“‘Nay, Royal Lady,’ I answered, ‘thou shalt not go alone. I too have some skill in magic, and perchance can ward evil from thee. So, if indeed thou wilt dare this dreadful thing, behold now, as ever, I am thy servant.’
“‘It is well. See, now, the body will this night be laid in the sanctuary of the Temple of Osiris that is near the great gates, as is the custom, to await the coming of the embalmers. Come ere she be colder than my heart, come with me, Rei, to the house of the Lord of the Dead!’
“She passed to her chamber, wrapped herself about in a dark robe, and hurried with me to the Temple doors, where we were challenged by the guards.
“‘Who passes? In the name of the Holy Osiris speak.’
“‘Rei, the Master Builder and the anointed Priest, and with him another,’ I made answer. ‘Open.’
“‘Nay, I open not. There is one within who may not be wakened.’
“‘Who, then, is within?’
“‘She whom the Queen slew.’
“‘The Queen sends one who would look on her she slew.’
“Then the priest gazed on the hooded form beside me and started back, crying, ‘A token, noble Rei.’