"Can you lead me there by the shortest route?"
"Take off my fetters and those of my men and I will not only lead you, but we will strike with you in the service of our Princess."
"Good!" exclaimed Gordon King. "Where are your men?"
"Along both sides of this corridor."
To release them all was the work of but a few moments, for willing hands and strong struck off the fetters; and then, directed by Indra Sen, the party moved quickly on to its work. The warriors of Fou-tan's guard had no weapons other than their bare hands and the hatred that was in their hearts, but once within the audience chamber they knew that they would find weapons upon the bodies of their antagonists.
The high priest of Siva stepped forward and, turning, faced Bharata Rahon and Fou-tan. "Arise," he said, "and kneel."
Bharata Rahon stepped from his throne half-turning to await Fou-tan, but the girl sat rigid on her carved chair.
"Come," whispered Bharata Rahon.
"I cannot," said Fou-tan, addressing the high priest.
"You must, my Princess," urged the priest.