A shudder came over Azurma as she surveyed the horrible place below, but in an instant she had regained her composure and was as calm as ever.
The puffs of fire and smoke roared and hissed below them, and the stream which flowed through the place seemed to rush along with unusual speed.
“I am ready to suffer the penalty of my crime, O queen! It is sweet to die for those we love!”
It was the doomed girl that spoke, and as she turned her eyes upon the assemblage her face looked more beautiful than ever.
“If you have anything to say, out with it at once,” said the queen. “According to our ancient laws you must die, and our laws must not be broken.”
“I will say this much,” replied Azurma, advancing to the very edge of the steep, rocky slant: “The women of Hez have robbed me of the one I love, and now, as I stand upon the very brink of death, I set my curse upon all who took part in it. And, furthermore, I do swear that I will return from the undiscovered country into which I am now to be hurled, and heap destruction upon all Hez. This I promise you; and if I do leave this country to find a haven of rest in another more beautiful one—as I firmly believe I shall—I will do my best to get the people of that country to follow me to Hez and aid me in accomplishing my revenge.”
She paused for a moment and looked keenly around to see the effect of her words.
She was evidently satisfied, for a smile broke over her beautiful face.
Then, directing her gaze upon Leo, her lips parted.
“Farewell, my Leo; forget not what I said in the magic chamber.”