* * * * *

When Alurna had completed her toilet, she joined her father, and
together they descended the broad central staircase of the palace to the
lower hall. After passing through several well-furnished rooms, they
entered a crowded dining hall and took seats at the head of a long
table. The other diners had risen at their entry; they remained standing
until Urim motioned for them to sit again.

Another group entered the hall, now, and all, save Urim and his
daughter, rose to greet them. These newcomers were the visitors from
Ammad, and as they approached vacant benches near the table's head, Urim
stood to welcome them, his arms folded to signify friendship, a broad
smile on his lips.

He turned to Alurna. "My daughter, welcome the friends of my brother.
This is Tamar; this, Javan; and Jotan--my daughter, Alurna."

The girl smiled dutifully to the three. Two were of the usual type about
her--slight, small-boned, graceful men with little to distinguish them.

But the other--Jotan--caught her attention from the first. He was truly
big--standing a full six feet, with heavy broad shoulders and muscular
arms and legs. His eyes were a cold flinty blue, deep-set in a strong
masculine face. His jaw was square and firm, the recently scraped skin
ruddy and clear. He carried himself with no hint of self-consciousness
at being in the presence of royalty; his bearing as regal as that of
Urim, himself.

One after the other the three visitors touched the princess' hand.
Jotan, the last, held her fingers a trifle longer than was necessary,
while his eyes flashed a look of admiration that turned red the girl's
cheeks. She withdrew her hand abruptly, hiding her confusion by hurried
speech.

"My father and I are happy that you have come to Sephar," she said.
"Food shall be brought to refresh you after so long and tiring a
journey."

At a sign from Urim, slaves began to fetch in steaming platters, placing
them at frequent intervals along the board. Baked-clay cups were put at
the right hand of each diner and filled with the wine-like beverage
common to Sephar and Ammad; an alcoholic drink fermented from a species
of wild grape. Of utensils there was none, the hands serving to convey
food to the mouth.

After spilling a few drops of wine to the floor as a tribute to the
God-Whose-Name-May-Not-Be-Spoken-Aloud, each diner set about the
business of eating.

* * * *