"The lines," Geo said. "The ones Argo recited." He read out loud:
"Forked in the heart of the dark oak
the circlet of his sash
rimmed where the eye of Hama broke
with fire, smoke, and ash.
Freeze the drop in the hand
and break the earth with singing.
Hail the height of a man
and also the height of a woman.
The eyes have imprisoned a vision.
The ash tree dribbles with blood.
Thrust from the gates of the prison
smear the yew tree with mud."
"It's the other version of the poem I found in the pre-purge rituals of Argo. I wonder if there were any more poems in the old rituals of Leptar that parallel those of Aptor and Hama?"
"Probably," Iimmi said. "Especially if the first invasion from Aptor took place just before, and probably caused, the purges."
"What about food?" Urson suddenly asked from where he now sat on the altar steps. "You two scholars have the rest of time to argue. But we may starve before you can enjoy the leisure."
"He's right," said Iimmi. "Besides, we have to get going."
"Would you two consider it an imposition to set your minds to procuring us some food?" Urson asked.
"Wait a minute," Iimmi said. "Here's a section on the burial of the dead. Yes, I thought so." He read out loud now: