Now of this long speech Umslopogaas understood nothing, so I answered
for him, briefly enough, but to the point, for there flashed into my
mind all Ayesha's tale about an axe.

"A certain axe!" I cried. "Aye, a certain axe! Well, look at that which
is held by the Black One, the captain who is named Slaughterer, the
ancient axe whose title is Chieftainess, because if so she wills, she
takes the lives of all. Look at it well, Rezu, Giant and Wizard, and
say whether it is not that which your forefather lost, that which is
destined to bring you to your doom?"

Thus I spoke, very loudly that all might hear, slowly also, pausing
between each word because I wished to give time for the light to
strengthen, seeing as I did that the rays of the rising sun struck upon
the face of the giant, whereas the eyes of Umslopogaas were less dazzled
by it.

Rezu heard, and stared at the axe which Umslopogaas held aloft, causing
it to quiver slightly by an imperceptible motion of his arm. As he
stared I saw his hideous face change, and that on it for the first time
gathered a look of something resembling fear. Also his followers behind
him who were also studying the axe, began to murmur together.

For here I should say that as though by common consent the battle had
been stayed; we no longer attacked and the enemy no longer ran. They,
or whose who were left of them, stood still as though they felt that the
real and ultimate issue of the fight depended upon the forthcoming duel
between these two champions, though of that issue they had little
doubt since, as I learned afterwards, they believed their king to be
invulnerable.

For quite a while Rezu went on staring. Then he said aloud as if he were
thinking to himself.

"It is like, very like. The horn haft is the same; the pointed gouge is
the same; the blade shaped like the young moon is the same. Almost could
I think that before me shook the ancient holy axe. Nay, the gods have
taken that back long ago and this is but a trick of the witch, Lulala of
the Caves."

Thus he spoke, but still for a moment hesitated.

"Umslopogaas," I said in the deep silence that followed, "hear me."

"I hear you," he answered without turning his head or moving his arms.
"What counsel, Watcher-by-Night?"

"This, Slaughterer. Strike not at that man's face and breast, for there
I think he is protected by witchcraft or by armour. Get behind him and
strike at his back. Do you understand?"

"Nay, Macumaza