I know, I know, for
I am no less a mystic because I have fallen from state. His seers are
liars, they can not guide the king. He must not pursue them, for death
shadows him the hour he leaves the gates of Tanis. He must not go! I
love him yet, and I can not see him overthrown."
"Thou art no more eager to stay him than I," Kenkenes answered quickly.
"Thou art in need of a runner. I am one."
The eye of the sorcerer fell on the young man's dress.
"A runner among the nobility?" he commented suspiciously.
"Is a man less likely to be a patriot because he is of blood, or less
fleet of foot because he is noble?"
"Nay; nor less useful because he is sharp of tongue. Come with me!"
Jambres seized his arm and, hurrying him out of the shed, went through
the ragged street to the shrine at the upper end of the village.
From the tunnel-like entrance between the dwarf pylons a light was
diffused as though it came through thin hangings. The pair entered the
porch and passed into the sanctuary.
Entering his study, Jambres made his way to the heavy table and,
fumbling about the compartments under it, drew forth a wrapped and
addressed roll. Taking up a lighted lamp, he scrutinized the messenger
sharply.
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