Watson wondered just who this Jarados might be; but for the moment he went back to the previous question.
“This Rhamda Avec: you were about to tell me about him. Let me have as much as I can understand, sir.”
“Ah, yes! The great Rhamda Avec. Perhaps you may recall him when your mind clears a little more. My dear sir, he is, or was, the chief of the Rhamdas of all the Thomahlia.”
“What is the 'Thomahlia'?”
“The Thomahlia! Why, it is called the world; our name for the world. It comprises, physically, land, water and air; politically, it embraces D'Hartia, Kospia and a few minor nations.”
“Who are the Rhamdas?”
“They are the heads of—of the Thomahlia; not the nominal nor political nor religious heads—they are neither judicial, executive nor legislative; but the real heads, still above. They might be called the supreme college of wisdom, of science and of research. Also, they are the keepers of the bell and its temple, and the interpreters of the Prophecy of the Jarados.”
“I see. You are a sort of priesthood.”
“No. The priesthood is below us. The priests take what orders we choose to give, and are purely—”
“Superstitious?”