"Ah!" Suddenly Kyphallos smiled. And as swiftly his eyelids drew together. "But what," he asked, "if Cathur should look toward Zitra as well?"
Like a stab of light a thought pierced Croft's listening brain. Was that it—was that the bait Zollaria held forth? Kyphallos on the throne of Tamarizia—not for ten years, but for life—Zollaria and Tamarizia practically one if not actually united—Cathur in Zollaria's hands and Kyphallos a noble of a vast empire—a dual monarchy such as Palos had never seen. The conception from the standpoint of royalty at least was no less than magnificent.
Jadgor, too, gave his companion a piercing glance. "Could Cathur win without Aphur?" he asked.
Kyphallos shrugged. "My words were but a question," he evaded the answer direct. "What does Aphur propose?"
"An alliance of their houses," Jadgor said and paused.
And once more Kyphallos frowned without reply. Plainly he was giving this matter consideration.
Jadgor resumed. "It is in our minds to offer you the fairest flower in Aphur's garden of women to this end."
"Hai! A woman! Thou meanest marriage?" Kyphallos cried.
"Aye."
Kyphallos smiled. "And this wonderful woman—who is she?"