Now, amazed, bewildered, Tua called out:
“Awake, Nurse, awake, for I am mad. It seems to me that a messenger from on high, robed in my own flesh, stands before me and speaks with me.”
Asti opened her eyes, and, perceiving the beautiful figure, rose and did obeisance to it, but said no word.
“Be seated,” said the Ka, “and hear me, time is short. I awoke at the summons, I came forth, I am present, I endure until the spell is taken off me, and I return whence I came. O Interpreter, speak the will of her of whom I am, that I may do it in my own fashion. There is food—eat and drink, then speak.”
So Asti ate and drank as Tua had done, and when she had finished and was satisfied, behold! the cup and the platter vanished away. Next in a slow, quiet voice she spoke, saying:
“O Shadow of this royal Star, by my spells incorporate, this is our case: Here we starve in misery, and without the gate Abi waits the end. If the Queen lives, he will take her who hates him to be his wife; if she dies he will seize her throne. Our wisdom is finished. What must we do to save this Star that it may shine serene until its appointed hour of setting?”
“Is that all you seek?” asked the Double, when she had finished.
“Nay,” broke in Tua hurriedly, “I would not shine alone, I seek another Star to share my sky with me.”
“Have you faith and will you obey?” asked the Double again. “For without faith I can do nothing.”
Now Asti looked at Tua who bowed her head in assent to an unspoken question, then she answered: