“This and more!” The huge bulk of his body quivered with eagerness. “If it be your wish, O Queen, I, Cherkis, will step down from the throne for you and sit beneath your right hand, eager to do your bidding.”
A moment she studied him.
“Norhala,” I whispered, “do not do this thing. He thinks to gain your secrets.”
“Let my bridegroom stand forth that I may look upon him,” called Norhala.
Visibly Cherkis relaxed, as though a strain had been withdrawn. Between him and his crimson-clad son flashed a glance; it was as though a triumphant devil sped from them into each other's eyes.
I saw Ruth shrink into Ventnor's arms. Up from the wall rose a jubilant shouting, was caught by the inner battlements, passed on to the crowded terraces.
“Take Kulun,” it was Drake, pistol drawn and whispering across to me. “I'll handle Cherkis. And shoot straight.”
CHAPTER XXVI. THE VENGEANCE OF NORHALA
Norhala's hand that had gone from my wrist dropped down again; the other fell upon Drake's.