The almost frenzied Atlano dragged a chair opposite him; and, as he sank into it, his sluggish tongue mumbled, “Oltis—speak.”
Oltis’ eyes showed his struggle to comply.
“Is thy tongue dead?”
Oltis gave a sigh so long and deep that the king shook in terror.
“Oltis, strive to shake off thy torpor. I felt the like coming but mastered it; though my tongue is not yet right.”
There was another sigh.
“Oltis, the silent one hath gone. Ere this, he hath joined the Pelasgian children. And they are sailing away—even to the queen.”
“The queen!”
The words burst from the marble Oltis, so terrifying Atlano that he leaped from his chair.
“Ah—thou speakest!”