“How did he seem? Was he well?”
“He seemed very well but somewhat nervous.”
“I do not understand his strange behavior! Order immediate preparations for my departure in the morning to Hamadan! I shall go to him and ascertain the cause of this neglect.”
The chamberlain raised his hands in protest. He shook his head and salaamed humbly.
“I have an order from the King, gracious lady,” he said. “It is that I safely keep you here until he return.”
“What! Am I a prisoner?”
“Ah, no! Say not so! But this is a very unsafe country,—wolves, bears, robbers, and brigands! It is not safe for you without a strong escort to go beyond the castle-walls. The escort which brought you hither has departed for Nicæa again, and only the necessary garrison is here. Very sorrowful am I, most gracious lady, but I dare not disobey orders. The King, I assure you, will come soon.”
“Listen!” exclaimed Athura, furiously. “I care nothing for the safety of this castle! I order you to prepare this garrison to march with me to Hamadan on the morrow. I will answer to the King for you and no harm shall come to you. Let the castle take care of itself!”
But the chamberlain again shook his head and wrung his hands together in simulated agitation. “Impossible, utterly impossible! The King’s orders must be obeyed. You know not this King, gracious lady! He is a magician who can destroy one, soul and body. No, no!”
“A magician! What mean you? My brother Bardya a magician? Since when gained he that power?”