He paused, waiting. An under-priest spoke; evidently following some ritual.
"Here is the priestess, O High Priest of Aten! What penalty must she pay?"
"Death in Aten's hands!" the cold voice shrilled instantly. "The God wills it!"
ut now came an interruption, unexpected and disconcerting to the well-laid plans of Hrihor. The voice of Pharaoh Shabako cried out:
"Another came with this priestess—a blasphemous stranger! He lies concealed; the maid will not tell where! High Priest, let her be tortured in Aten's hands until she reveals where he is!"
For a moment Hrihor lost his mask-like rigidity, of expression. His eyes shifted nervously. But Shabako was not to be denied. Again be repeated his demand.
"We must pray to Aten to make his hand descend on her, prick and gash her, till she divulges!"
A murmur arose from the people in the Temple: they approved the torture. Hrihor, obviously reluctant, was forced to comply.