we were friends."

Jaltor's jaw hardened. "And what of Jotan?" he said coldly.

Something akin to fear darkened Garlud's eyes. "My son? What of him?
Surely your sense of justice has not so rotted that you would harm him!"

Sudden rage twisted Jaltor's countenance. "No man speaks so to Jaltor of
Ammad and lives!"

Garlud's smile was undismayed. "Have you forgotten, Most-High. I have
already been sentenced to death!"

"And by your attitude," Jaltor shouted, "you have sentenced your son to
the same fate."

"On what grounds?"

"I need no grounds! I know your son, noble Garlud. When he hears that
you are dead and that it was my order, he will attempt to avenge you. I
know the love he holds for you, and it will be that mistaken loyalty
which will lead him into an attempt to assassinate me. Your power is
great in Ammad, Garlud; I helped you gain that power because you were my
friend. Because you have won the affection and respect of many warriors
they would rise to his leadership against me. All Ammad might be torn by
civil war. For that reason Jotan must die!"

Garlud's face was livid with rage and his hands were trembling. "Then
kill us both, you son of Gubo. You have become a fearful, evil old man
who hides from shadows and who fears all men--even his friends! Kill us
both that we may not pollute our lungs with the air you breathe!"

* * * * *

With an almost casual sweep of his mighty arm Jaltor hurled the raging
nobleman into the grasp of the guards. "Confine him to the lowest pit
beneath the palace!" he thundered. "Let the rats chew him a few suns
before I have him torn to bits!"

Without a backward glance the king strode from the room. He made his way
up flight after flight of steps, through room after room of the sleeping
palace, until he reached his own wing. Through several long, winding
corridors he moved, oblivious to the salutes of startled guards on night
duty, until he entered his private apartment. He went directly to his
sleeping quarters, curtly ordered his two personal slaves into the next
room, then undressed quickly and got into bed.

But not to sleep. For over an hour he tossed on the huge bed wooing
sleep that would not come. Finally he rose, drew a richly woven robe
about his shoulders and stepped out onto a small balcony overlooking one
entire half of the vast city six floors below.

The rays of a full moon bathed the impressive scene. Because of the
laten