“Dear Queen Atlana, didst thou know her father?”
“Yea. Cairais was a most noble prince of Khemi. He came hither to visit, and learn of our land of Chimu. Then it was that he met Lustra, the sister of Oltis. At once were they drawn to each other; and soon were wedded, and went to Khemi. They staid in Khemi several years; and there was Electra born. But Lustra began to fail, and pined for Atlantis. Cairais brought her back, and she grew better. Then he sickened and passed away before we thought him in danger. Lustra so mourned that she again failed; and was not long in going to him. Through her time of pain, the child Electra showed a grand heart. She was a woman in thought and help.”
“Have not Æole and I felt it?”
“Her mother was good and most fair; her father, noble of heart and mind. Electra, in truth, is their daughter.”
“But—dear Queen—why should the Atlanteans bear as they do?”
“They have been changing fast since the rule of Oltis. They are blind, lost to feeling, sunk in pleasure. When some have risen in their anger they have been sore treated. The father of the first handmaid that was called became too questioning, too threatening. Therefore, he and his family were banished to Chimu. After a few such cases, the people yielded. Thou knowest even I was forced to yield.”
“How?”
“Whilst I clung to Æole, a drug was held at my nostrils that made me, for the while, lose all sense. Their arts are many.”
“I shall be crazed again!”
“Be calm, Hellen. Call to mind that the gods are hearkening. My dreams long have boded some dire evil to this island.”