overly cordial
toward a close friend of the former ruler, decided Jotan against asking
for the slave-girl--a decision strengthened by Tamar's logic during a
discussion held shortly before the three friends had come to the palace.

Several times during the interview with Pryak, Jotan had been near to
blurting out a request that Dylara be given to him. But his pride would
not permit the risk of being coldly refused, and each time he had bitten
back the words.

But now--now the picture was changed. Pryak had opened the way for a
counter-proposal; one the priest could hardly refuse because of his own
request.

* * * * *

Jotan hid his elation behind an expressionless face. "I will gladly do
as you have asked, Pryak of Ammad. Incidentally, there is a trifling
favor you can grant me--if you will."

Tamar, listening, groaned inwardly.

"What is this favor?" asked the priest cautiously.

"I have become interested in one of the palace slave-girls," Jotan told
him. "I should like to have her."

The modestness of the request confused Pryak. Somehow, such a petition
seemed irrelevant, too petty.

"Of course," he agreed quickly. "I had expected that you would ask for
something of more value. Take whichever slave you want--several, if you
like."

"Your kindness indicates how generous a king rules Sephar," Jotan said
smoothly. "If one of your men will accompany me, I shall give him the
necessary instructions."

"Baltor, here, will carry out your orders." Pryak indicated the
attendant who had ushered them in.

When they had left the room, Jotan said to the attendant:

"Go at once to the quarters of the female slaves. Instruct the guards
there to turn over to you the slave-girl known as Dylara. You will bring
her to my quarters."

"I understand, noble Jotan."

"When you have done this, return to the palace and seek out the
princess, Alurna. Convey to her my greetings, and say that I wish an
audience with her at her convenience.... Is all this clear to you?"

"Yes."

"Good! Report to me when you have finished."

CHAPTER XVIII

Death in a Bowl

Dyta, the sun, climbed his blue ladder and looked down at the city of
Sephar in its mountain fastness. Behind those gray stone walls hummed an
activity found there only five days in every twelve moons.

For today was the first of the Game days. Since early morning the
streets leading to the great amphitheater were packed with an ea