“He is chief of the Blue Sakae, as we call our clan.”
“Are there several clans in the country, then?”
“Yes, four; but the Shamans have overcome three of them, and seek now to overcome us, being very, very evil.”
“Are your people far away from here?” I asked.
“About three days’ journey—on horseback—to the east.”
“Is there any way up the cliffs into your country, or any other gate like this one?”
“There is no gate.” She thought a little; then continued: “Have you ropes?”
“Yes; we have ropes which we brought to help us climb the cliffs if we could not enter the gate.”
“Then if you can climb well—very well—I can show you a way that might be climbed. It leads to some caves near a country house we have on the edge of our country.”
“Then to-morrow, lady, we will start for there and take you back to your people. At least, we will if you can show us a way up the cliffs.”