“And thy business?”
“Hakim.”
“We need thee in Khinjan Caves! But none enter who have not earned right to enter! There is but one key. Name it!”
King drew in his breath. He had hoped Yasmini's talisman would prove to be key enough. The nails his left hand nearly pierced the palm, but he smiled pleasantly.
“He who would enter must slay a man before witnesses in the teeth of written law!” he said.
“And thou?”
“I slew an Englishman!” The boast made his blood run cold, but his expression was one of sinful pride.
“Whom? When? Where?”
“Athelstan King--a British arrficer--sent on his way to these 'Hills' to spy!”
It was like having spells cast on himself to order!