"The priests have that much hold over them?"
"Aye. Do not underrate the power of the Church. It is the one thing I fear."
"They are taking you away from her," was all I heard my heart say.
"Once safe on the yacht nothing can harm you. You will reach Naples and take passage to your home."
"Is that the best the King can offer?" I asked, my resolve taking form.
"Absolutely."
"Then this is my answer. Tell that King that I cannot live without Solonika. Tell him, though he banish me from Bharbazonia, I shall return when she is dead and betray myself to the populace. If the church must take her life they can have mine also. Tell him that I thank him for all he has done for me and that I do not hold him guilty for that wherein he has failed."
Palmora looked at me in amazement. "Was this man sane?" He shook his head sadly.
"I will tell him," he said.
"Furthermore, General, I give you fair warning I shall not leave this country willingly. If the King insists that I shall go, send your strongest men to the task."