“I thank the King, and now by permission I will withdraw myself to talk with that wounded man before he dies, since perhaps he can tell me much that may be useful upon this business.”
Then the Prince Khian prostrated himself and went.
When he had watched him go, King Apepi thought to himself:
Surely this young man has a great heart. Few would not have winced beneath such a blow, unless indeed they planned treachery, which Khian could never do. Almost am I grieved. Yet it must be so. If that royal maiden lives, I will wed her and swear the throne to her children, for thus only can I and Egypt sleep in peace. Then he said aloud:
“The Council is ended and woe to him that betrays its secrets, for he shall be thrown to the lions.”
CHAPTER VIII.
The Scribe Rasa
Within thirty days of the holding of this Council, a messenger appeared on what was acknowledged to be the frontier of the Holy Ground that was marked by the highest point to which the Nile rose in times of flood, and called to one who was working in the field that he had a writing which he prayed him to deliver to the Prophet of the Order of the Dawn.
The man came and, staring at the messenger stupidly, asked:
“What is the Order of the Dawn and who is its prophet?”
“Perchance, Friend, you might make inquiries,” said the messenger, handing him the roll and with it no small present. “Meanwhile I, who may always be found at dawn or sunset seated at my prayers in yonder group of palms, will bide here and await the answer.”