“Yes, Ru, I found her and looked upon her face. Nor does rumour lie as to her beauty.”
“And are you already mad, Lord, as they say those become on whom that Spirit smiles?”
“Yes, Ru, I am mad—mad with love.”
“And being mad, Lord, are you prepared to pay the price of her embrace and to follow her into the Underworld?”
“If need be, I am prepared, Ru.”
The giant stood pondering, his eyes fixed upon the sand. At length he lifted his head, saying:
“Lord, I am but a fool of a fighting man, yet to us of the Ethiopian blood foresight comes at times. I tell you because I like you well that I see it written upon this sand that for your own sake and that of another, you would be wise this very night to fly fast and far across the sea to Syria or to Cyprus, or up Nile to the south, and there lie hid awaiting better days.”
“I thank you, Ru. But tell me, at the end of that writing on the sand, do you see the symbol of Osiris?”
“No, Lord, not that for you or for another. Yet I do see the signs of blood and many sorrows near at hand.”
“Blood dries and sorrows pass, Ru,” and leaving the Ethiopian still staring at the ground, Khian entered the temple and sought his chamber.