"I hear," Iagu answered, grinding his teeth.
"Make haste, make haste!" Dio hurried them.
"Don't be afraid, we'll be in time," Mahu said calmly. "You go to the king, and I will wait here. We will run out as soon as you call."
Dio returned to the guest chamber. Both Tuta and Ay had gone. The king stood by the altar, whispering a prayer. Dio placed herself behind him, opposite Merira.
A table with bread, wine and fruit stood near the altar. Merira went to it and began preparing the libation cup.
He then returned to the altar, holding the cup in his hands.
Dio noticed a ring with a carbuncle on his finger; he had not worn it before.
Their eyes met. "Who is to drink the cup?" he read the question in her eyes. "You will see," she read the answer in his.
He approached the king and said:
"King Uaenra, Sun's only Son, light of light, spirit of spirit, flesh of Sun's flesh, accept the cup of life, drink the cup of immortality, thou who overcomest death!"