Gently the colis stepped out, drawing easily the Bhors and their occupants. “Drive to the palace of the Jkak,” said Waz-Y-Kjesta. “We must acquaint him first with the news of the arrival of these strangers.”
The weary travellers saw nothing of the country through which they passed. They were too weary and worn to raise themselves on the cushions and look around. The cool breeze swept across their faces and refreshed them, so they were content to remain as they were and not think or worry about the future.
A runner was sent before to acquaint the Jkak of their near approach, and as they stopped at his beautiful palace, men came out, unhooked the hammock part of the Bhors, and carried the occupants into the Jkak’s presence. He was awaiting them in the cool reception hall, and regal and patriarchal he looked, in his robe of loose green silk, with his golden fillet low upon his brow.
“My brothers,” said he in a low musical voice. “Welcome to Keemar, the land of all good. Eat first from yonder viands. They will revive you.”
Trays daintily laden with food and wine were placed before the hungry travellers. The Jkakalata, consort to the Jkak, attended to Mavis. “A child,” said she, “and a woman, too. Come, Persoph,” to her husband, “give me that glass of friankate—it will revive her.” She moistened Mavis’s lips with the fragrant wine—Mavis opened her eyes, and as she looked at the kindly woman’s face, she burst into tears. “Who are you?” she cried.
“I am Mirasu, the Jkakalata,” she replied. “Drink this, it will do you good.”
Mavis drank long of the sweet liquor, and ate the strange fruits that were placed before her. Alan, as usual, was the first to recover and made a movement as if to rise from the Bhor.
“Nay,” said Persoph. “Do not move, I beg you. Rest, and later you can tell us your story.” Then he turned to Desmond. “She with the babe—she is yours?”
“How did you know?” asked the perplexed husband.
“By the look in your eye when my Mirasu handled your babe,” said the wise old man sagely. “It was the look of possession.”