + As I gazed at her and wondered thus, of a sudden she became terribly + agitated, and, pointing to a shoulder of the Mountain miles and miles + away, said—“Look!” + </p> + <p> + I looked, but saw nothing except a sheet of distant snow. + </p> + <p> + “Blind fool, canst thou not see that my lord is in danger of his life?” + she cried. “Nay, I forgot, thou hast no vision. Take it now from me and + look again;” and laying her hand, from which a strange, numbing current + seemed to flow, upon my head, she muttered some swift words. + </p> + <p> + Instantly my eyes were opened, and, not upon the distant Mountain, but in + the air before me as it were, I saw Leo rolling over and over at grips + with a great snow-leopard, whilst the chief and huntsmen with him ran + round and round, seeking an opportunity to pierce the savage brute with + their spears and yet leave him unharmed. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha, rigid with terror, swayed to and fro at my side, till presently + the end came, for I could see Leo drive his long knife into the bowels of + the leopard, which at once grew limp, separated from him, and after a + struggle or two in the bloodstained snow, lay still. Then he rose, + laughing and pointing to his rent garments, whilst one of the huntsmen + came forward and began to bandage some wounds in his hands and thigh with + strips of linen torn from his under-robe. + </p> + <p> + The vision vanished suddenly as it had come, and I felt Ayesha leaning + heavily upon my shoulder like any other frightened woman, and heard her + gasp—“That danger also has passed by, but how many are there to + follow? Oh! tormented heart, how long canst thou endure!” + </p> + <p> + Then her wrath flamed up against the chief and his huntsmen, and she + summoned messengers and sent them out at speed with a litter and + ointments, bidding them to bear back the lord Leo and to bring his + companions to her very presence. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest what days are mine, my Holly, aye, and have been these many + years,” she said; “but those hounds shall pay me for this agony.” + </p> + <p> + Nor would she suffer me to reason with her. + </p> + <p> + Four hours later Leo returned, limping after the litter in which, instead + of himself, for whom it was sent, lay a mountain sheep and the skin of the + snow-leopard that he had placed there to save the huntsmen the labour of + carrying them. Ayesha was waiting for him in the hall of her dwelling, and + gliding to him—I cannot say she walked—overwhelmed him with + mingled solicitude and reproaches. He listened awhile, then asked—“How + dost thou know anything of this matter? The leopard skin has not yet been + brought to thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I know because I saw,” she answered. “The worst hurt was above thy knee; + hast thou dressed it with the salve I sent?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” he said. “But thou hast not left this Sanctuary; how didst thou + see? By thy magic?” + </p> + <p> + “If thou wilt, at least I saw, and Holly also saw thee rolling in the snow + with that fierce brute, while those curs ran round like scared children.” + </p> + <p> + “I am weary of this magic,” interrupted Leo crossly. “Cannot a man be left + alone for an hour even with a leopard of the mountain? As for those brave + men——” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Oros entered and whispered something, bowing low. + </p> + <p> + “As for those ‘brave men,’ I will deal with them,” said Ayesha with bitter + emphasis, and covering herself—for she never appeared unveiled to + the people of the Mountain—she swept from the place. + </p> + <p> + “Where has she gone, Horace?” asked Leo. “To one of her services in the + Sanctuary?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” I answered; “but if so, I think it will be that chief’s + burial service.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it?” he exclaimed, and instantly limped after her. + </p> + <p> + A minute or two later I thought it wise to follow. In the Sanctuary a + curious scene was in progress. Ayesha was seated in front of the statue. + Before her, very much frightened, knelt a brawny, red-haired chieftain and + five of his followers, who still carried their hunting spears, while with + folded arms and an exceedingly grim look upon his face, Leo, who, as I + learned afterwards, had already interfered and been silenced, stood upon + one side listening to what passed. At a little distance behind were a + dozen or more of the temple guards, men armed with swords and picked for + their strength and stature. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha, in her sweetest voice, was questioning the men as to how the + leopard, of which the skin lay before her, had come to attack Leo. The + chief answered that they had tracked the brute to its lair between two + rocks; that one of them had gone in and wounded it, whereon it sprang upon + him and struck him down; that then the lord Leo had engaged it while the + man escaped, and was also struck down, after which, rolling with it on the + ground, he stabbed and slew the animal. That was all. + </p> + <p> + “No, not all,” said Ayesha; “for you forget, cowards that you are, that, + keeping yourselves in safety, you left my lord to the fury of this beast. + Good. Drive them out on to the Mountain, there to perish also at the fangs + of beasts, and make it known that he who gives them food or shelter dies.” + </p> + <p> + Offering no prayer for pity or excuse, the chief and his followers rose, + bowed, and turned to go. + </p> + <p> + “Stay a moment, comrades,” said Leo, “and, chief, give me your arm; my + scratch grows stiff; I cannot walk fast. We will finish this hunt + together.” + </p> + <p> + “What doest thou? Art mad?” asked Ayesha. + </p> + <p> + “I know not whether I am mad,” he answered, “but I know that thou art + wicked and unjust. Look now, than these hunters none braver ever breathed. + That man”—and he pointed to the one whom the leopard had struck down—“took + my place and went in before me because I ordered that we should attack the + creature, and thus was felled. As thou seest all, thou mightest have seen + this also. Then it sprang on me, and the rest of these, my friends, ran + round waiting a chance to strike, which at first they could not do unless + they would have killed me with it, since I and the brute rolled over and + over in the snow. As it was, one of them seized it with his bare hands: + look at the teeth marks on his arm. So if they are to perish on the + Mountain, I, who am the man to blame, perish with them.” + </p> + <p> + Now, while the hunters looked at him with fervent gratitude in their eyes, + Ayesha thought a little, then said cleverly enough—“In truth, my + lord Leo, had I known all the tale, well mightest thou have named me + wicked and unjust; but I knew only what I saw, and out of their own mouths + did I condemn them. My servants, my lord here has pleaded for you, and you + are forgiven; more, he who rushed in upon the leopard and he who seized it + with his hands shall be rewarded and advanced. Go; but I warn you if you + suffer my lord to come into more danger, you shall not escape so easily + again.” + </p> + <p> + So they bowed and went, still blessing Leo with their eyes, since death by + exposure on the Mountain snows was the most terrible form of punishment + known to these people, and one only inflicted by the direct order of Hes + upon murderers or other great criminals. + </p> + <p> + When we had left the Sanctuary and were alone again in the hall, the storm + that I had seen gathering upon Leo’s face broke in earnest. Ayesha renewed + her inquiries about his wounds, and wished to call Oros, the physician, to + dress them, and as he refused this, offered to do so herself. He begged + that she would leave his wounds alone, and then, his great beard bristling + with wrath, asked her solmenly if he was a child in arms, a query so + absurd that I could not help laughing. + </p> + <p> + Then he scolded her—yes, he scolded Ayesha! Wishing to know what she + meant (1) by spying upon him with her magic, an evil gift that he had + always disliked and mistrusted; (2) by condemning brave and excellent men, + his good friends, to a death of fiendish cruelty upon such evidence, or + rather out of temper, on no evidence at all; and (3) by giving him into + charge of them, as though he were a little boy, and telling them that they + would have to answer for it if he were hurt: he who, in his time, had + killed every sort of big game known and passed through some perils and + encounters? + </p> + <p> + Thus he beat her with his words, and, wonderful to say, Ayesha, this being + more than woman, submitted to the chastisement meekly. Yet had any other + man dared to address her with roughness even, I doubt not that his speech + and his life would have come to a swift and simultaneous end, for I knew + that now, as of old, she could slay by the mere effort of her will. But + she did not slay; she did not even threaten, only, as any other loving + woman might have done, she began to cry. Yes, great tears gathered in + those lovely eyes of hers and, rolling one by one down her face, fell—for + her head was bent humbly forward—like heavy raindrops on the marble + floor. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of this touching evidence of her human, loving heart all + Leo’s anger melted. Now it was he who grew penitent and prayed her pardon + humbly. She gave him her hand in token of forgiveness, saying—“Let + others speak to me as they will” (sorry should I have been to try it!) + “but from thee, Leo, I cannot bear harsh words. Oh, thou art cruel, cruel. + In what have I offended? Can I help it if my spirit keeps its watch upon + thee, as indeed, though thou knewest it not, it has done ever since we + parted yonder in the Place of Life? Can I help it if, like some mother who + sees her little child at play upon a mountain’s edge, my soul is torn with + agony when I know thee in dangers that I am powerless to prevent or share? + What are the lives of a few half-wild huntsmen that I should let them + weigh for a single breath against thy safety, seeing that if I slew these, + others would be more careful of thee? Whereas if I slay them not, they or + their fellows may even lead thee into perils that would bring about—thy + <i>death</i>,” and she gasped with horror at the word. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, beloved,” said Leo. “The life of the humblest of those men is of + as much value to him as mine is to me, and thou hast no more right to kill + him than thou hast to kill me. It is evil that because thou carest for me + thou shouldst suffer thy love to draw thee into cruelty and crime. If thou + art afraid for me, then clothe me with that immortality of thine, which, + although I dread it somewhat, holding it a thing unholy, and, on this + earth, not permitted by my Faith, I should still rejoice to inherit for + thy dear sake, knowing that then we could never more be parted. Or, if as + thou sayest, this as yet thou canst not do, then let us be wed and take + what fortune gives us. All men must die; but at least before I die I shall + have been happy with thee for a while—yes, if only for a single + hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Would that I dared,” Ayesha answered with a little piteous motion of her + hand. “Oh! urge me no more, Leo, lest that at last I should take the risk + and lead thee down a dreadful road. Leo, hast thou never heard of the love + which slays, or of the poison that may lurk in a cup of joy too perfect?” + </p> + <p> + Then, as though she feared herself, Ayesha turned from him and fled. + </p> + <p> + Thus this matter ended. In itself it was not a great one, for Leo’s hurts + were mere scratches, and the hunters, instead of being killed, were + promoted to be members of his body-guard. Yet it told us many things. For + instance, that whenever she chose to do so, Ayesha had the power of + perceiving all Leo’s movements from afar, and even of communicating her + strength of mental vision to others, although to help him in any + predicament she appeared to have no power, which, of course, accounted for + the hideous and ever-present might of her anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Think what it would be to any one of us were we mysteriously acquainted + with every open danger, every risk of sickness, every secret peril through + which our best-beloved must pass. To see the rock trembling to its fall + and they loitering beneath it; to see them drink of water and know it full + of foulest poison; to see them embark upon a ship and be aware that it was + doomed to sink, but not to be able to warn them or to prevent them. Surely + no mortal brain could endure such constant terrors, since hour by hour the + arrows of death flit unseen and unheard past the breasts of each of us, + till at length one finds its home there. + </p> + <p> + What then must Ayesha have suffered, watching with her spirit’s eyes all + the hair-breadth escapes of our journeyings? When, for instance, in the + beginning she saw Leo at my house in Cumberland about to kill himself in + his madness and despair, and by some mighty effort of her superhuman will, + wrung from whatever Power it was that held her in its fearful thraldom, + the strength to hurl her soul across the world and thereby in his sleep + reveal to him the secret of the hiding-place where he would find her. + </p> + <p> + Or to take one more example out of many—when she saw him hanging by + that slender thread of yak’s hide from the face of the waterfall of ice + and herself remained unable to save him, or even to look forward for a + single moment and learn whether or no he was about to meet a hideous + death, in which event she must live on alone until in some dim age he was + born again. + </p> + <p> + Nor can her sorrows have ended with these more material fears, since + others as piercing must have haunted her. Imagine, for instance, the + agonies of her jealous heart when she knew her lover to be exposed to the + temptations incident to his solitary existence, and more especially to + those of her ancient rival Atene, who, by Ayesha’s own account, had once + been his wife. Imagine also her fears lest time and human change should do + their natural work on him, so that by degrees the memory of her wisdom and + her strength, and the image of her loveliness faded from his thought, and + with them his desire for her company; thus leaving her who had endured so + long, forgotten and alone at last. + </p> + <p> + Truly, the Power that limited our perceptions did so in purest mercy, for + were it otherwise with us, our race would go mad and perish raving in its + terrors. + </p> + <p> + Thus it would seem that Ayesha, great tormented soul, thinking to win life + and love eternal and most glorious, was in truth but another blind + Pandora. From her stolen casket of beauty and super-human power had leapt + into her bosom, there to dwell unceasingly, a hundred torturing demons, of + whose wings mere mortal kind do but feel the far-off, icy shadowing. + </p> + <p> + Yes; and that the parallel might be complete, Hope alone still lingered in + that rifled chest. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"></a> + CHAPTER XX<br /> + AYESHA’S ALCHEMY + </h2> + <p> + It was shortly after this incident of the snow-leopard that one of these + demon familiars of Ayesha’s, her infinite ambition, made its formidable + appearance. When we had dined with her in the evening, Ayesha’s habit was + to discuss plans for our mighty and unending future, that awful + inheritance which she had promised to us. + </p> + <p> + Here I must explain, if I have not done so already, that she had + graciously informed me that notwithstanding my refusal in past years of + such a priceless opportunity, I also was to be allowed to bathe my + superannuated self in the vital fires, though in what guise I should + emerge from them, like Herodotus when he treats of the mysteries of old + Egypt, if she knew, she did not think it lawful to reveal. + </p> + <p> + Secretly I hoped that my outward man might change for the better, as the + prospect of being fixed for ever in the shape of my present and somewhat + unpleasing personality, did not appeal to me as attractive. In truth, so + far as I was concerned, the matter had an academic rather than an actual + interest, such as we take in a fairy tale, since I did not believe that I + should ever put on this kind of immortality. Nor, I may add, now as + before, was I at all certain that I wished to do so. + </p> + <p> + These plans of Ayesha’s were far reaching and indeed terrific. Her + acquaintance with the modern world, its political and social developments, + was still strictly limited; for if she had the power to follow its growth + and activities, certainly it was one of which she made no use. + </p> + <p> + In practice her knowledge seemed to be confined to what she had gathered + during the few brief talks which took place between us upon this subject + in past time at Kôr. Now her thirst for information proved insatiable, + although it is true that ours was scarcely up to date, seeing that ever + since we lost touch with the civilized peoples, namely, for the last + fifteen years or so, we had been as much buried as she was herself. + </p> + <p> + Still we were able to describe to her the condition of the nations and + their affairs as they were at the period when we bade them farewell, and, + more or less incorrectly, to draw maps of the various countries and their + boundaries, over which she pondered long. + </p> + <p> + The Chinese were the people in whom she proved to be most interested, + perhaps because she was acquainted with the Mongolian type, and like + ourselves, understood a good many of their dialects. Also she had a motive + for her studies, which one night she revealed to us in the most + matter-of-fact fashion. + </p> + <p> + Those who have read the first part of her history, which I left in England + to be published, may remember that when we found her at Kôr, <i>She</i> + horrified us by expressing a determination to possess herself of Great + Britain, for the simple reason that we belonged to that country. Now, + however, like her powers, her ideas had grown, for she purposed to make + Leo the absolute monarch of the world. In vain did he assure her most + earnestly that he desired no such empire. She merely laughed at him and + said—“If I arise amidst the Peoples, I must rule the Peoples, for + how can Ayesha take a second place among mortal men? And thou, my Leo, + rulest me, yes, mark the truth, thou art my master! Therefore it is plain + that thou wilt be the master of this earth, aye, and perchance of others + which do not yet appear, for of these also I know something, and, I think, + can reach them if I will, though hitherto I have had no mind that way. My + true life has not yet begun. Its little space within this world has been + filled with thought and care for thee; in waiting till thou wast born + again, and during these last years of separation, until thou didst return. + </p> + <p> + “But now a few more months, and the days of preparation past, endowed with + energy eternal, with all the wisdom of the ages, and with a strength that + can bend the mountains or turn the ocean from its bed, and we begin to be. + Oh! how I sicken for that hour when first, like twin stars new to the + firmament of heaven, we break in our immortal splendour upon the + astonished sight of men. It will please me, I tell thee, Leo, it will + please me, to see Powers, Principalities and Dominions, marshalled by + their kings and governors, bow themselves before our thrones and humbly + crave the liberty to do our will. At least,” she added, “it will please me + for a little time, until we seek higher things.” + </p> + <p> + So she spoke, while the radiance upon her brow increased and spread + itself, gleaming above her like a golden fan, and her slumbrous eyes took + fire from it till, to my thought, they became glowing mirrors in which I + saw pomp enthroned and suppliant peoples pass. + </p> + <p> + “And how,” asked Leo, with something like a groan—for this vision of + universal rule viewed from afar did not seem to charm him—“how, + Ayesha, wilt thou bring these things about?” + </p> + <p> + “How, my Leo? Why, easily enough. For many nights I have listened to the + wise discourses of our Holly here, at least he thinks them wise who still + has so much to learn, and pored over his crooked maps, comparing them with + those that are written in my memory, who of late have had no time for the + study of such little matters. Also I have weighed and pondered your + reports of the races of this world; their various follies, their futile + struggling for wealth and small supremacies, and I have determined that it + would be wise and kind to weld them to one whole, setting ourselves at the + head of them to direct their destinies, and cause wars, sickness, and + poverty to cease, so that these creatures of a little day (ephemeridae was + the word she used) may live happy from the cradle to the grave. + </p> + <p> + “Now, were it not because of thy strange shrinking from bloodshed, however + politic and needful—for my Leo, as yet thou art no true philosopher—this + were quickly done, since I can command a weapon which would crush their + armouries and whelm their navies in the deep; yes, I, whom even the + lightnings and Nature’s elemental powers must obey. But thou shrinkest + from the sight of death, and thou believest that Heaven would be + displeased because I make myself—or am chosen—the instrument + of Heaven. Well, so let it be, for thy will is mine, and therefore we will + tread a gentler path.” + </p> + <p> + “And how wilt thou persuade the kings of the earth to place their crowns + upon thy head?” I asked, astonished. + </p> + <p> + “By causing their peoples to offer them to us,” she answered suavely. “Oh! + Holly, Holly, how narrow is thy mind, how strained the quality of thine + imagination! Set its poor gates ajar, I pray, and bethink thee. When we + appear among men, scattering gold to satisfy their want, clad in + terrifying power, in dazzling beauty and in immortality of days, will they + not cry, ‘Be ye our monarchs and rule over us!’” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” I answered dubiously, “but where wilt thou appear?” + </p> + <p> + She took a map of the eastern hemisphere which I had drawn and, placing + her finger upon Pekin, said—“There is the place that shall be our + home for some few centuries, say three, or five, or seven, should it take + so long to shape this people to my liking and our purposes. I have chosen + these Chinese because thou tellest me that their numbers are uncountable, + that they are brave, subtle, and patient, and though now powerless because + ill-ruled and untaught, able with their multitudes to flood the little + western nations. Therefore among them we will begin our reign and for some + few ages be at rest while they learn wisdom from us, and thou, my Holly, + makest their armies unconquerable and givest their land good government, + wealth, peace, and a new religion.” + </p> + <p> + What the new religion was to be I did not ask. It seemed unnecessary, + since I was convinced that in practice it would prove a form of + Ayesha-worship, Indeed, my mind was so occupied with conjectures, some of + them quaint and absurd enough, as to what would happen at the first + appearance of Ayesha in China that I forgot this subsidiary development of + our future rule. + </p> + <p> + “And if the ‘little western nations’ will not wait to be flooded?” + suggested Leo with irritation, for her contemptuous tone angered him, one + of a prominent western nation. “If they combine, for instance, and attack + thee first?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said, with a flash of her eyes. “I have thought of it, and for + my part hope that it will chance, since then thou canst not blame me if I + put out my strength. Oh! then the East, that has slept so long, shall + awake—shall awake, and upon battlefield after battlefield such as + history cannot tell of, thou shalt see my flaming standards sweep on to + victory. One by one thou shalt watch the nations fall and perish, until at + length I build thy throne upon the hecatombs of their countless dead and + crown thee emperor of a world regenerate in blood and fire.” + </p> + <p> + Leo, whom this new gospel of regeneration seemed to appall, who was, in + fact, a hater of absolute monarchies and somewhat republican in his views + and sympathies, continued the argument, but I took no further heed. The + thing was grotesque in its tremendous and fantastic absurdity; Ayesha’s + ambitions were such as no imperial-minded madman could conceive. + </p> + <p> + Yet—here came the rub—I had not the slightest doubt but that + she was well able to put them into practice and carry them to some + marvellous and awful conclusion. Why not? Death could not touch her; she + had triumphed over death. Her beauty—that “cup of madness” in her + eyes, as she named it once to me—and her reckless will would compel + the hosts of men to follow her. Her piercing intelligence would enable her + to invent new weapons with which the most highly-trained army could not + possibly compete. Indeed, it might be as she said, and as I for one + believed, with good reason, it proved, that she held at her command the + elemental forces of Nature, such as those that lie hid in electricity, + which would give all living beings to her for a prey. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha was still woman enough to have worldly ambitions, and the most + dread circumstance about her superhuman powers was that they appeared to + be unrestrained by any responsibility to God or man. She was as we might + well imagine a fallen angel to be, if indeed, as she herself once hinted + and as Atene and the old Shaman believed, this were not her true place in + creation. By only two things that I was able to discover could she be + moved—her love for Leo and, in a very small degree, her friendship + for myself. + </p> + <p> + Yet her devouring passion for this one man, inexplicable in its endurance + and intensity, would, I felt sure even then, in the future as in the past, + prove to be her heel of Achilles. When Ayesha was dipped in the waters of + Dominion and Deathlessness, this human love left her heart mortal, that + through it she might be rendered harmless as a child, who otherwise would + have devastated the universe. + </p> + <p> + I was right. + </p> + <p> + Whilst I was still indulging myself in these reflections and hoping that + Ayesha would not take the trouble to read them in my mind, I became aware + that Oros was bowing to the earth before her. + </p> + <p> + “Thy business, priest?” she asked sharply; for when she was with Leo + Ayesha did not like to be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Hes, the spies are returned.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didst thou send them out?” she asked indifferently. “What need have I + of thy spies?” + </p> + <p> + “Hes, thou didst command me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, their report?” + </p> + <p> + “Hes, it is most grave. The people of Kaloon are desperate because of the + drought which has caused their crops to fail, so that starvation stares + them in the eyes, and this they lay to the charge of the strangers who + came into their land and fled to thee. The Khania Atene also is mad with + rage against thee and our holy College. Labouring night and day, she has + gathered two great armies, one of forty, and one of twenty thousand men, + and the latter of these she sends against the Mountain under the command + of her uncle, Simbri the Shaman. In case it should be defeated she + purposes to remain with the second and greater army on the plains about + Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + “Tidings indeed,” said Ayesha with a scornful laugh. “Has her hate made + this woman mad that she dares thus to match herself against me? My Holly, + it crossed thy mind but now that it was I who am mad, boasting of what I + have no power to perform. Well, within six days thou shalt learn—oh! + verily thou shalt learn, and, though the issue be so very small, in such a + fashion that thou wilt doubt no more for ever. Stay, I will look, though + the effort of it wearies me, for those spies may be but victims to their + own fears, or to the falsehoods of Atene.” + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly, as was common with her when thus Ayesha threw her sight + afar, which either from indolence, or because, as she said, it exhausted + her, she did but rarely, her lovely face grew rigid like that of a person + in a trance; the light faded from her brow, and the great pupils of her + eyes contracted themselves and lost their colour. + </p> + <p> + In a little while, five minutes perhaps, she sighed like one awakening + from a deep sleep, passed her hand across her forehead and was as she had + been, though somewhat languid, as though strength had left her. + </p> + <p> + “It is true enough,” she said, “and soon I must be stirring lest many of + my people should be killed. My lord, wouldst thou see war? Nay, thou shalt + bide here in safety whilst I go forward—to visit Atene as I + promised.” + </p> + <p> + “Where thou goest, I go,” said Leo angrily, his face flushing to the roots + of his hair with shame. + </p> + <p> + “I pray thee not, I pray thee not,” she answered, yet without venturing to + forbid him. “We will talk of it hereafter. Oros, away! Send round the Fire + of Hes to every chief. Three nights hence at the moonrise bid the Tribes + gather—nay, not all, twenty thousand of their best will be enough, + the rest shall stay to guard the Mountain and this Sanctuary. Let them + bring food with them for fifteen days. I join them at the following dawn. + Go.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed and went, whereon, dismissing the matter from her mind, Ayesha + began to question me again about the Chinese and their customs. + </p> + <p> + It was in course of a somewhat similar conversation on the following + night, of which, however, I forget the exact details, that a remark of + Leo’s led to another exhibition of Ayesha’s marvellous powers. + </p> + <p> + Leo—who had been considering her plans for conquest, and again + combating them as best he could, for they were entirely repugnant to his + religious, social and political views—said suddenly that after all + they must break down, since they would involve the expenditure of sums of + money so vast that even Ayesha herself would be unable to provide them by + any known methods of taxation. She looked at him and laughed a little. + </p> + <p> + “Verily, Leo,” she said, “to thee, yes; and to Holly here I must seem as + some madcap girl blown to and fro by every wind of fancy, and building me + a palace wherein to dwell out of dew and vapours, or from the substance of + the sunset fires. Thinkest thou then that I would enter on this war—one + woman against all the world”—and as she spoke her shape grew royal + and in her awful eyes there came a look that chilled my blood—“and + make no preparation for its necessities? Why, since last we spoke upon + this matter, foreseeing all, I have considered in my mind, and now thou + shalt learn how, without cost to those we rule—and for that reason + alone shall they love us dearly—I will glut the treasuries of the + Empress of the Earth. + </p> + <p> + “Dost remember, Leo, how in Kôr I found but a single pleasure during all + those weary ages—that of forcing my mother Nature one by one to + yield me up her choicest secrets; I, who am a student of all things which + are and of the forces that cause them to be born. Now follow me, both of + you, and ye shall look on what mortal eyes have not yet beheld.” + </p> + <p> + “What are we to see?” I asked doubtfully, having a lively recollection of + Ayesha’s powers as a chemist. + </p> + <p> + “That thou shalt learn, or shalt not learn if it pleases thee to stay + behind. Come, Leo, my love, my love, and leave this wise philosopher first + to find his riddle and next to guess it.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning her back to me she smiled on him so sweetly that although + really he was more loth to go than I, Leo would have followed her through + a furnace door, as indeed, had he but known it, he was about to do. + </p> + <p> + So they started, and I accompanied them since with Ayesha it was useless + to indulge in any foolish pride, or to make oneself a victim to + consistency. Also I was anxious to see her new marvel, and did not care to + rely for an account of it upon Leo’s descriptive skill, which at its best + was never more than moderate. + </p> + <p> + She took us down passages that we had not passed before, to a door which + she signed to Leo to open. He obeyed, and from the cave within issued a + flood of light. As we guessed at once, the place was her laboratory, for + about it stood metal flasks and various strange-shaped instruments. + Moreover, there was a furnace in it, one of the best conceivable, for it + needed neither fuel nor stoking, whose gaseous fires, like those of the + twisted columns in the Sanctuary, sprang from the womb of the volcano + beneath our feet. + </p> + <p> + When we entered two priests were at work there: one of them stirring a + cauldron with an iron rod and the other receiving its molten contents into + a mould of clay. They stopped to salute Ayesha, but she bade them to + continue their task, asking them if all went well. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, O Hes,” they answered; and we passed through that cave and + sundry doors and passages to a little chamber cut in the rock. There was + no lamp or flame of fire in it, and yet the place was filled with a gentle + light which seemed to flow from the opposing wall. + </p> + <p> + “What were those priests doing?” I said, more to break the silence than + for any other reason. + </p> + <p> + “Why waste breath upon foolish questions?” she replied. “Are no metals + smelted in thy country, O Holly? Now hadst thou sought to know what I am + doing—But that, without seeing, thou wouldst not believe, so, + Doubter, thou shalt see.” + </p> + <p> + Then she pointed to and bade us don, two strange garments that hung upon + the wall, made of a material which seemed to be half cloth and half wood + and having headpieces not unlike a diver’s helmet. + </p> + <p> + So under her directions Leo helped me into mine, lacing it up behind, + after which, or so I gathered from the sounds—for no light came + through the helmet—she did the same service for him. + </p> + <p> + “I seem very much in the dark,” I said presently; for now there was + silence again, and beneath this extinguisher I felt alarmed and wished to + be sure that I was not left alone. + </p> + <p> + “Aye Holly,” I heard Ayesha’s mocking voice make answer, “in the dark, as + thou wast ever, the thick dark of ignorance and unbelief. Well, now, as + ever also, I will give thee light.” As she spoke I heard something roll + back; I suppose that it must have been a stone door. + </p> + <p> + Then, indeed, there was light, yes, even through the thicknesses of that + prepared garment, such light as seemed to blind me. By it I saw that the + wall opposite to us had opened and that we were all three of us, on the + threshold of another chamber. At the end of it stood something like a + little altar of hard, black stone, and on this altar lay a mass of + substance of the size of a child’s head, but fashioned, I suppose from + fantasy, to the oblong shape of a human eye. + </p> + <p> + Out of this eye there poured that blistering and intolerable light. It was + shut round by thick, funnel-shaped screens of a material that looked like + fire-brick, yet it pierced them as though they were but muslin. More, the + rays thus directed upwards struck full upon a lump of metal held in place + above them by a massive frame-work. + </p> + <p> + And what rays they were! If all the cut diamonds of the world were brought + together and set beneath a mighty burning-glass, the light flashed from + them would not have been a thousandth part so brilliant. They scorched my + eyes and caused the skin of my face and limbs to smart, yet Ayesha stood + there unshielded from them. Aye, she even went down the length of the room + and, throwing back her veil, bent over them, as it seemed a woman of + molten steel in whose body the bones were visible, and examined the mass + that was supported by the hanging cradle. + </p> + <p> + “It is ready and somewhat sooner than I thought,” she said. Then as though + it were but a feather weight, she lifted the lump in her bare hands and + glided back with it to where we stood, laughing and saying—“Tell me + now, O thou well-read Holly, if thou hast ever heard of a better alchemist + than this poor priestess of a forgotten faith?” And she thrust the glowing + substance up almost to the mask that hid my face. + </p> + <p> + Then I turned and ran, or rather waddled, for in that gear I could not + run, out of the chamber until the rock wall beyond stayed me, and there, + with my back towards her, thrust my helmeted head against it, for I felt + as though red-hot bradawls had been plunged into my eyes. So I stood while + she laughed and mocked behind me until at length I heard the door close + and the blessed darkness came like a gift from Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Then Ayesha began to loose Leo from his ray-proof armour, if so it can be + called, and he in turn loosed me; and there in that gentle radiance we + stood blinking at each other like owls in the sunlight, while the tears + streamed down our faces. + </p> + <p> + “Well, art satisfied, my Holly?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Satisfied with what?” I answered angrily, for the smarting of my eyes was + unbearable. “Yes, with burnings and bedevilments I am well satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “And I also,” grumbled Leo, who was swearing softly but continuously to + himself in the other corner of the place. + </p> + <p> + But Ayesha only laughed, oh! she laughed until she seemed the goddess of + all merriment come to earth, laughed till she also wept, then said—“Why, + what ingratitude is this? Thou, my Leo, didst wish to see the wonders that + I work, and thou, O Holly, didst come unbidden after I bade thee stay + behind, and now both of you are rude and angry, aye, and weeping like a + child with a burnt finger. Here take this,” and she gave us some salve + that stood upon a shelf, “and rub it on your eyes and the smart will pass + away.” + </p> + <p> + So we did, and the pain went from them, though, for hours afterwards, mine + remained red as blood. + </p> + <p> + “And what are these wonders?” I asked her presently. “If thou meanest that + unbearable flame——” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I mean what is born of the flame, as, in thine ignorance thou dost + call that mighty agent. Look now;” and she pointed to the metallic lump + she had brought with her, which, still gleaming faintly, lay upon the + floor. “Nay, it has no heat. Thinkest thou that I would wish to burn my + tender hands and so make them unsightly? Touch it, Holly.” + </p> + <p> + But I would not, who thought to myself that Ayesha might be well + accustomed to the hottest fires, and feared her impish mischief. I looked, + however, long and earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it, Holly?” + </p> + <p> + “Gold,” I said, then corrected myself and added, “Copper,” for the dull, + red glow might have been that of either metal. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” she answered, “it is gold, pure gold.” + </p> + <p> + “The ore in this place must be rich,” said Leo, incredulously, for I would + not speak any more. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my Leo, the iron ore is rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Iron ore?” and he looked at her. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” she answered, “for from what mine do men dig out gold in such + great masses? Iron ore, beloved, that by my alchemy I change to gold, + which soon shall serve us in our need.” + </p> + <p> + Now Leo stared and I groaned, for I did not believe that it was gold, and + still less that she could make that metal. Then, reading my thought, with + one of those sudden changes of mood that were common to her, Ayesha grew + very angry. + </p> + <p> + “By Nature’s self!” she cried; “wert thou not my friend, Holly, the fool + whom it pleases me to cherish, I would bind that right hand of thine in + those secret rays till the very bones within it were turned to gold. Nay, + why should I be vexed with thee, who art both blind and deaf? Yet thou <i>shalt</i> + be persuaded,” and leaving us, she passed down the passages, called + something to the priests who were labouring in the workshop, then returned + to us. + </p> + <p> + Presently they followed her, carrying on a kind of stretcher between them + an ingot of iron ore that seemed to be as much as they could lift. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” she said, “how wilt thou that I mark this mass which as thou must + admit is only iron? With the sign of Life? Good,” and at her bidding the + priests took cold-chisels and hammers and roughly cut upon its surface the + symbol of the looped cross—the <i>crux ansata</i>. + </p> + <p> + “It is not enough,” she said when they had finished. “Holly, lend me that + knife of thine, to-morrow I will return it to thee, and of more value.” + </p> + <p> + So I drew my hunting knife, an Indian-made thing, that had a handle of + plated iron, and gave it her. + </p> + <p> + “Thou knowest the marks on it,” and she pointed to various dents and to + the maker’s name upon the blade; for though the hilt was Indian work the + steel was of Sheffield manufacture. + </p> + <p> + I nodded. Then she bade the priests put on the ray-proof armour that we + had discarded, and told us to go without the chamber and lie in the + darkness of the passage with our faces against the floor. + </p> + <p> + This we did, and remained so until, a few minutes later, she called us + again. We rose and returned into the chamber to find the priests, who had + removed the protecting garments, gasping and rubbing the salve upon their + eyes; to find also that the lump of iron ore and my knife were gone. Next + she commanded them to place the block of gold-coloured metal upon their + stretcher and to bring it with them. They obeyed, and we noted that, + although those priests were both of them strong men they groaned beneath + its weight. + </p> + <p> + “How came it,” said Leo, “that thou, a woman, couldst carry what these men + find so heavy?” + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the properties of that force which thou callest fire,” she + answered sweetly, “to make what has been exposed to it, if for a little + while only, as light as thistle-down. Else, how could I, who am so frail, + have borne yonder block of gold?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so! I understand now,” answered Leo. + </p> + <p> + Well, that was the end of it. The lump of metal was hid away in a kind of + rock pit, with an iron cover, and we returned to Ayesha’s apartments. + </p> + <p> + “So all wealth is thine, as well as all power,” said Leo, presently, for + remembering Ayesha’s awful threat I scarcely dared to open my mouth. + </p> + <p> + “It seems so,” she answered wearily, “since centuries ago I discovered + that great secret, though until ye came I had put it to no use. Holly + here, after his common fashion, believes that this is magic, but I tell + thee again that there is no magic, only knowledge which I have chanced to + win.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said Leo, “looked at in the right way, that is in thy way, + the thing is simple.” I think he would have liked to add, “as lying,” but + as the phrase would have involved explanations, did not. “Yet, Ayesha,” he + went on, “hast thou thought that this discovery of thine will wreck the + world?” + </p> + <p> + “Leo,” she answered, “is there then nothing that I can do which will not + wreck this world, for which thou hast such tender care, who shouldst keep + all thy care—for me?” + </p> + <p> + I smiled, but remembering in time, turned the smile into a frown at Leo, + then fearing lest that also might anger her, made my countenance as blank + as possible. + </p> + <p> + “If so,” she continued, “well, let the world be wrecked. But what meanest + thou? Oh! my lord, Leo, forgive me if I am so dull that I cannot always + follow thy quick thought—I who have lived these many years alone, + without converse with nobler minds, or even those to which mine own is + equal.” + </p> + <p> + “It pleases thee to mock me,” said Leo, in a vexed voice, “and that is not + too brave.” + </p> + <p> + Now Ayesha turned on him fiercely, and I looked towards the door. But he + did not shrink, only folded his arms and stared her straight in the face. + She contemplated him a little, then said—“After that great ordained + reason which thou dost not know, I think, Leo, that why I love thee so + madly is that thou alone art not afraid of me. Not like Holly there, who, + ever since I threatened to turn his bones to gold—which, indeed, I + was minded to do,” and she laughed—“trembles at my footsteps and + cowers beneath my softest glance. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my lord, how good thou art to me, how patient with my moods and + woman’s weaknesses,” and she made as though she were about to embrace him. + Then suddenly remembering herself, with a little start that somehow + conveyed more than the most tragic gesture, she pointed to the couch in + token that he should seat himself. When he had done so she drew a + footstool to his feet and sank upon it, looking up into his face with + attentive eyes, like a child who listens for a story. + </p> + <p> + “Thy reasons, Leo, give me thy reasons. Doubtless they are good, and, oh! + be sure I’ll weigh them well.” + </p> + <p> + “Here they are in brief,” he answered. “The world, as thou knewest in thy—” + and he stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Thy earlier wanderings there,” she suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—thy earlier wanderings there, has set up gold as the standard + of its wealth. On it all civilizations are founded. Make it as common as + it seems thou canst, and these must fall to pieces. Credit will fail and, + like their savage forefathers, men must once more take to barter to supply + their needs as they do in Kaloon to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” she asked. “It would be more simple and bring them closer to + the time when they were good and knew not luxury and greed.” + </p> + <p> + “And smashed in each other’s heads with stone axes,” added Leo. + </p> + <p> + “Who now pierce each other’s hearts with steel, or those leaden missiles + of which thou hast told me. Oh! Leo, when the nations are beggared and + their golden god is down; when the usurer and the fat merchant tremble and + turn white as chalk because their hoards are but useless dross; when I + have made the bankrupt Exchanges of the world my mock, and laugh across + the ruin of its richest markets, why, then, will not true worth come to + its heritage again? + </p> + <p> + “What of it if I do discomfort those who think more of pelf than of + courage and of virtue; those who, as that Hebrew prophet wrote, lay field + to field and house to house, until the wretched whom they have robbed find + no place left whereon to dwell? What if I proved your sagest chapmen + fools, and gorge your greedy moneychangers with the gold that they desire + until they loathe its very sight and touch? What if I uphold the cause of + the poor and the oppressed against the ravening lusts of Mammon? Why, will + not this world of yours be happier then?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” answered Leo. “All that I know is that it would be a + different world, one shaped upon a new plan, governed by untried laws and + seeking other ends. In so strange a place who can say what might or might + not chance?” + </p> + <p> + “That we shall learn in its season, Leo. Or, rather, if it be against thy + wish, we will not turn this hidden page. Since thou dost desire it, that + old evil, the love of lucre, shall still hold its mastery upon the earth. + Let the peoples keep their yellow king, I’ll not crown another in his + place, as I was minded—such as that living Strength thou sawest + burning eternally but now; that Power whereof I am the mistress, which can + give health to men, or even change the character of metals, and in truth, + if I so desire, obedient to my word, destroy a city or rend this Mountain + from its roots. + </p> + <p> + “But see, Holly is wearied with much wondering and needs his rest. Oh, + Holly! thou wast born a critic of things done, not a doer of them. I know + thy tribe for even in my day the colleges of Alexandria echoed with their + wranglings and already the winds blew thick with the dust of their + forgotten bones. Holly, I tell thee that at times those who create and act + are impatient of such petty doubts and cavillings. Yet fear not, old + friend, nor take my anger ill. Already thy heart is gold without alloy, so + what need have I to gild thy bones?” + </p> + <p> + I thanked Ayesha for her compliment, and went to my bed wondering which + was real, her kindness or her wrath, or if both were but assumed. Also I + wondered in what way she had fallen foul of the critics of Alexandria. + Perhaps once she had published a poem or a system of philosophy and been + roughly handled by them! It is quite possible, only if Ayesha had ever + written poetry I think that it would have endured, like Sappho’s. + </p> + <p> + In the morning I discovered that whatever else about her might be false, + Ayesha was a true chemist, the very greatest, I suppose, who ever lived. + For as I dressed myself, those priests whom we had seen in the laboratory, + staggered into the room carrying between them a heavy burden, that was + covered with a cloth, and, directed by Oros, placed it upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” I asked of Oros. + </p> + <p> + “A peace-offering sent by the Hesea,” he said, “with whom, as I am told, + you dared to quarrel yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + Then he withdrew the cloth, and there beneath it shone that great lump of + metal which, in the presence of myself and Leo, had been marked with the + Symbol of Life, that still appeared upon its surface. Only now it was + gold, not iron, gold so good and soft that I could write my name upon it + with a nail. My knife lay with it also, and of that too the handle, though + not the blade, had been changed from iron into gold. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha asked to see this afterwards and was but ill-pleased with the + result of her experiment. She pointed out to me that lines and blotches of + gold ran for an inch or more down the substance of the steel, which she + feared that they might weaken or distemper, whereas it had been her + purpose that the hilt only should be altered.<a href="#fn-6" name="fnref-6" id="fnref-6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-6" id="fn-6"></a> <a href="#fnref-6">[6]</a> +I proved in after days how real were Ayesha’s alchemy, and the knowledge +which enabled her to solve the secret that chemists have hunted for in vain, +and, like Nature’s self, to transmute the commonest into the most +precious of the metals. At the first town that I reached on the frontiers of +India, I took this knife to a jeweller, a native, who was as clever as he +proved dishonest, and asked him to test the handle. He did so with acids and by +other means, and told me that it was of very pure gold, twenty-four carats, I +think he said. Also he pointed out that this gold became gradually merged into +the steel of the blade in a way which was quite inexplicable to him, and asked +me to clear up the matter. Of course I could not, but at his request I left the +knife in his shop to give him an opportunity of examining it further. The next +day I was taken ill with one of the heart-attacks to which I have been liable +of late, and when I became able to move about again a while afterwards, I found +that this jeweller had gone, none knew whither. So had my knife.—L. H. H. +</p> + <p> + Often since that time I have marvelled how Ayesha performed this miracle, + and from what substances she gathered or compounded the lightning-like + material, which was her servant in the work; also, whether or no it had + been impregnated with the immortalizing fire of Life that burned in the + caves of Kôr.<a href="#fn-7" name="fnref-7" id="fnref-7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> + Yet to this hour I have found no answer to the problem, for it is beyond + my guessing. + </p> +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="fn-7" id="fn-7"></a> <a href="#fnref-7">[7]</a> +Recent discoveries would appear to suggest that this mysterious “Fire of +Life,” which, whatever else it may have been, was evidently a force and +no true fire, since it did not burn, owed its origin to the emanations from +radium, or some kindred substance. Although in the year 1885, Mr. Holly would +have known nothing of the properties of these marvellous rays or emanations, +doubtless Ayesha was familiar with them and their enormous possibilities, of +which our chemists and scientific men have, at present, but explored the +fringe.—Editor. +</p> + <p> + I suppose that, in preparation for her conquest of the inhabitants of this + globe—to which, indeed, it would have sufficed unaided by any other + power—the manufacture of gold from iron went on in the cave + unceasingly. + </p> + <p> + However this may be, during the few days that we remained together Ayesha + never so much as spoke of it again. It seemed to have served her purpose + for the while, or in the press of other and more urgent matters to have + been forgotten or thrust from her mind. Still, amongst others, of which I + have said nothing, since it is necessary to select, I record this strange + incident, and our conversations concerning it at length, for the reason + that it made a great impression upon me and furnishes a striking example + of Ayesha’s dominion over the hidden forces of Nature whereof we were soon + to experience a more fearful instance. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"></a> + CHAPTER XXI<br /> + THE PROPHECY OF ATENE + </h2> + <p> + On the day following this strange experience of the iron that was turned + to gold some great service was held in the Sanctuary, as we understood, + “to consecrate the war.” We did not attend it, but that night we ate + together as usual. Ayesha was moody at the meal, that is, she varied from + sullenness to laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Know you,” she said, “that to-day I was an Oracle, and those fools of the + Mountain sent their medicine-men to ask of the Hesea how the battle would + go and which of them would be slain, and which gain honour. And I—I + could not tell them, but juggled with my words, so that they might take + them as they would. How the battle will go I know well, for I shall direct + it, but the future—ah! that I cannot read better than thou canst, my + Holly, and that is ill indeed. For me the past and all the present lie + bathed in light reflected from that black wall—the future.” + </p> + <p> + Then she fell to brooding, and looking up at length with an air of + entreaty, said to Leo—“Wilt thou not hear my prayer and bide where + thou art for some few days, or even go a-hunting? Do so, and I will stay + with thee, and send Holly and Oros to command the Tribes in this petty + fray.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not,” answered Leo, trembling with indignation, for this plan of + hers that I should be sent out to war, while he bided in safety in a + temple, moved him, a man brave to rashness, who, although he disapproved + of it in theory, loved fighting for its own sake also, to absolute rage. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Ayesha, that I will not,” he repeated; “moreover, that if thou + leavest me here I will find my way down the mountain alone, and join the + battle.” + </p> + <p> + “Then come,” she answered, “and on thine own head be it. Nay, not on thine + beloved, on mine, on mine.” + </p> + <p> + After this, by some strange reaction, she became like a merry girl, + laughing more than I have ever seen her do, and telling us many tales of + the far, far past, but none that were sad or tragic. It was very strange + to sit and listen to her while she spoke of people, one or two of them + known as names in history and many others who never have been heard of, + that had trod this earth and with whom she was familiar over two thousand + years ago. Yet she told us anecdotes of their loves and hates, their + strength or weaknesses, all of them touched with some tinge of humorous + satire, or illustrating the comic vanity of human aims and aspirations. + </p> + <p> + At length her talk took a deeper and more personal note. She spoke of her + searchings after truth; of how, aching for wisdom, she had explored the + religions of her day and refused them one by one; of how she had preached + in Jerusalem and been stoned by the Doctors of the Law. Of how also she + had wandered back to Arabia and, being rejected by her own people as a + reformer, had travelled on to Egypt, and at the court of the Pharaoh of + that time met a famous magician, half charlatan and half seer who, because + she was far-seeing, ‘clairvoyante’ we should call it, instructed her in + his art so well that soon she became his master and forced him to obey + her. + </p> + <p> + Then, as though she were unwilling to reveal too much, suddenly Ayesha’s + history passed from Egypt to Kôr. She spoke to Leo of his arrival there, a + wanderer who was named Kallikrates, hunted by savages and accompanied by + the Egyptian Amenartas, whom she appeared to have known and hated in her + own country, and of how she entertained them. Yes, she even told of a + supper that the three of them had eaten together on the evening before + they started to discover the Place of Life, and of an evil prophecy that + this royal Amenartas had made as to the issue of their journey. + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” Ayesha said, “it was such a silent night as this and such a meal as + this we ate, and Leo, not so greatly changed, save that he was beardless + then and younger, was at my side. Where thou sittest, Holly, sat the royal + Amenartas, a very fair woman; yes, even more beautiful than I before I + dipped me in the Essence, fore-sighted also, though not so learned as I + had grown. From the first we hated each other, and more than ever now, + when she guessed how I had learned to look upon thee, her lover, Leo; for + her husband thou never wast, who didst flee too fast for marriage. She + knew also that the struggle between us which had begun of old and afar was + for centuries and generations, and that until the end should declare + itself neither of us could harm the other, who both had sinned to win + thee, that wast appointed by fate to be the lodestone of our souls. Then + Amenartas spoke and said—“‘Lo! to my sight, Kallikrates, the wine in + thy cup is turned to blood, and that knife in thy hand, O daughter of + Yarab’—for so she named me—‘drips red blood. Aye, and this + place is a sepulchre, and thou, O Kallikrates, sleepest here, nor can she, + thy murderess, kiss back the breath of life into those cold lips of + thine.’ + </p> + <p> + “So indeed it came about as was ordained,” added Ayesha reflectively, “for + I slew thee in yonder Place of Life, yes, in my madness I slew thee + because thou wouldst not or couldst not understand the change that had + come over me, and shrankest from my loveliness like a blind bat from the + splendour of flame, hiding thy face in the tresses of her dusky hair—Why, + what is it now, thou Oros? Can I never be rid of thee for an hour?” + </p> + <p> + “O Hes, a writing from the Khania Atene,” the priest said with his + deprecating bow. + </p> + <p> + “Break the seal and read,” she answered carelessly. “Perchance she has + repented of her folly and makes submission.” + </p> + <p> + So he read— + </p> + <p> + “To the Hesea of the College on the Mountain, known as Ayesha upon earth, + and in the household of the Over-world whence she has been permitted to + wander, as ‘Star-that-hath-fallen—‘” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty sounding name, forsooth,” broke in Ayesha; “ah! but, Atene, set + stars rise again—even from the Under-world. Read on, thou Oros.” + </p> + <p> + “Greetings, O Ayesha. Thou who art very old, hast gathered much wisdom in + the passing of the centuries, and with other powers, that of making + thyself seem fair in the eyes of men blinded by thine arts. Yet one thing + thou lackest that I have—vision of those happenings which are not + yet. Know, O Ayesha, that I and my uncle, the great seer, have searched + the heavenly books to learn what is written there of the issue of this + war. + </p> + <p> + “This is written:—For me, death, whereat I rejoice. For thee a spear + cast by thine own hand. For the land of Kaloon blood and ruin bred of + thee! + </p> + <p> + “Atene, + </p> + <p> + “Khania of Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + Ayesha listened in silence, but her lips did not tremble, nor her cheek + pale. To Oros she said proudly—“Say to the messenger of Atene that I + have received her message, and ere long will answer it, face to face with + her in her palace of Kaloon. Go, priest, and disturb me no more.” + </p> + <p> + When Oros had departed she turned to us and said—“That tale of mine + of long ago was well fitted to this hour, for as Amenartas prophesied of + ill, so does Atene prophesy of ill, and Amenartas and Atene are one. Well, + let the spear fall, if fall it must, and I will not flinch from it who + know that I shall surely triumph at the last. Perhaps the Khania does but + think to frighten me with a cunning lie, but if she has read aright, then + be sure, beloved, that it is still well with us, since none can escape + their destiny, nor can our bond of union which was fashioned with the + universe that bears us, ever be undone.” + </p> + <p> + She paused awhile then went on with a sudden outburst of poetic thought + and imagery. + </p> + <p> + “I tell thee, Leo, that out of the confusions of our lives and deaths + order shall yet be born. Behind the mask of cruelty shine Mercy’s tender + eyes; and the wrongs of this rough and twisted world are but hot, blinding + sparks which stream from the all-righting sword of pure, eternal Justice. + The heavy lives we see and know are only links in a golden chain that + shall draw us safe to the haven of our rest; steep and painful steps are + they whereby we climb to the alloted palace of our joy. Henceforth I fear + no more, and fight no more against that which must befall. For I say we + are but winged seeds blown down the gales of fate and change to the + appointed garden where we shall grow, filling its blest air with the + immortal fragrance of our bloom. + </p> + <p> + “Leave me now, Leo, and sleep awhile, for we ride at dawn.” + </p> + <p> + It was midday on the morrow when we moved down the mountain-side with the + army of the Tribes, fierce and savage-looking men. The scouts were out + before us, then came the great body of their cavalry mounted on wiry + horses, while to right and left and behind, the foot soldiers marched in + regiments, each under the command of its own chief. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha, veiled now—for she would not show her beauty to these wild + folk—rode in the midst of the horse-men on a white mare of matchless + speed and shape. With her went Leo and myself, Leo on the Khan’s black + horse, and I on another not unlike it, though thicker built. About us were + a bodyguard of armed priests and a regiment of chosen soldiers, among them + those hunters that Leo had saved from Ayesha’s wrath, and who were now + attached to his person. + </p> + <p> + We were merry, all of us, for in the crisp air of late autumn flooded with + sunlight, the fears and forebodings that had haunted us in those gloomy, + firelit caves were forgotten. Moreover, the tramp of thousands of armed + men and the excitement of coming battle thrilled our nerves. + </p> + <p> + Not for many a day had I seen Leo look so vigorous and happy. Of late he + had grown somewhat thin and pale, probably from causes that I have + suggested, but now his cheeks were red and his eyes shone bright again. + Ayesha also seemed joyous, for the moods of this strange woman were as + fickle as those of Nature’s self, and varied as a landscape varies under + the sunshine or the shadow. Now she was noon and now dark night; now dawn, + now evening, and now thoughts came and went in the blue depths of her eyes + like vapours wafted across the summer sky, and in the press of them her + sweet face changed and shimmered as broken water shimmers beneath the + beaming stars. + </p> + <p> + “Too long,” she said, with a little thrilling laugh, “have I been shut in + the bowels of sombre mountains, accompanied only by mutes and savages or + by melancholy, chanting priests, and now I am glad to look upon the world + again. How beautiful are the snows above, and the brown slopes below, and + the broad plains beyond that roll away to those bordering hills! How + glorious is the sun, eternal as myself; how sweet the keen air of heaven. + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, Leo, more than twenty centuries have gone by since I was + seated on a steed, and yet thou seest I have not forgot my horsemanship, + though this beast cannot match those Arabs that I rode in the wide deserts + of Arabia. Oh! I remember how at my father’s side I galloped down to war + against the marauding Bedouins, and how with my own hand I speared their + chieftain and made him cry for mercy. One day I will tell thee of that + father of mine, for I was his darling, and though we have been long apart, + I hold his memory dear and look forward to our meeting. + </p> + <p> + “See, yonder is the mouth of that gorge where lived the cat-worshipping + sorcerer, who would have murdered both of you because thou, Leo, didst + throw his familiar to the fire. It is strange, but several of the tribes + of this Mountain and of the lands behind it make cats their gods or divine + by means of them. I think that the first Rassen, the general of Alexander, + must have brought the practice here from Egypt. Of this Macedonian + Alexander I could tell thee much, for he was almost a contemporary of + mine, and when I last was born the world still rang with the fame of his + great deeds. + </p> + <p> + “It was Rassen who on the Mountain supplanted the primeval fire-worship + whereof the flaming pillars which light its Sanctuary remain as monuments, + by that of Hes, or Isis, or rather blended the two in one. Doubtless among + the priests in his army were some of Pasht or Sekket the Cat-headed, and + these brought with them their secret cult, that to-day has dwindled down + to the vulgar divinations of savage sorcerers. Indeed I remember dimly + that it was so, for I was the first Hesea of this Temple, and journeyed + hither with that same general Rassen, a relative of mine.” + </p> + <p> + Now both Leo and I looked at her wonderingly, and I could see that she was + watching us through her veil. As usual, however, it was I whom she + reproved, since Leo might think and do what he willed and still escape her + anger. + </p> + <p> + “Thou, Holly,” she said quickly, “who art ever of a cavilling and + suspicious mind, remembering what I said but now, believest that I lie to + thee.” + </p> + <p> + I protested that I was only reflecting upon an apparent variation between + two statements. + </p> + <p> + “Play not with words,” she answered; “in thy heart thou didst write me + down a liar, and I take that ill. Know, foolish man, that when I said that + the Macedonian Alexander lived before me, I meant before this present life + of mine. In the existence that preceded it, though I outlasted him by + thirty years, we were born in the same summer, and I knew him well, for I + was the Oracle whom he consulted most upon his wars, and to my wisdom he + owed his victories. Afterwards we quarrelled, and I left him and pushed + forward with Rassen. From that day the bright star of Alexander began to + wane.” At this Leo made a sound that resembled a whistle. In a very agony + of apprehension, beating back the criticisms and certain recollections of + the strange tale of the old abbot, Kou-en, which would rise within me, I + asked quickly—“And dost thou, Ayesha, remember well all that befell + thee in this former life?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, not well,” she answered, meditatively, “only the greater facts, and + those I have for the most part recovered by that study of secret things + which thou callest vision or magic. For instance, my Holly, I recall that + thou wast living in that life. Indeed I seem to see an ugly philosopher + clad in a dirty robe and filled both with wine and the learning of others, + who disputed with Alexander till he grew wroth with him and caused him to + be banished, or drowned: I forget which.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that I was not called Diogenes?” I asked tartly, suspecting, + perhaps not without cause, that Ayesha was amusing herself by fooling me. + </p> + <p> + “No,” she replied gravely, “I do not think that was thy name. The Diogenes + thou speakest of was a much more famous man, one of real if crabbed + wisdom; moreover, he did not indulge in wine. I am mindful of very little + of that life, however, not of more indeed than are many of the followers + of the prophet Buddha, whose doctrines I have studied and of whom thou, + Holly, hast spoken to me so much. Maybe we did not meet while it endured. + Still I recollect that the Valley of Bones, where I found thee, my Leo, + was the place where a great battle was fought between the Fire-priests + with their vassals, the Tribes of the Mountain and the army of Rassen + aided by the people of Kaloon. For between these and the Mountain, in old + days as now, there was enmity, since in this present war history does but + rewrite itself.” + </p> + <p> + “So thou thyself wast our guide,” said Leo, looking at her sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Leo, who else? though it is not wonderful that thou didst not know + me beneath those deathly wrappings. I was minded to wait and receive thee + in the Sanctuary, yet when I learned that at length both of you had + escaped Atene and drew near, I could restrain myself no more, but came + forth thus hideously disguised. Yes, I was with you even at the river’s + bank, and though you saw me not, there sheltered you from harm. + </p> + <p> + “Leo, I yearned to look upon thee and to be certain that thy heart had not + changed, although until the alloted time thou mightest not hear my voice + or see my face who wert doomed to undergo that sore trial of thy faith. Of + Holly also I desired to learn whether his wisdom could pierce through my + disguise, and how near he stood to truth. It was for this reason that I + suffered him to see me draw the lock from the satchel on thy breast and to + hear me wail over thee yonder in the Rest-house. Well he did not guess so + ill, but thou, thou knewest me—in thy sleep—knewest me as I + am, and not as I seemed to be, yes,” she added softly, “and didst say + certain sweet words which I remember well.” + </p> + <p> + “Then beneath that shroud was thine own face,” asked Leo again, for he was + very curious on this point, “the same lovely face I see to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap—as thou wilt,” she answered coldly; “also it is the spirit + that matters, not the outward seeming, though men in their blindness think + otherwise. Perchance my face is but as thy heart fashions it, or as my + will presents it to the sight and fancy of its beholders. But hark! The + scouts have touched.” + </p> + <p> + As Ayesha spoke a sound of distant shouting was borne upon the wind, and + presently we saw a fringe of horsemen falling back slowly upon our + foremost line. It was only to report, however, that the skirmishers of + Atene were in full retreat. Indeed, a prisoner whom they brought with + them, on being questioned by the priests, confessed at once that the + Khania had no mind to meet us upon the holy Mountain. She proposed to give + battle on the river’s farther bank, having for a defence its waters which + we must ford, a decision that showed good military judgment. + </p> + <p> + So it happened that on this day there was no fighting. + </p> + <p> + All that afternoon we descended the slopes of the Mountain, more swiftly + by far than we had climbed them after our long flight from the city of + Kaloon. Before sunset we came to our prepared camping ground, a wide and + sloping plain that ended at the crest of the Valley of Dead Bones, where + in past days we had met our mysterious guide. This, however, we did not + reach through the secret mountain tunnel along which she had led us, the + shortest way by miles, as Ayesha told us now, since it was unsuited to the + passage of an army. + </p> + <p> + Bending to the left, we circled round a number of unclimbable koppies, + beneath which that tunnel passed, and so at length arrived upon the brow + of the dark ravine where we could sleep safe from attack by night. + </p> + <p> + Here a tent was pitched for Ayesha, but as it was the only one, Leo and I + with our guard bivouacked among some rocks at a distance of a few hundred + yards. When she found that this must be so, Ayesha was very angry and + spoke bitter words to the chief who had charge of the food and baggage, + although, he, poor man, knew nothing of tents. + </p> + <p> + Also she blamed Oros, who replied meekly that he had thought us captains + accustomed to war and its hardships. But most of all she was angry with + herself, who had forgotten this detail, and until Leo stopped her with a + laugh of vexation, went on to suggest that we should sleep in the tent, + since she had no fear of the rigours of the mountain cold. + </p> + <p> + The end of it was that we supped together outside, or rather Leo and I + supped, for as there were guards around us Ayesha did not even lift her + veil. + </p> + <p> + That evening Ayesha was disturbed and ill at ease, as though new fears + which she could not overcome assailed her. At length she seemed to conquer + them by some effort of her will and announced that she was minded to sleep + and thus refresh her soul; the only part of her, I think, which ever + needed rest. Her last words to us were—“Sleep you also, sleep sound, + but be not astonished, my Leo, if I send to summon both of you during the + night, since in my slumbers I may find new counsels and need to speak of + them to thee ere we break camp at dawn.” + </p> + <p> + Thus we parted, but ah! little did we guess how and where the three of us + would meet again. + </p> + <p> + We were weary and soon fell fast asleep beside our camp-fire, for, knowing + that the whole army guarded us, we had no fear. I remember watching the + bright stars which shone in the immense vault above me until they paled in + the pure light of the risen moon, now somewhat past her full, and hearing + Leo mutter drowsily from beneath his fur rug that Ayesha was quite right, + and that it was pleasant to be in the open air again, as he was tired of + caves. + </p> + <p> + After that I knew no more until I was awakened by the challenge of a + sentry in the distance; then after a pause, a second challenge from the + officer of our own guard. Another pause, and a priest stood bowing before + us, the flickering light from the fire playing upon his shaven head and + face, which I seemed to recognize. + </p> + <p> + “I”—and he gave a name that was familiar to me, but which I forget—“am + sent, my lords, by Oros, who commands me to say that the Hesea would speak + with you both and at once.” + </p> + <p> + Now Leo sat up yawning and asked what was the matter. I told him, whereon + he said he wished that Ayesha could have waited till daylight, then added—“Well, + there is no help for it. Come on, Horace,” and he rose to follow the + messenger. + </p> + <p> + The priest bowed again and said—“The commands of the Hesea are that + my lords should bring their weapons and their guard.” + </p> + <p> + “What,” grumbled Leo, “to protect us for a walk of a hundred yards through + the heart of an army?” + </p> + <p> + “The Hesea,” explained the man, “has left her tent; she is in the gorge + yonder, studying the line of advance.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know it,” he replied. “Oros told me so, that is all, and + therefore the Hesea bade my lords bring their guard, for she is alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she mad,” ejaculated Leo, “to wander about in such a place at + midnight? Well, it is like her.” + </p> + <p> + I too thought it was like her, who did nothing that others would have + done, and yet I hesitated. Then I remembered that Ayesha had said she + might send for us; also I was sure that if any trick had been intended we + should not have been warned to bring an escort. So we called the guard—there + were twelve of them—took our spears and swords and started. + </p> + <p> + We were challenged by both the first and second lines of sentries, and I + noticed that as we gave them the password the last picket, who of course + recognized us, looked astonished. Still, if they had doubts they did not + dare to express them. So we went on. + </p> + <p> + Now we began to descend the sides of the ravine by a very steep path, with + which the priest, our guide, seemed to be curiously familiar, for he went + down it as though it were the stairway of his own house. + </p> + <p> + “A strange place to take us to at night,” said Leo doubtfully, when we + were near the bottom and the chief of the bodyguard, that great + red-bearded hunter who had been mixed up in the matter of the snow-leopard + also muttered some words of remonstrance. Whilst I was trying to catch + what he said, of a sudden something white walked into the patch of + moonlight at the foot of the ravine, and we saw that it was the veiled + figure of Ayesha herself. The chief saw her also and said contentedly—“Hes! + Hes!” + </p> + <p> + “Look at her,” grumbled Leo, “strolling about in that haunted hole as + though it were Hyde Park;” and on he went at a run. + </p> + <p> + The figure turned and beckoned to us to follow her as she glided forward, + picking her way through the skeletons which were scattered about upon the + lava bed of the cleft. Thus she went on into the shadow of the opposing + cliff that the moonlight did not reach. Here in the wet season a stream + trickled down a path which it had cut through the rock in the course of + centuries, and the grit that it had brought with it was spread about the + lava floor of the ravine, so that many of the bones were almost completely + buried in the sand. + </p> + <p> + These, I noticed, as we stepped into the shadow, were more numerous than + usual just here, for on all sides I saw the white crowns of skulls, or the + projecting ends of ribs and thigh bones. Doubtless, I thought to myself, + that streamway made a road to the plain above, and in some past battle, + the fighting around it was very fierce and the slaughter great. + </p> + <p> + Here Ayesha had halted and was engaged in the contemplation of this + boulder-strewn path, as though she meditated making use of it that day. + Now we drew near to her, and the priest who guided us fell back with our + guard, leaving us to go forward alone, since they dared not approach the + Hesea unbidden. Leo was somewhat in advance of me, seven or eight yards + perhaps, and I heard him say—“Why dost thou venture into such places + at night, Ayesha, unless indeed it is not possible for any harm to come to + thee?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, only turned and opened her arms wide, then let them + fall to her side again. Whilst I wondered what this signal of hers might + mean, from the shadows about us came a strange, rustling sound. + </p> + <p> + I looked, and lo! everywhere the skeletons were rising from their sandy + beds. I saw their white skulls, their gleaming arm and leg bones, their + hollow ribs. The long-slain army had come to life again, and look! in + their hands were the ghosts of spears. + </p> + <p> + Of course I knew at once that this was but another manifestation of + Ayesha’s magic powers, which some whim of hers had drawn us from our beds + to witness. Yet I confess that I felt frightened. Even the boldest of men, + however free from superstition, might be excused should their nerve fail + them if, when standing in a churchyard at midnight, suddenly on every side + they saw the dead arising from their graves. Also our surroundings were + wilder and more eerie than those of any civilized burying-place. + </p> + <p> + “What new devilment of thine is this?” cried Leo in a scared and angry + voice. But Ayesha made no answer. I heard a noise behind me and looked + round. The skeletons were springing upon our body-guard, who for their + part, poor men, paralysed with terror, had thrown down their weapons and + fallen, some of them, to their knees. Now the ghosts began to stab at them + with their phantom spears, and I saw that beneath the blows they rolled + over. The veiled figure above me pointed with her hand at Leo and said—“Seize + him, but I charge you, harm him not.” + </p> + <p> + I knew the voice; <i>it was that of Atene!</i> + </p> + <p> + Then too late I understood the trap into which we had fallen. + </p> + <p> + “Treachery!” I began to cry, and before the word was out of my lips, a + particularly able-bodied skeleton silenced me with a violent blow upon the + head. But though I could not speak, my senses still stayed with me for a + little. I saw Leo fighting furiously with a number of men who strove to + pull him down, so furiously, indeed that his frightful efforts caused the + blood to gush out of his mouth from some burst vessel in the lungs. + </p> + <p> + Then sight and hearing failed me, and thinking that this was death, I fell + and remembered no more. + </p> + <p> + Why I was not killed outright I do not know, unless in their hurry the + disguised soldiers thought me already dead, or perhaps that my life was to + be spared also. At least, beyond the knock upon the head I received no + injury. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"></a> + CHAPTER XXII<br /> + THE LOOSING OF THE POWERS + </h2> + <p> + When I came to myself again, it was daylight. I saw the calm, gentle face + of Oros bending over me as he poured some strong fluid down my throat that + seemed to shoot through all my body, and melt a curtain in my mind. I saw + also that beside him stood Ayesha. + </p> + <p> + “Speak, man, speak,” she said in a terrible voice. “What hast chanced + here? Thou livest, then where is my lord? Where hast thou hid my lord? + Tell me—or die.” + </p> + <p> + It was the vision that I saw when my senses left me in the snow of the + avalanche, fulfilled to the last detail! + </p> + <p> + “Atene has taken him,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Atene has taken him and thou art left alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be wrath with me,” I answered, “it is no fault of mine. Little + wonder we were deceived after thou hadst said that thou mightest summon us + ere dawn.” + </p> + <p> + Then as briefly as I could I told the story. + </p> + <p> + She listened, went to where our murdered guards lay with unstained spears, + and looked at them. + </p> + <p> + “Well for these that they are dead,” she exclaimed. “Now, Holly, thou + seest what is the fruit of mercy. The men whose lives I gave my lord have + failed him at his need.” + </p> + <p> + Then she passed forward to the spot where Leo was captured. Here lay a + broken sword—Leo’s—that had been the Khan Rassen’s, and two + dead men. Both of these were clothed in some tight-fitting black garments, + having their heads and faces whitened with chalk and upon their vests a + rude imitation of a human skeleton, also daubed in chalk. + </p> + <p> + “A trick fit to frighten fools with,” she said contemptuously. “But oh! + that Atene should have dared to play the part of Ayesha, that she should + have dared!” and she clenched her little hand. “See, surprised and + overwhelmed, yet he fought well. Say! was he hurt, Holly? It comes upon me—no, + tell me that I see amiss.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, I think,” I answered doubtfully, “a little blood was running + from his mouth, no more. Look, there go the stains of it upon that rock.” + </p> + <p> + “For every drop I’ll take a hundred lives. By myself I swear it,” Ayesha + muttered with a groan. Then she cried in a ringing voice, + </p> + <p> + “Back and to horse, for I have deeds to do this day. Nay, bide thou here, + Holly; we go a shorter path while the army skirts the gorge. Oros, give + him food and drink and bathe that hurt upon his head. It is but a bruise, + for his hood and hair are thick.” + </p> + <p> + So while Oros rubbed some stinging lotion on my scalp, I ate and drank as + best I could till my brain ceased to swim, for the blow, though heavy, had + not fractured the bone. When I was ready they brought the horses to us, + and mounting them, slowly we scrambled up the steep bed of the + water-course. + </p> + <p> + “See,” Ayesha said, pointing to tracks and hoof-prints on the plain at its + head, “there was a chariot awaiting him, and harnessed to it were four + swift horses. Atene’s scheme was clever and well laid, and I, grown + oversure and careless, slept through it all!” + </p> + <p> + On this plain the army of the Tribes that had broken camp before the dawn + was already gathering fast; indeed, the cavalry, if I may call them so, + were assembled there to the number of about five thousand men, each of + whom had a led horse. Ayesha summoned the chiefs and captains, and + addressed them. “Servants of Hes,” she said, “the stranger lord, my + betrothed and guest, has been tricked by a false priest and, falling into + a cunning snare, captured as a hostage. It is necessary that I follow him + fast, before harm comes—to him. We move down to attack the army of + the Khania beyond the river. When its passage is forced I pass on with the + horsemen, for I must sleep in the city of Kaloon to-night. What sayest + thou, Oros? That a second and greater army defends its walls? Man, I know + it, and if there is need, that army I will destroy. Nay, stare not at me. + Already they are as dead. Horsemen, you accompany me. + </p> + <p> + “Captains of the Tribes, you follow, and woe be to that man who hangs back + in the hour of battle, for death and eternal shame shall be his portion, + but wealth and honour to those who bear them bravely. Yes, I tell you, + theirs shall be the fair land of Kaloon. You have your orders for the + passing of yonder river. I, with the horsemen, take the central ford. Let + the wings advance.” + </p> + <p> + The chiefs answered with a cheer, for they were fierce men whose ancestors + had loved war for generations. Moreover, mad as seemed the enterprise, + they trusted in their Oracle, the Hesea, and, like all hill peoples, were + easily fired by the promise of rich plunder. + </p> + <p> + An hour’s steady march down the slopes brought the army to the edge of the + marsh lands. These, as it chanced, proved no obstacle to our progress, for + in that season of great drought they were quite dry, and for the same + reason the shrunken river was not so impassable a defence as I feared that + it would be. Still, because of its rocky bottom and steep, opposing banks, + it looked formidable enough, while on the crests of those banks, in + squadrons and companies of horse and foot, were gathered the regiments of + Atene. + </p> + <p> + While the wings of footmen deployed to right and left, the cavalry halted + in the marshes and let their horses fill themselves with the long grass, + now a little browned by frost, that grew on this boggy soil, and + afterwards drink some water. + </p> + <p> + All this time Ayesha stood silent, for she also had dismounted, that the + mare she rode and her two led horses might graze with the others. Indeed, + she spoke but once, saying—“Thou thinkest this adventure mad, my + Holly? Say, art afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “Not with thee for captain,” I answered. “Still, that second army——” + </p> + <p> + “Shall melt before me like mist before the gale,” she replied in a low and + thrilling voice. “Holly, I tell thee thou shalt see things such as no man + upon the earth has ever seen. Remember my words when I <i>loose the Powers</i> + and thou followest the rent veil of Ayesha through the smitten squadrons + of Kaloon. Only—what if Atene should dare to murder him? Oh, if she + should dare!” + </p> + <p> + “Be comforted,” I replied, wondering what she might mean by this loosing + of the Powers. “I think that she loves him too well.” + </p> + <p> + “I bless thee for the words, Holly, yet—I know he will refuse her, + and then her hate for me and her jealous rage may overcome her love for + him. Should this be so, what will avail my vengeance? Eat and drink again, + Holly—nay, I touch no food until I sit in the palace of Kaloon—and + look well to girth and bridle, for thou ridest far and on a wild errand. + Mount thee on Leo’s horse, which is swift and sure; if it dies the guards + will bring thee others.” + </p> + <p> + I obeyed her as best I could, and once more bathed my head in a pool, and + with the help of Oros tied a rag soaked in the liniment on the bruise, + after which I felt sound enough. Indeed, the mad excitement of those + minutes of waiting, and some foreshadowing of the terrible wonders that + were about to befall, made me forget my hurts. + </p> + <p> + Now, Ayesha was standing staring upwards, so that although I could not see + her veiled face, I guessed that her eyes must be fixed on the sky above + the mountain top. I was certain, also, that she was concentrating her + fearful will upon an unknown object, for her whole frame quivered like a + reed shaken in the wind. + </p> + <p> + It was a very strange morning—cold and clear, yet curiously still, + and with a heaviness in the air such as precedes a great fall of snow, + although for much snow the season was yet too early. Once or twice, too, + in that utter calm, I thought that I felt everything shudder; not the + ordinary trembling of earthquake, however, for the shuddering seemed to be + of the atmosphere quite as much as of the land. It was as though all + Nature around us were a living creature which is very much afraid. + </p> + <p> + Following Ayesha’s earnest gaze, I perceived that thick, smoky clouds were + gathering one by one in the clear sky above the peak, and that they were + edged, each of them, with a fiery rim. Watching these fantastic and + ominous clouds, I ventured to say to her that it looked as though the + weather would change—not a very original remark, but one which the + circumstances suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered, “ere night the weather will be wilder even than my + heart. No longer shall they cry for water in Kaloon! Mount, Holly, mount! + The advance begins!” and unaided she sprang to the saddle of the mare that + Oros brought her. + </p> + <p> + Then, in the midst of the five thousand horsemen, we moved down upon the + ford. As we reached its brink I noted that the two divisions of tribesmen + were already entering the stream half a mile to the right and left of us. + Of what befell them I can tell nothing from observation, although I + learned later that they forced it after great slaughter on both sides. + </p> + <p> + In front of us was gathered the main body of the Khania’s army, massed by + regiments upon the further bank, while hundreds of picked men stood up to + their middles in the water, waiting to spear or hamstring our horses as we + advanced. + </p> + <p> + Now, uttering their wild, whistling cry, our leading companies dashed into + the river, leaving us upon the bank, and soon were engaged hotly with the + footmen in midstream. While this fray went on, Oros came to Ayesha, told + her a spy had reported that Leo, bound in a two-wheeled carriage and + accompanied by Atene, Simbri and a guard, had passed through the enemy’s + camp at night, galloping furiously towards Kaloon. + </p> + <p> + “Spare thy words, I know it,” she answered, and he fell back behind her. + </p> + <p> + Our squadrons gained the bank, having destroyed most of the men in the + water, but as they set foot upon it the enemy charged them and drove them + back with loss. Thrice they returned to the attack, and thrice were + repulsed in this fashion. At length Ayesha grew impatient. + </p> + <p> + “They need a leader, and I will give them one,” she said. “Come with me, + my Holly,” and, followed by the main body of the horsemen, she rode a + little way into the river, and there waited until the shattered troops had + fallen back upon us. Oros whispered to me—“It is madness, the Hesea + will be slain.” + </p> + <p> + “Thinkest thou so?” I answered. “More like that we shall be slain,” a + saying at which he smiled a little more than usual and shrugged his + shoulders, since for all his soft ways, Oros was a brave man. Also I + believe that he spoke to try me, knowing that his mistress would take no + harm. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha held up her hand, in which there was no weapon, and waved it + forwards. A great cheer answered that signal to advance, and in the midst + of it this frail, white-robed woman spoke to her horse, so that it plunged + deep into the water. + </p> + <p> + Two minutes later, and spears and arrows were flying about us so thickly + that they seemed to darken the sky. I saw men and horses fall to right and + left, but nothing touched me or the white robes that floated a yard or two + ahead. Five minutes and we were gaining the further bank, and there the + worst fight began. + </p> + <p> + It was fierce indeed, yet never an inch did the white robes give back, and + where they went men would follow them or fall. We were up the bank and the + enemy was packed about us, but through them we passed slowly, like a boat + through an adverse sea that buffets but cannot stay it. Yes, further and + further, till at last the lines ahead grew thin as the living wedge of + horsemen forced its path between them—grew thin, broke and vanished. + </p> + <p> + We had passed through the heart of the host, and leaving the tribesmen who + followed to deal with its flying fragments, rode on half a mile or so and + mustered. Many were dead and more were hurt, but the command was issued + that all sore-wounded men should fall out and give their horses to replace + those that had been killed. + </p> + <p> + This was done, and presently we moved on, three thousand of us now, not + more, heading for Kaloon. The trot grew to a canter, and the canter to a + gallop, as we rushed forward across that endless plain, till at midday, or + a little after—for this route was far shorter than that taken by Leo + and myself in our devious flight from Rassen and his death-hounds—we + dimly saw the city of Kaloon set upon its hill. + </p> + <p> + Now a halt was ordered, for here was a reservoir in which was still some + water, whereof the horses drank, while the men ate of the food they + carried with them; dried meat and barley meal. Here, too, more spies met + us, who said that the great army of Atene was posted guarding the city + bridges, and that to attack it with our little force would mean + destruction. But Ayesha took no heed of their words; indeed, she scarcely + seemed to hear them. Only she ordered that all wearied horses should be + abandoned and fresh ones mounted. + </p> + <p> + Forward again for hour after hour, in perfect silence save for the thunder + of our horses’ hoofs. No word spoke Ayesha, nor did her wild escort speak, + only from time to time they looked over their shoulders and pointed with + their red spears at the red sky behind. + </p> + <p> + I looked also, nor shall I forget its aspect. The dreadful, fire-edged + clouds had grown and gathered so that beneath their shadows the plain lay + almost black. They marched above us like an army in the heavens, while + from time to time vaporous points shot forward, thin like swords, or + massed like charging horse. + </p> + <p> + Under them a vast stillness reigned. It was as though the earth lay dead + beneath their pall. + </p> + <p> + Kaloon, lit in a lurid light, grew nearer. The pickets of the foe flew + homeward before us, shaking their javelins, and their mocking laughter + reached us in hollow echoes. Now we saw the vast array, posted rank on + rank with silken banners drooping in that stirless air, flanked and + screened by glittering regiments of horse. + </p> + <p> + An embassy approached us, and at the signal of Ayesha’s uplifted arm we + halted. It was headed by a lord of the court whose face I knew. He pulled + rein and spoke boldly. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Hes, to the words of Atene. Ere now the stranger lord, thy + darling, is prisoner in her palace. Advance, and we destroy thee and thy + little band; but if by any miracle thou shouldst conquer, then he dies. + Get thee gone to thy Mountain fastness and the Khania gives thee peace, + and thy people their lives. What answer to the words of the Khania?” + </p> + <p> + Ayesha whispered to Oros, who called aloud—“There is no answer. Go, + if ye love life, for death draws near to you.” + </p> + <p> + So they went fast as their swift steeds would carry them, but for a little + while Ayesha still sat lost in thought. + </p> + <p> + Presently she turned and through her thin veil I saw that her face was + white and terrible and that the eyes in it glowed like those of a lioness + at night. She said to, me—hissing the words between her clenched + teeth—“Holly, prepare thyself to look into the mouth of hell. I + desired to spare them if I could, I swear it, but my heart bids me be + bold, to put off human pity, and use all my secret might if I would see + Leo living. Holly, I tell thee they are about <i>to murder him!</i>” + </p> + <p> + Then she cried aloud, “Fear nothing, Captains. Ye are but few, yet with + you goes the strength of ten thousand thousand. Now follow the Hesea, and + whate’er ye meet, be not dismayed. Repeat it to the soldiers, that fearing + nothing they follow the Hesea through yonder host and across the bridge + and into the city of Kaloon.” + </p> + <p> + So the chiefs rode hither and thither, crying out her words, and the + savage tribesmen answered—“Aye, we who followed through the water, + will follow across the plain. Onward, Hes, for darkness swallows us.” + </p> + <p> + Now some orders were given, and the companies fell into a formation that + resembled a great wedge, Ayesha herself being its very point and apex, for + though Oros and I rode on either side of her, spur as we would, our + horses’ heads never passed her saddle bow. In front of that dark mass she + shone a single spot of white—one snowy feather on a black torrent’s + breast. + </p> + <p> + A screaming bugle note—and, like giant arms, from the shelter of + some groves of poplar trees, curved horns of cavalry shot out to surround + us, while the broad bosom of the opposing army, shimmering with spears, + rolled forward as a wave rolls crowned with sunlit foam, and behind it, + line upon line, uncountable, lay a surging sea of men. + </p> + <p> + Our end was near. We were lost, or so it seemed. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha tore off her veil and held it on high, flowing from her like a + pennon, and lo! upon her brow blazed that wide and mystic diadem of light + which once only I had seen before. + </p> + <p> + Denser and denser grew the rushing clouds above; brighter and brighter + gleamed the unearthly star of light beneath. Louder and louder beat the + sound of the falling hoofs of ten thousand horses. From the Mountain peak + behind us went up sudden sheets of flame; it spouted fire as a whale + spouts foam. + </p> + <p> + The scene was dreadful. In front, the towers of Kaloon lurid in a + monstrous sunset. Above, a gloom as of an eclipse. Around the darkling, + sunburnt plain. On it Atene’s advancing army, and our rushing wedge of + horsemen destined, it would appear, to inevitable doom. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha let fall her rein. She tossed her arms, waving the torn, white veil + as though it were a signal cast to heaven. + </p> + <p> + Instantly from the churning jaws of the unholy night above belched a blaze + of answering flame, that also wavered like a rent and shaken veil in the + grasp of a black hand of cloud. + </p> + <p> + Then did Ayesha roll the thunder of her might upon the Children of Kaloon. + Then she called, and the Terror came, such as men had never seen and + perchance never more will see. Awful bursts of wind tore past us, lifting + the very stones and soil before them, and with the wind went hail and + level, hissing rain, made visible by the arrows of perpetual lightnings + that leapt downwards from the sky and upwards from the earth. + </p> + <p> + It was as she had warned me. It was as though hell had broken loose upon + the world, yet through that hell we rushed on unharmed. For always these + furies passed before us. No arrow flew, no javelin was stained. The jagged + hail was a herald of our coming; the levens that smote and stabbed were + our sword and spear, while ever the hurricane roared and screamed with a + million separate voices which blended to one yell of sound, hideous and + indescribable. + </p> + <p> + As for the hosts about us they melted and were gone. + </p> + <p> + Now the darkness was dense, like to that of thickest night; yet in the + fierce flares of the lightnings I saw them run this way and that, and + amidst the volleying, elemental voices I heard their shouts of horror and + of agony. I saw horses and riders roll confused upon the ground; like + storm-drifted leaves I saw their footmen piled in high and whirling heaps, + while the brands of heaven struck and struck them till they sank together + and grew still. + </p> + <p> + I saw the groves of trees bend, shrivel up and vanish. I saw the high + walls of Kaloon blown in and flee away, while the houses within the walls + took fire, to go out beneath the torrents of the driving rain, and again + take fire. I saw blackness sweep over us with great wings, and when I + looked, lo! those wide wings were flame, floods of pulsing flame that flew + upon the tormented air. + </p> + <p> + Blackness, utter blackness; turmoil, doom, dismay! Beneath me the + labouring horse; at my side the steady crest of light which sat on + Ayesha’s brow, and through the tumult a clear, exultant voice that sang—“I + promised thee wild weather! Now, Holly, dost thou believe that I can loose + the prisoned Powers of the world?” + </p> + <p> + Lo! all was past and gone, and above us shone the quiet evening sky, and + before us lay the empty bridge, and beyond it the flaming city of Kaloon. + But the armies of Atene, where were they? Go, ask of those great cairns + that hide their bones. Go, ask it of her widowed land. + </p> + <p> + Yet of our wild company of horsemen not one was lost. After us they + galloped trembling, white-lipped, like men who face to face had fought and + conquered Death, but triumphant—ah, triumphant! + </p> + <p> + On the high head of the bridge Ayesha wheeled her horse, and so for one + proud moment stood to welcome them. At the sight of her glorious, + star-crowned countenance, which now her Tribes beheld for the first time + and the last, there went up such a shout as men have seldom heard. + </p> + <p> + “<i>The Goddess!</i>” that shout thundered. “Worship the Goddess!” + </p> + <p> + Then she turned her horse’s head again, and they followed on through the + long straight street of the burning city, up to the palace on its crest. + </p> + <p> + As the sun set we sped beneath its gateway. Silence in the courtyard, + silence everywhere, save for the distant roar of fire and the scared + howlings of the death-hounds in their kennel. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha sprang from her horse, and waving back all save Oros and myself, + swept through the open doors into the halls beyond. + </p> + <p> + They were empty, every one—all were fled or dead. Yet she never + paused or doubted, but so swiftly that we scarce could follow her, flitted + up the wide stone stair that led to the topmost tower. Up, still up, until + we reached the chamber where had dwelt Simbri the Shaman, that same + chamber whence he was wont to watch his stars, in which Atene had + threatened us with death. + </p> + <p> + Its door was shut and barred; still, at Ayesha’s coming, yes, before the + mere breath of her presence, the iron bolts snapped like twigs, the locks + flew back, and inward burst that massive portal. + </p> + <p> + Now we were within the lamp-lit chamber, and this is what we saw. Seated + in a chair, pale-faced, bound, yet proud and defiant-looking, was Leo. + Over him, a dagger in his withered hand—yes, about to strike, in the + very act—stood the old Shaman, and on the floor hard by, gazing + upward with wide-set eyes, dead and still majestic in her death, lay + Atene, Khania of Kaloon. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha waved her arm and the knife fell from Simbri’s hand, clattering on + the marble, while in an instant he who had held it was smitten to + stillness and became like a man turned to stone. + </p> + <p> + She stooped, lifted the dagger, and with a swift stroke severed Leo’s + bonds; then, as though overcome at last, sank on to a bench in silence. + Leo rose, looking about him bewildered, and said in the strained voice of + one who is weak with much suffering—“But just in time, Ayesha. + Another second, and that murderous dog”—and he pointed to the Shaman—“well, + it was in time. But how went the battle, and how camest thou here through + that awful hurricane? And, oh, Horace, thank heaven they did not kill you + after all!” + </p> + <p> + “The battle went ill for some,” Ayesha answered, “and I came not through + the hurricane, but on its wings. Tell me now, what has befallen thee since + we parted?” + </p> + <p> + “Trapped, overpowered, bound, brought here, told that I must write to thee + and stop thy advance, or die—refused, of course, and then——” + and he glanced at the dead body on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “And then?” repeated Ayesha. + </p> + <p> + “Then that fearful tempest, which seemed to drive me mad. Oh! if thou + couldst have heard the wind howling round these battlements, tearing off + their stones as though they were dry leaves; if thou hadst seen the + lightnings falling thick and fast as rain——” + </p> + <p> + “They were my messengers. I sent them to save thee,” said Ayesha simply. + </p> + <p> + Leo stared at her, making no comment, but after a pause, as though he were + thinking the matter over, he went on—“Atene said as much, but I did + not believe her. I thought the end of the world had come, that was all. + Well, she returned just now more mad even than I was, and told me that her + people were destroyed and that she could not fight against the strength of + hell, but that she could send me thither, and took a knife to kill me. + </p> + <p> + “I said, ‘Kill on,’ for I knew that wherever I went thou wouldst follow, + and I was sick with the loss of blood from some hurt I had in that + struggle, and weary of it all. So I shut my eyes waiting for the stroke, + but instead I felt her lips pressed upon my forehead, and heard her say—“‘Nay, + I will not do it. Fare thee well; fulfil thou thine own destiny, as I + fulfil mine. For this cast the dice have fallen against me; elsewhere it + may be otherwise. I go to load them if I may.’ + </p> + <p> + “I opened my eyes and looked. There Atene stood, a glass in her hand—see, + it lies beside her. + </p> + <p> + “‘Defeated, yet I win,’ she cried, ‘for I do but pass before thee to + prepare the path that thou shalt tread, and to make ready thy place in the + Under-world. Till we meet again I pledge thee, for I am destroyed. + Ayesha’s horsemen are in my streets, and, clothed in lightnings at their + head, rides Ayesha’s avenging self.’ + </p> + <p> + “So she drank, and fell dead—but now. Look, her breast still + quivers. Afterwards, that old man would have murdered me, for, being + roped, I could not resist him, but the door burst in and thou camest. + Spare him, he is of her blood, and he loved her.” + </p> + <p> + Then Leo sank back into the chair where we had discovered him bound, and + seemed to fall into a kind of torpor, for of a sudden he grew to look like + an old man. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art sick,” said Ayesha anxiously. “Oros, thy medicine, the draught I + bade thee bring! Be swift, I say.” + </p> + <p> + The priest bowed, and from some pocket in his ample robe produced a phial + which he opened and gave to Leo, saying—“Drink, my lord; this stuff + will give thee back thy health, for it is strong.” + </p> + <p> + “The stronger the better,” answered Leo, rousing himself, and with + something like his old, cheerful laugh. “I am thirsty who have touched + nothing since last night, and have fought hard and been carried far, yes—and + lived through that hellish storm.” + </p> + <p> + Then he took the draught and emptied it. There must have been virtue in + that potion; at least, the change which it produced in him was wonderful. + Within a minute his eyes grew bright again, and the colour returned into + his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Thy medicines are very good, as I have learned of old,” he said to + Ayesha; “but the best of all of them is to see thee safe and victorious + before me, and to know that I, who looked for death, yet live to greet + thee, my beloved. There is food,” and he pointed to a board upon which + were meats, “say, may I eat of them, for I starve?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered softly, “eat, and, my Holly, eat thou also.” + </p> + <p> + So we fell to, yes, we fell to and ate even in the presence of that dead + woman who looked so royal in her death; of the old magician who stood + there powerless, like a man petrified, and of Ayesha, the wondrous being + that could destroy an army with the fearful weapons which were servant to + her will. + </p> + <p> + Only Oros ate nothing, but remained where he was, smiling at us + benignantly, nor did Ayesha touch any food. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"></a> + CHAPTER XXIII<br /> + THE YIELDING OF AYESHA + </h2> + <p> + When I had satisfied myself, Leo was still at his meal, for loss of blood + or the effects of the tremendous nerve tonic which Ayesha ordered to be + administered to him, had made him ravenous. + </p> + <p> + I watched his face and became aware of a curious change in it, no + immediate change indeed, but one, I think, that had come upon him + gradually, although I only fully appreciated it now, after our short + separation. In addition to the thinness of which I have spoken, his + handsome countenance had grown more ethereal; his eyes were full of the + shadows of things that were to come. + </p> + <p> + His aspect pained me, I knew not why. It was no longer that of the Leo + with whom I was familiar, the deep-chested, mighty-limbed, jovial, upright + traveller, hunter and fighting-man who had chanced to love and be loved of + a spiritual power incarnated in a mould of perfect womanhood and armed + with all the might of Nature’s self. These things were still present + indeed, but the man was changed, and I felt sure that this change came + from Ayesha, since the look upon his face had become exceeding like to + that which often hovered upon hers at rest. + </p> + <p> + She also was watching him, with speculative, dreamy eyes, till presently, + as some thought swept through her, I saw those eyes blaze up, and the red + blood pour to cheek and brow. Yes, the mighty Ayesha whose dead, slain for + him, lay strewn by the thousand on yonder plain, blushed and trembled like + a maiden at her first lover’s kiss. + </p> + <p> + Leo rose from the table. “I would that I had been with thee in the fray,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “At the drift there was fighting,” she answered, “afterwards none. My + ministers of Fire, Earth and Air smote, no more; I waked them from their + sleep and at my command they smote for thee and saved thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Many lives to take for one man’s safety,” Leo said solemnly, as though + the thought pained him. + </p> + <p> + “Had they been millions and not thousands, I would have spent them every + one. On my head be their deaths, not on thine. Or rather on hers,” and she + pointed to the dead Atene. “Yes, on hers who made this war. At least she + should thank me who have sent so royal a host to guard her through the + darkness.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is terrible,” said Leo, “to think of thee, beloved, red to the + hair with slaughter.” + </p> + <p> + “What reck I?” she answered with a splendid pride. “Let their blood + suffice to wash the stain of thy blood from off these cruel hands that + once did murder thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Who am I that I should blame thee?” Leo went on as though arguing with + himself, “I who but yesterday killed two men—to save myself from + treachery.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak not of it,” she exclaimed in cold rage. “I saw the place and, + Holly, thou knowest how I swore that a hundred lives should pay for every + drop of that dear blood of thine, and I, who lie not, have kept the oath. + Look now on that man who stands yonder struck by my will to stone, dead + yet living, and say again what was he about to do to thee when I entered + here?” + </p> + <p> + “To take vengeance on me for the doom of his queen and of her armies,” + answered Leo, “and Ayesha, how knowest thou that a Power higher than thine + own will not demand it yet?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a pale shadow flickered on Leo’s face, such a shadow as might + fall from Death’s advancing wing, and in the fixed eyes of the Shaman + there shone a stony smile. + </p> + <p> + For a moment terror seemed to take Ayesha, then it was gone as quickly as + it came. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” she said. “I ordain that it shall not be, and save One who listeth + not, what power reigns in this wide earth that dare defy my will?” + </p> + <p> + So she spoke, and as her words of awful pride—for they were very + awful—rang round that stone-built chamber, a vision came to me—Holly. + </p> + <p> + I saw illimitable space peopled with shining suns, and sunk in the + infinite void above them one vast Countenance clad in a calm so terrific + that at its aspect my spirit sank to nothingness. Yes, and I knew that + this was Destiny enthroned above the spheres. Those lips moved and + obedient worlds rushed upon their course. They moved again and these + rolling chariots of the heavens were turned or stayed, appeared or + disappeared. I knew also that against this calm Majesty the being, woman + or spirit, at my side had dared to hurl her passion and her strength. My + soul reeled. I was afraid. + </p> + <p> + The dread phantasm passed, and when my mind cleared again Ayesha was + speaking in new, triumphant tones. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay,” she cried. “Past is the night of dread; dawns the day of + victory! Look!” and she pointed through the window-places shattered by the + hurricane, to the flaming town beneath, whence rose one continual wail of + misery, the wail of women mourning their countless slain while the fire + roared through their homes like some unchained and rejoicing demon. “Look + Leo on the smoke of the first sacrifice that I offer to thy royal state + and listen to its music. Perchance thou deemst it naught. Why then I’ll + give thee others. Thou lovest war. Good! we will go down to war and the + rebellious cities of the earth shall be the torches of our march.” + </p> + <p> + She paused a moment, her delicate nostrils quivering, and her face alight + with the prescience of ungarnered splendours; then like a swooping swallow + flitted to where, by dead Atene, the gold circlet fallen from the Khania’s + hair lay upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + She stooped, lifted it, and coming to Leo held it high above his head. + Slowly she let her hand fall until the glittering coronet rested for an + instant on his brow. Then she spoke, in her glorious voice that rolled out + rich and low, a very paean of triumph and of power. + </p> + <p> + “By this poor, earthly symbol I create thee King of Earth; yea in its + round for thee is gathered all her rule. Be thou its king, and mine!” + </p> + <p> + Again the coronet was held aloft, again it sank, and again she said or + rather chanted—“With this unbroken ring, token of eternity, I swear + to thee the boon of endless days. Endure thou while the world endures, and + be its lord, and mine.” + </p> + <p> + A third time the coronet touched his brow. + </p> + <p> + “By this golden round I do endow thee with Wisdom’s perfect gold + uncountable, that is the talisman whereat all nature’s secret paths shall + open to thy feet. Victorious, victorious, tread thou her wondrous ways + with me, till from her topmost peak at last she wafts us to our immortal + throne whereof the columns twain are Life and Death.” + </p> + <p> + Then Ayesha cast away the crown and lo! it fell upon the breast of the + lost Atene and rested there. + </p> + <p> + “Art content with these gifts of mine, my lord?” she cried. + </p> + <p> + Leo looked at her sadly and shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “What more wilt thou then? Ask and I swear it shall be thine.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou swearest; but wilt thou keep the oath?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, by myself I swear; by myself and by the Strength that bred me. If it + be ought that I can grant—then if I refuse it to thee, may such + destruction fall upon me as will satisfy even Atene’s watching soul.” + </p> + <p> + I heard and I think that another heard also, at least once more the stony + smile shone in the eyes of the Shaman. + </p> + <p> + “I ask of thee nothing that thou canst not give. Ayesha, I ask of thee + thyself—not at some distant time when I have been bathed in a + mysterious fire, but now, now this night.” + </p> + <p> + She shrank back from him a little, as though dismayed. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” she said slowly, “I am like that foolish philosopher who, + walking abroad to read the destinies of nations in the stars, fell down a + pitfall dug by idle children and broke his bones and perished there. Never + did I guess that with all these glories stretched before thee like + mountain top on glittering mountain top, making a stairway for thy mortal + feet to the very dome of heaven, thou wouldst still clutch at thy native + earth and seek of it—but the common boon of woman’s love. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Leo, I thought that thy soul was set upon nobler aims, that thou + wouldst pray me for wider powers, for a more vast dominion; that as though + they were but yonder fallen door of wood and iron, I should break for thee + the bars of Hades, and like the Eurydice of old fable draw thee living + down the steeps of Death, or throne thee midst the fires of the furthest + sun to watch its subject worlds at play. + </p> + <p> + “Or I thought that thou wouldst bid me reveal what no woman ever told, the + bitter, naked truth—all my sins and sorrows, all the wandering + fancies of my fickle thought; even what thou knowest not and perchance + ne’er shalt know, <i>who I am and whence I came</i>, and how to thy + charmed eyes I seemed to change from foul to fair, and what is the purpose + of my love for thee, and what the meaning of that tale of an angry goddess—who + never was except in dreams. + </p> + <p> + “I thought—nay, no matter what I thought, save that thou wert far + other than thou art, my Leo, and in so high a moment that thou wouldst + seek to pass the mystic gates my glory can throw wide and with me tread an + air supernal to the hidden heart of things. Yet thy prayer is but the same + that the whole world whispers beneath the silent moon, in the palace and + the cottage, among the snows and on the burning desert’s waste. ‘Oh! my + love, thy lips, thy lips. Oh! my love, be mine, now, now, beneath the + moon, beneath the moon!’ + </p> + <p> + “Leo, I thought better, higher, of thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, Ayesha, thou wouldest have thought worse of me had I been content + with thy suns and constellations and spiritual gifts and dominations that + I neither desire nor understand. + </p> + <p> + “If I had said to thee: Be thou my angel, not my wife; divide the ocean + that I may walk its bed; pierce the firmament and show me how grow the + stars; tell me the origins of being and of death and instruct me in their + issues; give up the races of mankind to my sword, and the wealth of all + the earth to fill my treasuries. Teach me also how to drive the hurricane + as thou canst do, and to bend the laws of nature to my purpose: on earth + make me half a god—as thou art. + </p> + <p> + “But Ayesha, I am no god; I am a man, and as a man I seek the woman whom I + love. Oh! divest thyself of all these wrappings of thy power—that + power which strews thy path with dead and keeps me apart from thee. If + only for one short night forget the ambition that gnaws unceasingly at thy + soul; I say forget thy greatness and be a woman and—my wife.” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, only looked at him and shook her head, causing her + glorious hair to ripple like water beneath a gentle breeze. + </p> + <p> + “Thou deniest me,” he went on with gathering strength, “and that thou + canst not do, that thou mayest not do, for Ayesha, thou hast sworn, and I + demand the fulfilment of thine oath. + </p> + <p> + “Hark thou. I refuse thy gifts; I will have none of thy rule who ask no + Pharaoh’s throne and wish to do good to men and not to kill them—that + the world may profit. I will not go with thee to Kôr, nor be bathed in the + breath of Life. I will leave thee and cross the mountains, or perish on + them, nor with all thy strength canst thou hold me to thy side, who indeed + needest me not. No longer will I endure this daily torment, the torment of + thy presence and thy sweet words; thy loving looks, thy promises for next + year, next year—next year. So keep thine oath or let me begone.” + </p> + <p> + Still Ayesha stood silent, only now her head drooped and her breast began + to heave. Then Leo stepped forward; he seized her in his arms and kissed + her. She broke from his embrace, I know not how, for though she returned + it was close enough, and again stood before him but at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not warn Holly,” she whispered with a sigh, “to bid thee beware + lest I should catch thy human fire? Man, I say to thee, it begins to + smoulder in my heart, and should it grow to flame——” + </p> + <p> + “Why then,” he answered laughing, “we will be happy for a little while.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Leo, but how long? Why wert thou sole lord of this loveliness of + mine and not set above their harming, night and day a hundred jealous + daggers would seek thy heart and—find it.” + </p> + <p> + “How long, Ayesha? A lifetime, a year, a month, a minute—I neither + know nor care, and while thou art true to me I fear no stabs of envy.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so? Wilt take the risk? I can promise thee nothing. Thou mightest—yes, + in this way or in that, thou mightest—die.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I die, what then? Shall we be separated?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Leo, that is not possible. We never can be severed, of this I + am sure; it is sworn to me. But then through other lives and other + spheres, higher lives and higher spheres mayhap, our fates must force a + painful path to their last goal of union.” + </p> + <p> + “Why then I take the hazard, Ayesha. Shall the life that I can risk to + slay a leopard or a lion in the sport of an idle hour, be too great a + price to offer for the splendours of thy breast? Thine oath! Ayesha, I + claim thine oath.” + </p> + <p> + Then it was that in Ayesha there began the most mysterious and thrilling + of her many changes. Yet how to describe it I know not unless it be by + simile. + </p> + <p> + Once in Thibet we were imprisoned for months by snows that stretched down + from the mountain slopes into the valleys and oh! how weary did we grow of + those arid, aching fields of purest white. At length rain set in, and + blinding mists in which it was not safe to wander, that made the dark + nights darker yet. + </p> + <p> + So it was, until there came a morning when seeing the sun shine, we went + to our door and looked out. Behold a miracle! Gone were the snows that + choked the valley and in the place of them appeared vivid springing grass, + starred everywhere with flowers, and murmuring brooks and birds that sang + and nested in the willows. Gone was the frowning sky and all the blue + firmament seemed one tender smile. Gone were the austerities of winter + with his harsh winds, and in their place spring, companioned by her + zephyrs, glided down the vale singing her song of love and life. + </p> + <p> + There in this high chamber, in the presence of the living and the dead, + while the last act of the great tragedy unrolled itself before me, looking + on Ayesha that forgotten scene sprang into my mind. For on her face just + such a change had come. Hitherto, with all her loveliness, the heart of + Ayesha had seemed like that winter mountain wrapped in its unapproachable + snow and before her pure brow and icy self-command, aspirations sank + abashed and desires died. + </p> + <p> + She swore she loved and her love fulfilled itself in death and many a + mysterious way. Yet it was hard to believe that this passion of hers was + more than a spoken part, for how can the star seek the moth although the + moth may seek the star? Though the man may worship the goddess, for all + her smiles divine, how can the goddess love the man? + </p> + <p> + But now everything was altered! Look! Ayesha grew human; I could see her + heart beat beneath her robes and hear her breath come in soft, sweet sobs, + while o’er her upturned face and in her alluring eyes there spread itself + that look which is born of love alone. Radiant and more radiant did she + seem to grow, sweeter and more sweet, no longer the veiled Hermit of the + Caves, no longer the Oracle of the Sanctuary, no longer the Valkyrie of + the battle-plain, but only the loveliest and most happy bride that ever + gladdened a husband’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + She spoke, and it was of little things, for thus Ayesha proclaimed the + conquest of herself. + </p> + <p> + “Fie!” she said, showing her white robes torn with spears and stained by + the dust and dew of war; “Fie, my lord, what marriage garments are these + in which at last I come to thee, who would have been adorned in regal gems + and raiment befitting to my state and thine?” + </p> + <p> + “I seek the woman not her garment,” said Leo, his burning eyes fixed upon + her face. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seekest the woman. Ah! there it lies. Tell me, Leo, am I woman or + spirit? Say that I am woman, for now the prophecy of this dead Atene lies + heavy on my soul, Atene who said that mortal and immortal may not mate.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou must be woman, or thou wouldst not have tormented me as thou hast + done these many weeks.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank thee for the comfort of thy words. Yet, was it <i>woman</i> whose + breath wrought destruction upon yonder plain? Was it to a <i>woman</i> + that Blast and Lightning bowed and said, ‘We are here: Command us, we + obey’? Did that dead thing (and she pointed to the shattered door) break + inward at a <i>woman’s</i> will? Or could a <i>woman</i> charm this man to + stone? + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Leo, would that I were woman! I tell thee that I’d lay all my + grandeur down, a wedding offering at thy feet, could I be sure that for + one short year I should be naught but <i>woman</i> and—thy happy + wife. + </p> + <p> + “Thou sayest that I did torment thee, but it is I who have known torment, + I who desired to yield and dared not. Aye, I tell thee, Leo, were I not + sure that thy little stream of life is draining dry into the great ocean + of my life, drawn thither as the sea draws its rivers, or as the sun draws + mists, e’en now I would not yield. But I know, for my wisdom tells it me, + ere ever we could reach the shores of Libya, the ill work would be done, + and thou dead of thine own longing, thou dead and I widowed who never was + a wife. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore see! like lost Atene I take the dice and cast them, not knowing + how they shall fall. Not knowing how they shall fall, for good or ill I + cast,” and she made a wild motion as of some desperate gamester throwing + his last throw. + </p> + <p> + “So,” Ayesha went on, “the thing is done and the number summed for aye, + though it be hidden from my sight. I have made an end of doubts and fears, + and come death, come life, I’ll meet it bravely. + </p> + <p> + “Say, how shall we be wed? I have it. Holly here must join our hands; who + else? He that ever was our guide shall give me unto thee, and thee to me. + This burning city is our altar, the dead and living are our witnesses on + earth and heaven. In place of rites and ceremonials for this first time I + lay my lips on thine, and when ‘tis done, for music I’ll sing thee a + nuptial chant of love such as mortal poet has not written nor have mortal + lovers heard. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Holly, do now thy part and give this maiden to this man.” + </p> + <p> + Like one in a dream I obeyed her and took Ayesha’s outstretched hand and + Leo’s. As I held them thus, I tell the truth:—it was as though some + fire rushed through my veins from her to him, shaking and shattering me + with swift waves of burning and unearthly Bliss. With the fire too came + glorious visions and sounds of mighty music, and a sense as though my + brain, filled with over-flowing life, must burst asunder beneath its + weight. + </p> + <p> + I joined their hands; I know not how; I blessed them, I know not in what + words. Then I reeled back against the wall and watched. + </p> + <p> + This is what I saw. + </p> + <p> + With an abandonment and a passion so splendid and intense that it seemed + more than human, with a murmured cry of “Husband!” Ayesha cast her arms + about her lover’s neck and drawing down his head to hers so that the gold + hair was mingled with her raven locks, she kissed him on the lips. + </p> + <p> + Thus they clung a little while, and as they clung the gentle diadem of + light from her brow spread to his brow also, and through the white + wrappings of her robe became visible her perfect shape shining with faint + fire. With a little happy laugh she left him, saying, + </p> + <p> + “Thus, Leo Vincey, oh! thus for the second time do I give myself to thee, + and with this flesh and spirit all I swore to thee, there in the dim Caves + of Kôr and here in the palace of Kaloon. Know thou this, come what may, + never, never more shall we be separate who are ordained one. Whilst thou + livest I live at thy side, and when thou diest, if die thy must, I’ll + follow thee through worlds and firmaments, nor shall all the doors of + heaven or hell avail against my love. Where thou goest, thither I will go. + When thou sleepest, with thee will I sleep and it is my voice that thou + shalt hear murmuring through the dreams of life and death; my voice that + shall summon thee to awaken in the last hour of everlasting dawn, when all + this night of misery hath furled her wings for aye. + </p> + <p> + “Listen now while I sing to thee and hear that song aright, for in its + melody at length thou shalt learn the truth, which unwed I might not tell + to thee. Thou shalt learn who and what <i>I</i> am, and who and what <i>thou</i> + art, and of the high purposes of our love, and this dead woman’s hate, and + of all that I have hid from thee in veiled, bewildering words and visions. + </p> + <p> + “Listen then, my love and lord, to the burden of the Song of Fate.” + </p> + <p> + She ceased speaking and gazed heavenwards with a rapt look as though she + waited for some inspiration to fall upon her, and never, never—not + even in the fires of Kôr had Ayesha seemed so divine as she did now in + this moment of the ripe harvest of her love. + </p> + <p> + My eyes wandered from her to Leo, who stood before her pale and still, + still as the death-like figure of the Shaman, still as the Khania’s icy + shape which stared upwards from the ground. What was passing in his mind, + I wondered, that he could remain thus insensible while in all her might + and awful beauty this proud being worshipped him. + </p> + <p> + Hark! she began to sing in a voice so rich and perfect that its honied + notes seemed to cloy my blood and stop my breath. + </p> +<p class="poem"> + “The world was not, was not, and in the womb of Silence<br /> + Slept the souls of men.<br /> + Yet I was and thou——” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Ayesha stopped, and I felt rather than saw the horror on her + face. + </p> + <p> + Look! Leo swayed to and fro as though the stones beneath him were but a + rocking boat. To and fro he swayed, stretched out his blind arms to clasp + her—then suddenly fell backwards, and lay still. + </p> + <p> + Oh! what a shriek was that she gave! Surely it must have wakened the very + corpses upon the plain. Surely it must have echoed in the stars. One + shriek only—then throbbing silence. + </p> + <p> + I sprang to him, and there, withered in Ayesha’s kiss, slain by the fire + of her love, Leo lay dead—lay dead upon the breast of dead Atene! + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"></a> + CHAPTER XXIV<br /> + THE PASSING OF AYESHA + </h2> + <p> + I heard Ayesha say presently, and the words struck me as dreadful in their + hopeless acceptance of a doom against which even she had no strength to + struggle. + </p> + <p> + “It seems that my lord has left me for awhile; I must hasten to my lord + afar.” + </p> + <p> + After that I do not quite know what happened. I had lost the man who was + all in all to me, friend and child in one, and I was crushed as I had + never been before. It seemed so sad that I, old and outworn, should still + live on whilst he in the flower of his age, snatched from joy and + greatness such as no man hath known, lay thus asleep. + </p> + <p> + I think that by an afterthought, Ayesha and Oros tried to restore him, + tried without result, for here her powers were of no avail. Indeed my + conviction is that although some lingering life still kept him on his + feet, Leo had really died at the moment of her embrace, since when I + looked at him before he fell, his face was that of a dead man. + </p> + <p> + Yes, I believe that last speech of hers, although she knew it not, was + addressed to his spirit, for in her burning kiss his flesh had perished. + </p> + <p> + When at length I recovered myself a little, it was to hear Ayesha in a + cold, calm voice—her face I could not see for she had veiled herself—commanding + certain priests who had been summoned to “bear away the body of that + accursed woman and bury her as befits her rank.” Even then I bethought me, + I remember, of the tale of Jehu and Jezebel. + </p> + <p> + Leo, looking strangely calm and happy, lay now upon a couch, the arms + folded on his breast. When the priests had tramped away carrying their + royal burden, Ayesha, who sat by his body brooding, seemed to awake, for + she rose and said—“I need a messenger, and for no common journey, + since he must search out the habitations of the Shades,” and she turned + herself towards Oros and appeared to look at him. + </p> + <p> + Now for the first time I saw that priest change countenance a little, for + the eternal smile, of which even this scene had not quite rid it, left his + face and he grew pale and trembled. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art afraid,” she said contemptuously. “Be at rest, Oros, I will not + send one who is afraid. Holly, wilt thou go for me—and him?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” I answered. “I am weary of life and desire no other end. Only let + it be swift and painless.” + </p> + <p> + She mused a while, then said—“Nay, thy time is not yet, thou still + hast work to do. Endure, my Holly, ‘tis only for a breath.” + </p> + <p> + Then she looked at the Shaman, the man turned to stone who all this while + had stood there as a statue stands, and cried—“Awake!” + </p> + <p> + Instantly he seemed to thaw into life, his limbs relaxed, his breast + heaved, he was as he had always been: ancient, gnarled, malevolent. + </p> + <p> + “I hear thee, mistress,” he said, bowing as a man bows to the power that + he hates. + </p> + <p> + “Thou seest, Simbri,” and she waved her hand. + </p> + <p> + “I see. Things have befallen as Atene and I foretold, have they not? ‘Ere + long the corpse of a new-crowned Khan of Kaloon,’” and he pointed to the + gold circlet that Ayesha had set on Leo’s brow, “‘will lie upon the brink + of the Pit of Flame’—as I foretold.” An evil smile crept into his + eyes and he went on—“Hadst thou not smote me dumb, I who watched + could have warned thee that they would so befall; but, great mistress, it + pleased thee to smite me dumb. And so it seems, O Hes, that thou hast + overshot thyself and liest broken at the foot of that pinnacle which step + by step thou hast climbed for more than two thousand weary years. See what + thou hast bought at the price of countless lives that now before the + throne of Judgment bring accusations against thy powers misused, and cry + out for justice on thy head,” and he looked at the dead form of Leo. + </p> + <p> + “I sorrow for them, yet, Simbri, they were well spent,” Ayesha answered + reflectively, “who by their forewritten doom, as it was decreed, held thy + knife from falling and thus won me my husband. Aye and I am happy—happier + than such blind bats as thou can see or guess. For know that now with him + I have re-wed my wandering soul divorced by sin from me, and that of our + marriage kiss which burned his life away there shall still be born to us + children of Forgiveness and eternal Grace and all things that are pure and + fair. + </p> + <p> + “Look thou, Simbri, I will honour thee. Thou shalt be my messenger, and + beware! beware I say how thou dost fulfil thine office, since of every + syllable thou must render an account. + </p> + <p> + “Go thou down the dark paths of Death, and, since even my thought may not + reach to where he sleeps tonight, search out my lord and say to him that + the feet of his spouse Ayesha are following fast. Bid him have no fear for + me who by this last sorrow have atoned my crimes and am in his embrace + regenerate. Tell him that thus it was appointed, and thus is best, since + now he is dipped indeed in the eternal Flame of Life; now for him the + mortal night is done and the everlasting day arises. Command him that he + await me in the Gate of Death where it is granted that I greet him + presently. Thou hearest?” + </p> + <p> + “I hear, O Queen, Mighty-from-of-Old.” + </p> + <p> + “One message more. Say to Atene that I forgive her. Her heart was high and + greatly did she play her part. There in the Gates we will balance our + account. Thou hearest?” + </p> + <p> + “I hear, O Eternal Star that hath conquered Night.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, man, <i>begone!</i>” + </p> + <p> + As the word left Ayesha’s lips Simbri leapt from the floor, grasping at + the air as though he would clutch his own departing soul, staggered back + against the board where Leo and I had eaten, overthrowing it, and amid a + ruin of gold and silver vessels, fell down and died. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him, then said to me—“See, though he ever hated me, + this magician who has known Ayesha from the first, did homage to my + ancient majesty at last, when lies and defiance would serve his end no + more. No longer now do I hear the name that his dead mistress gave to me. + The ‘Star-that-hath-fallen’ in his lips and in very truth is become the + ‘Star-which-hath-burst-the-bonds-of-Night,’ and, re-arisen, shines for + ever—shines with its twin immortal to set no more—my Holly. + Well, he is gone, and ere now, those that serve me in the Under-world—dost + remember?—thou sawest their captains in the Sanctuary—bend the + head at great Ayesha’s word and make her place ready near her spouse. + </p> + <p> + “But oh, what folly has been mine. When even here my wrath can show such + power, how could I hope that my lord would outlive the fires of my love? + Still it was better so, for he sought not the pomp I would have given him, + nor desired the death of men. Yet such pomp must have been his portion in + this poor shadow of a world, and the steps that encircle an usurper’s + throne are ever slippery with blood. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art weary, my Holly, go rest thee. To-morrow night we journey to the + Mountain, there to celebrate these obsequies.” + </p> + <p> + I crept into the room adjoining—it had been Simbri’s—and laid + me down upon his bed, but to sleep I was not able. Its door was open, and + in the light of the burning city that shone through the casements I could + see Ayesha watching by her dead. Hour after hour she watched, her head + resting on her hand, silent, stirless. She wept not, no sigh escaped her; + only watched as a tender woman watches a slumbering babe that she knows + will awake at dawn. + </p> + <p> + Her face was unveiled and I perceived that it had greatly changed. All + pride and anger were departed from it; it was grown soft, wistful, yet + full of confidence and quietness. For a while I could not think of what it + reminded me, till suddenly I remembered. Now it was like, indeed the + counterpart almost, of the holy and majestic semblance of the statue of + the Mother in the Sanctuary. Yes, with just such a look of love and power + as that mother cast upon her frightened child new-risen from its dream of + death, did Ayesha gaze upon her dead, while her parted lips also seemed to + whisper “some tale of hope, sure and immortal.” + </p> + <p> + At length she rose and came into my chamber. + </p> + <p> + “Thou thinkest me fallen and dost grieve for me, my Holly,” she said in a + gentle voice, “knowing my fears lest some such fate should overtake my + lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Ayesha, I grieve for thee as for myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Spare then thy pity, Holly, since although the human part of me would + have kept him on the earth, now my spirit doth rejoice that for a while he + has burst his mortal bonds. For many an age, although I knew it not, in my + proud defiance of the Universal Law, I have fought against his true weal + and mine. Thrice have I and the angel wrestled, matching strength with + strength, and thrice has he conquered me. Yet as he bore away his prize + this night he whispered wisdom in my ear. This was his message: That in + death is love’s home, in death its strength; that from the charnel-house + of life this love springs again glorified and pure, to reign a conqueror + forever. Therefore I wipe away my tears and, crowned once more a queen of + peace, I go to join him whom we have lost, there where he awaits us, as it + is granted to me that I shall do. + </p> + <p> + “But I am selfish, and forgot. Thou needest rest. Sleep, friend, I bid + thee sleep.” + </p> + <p> + And I slept wondering as my eyes closed whence Ayesha drew this strange + confidence and comfort. I know not but it was there, real and not assumed. + I can only suppose therefore that some illumination had fallen on her + soul, and that, as she stated, the love and end of Leo in a way unknown, + did suffice to satisfy her court of sins. + </p> + <p> + At the least those sins and all the load of death that lay at her door + never seemed to trouble her at all. She appeared to look upon them merely + as events which were destined to occur, as inevitable fruits of a seed + sowed long ago by the hand of Fate for whose workings she was not + responsible. The fears and considerations which weigh with mortals did not + affect or oppress her. In this as in other matters, Ayesha was a law unto + herself. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke it was day, and through the window-place I saw the rain that + the people of Kaloon had so long desired falling in one straight sheet. I + saw also that Ayesha, seated by the shrouded form of Leo, was giving + orders to her priests and captains and to some nobles, who had survived + the slaughter of Kaloon, as to the new government of the land. Then I + slept again. + </p> + <p> + It was evening, and Ayesha stood at my bedside. + </p> + <p> + “All is prepared,” she said. “Awake and ride with me.” + </p> + <p> + So we went, escorted by a thousand cavalry, for the rest stayed to occupy, + or perchance to plunder, the land of Kaloon. In front the body of Leo was + borne by relays of priests, and behind it rode the veiled Ayesha, I at her + side. + </p> + <p> + Strange was the contrast between this departure, and our arrival. + </p> + <p> + Then the rushing squadrons, the elements that raved, the perpetual sheen + of lightnings seen through the swinging curtains of the hail; the voices + of despair from an army rolled in blood beneath the chariot wheels of + thunder. + </p> + <p> + Now the white-draped corpse, the slow-pacing horses, the riders with their + spears reversed, and on either side, seen in that melancholy moonlight, + the women of Kaloon burying their innumerable dead. + </p> + <p> + And Ayesha herself, yesterday a Valkyrie crested with the star of flame, + to-day but a bereaved woman humbly following her husband to the tomb. + </p> + <p> + Yet how they feared her! Some widow standing on the grave mould she had + dug, pointed as we passed to the body of Leo, uttering bitter words which + I could not catch. Thereon her companions flung themselves upon her and + felling her with fist and spade, prostrated themselves upon the ground, + throwing dust on their hair in token of their submission to the priestess + of Death. + </p> + <p> + Ayesha saw them, and said to me with something of her ancient fire and + pride—“I tread the plain of Kaloon no more, yet as a parting gift + have I read this high-stomached people a lesson that they needed long. Not + for many a generation, O Holly, will they dare to lift spear against the + College of Hes and its subject Tribes.” + </p> + <p> + Again it was night, and where once lay that of the Khan, the man whom he + had killed, flanked by the burning pillars, the bier of Leo stood in the + inmost Sanctuary before the statue of the Mother whose gentle, unchanging + eyes seemed to search his quiet face. + </p> + <p> + On her throne sat the veiled Hesea, giving commands to her priests and + priestesses. + </p> + <p> + “I am weary,” she said, “and it may be that I leave you for a while to + rest—beyond the mountains. A year, or a thousand years—I + cannot say. If so, let Papave, with Oros as her counsellor and husband and + their seed, hold my place till I return again. + </p> + <p> + “Priests and priestesses of the College of Hes, over new territories have + I held my hand; take them as an heritage from me, and rule them well and + gently. Henceforth let the Hesea of the Mountain be also the Khania of + Kaloon. + </p> + <p> + “Priests and priestesses of our ancient faith, learn to look through its + rites and tokens, outward and visible, to the in-forming Spirit. If Hes + the goddess never ruled on earth, still pitying Nature rules. If the name + of Isis never rang through the courts of heaven, still in heaven, with all + love fulfilled, nursing her human children on her breast, dwells the + mighty Motherhood where of this statue is the symbol, that Motherhood + which bore us, and, unforgetting, faithful, will receive us at the end. + </p> + <p> + “For of the bread of bitterness we shall not always eat, of the water of + tears we shall not always drink. Beyond the night the royal suns ride on; + ever the rainbow shines around the rain. Though they slip from our + clutching hands like melted snow, the lives we lose shall yet be found + immortal, and from the burnt-out fires of our human hopes will spring a + heavenly star.” + </p> + <p> + She paused and waved her hand as though to dismiss them, then added by an + after-thought, pointing to myself—“This man is my beloved friend and + guest. Let him be yours also. It is my will that you tend and guard him + here, and when the snows have melted and summer is at hand, that you + fashion a way for him through the gulf and bring him across the mountains + by which he came, till you leave him in safety. Hear and forget not, for + be sure that to me you shall give account of him.” + </p> + <p> + The night drew towards the dawn, and we stood upon the peak above the gulf + of fire, four of us only—Ayesha and I, and Oros and Papave. For the + bearers had laid down the body of Leo upon its edge and gone their way. + The curtain of flame flared in front of us, its crest bent over like a + billow in the gale, and to leeward, one by one, floated the torn-off + clouds and pinnacles of fire. By the dead Leo knelt Ayesha, gazing at that + icy, smiling face, but speaking no single word. At length she rose, and + said,—“Darkness draws near, my Holly, that deep darkness which + foreruns the glory of the dawn. Now fare thee well for one little hour. + When thou art about to die, but not before, call me, and I will come to + thee. Stir not and speak not till all be done, lest when I am no longer + here to be thy guard some Presence should pass on and slay thee. + </p> + <p> + “Think not that I am conquered, for now my name is Victory! Think not that + Ayesha’s strength is spent or her tale is done, for of it thou readest but + a single page. Think not even that I am today that thing of sin and pride, + the Ayesha thou didst adore and fear, I who in my lord’s love and + sacrifice have again conceived my soul. For know that now once more as at + the beginning, his soul and mine are <i>one</i>.” + </p> + <p> + She thought awhile and added, + </p> + <p> + “Friend take this sceptre in memory of me, but beware how thou usest it + save at the last to summon me, for it has virtues,” and she gave me the + jewelled Sistrum that she bore—then said, + </p> + <p> + “So kiss his brow, stand back, and be still.” + </p> + <p> + Now as once before the darkness gathered on the pit, and presently, + although I heard no prayer, though now no mighty music broke upon the + silence, through that darkness, beating up the gale, came the two-winged + flame and hovered where Ayesha stood. + </p> + <p> + It appeared, it vanished, and one by one the long minutes crept away until + the first spear of dawn lit upon the point of rock. + </p> + <p> + Lo! it was empty, utterly empty and lonesome. Gone was the corpse of Leo, + and gone too was Ayesha the imperial, the divine. + </p> + <p> + Whither had she gone? I know not. But this I know, that as the light + returned and the broad sheet of flame flared out to meet it, I seemed to + see two glorious shapes sweeping upward on its bosom, and the faces that + they wore were those of Leo and of Ayesha. + </p> + <p> + Often and often during the weary months that followed, whilst I wandered + through the temple or amid the winter snows upon the Mountain side, did I + seek to solve this question—Whither had She gone? I asked it of my + heart; I asked it of the skies; I asked it of the spirit of Leo which + often was so near to me. + </p> + <p> + But no sure answer ever came, nor will I hazard one. As mystery wrapped + Ayesha’s origin and lives—for the truth of these things I never + learned—so did mystery wrap her deaths, or rather her departings, + for I cannot think her dead. Surely she still is, if not on earth, then in + some other sphere? + </p> + <p> + So I believe; and when my own hour comes, and it draws near swiftly, I + shall know whether I believe in vain, or whether she will appear to be my + guide as, with her last words, she swore that she would do. Then, too, I + shall learn what she was about to reveal to Leo when he died, the purposes + of their being and of their love. + </p> + <p> + So I can wait in patience who must not wait for long, though my heart is + broken and I am desolate. + </p> + <p> + Oros and all the priests were very good to me. Indeed, even had it been + their wish, they would have feared to be otherwise, who remembered and + were sure that in some time to come they must render an account of this + matter to their dread queen. By way of return, I helped them as I was best + able to draw up a scheme for the government of the conquered country of + Kaloon, and with my advice upon many other questions. + </p> + <p> + And so at length the long months wore away, till at the approach of summer + the snows melted. Then I said that I must be gone. They gave me of their + treasures in precious stones, lest I should need money for my faring, + since the gold of which I had such plenty was too heavy to be carried by + one man alone. They led me across the plains of Kaloon, where now the + husbandmen, those that were left of them, ploughed the land and scattered + seed, and so on to its city. But amidst those blackened ruins over which + Atene’s palace still frowned unharmed, I would not enter, for to me it + was, and always must remain, a home of death. So I camped outside the + walls by the river just where Leo and I had landed after that poor mad + Khan set us free, or rather loosed us to be hunted by his death-hounds. + </p> + <p> + Next day we took boat and rowed up the river, past the place where we had + seen Atene’s cousin murdered, till we came to the Gate-house. Here once + again I slept, or rather did not sleep. + </p> + <p> + On the following morning I went down into the ravine and found to my + surprise that the rapid torrent—shallow enough now—had been + roughly bridged, and that in preparation for my coming rude but sufficient + ladders were built on the face of the opposing precipice. At the foot of + these I bade farewell to Oros, who at our parting smiled benignantly as on + the day we met. + </p> + <p> + “We have seen strange things together,” I said to him, not knowing what + else to say. + </p> + <p> + “Very strange,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “At least, friend Oros,” I went on awkwardly enough, “events have shaped + themselves to your advantage, for you inherit a royal mantle.” + </p> + <p> + “I wrap myself in a mantle of borrowed royalty,” he answered with + precision, “of which doubtless one day I shall be stripped.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that the great Ayesha is not dead?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that She never dies. She changes, that is all. As the wind blows + now hence, now hither, so she comes and goes, and who can tell at what + spot upon the earth, or beyond it, for a while that wind lies sleeping? + But at sunset or at dawn, at noon or at midnight, it will begin to blow + again, and then woe to those who stand across its path. + </p> + <p> + “Remember the dead heaped upon the plains of Kaloon. Remember the + departing of the Shaman Simbri with his message and the words that she + spoke then. Remember the passing of the Hesea from the Mountain point. + Stranger from the West, surely as to-morrow’s sun must rise, as she went, + so she will return again, and in my borrowed garment I await her advent.” + </p> + <p> + “I also await her advent,” I answered, and thus we parted. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by twenty picked men bearing provisions and arms, I climbed + the ladders easily enough, and now that I had food and shelter, crossed + the mountains without mishap. They even escorted me through the desert + beyond, till one night we camped within sight of the gigantic Buddha that + sits before the monastery, gazing eternally across the sands and snows. + </p> + <p> + When I awoke next morning the priests were gone. So I took up my pack and + pursued my journey alone, and walking slowly came at sunset to the distant + lamasery. At its door an ancient figure, wrapped in a tattered cloak, was + sitting, engaged apparently in contemplation of the skies. It was our old + friend Kou-en. Adjusting his horn spectacles on his nose he looked at me. + </p> + <p> + “I was awaiting you, brother of the Monastery called ‘the World,’” he said + in a voice, measured, very ineffectually, to conceal his evident delight. + “Have you grown hungry there that you return to this poor place?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, most excellent Kou-en,” I answered, “hungry for rest.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be yours for all the days of this incarnation. But say, where is + the other brother?” + </p> + <p> + “Dead,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “And therefore re-born elsewhere or perhaps, dreaming in Devachan for a + while. Well, doubtless we shall meet him later on. Come, eat, and + afterwards tell me your story.” + </p> + <p> + So I ate, and that night I told him all. Kou-en listened with respectful + attention, but the tale, strange as it might seem to most people, excited + no particular wonder in his mind. Indeed, he explained it to me at such + length by aid of some marvellous theory of re-incarnations, that at last I + began to doze. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” I said sleepily, “it would seem that we are all winning merit + on the Everlasting Plane,” for I thought that favourite catchword would + please him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, brother of the Monastery called the World,” Kou-en answered in a + severe voice, “doubtless you are all winning merit, but, if I may venture + to say so, you are winning it very slowly, especially the woman—or + the sorceress—or the mighty evil spirit—whose names I + understand you to tell me are She, Hes, and Ayesha upon earth and in <i>Avitchi</i>, + Star-that-hath-Fallen——” + </p> + <p> + <i>(Here Mr. Holly’s manuscript ends, its outer sheets having been burnt + when he threw it on to the fire at his house in Cumberland.)</i> + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AYESHA ***</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 5228-h.htm or 5228-h.zip</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/2/5228/</div> +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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