"I am prepared, Sire. But why am I being tested now?"
"Any individual may be tested at any time the welfare of the people in my opinion requires such testing." The Martian words seemed almost to be part of a ritual.
"And on what will your decision be reached?"
"Again, the welfare of my people," Malovar answered.
"I mean—what deeds of mine will be judged here?"
Malovar's face grew bleaker still. "Perhaps nothing you have done but something you may do."
"But you cannot test me now for something I have not yet done, you cannot read the future!" the human protested.
"Perhaps by testing you now I may guide the future," Malovar answered. "But—enough of talk. Kneel!"
Larkin knew he had no further choice. He went down on his knees before the altar. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw one of the elders take Malovar's staff from him, hand him instead the sword. Larkin knew that the blade of that sword was razor sharp. Driven with only moderate force it would cut flesh and bone instantly.
He closed his eyes.