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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..892aafb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67542 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67542) diff --git a/old/67542-0.txt b/old/67542-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 858c37b..0000000 --- a/old/67542-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8638 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mouthpiece of Zitu, by J.U. Giesy - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Mouthpiece of Zitu - -Author: J.U. Giesy - -Release Date: March 2, 2022 [eBook #67542] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOUTHPIECE OF ZITU *** - - - - - - The Mouthpiece of Zitu - - By J. U. Giesy - - - A Complete Novel - - Sequel to "Palos of the Dog Star Pack" - - - Copyright 1919 by The Frank A. Munsey Company. - - This story was published in The All-Story Weekly, - serially, beginning July 5, 1919. - - - - - CHAPTER I - - THE NEW PATIENT - - -I took my stethoscope and went over the patient's chest. I wanted to -determine his general condition, since he was now committed to my care -as medical director of the State Hospital for the Insane. He had -struck me as being in a rather bad way when he was brought in from the -capital city farther north. It was part of my professional duty to -look out for his physical welfare as well as endeavor to set right his -distorted brain. - -I had one of the nurses remove the hospital garment into which he had -been put, and then I set the disk of my instrument over the region -of his heart. It was bad, very bad indeed. The burr and whisper of -its labored action came through his emaciated flesh with surprising -loudness. I frowned and went on to the lungs, and found them suffering -from the effects of that faulty circulation. - -A dissociation of personality had been alleged by the physicians who -had sent him into my hands. In other words, the man was supposed not -to know who he was--to have lost his true identity, or be confused -about it in his own mind. But the case was not violent, had given no -indications of any wish to work harm to any one about him. Indeed, the -entire course until now had been of a melancholic turn. - -I finished my examination and straightened, and met the regard of his -eyes. They were a very dark brown, and they were fixed intently on my -face. What was more, they gave me one of the oddest sensations I had -ever had in my life. - -I had never seen the man before. Of that I was positive. And yet as -I met the steady glance he held upon me, I felt that I knew those -eyes--the eyes, mind you--or what was behind them--looking out as -through a window in a darkened house. I'm not sure, but I think I -caught my breath. - -"Send the nurse away, will you, Dr. Murray?" - -For the first time during my examination the patient spoke, and the -sound of it was almost like a half-checked laugh. It was as though the -man felt a perfectly sane and understanding amusement in the situation -in which he found himself. - -Then as I hesitated, more in surprise than from any other reason, he -went on: "Oh, I'll not be violent or try to escape, or anything like -that. I merely want to talk to you--yourself." - -I nodded to the attendant, who left the room, and turned back once more -to encounter those strangely familiar eyes. - -"Don't you know me, Dr. Murray?" their owner inquired. - -"I never saw you before," I said, determined to meet this phase of the -man's condition, whatever it was, in as natural a way as I might. "And -yet--" Right there I paused. - -"And yet--you aren't sure about the denial even while you make it." -He laughed without any sound. Insane in a mild way he might be, but -he certainly seemed to know what he was saying and to be enjoying the -somewhat puzzled expression which I fancy must have shown upon my face. -"Murray, you're both right and wrong. You've never seen this body, so -far as I know, but I hardly think you've forgotten Jason Croft." - -"Croft! Good Heavens!" - -The words dribbled off my lips. I gasped. Now I knew what it was about -those eyes that held me. Croft I had not forgotten, but--so far as -earth was concerned--he had died; I had pronounced him dead myself; -had seen his body consigned to the grave. And it had been the body of -a splendidly proportioned man--no such pitiful physical wreck as this -figure in the bed. - -But it had been Jason Croft who had given to me what as nearly amounted -to a proof of spiritual life apart from the mortal body as any man -might have--who had told me, shortly before his death occurred, the -most remarkable tale my ears had ever heard, a tale incredible in -itself, and yet one which, despite all arguments against it, I had -always felt myself inclined to believe. In addition to that, when his -story was ended he had announced that he was forsaking his earthly -body for life on another planet; had told me that some day I would -receive a call and find his earthly body dead, but that on that other -star, Palos--a world in the system of Sirius the Dog Star--he would be -possessed of another body and Naia, Princess of Aphur, as wife. - - * * * * * - -Unbelievable? Of course it was unbelievable. And yet Croft's earth body -died, just as he said it would. And if any one could have heard his -story as I did when he told it, I think the auditor would have been -moved to credence just as I was myself. - -Croft was a physician even as I am. He was a scientific man. In -addition, he was a student of what most of us call the occult--the -science of the mind, the spirit, the soul. So much I know, not only -from his words but material evidence. His former home had contained -the greatest private collection of works on the subject I have ever -seen. According to his own statements, he had advanced so far in his -investigations of the subject that he could project his own astral -body anywhere at will. And by anywhere, I mean to be understood in the -literal sense. - -Many men have acquired the ability of which he was master, as applying -to the earthly sphere; Croft, however, had carried it to its ultimate -degree and had shaken off or entered the atmospheric envelope of our -planet at will. In our conversation, which ended with his announcement -that he was going back to Palos to wed Naia and live out his life in -that other world, he had explained the whole thing to me--largely as I -felt at the time and after, because I had dabbled in the occult to some -extent, and he knew I would understand, in part at least. - -In making clear his motives he had even broached the subject of -twin souls--the doctrine that each spirit is originally dual, but -incarnates as two individuals--a male and a female in the flesh. He -alleged that since a child he had felt a vague prompting toward the Dog -Star, which he could not understand until he went there in the astral -form, once he had gained the power, and found on Palos a woman--his -true counterpart, his twin soul, as he declared his belief. - -But, to accomplish his mating with her, Croft declared further that he -had done a most remarkable thing. Discovering a man dying from a mental -rather than a bodily condition on the other star, he had waited until -his death occurred and then appropriated the still physically viable -body to himself; and he explained the thing in a very comprehensible -manner at the time, describing the whole procedure in a scientific way, -until unbelief faltered and one felt that the thing had been done. - -Over that body he had acquired as full control as he had of his own. -He might at will throw it into a cataleptic sleep. After that he led a -sort of double existence--sometimes on Palos, sometimes on earth--until -his plans were finally shaped. Then, and then only, did he finally -forsake the mundane life for that other and fuller existence which he -felt the Palosian girl would make complete. - -At the time I had questioned him as fully as time and my own knowledge -would permit, and he had answered in a way which not only convinced me, -but amazed me. - -I had asked him concerning the time of his passing from earth to that -other distant star billions of miles across space, in a universe -outside our own. And he had replied that outside the mental atmosphere -of man time did not exist; that between the planets was only eternity; -that one could not use what was non-existent; that he could reach Palos -in the condition toward which he journeyed to it as quickly as I could -project myself there in thought. In similar fashion he had been able -to meet each of my several interrogative points. In the end I had been -content to merely listen to the astounding narrative he told. - -That story I had not forgotten any more than I had the man himself. -But that he should have reversed the experiment which had given him a -physical life on Palos in order to return to earth was more astounding -still. And yet--if I were to believe the evidences of my well-nigh -reeling senses--that was exactly what had occurred; because, no matter -how beyond all accepted tenets of life the thing was, I couldn't help -feeling that it was Croft's spirit looking out at me from the new -patient's eyes. - -Then as I stood there, tongue-tied, considering those things, he spoke -again. - -"Rather fusses you a bit, doesn't it, Murray? Well, never mind. I -didn't expect to come back here when I left, but needs must, you know, -as they say on earth. I don't wonder that it surprises you to find me -speaking to you with the lips of this poor hulk of flesh--not very -much like the one in which you knew me, is it?--but it will suffice, -even if it has a pair of lungs badly engorged because of a very shaky -heart. Your laboratory will show the kidneys affected, too. Oh, it's an -incipient wreck that I'm holding together simply for my use--because I -need it, and because I wanted to get down here with you." - -"With--me?" I faltered. Almost as surprising as all else was his calm -announcement that he was here because he wanted to see me. - -He smiled slightly. "Yes--you, of course. Murray, come down to facts -and quit speculation. There is nothing surprising in that. You were -the only man on earth who knew my story--who had the truth--who -could understand--and I knew you understood a good bit of the forces -involved--the spiritual forces, that is. So, when I needed certain -information which I couldn't gain save in the flesh, I knew you were -the man to help me gain it--the one man to whom I could appeal with a -chance of success. But in order to reach you I had to limit my choice -of earthly bodies. That's how I came to choose this thing at which -you're looking--" - -"But--but--" I interrupted. "Good Heavens, Croft! I never dreamed of -your reversing the process. I--" - -He shook his head. "It's a poor rule that won't work both ways, isn't -it, Murray?" he said. - -I nodded. "Yes--of course. And you've really done it--come back--like -this?" - -I asked the question as I would have asked a similar one of Croft, -because now I was convinced that I was speaking to the man himself--his -intelligence, that is. - -And he answered me without the least hesitation: "Yes. And it's your -job to keep me alive until I can gain what I came for--to help me, if -you will. Earth possesses knowledge I need on Palos for my work--you -can help me gain it just as well here as anywhere else. 'Stone walls -do not a prison make,' Murray or 'iron bars a cage.' Man, it's your -cooperation for the advancement of a wonderful people I've come -a-seeking. I want you to prescribe a certain course of study as a part -of my treatment and discuss the things I'm after with me. Do you catch -my plan?" - -Oh, yes, I caught it. I began to understand. Bizarre, wonderful, beyond -anything imaginable as it seemed, I felt that I appreciated the whole -concept of his scheme. And I was flattered--I confess that I thrilled -at his words--that he should have come to me for such aid as he felt I -would give. All at once I had the feeling that a wonderful privilege -was placed in my hands---that I was to have a part in this remarkable -adventure between two worlds which Croft had made his. I made an effort -to rally my staggering senses, and, as one will at such a time, I made -a casual rather than a pertinent remark: - -"Just how is the Princess Naia?" I asked. - -Croft nodded. He seemed to find acceptance of my part in my question. -"The Princess Naia is very much all right." - -And then I remembered what he had told me before he went to Palos for -what I had thought a definite stay. And it struck me that it was rather -odd to be speaking of the Palosian girl as one would of a neighbor next -door, but I amended my reference to her none the less: "Or perhaps I -should have asked for Mrs. Croft--you said that you expected to be -married immediately upon your return to Palos." - - - - - CHAPTER II - - EXPLANATIONS - - -Croft frowned. "What one expects and what one meets are not always -one and the same, friend Murray," he rejoined. "As a matter of fact, -I returned to Palos after my conversation with you, to encounter a -situation of which I had never thought." - -"You mean that it interfered with your marriage to the princess?" I -exclaimed. - -He made a grimace. "I mean exactly that, both on the part of Naia -herself and because of something else. You remember Zud, the high -priest of Zitra, the imperial city of which I told you--who sponsored -me with Tamhys before the Zollarian war. And you recall no doubt that -I mentioned the fact that I left the body of Jasor of Nodhur, which I -had made my own, in Zud's apartments in the pyramid of Zitra when I -came back here for the last time, and that Naia was quartered during -my absence in the rooms set apart for the Gayana--the Vestals of Ga -the Virgin in the pyramid, too. Murray, when I got back there, fully -expecting to take things up where I had left them, I found that Zud had -proclaimed me the Mouthpiece of Zitu himself." - -"The Mouthpiece of Zitu!" I drew a chair close to the bed and sat down. -The thing affected me oddly. - -I cast back in my mind for what Croft had told me concerning the -religion of Tamarizia, which was the nation in whose affairs he had -taken an active part on the distant star. Zitu was God in their belief. -Ga was the woman--a virgin. Azil was her son--known as the Giver of -Life. And if Croft had been proclaimed by the high priest of the -central state of the empire, the head of the clerical college, as the -Mouthpiece of Zitu I began to sense dimly the position in which he must -have found himself on his return--just what it might have meant. - -If Zud had proclaimed Croft anything of the sort, it was just about the -same as naming him the representative of the Divinity in the flesh--and -from what Croft had told me of his claiming while in Tamarizia to do -all that he did by the grace of Zitu---which was, of course, no more -than the truth in a sense--I could see how his very words might have -laid the foundation for the high priest's act. - -Yet, Croft at our former conversation had said that he had induced the -Tamarizians to adopt a republican way of government rather than their -system of allied principalities, and had declared that when he went -back he expected to be elected president. All that flashed through my -mind, and then, "Rather changed your plans, I suppose," I said. - -"Changed them?" he returned, with an almost whimsical expression. -"Murray, it almost wrecked them at the start--the most important part -of them, that is. Remember why I did what I did do really--that all I -had done up until that time was in order to win the woman who meant -more to me than anything else in life--and then picture if you can my -mental condition when I found myself trapped, as it were, by my own -acts." - -"Your own?" I queried. - -He nodded. "Oh, certainly yes--my own, of course--my acts and -my overthought--my failing to take into account what a terrible -impression I had managed to make on the high priest. I--hang it all, -Murray--I knew so entirely what I was up to that I didn't give proper -consideration to the effect of my words and acts must have on less -well-informed minds. I failed to put myself in the place of Zud, and -Magur, the head of the church in Aphur, whom I first enlisted in my aid -at Himyra, as I told you before. - -"You remember the old saying, 'Whom the gods wish to destroy they first -make mad,' and one equally as true, that 'Pride goeth before a fall'? -Well, my friend, I was a bit like that, I think, toward the last of -the Zollarian war. Things came my way too fast. The completeness of -the Tamarizian victory, and her father's pledge of the girl to me, -backed up by the sanction of Jadgor, the Aphurian king, made me feel -altogether secure. - -"It seemed to me that there could be no question but I carried the -destiny of myself and Naia and all Tamarizia in my hands. I had only to -speak to see my commands fulfilled. - -"Honestly, Murray, in those days I couldn't have been more absolute -if I had been the Mouthpiece of Zitu indeed. Perhaps if I'd stayed -there and rushed things through, everything would have been all right. -But, as you know, I returned for a final visit to close up all matters -pertaining to my earthly life before I snapped the astral chord which -until then had kept my original body alive. And there was where I made -my mistake. - -"As I've told you, I left my Palosian body in Zud's quarters, rather -magnificently placed. Zud saw to that. I suppose now he was turning the -elements of what he fancied the truth in his old brain. My form was -stretched out on a golden couch, covered with a sheet of orange-colored -silk, in the apartment set apart for my use. And I'd been planning, -as you know, many things I wanted to do. I'd drawn plans--designs for -things common enough on earth, but never before dreamed of on Palos. -And I left the drawing I had made in that room in a golden chest. You -remember I told you gold was as plentiful on Palos as iron on earth and -used as freely in the metal working arts. - -"Night and day a guard was kept in the chamber where I lay in what they -believed was my knowledge-gaining sleep. But--the guard was a priest. -He would do anything Zud said, of course. I never thought of that. I -was anxious only to get back here and close things up and return and -claim Naia as my wife. - -"So you see I fell into the error of not considering old Zud's thoughts -or his interpretation of my claim that everything I did was by Zitu's -grace. Of course that was plain enough, however, after I got back and -found that he had all along placed a literal interpretation on my -remarks and considered my sleeps as no more than a period of spiritual -communion with Zitu himself. Then it became very forcibly clear to me -that I should have taken Zud more fully into the truth of the facts. -And because I hadn't I found myself in a most embarrassing case. - -"The high priest had got into that golden box. He had examined my -working charts. He had dimly sensed them as designs for things I meant -to make--and his wonder knew no bounds. And after that he played the -deuce, though I am convinced the old man only thought he was doing what -was absolutely right, according to his rights." - -"And Naia?" I asked. "How did she view your elevation to such a lofty -state?" - -Croft gave me a glance. "I told you Zud messed everything up," he -replied. "But--it's a long story. Murray, this ramshackle carcass I've -seized won't last out a great many days. The weakling soul who once -possessed it broke it down by every sort of abuse, including drugs. -But, I've got to learn certain things before I abandon its use. - -"Suppose you send me up the latest works you have on internal medicine -and surgery and therapeutics, and drop in tonight. If you're willing to -sacrifice a few hours' sleep, I'll spin you the whole yarn." - -"All right," I agreed as I rose. "I don't think I was ever more -startled in my life, but I'll send up the books, and I'll be right here -after nine myself." - -"Right," he accepted. "My physicians wouldn't let me have tobacco, -though this body craves it. Bring some cigars when you come, and we'll -have a good long talk." - - * * * * * - -Before, however, I enter upon Croft's actual story, I think it better -perhaps to briefly describe, in some part at least, those details of -the Palosian world with which he had put me in touch on the occasion of -our former meeting to which I have already referred. - -And toward a fuller understanding of that world itself, I think it best -to take up the geography of that part of Palos Croft visited first. -Mainly that which has to do with the Tamarizian nation--a series of -allied principalities surrounding the shores of a vast inland sea, with -the exception of a central state--the seat of the imperial capital, -embracing the island of Hiranur, located in the sea itself, and the -kingdom of Nodhur to the west and south. - -From the central sea a narrow strait led west toward an outer ocean -beyond the continent on which the several principalities found place. -To the north of this strait, known as the Gateway, was Cathur, a -mountainous country and the seat of the national university at its -capital city Scira. East of Cathur was Mazhur, known at the time of -Croft's arrival as the Lost State, since in a former war it had been -wrested from the original Tamarizian group by the Zollarians, a hostile -nation lying still farther north.[1] - -[Footnote 1: East of Mazhur, and circling the central sea to the east, -was Bithur, and Milidhur joined Bithur on the south. West of Milidhur -was Aphur, completing the circle about the sea and terminating at the -Gateway on the south. Nodhur lay south of Aphur, gaining an outlet -to the central sea by means of the River Na. This river had carried -commercial craft driven by sail and oar until Croft revolutionized -transportation with alcohol-driven motors. - -North of Tamarizia lay Zollaria, inhabited by a far more warlike race -of whites. Its government was a despotism organized on militaristic -lines. Controlling the gateway to the west, Tamarizia had remained -the master, even after the fall of Mazhur, still collecting toll from -the Zollarian craft on her rivers, despite the foothold gained by her -foeman on the northern coast. - -East of Zollaria and Tamarizia in the hinterland of the continent lay -Mazzer, populated by an aboriginal people of a complexion distinctly -blue. Due to an ancient conquest many of these people were now -constituted as a working caste in Tamarizia. - -Each of these states was governed by an hereditary king.] - -Croft, by defeating Zollaria, after his entertainment of physical life -on Palos, had brought Mazhur back. In fact, he had just completed that -bit of work at the time of our former conversation, thereby raising -himself to a very high position of influence and power, as I have -sought to indicate, and winning from Naia's father, Prince Lakkon of -Aphur, the promise of his daughter's hand, as well as the consent of -Jadgor, King of Aphur, and Naia's uncle, that the union should take -place. - -On Croft's advent Scythys--a man old to dotage--had been king of -Cathur, with Kyphallos the crown prince, a profligate of the worst -type, for a son. Yet Jadgor of Aphur, scenting a danger unless it was -checked in advance in Kyphallos's ascent of the Cathurian throne, had -sought to bind the northern prince to the Tamarizian fealty more surely -by offering him Naia, his sister's child, to wife. - -Kyphallos had, however, sunk under the enchantments of Kalamita, a -Zollarian adventuress of great beauty, until he had reached the stage -of plotted treason, planning to surrender Cathur to Zollaria in return -for being given the throne of Tamarizia with Kalamita at his side. - -To win Naia for himself, and overthrow Zollaria's designs against -the southern nation had been Croft's main work, toward which he -strained every nerve. Besides his development of the motor on Palos he -introduced firearms as well, placed them in the hands of the Tamarizian -soldiery until then armed with spears, swords, bows and arrows and -shields, and defeated the flower of the Zollarian hosts on a couple of -bloody fields. The victory complete and Zollaria not only defeated but -forced to cede Mazhur after a tenure of fifty years, and it being the -end of the Emperor Tamhys's reign, he had prevailed upon the nation to -adopt a democratic form. - -And now a word as to the Tamarizians themselves. They were a white and -well-formed race. In their social structure women held an equal place -with men. I have hinted at their religion. They believed in the spirit -and a future life and the resurrection of the dead. In the sciences and -arts they had made considerable progress. - -The clothing of the women consisted of a single garment, falling to the -knees or just below them, cinctured about the body, caught over one -shoulder by a metal or jeweled boss, and leaving the other shoulder -and arm exposed. To this was added sandals of leather, metal, or wood, -held to the foot by a toe-and-instep band and lacings running well up -the calves. Men of wealth and caste and soldiers and nobles, instead of -these sandals, generally wore metal casings, which amounted to a sandal -and leg piece jointed to allow the ankle full play and reaching nearly -to the knees. - -The men of caste also wore a soft shirt or chemise beneath a metal -cuirass or an embroidered tunic, as the case might be. Save on formal -occasions, the serving classes, men and women, wore either a narrow -cincture about the loins, supporting a small phallary or apron, or went -nude about their tasks. - -Agriculture was highly developed, and as a people they had advanced far -in architecture, painting, sculpture, and similar arts. They lavished -much time and expense in beautifying their houses--making of each a -small palace, if the owner were rich. The highways along which the -sarpelca caravans and the gnuppa-drawn carriages and chariots passed -were models of engineering. - -[The gnuppa is a creature seemingly half deer and half horse. The -sarpelca is not unlike some weird Silurian lizard, twice the size of -an elephant, with a pointed tail, a scale-armored back, a long neck -somewhat resembling that of a camel, and the head of a marine serpent -having a series of fleshy tentacles about the mouth. They are driven -by reins affixed to these latter appendages, and stream across the -Palosian deserts bearing merchandise upon their enormous backs.] - -All these things I knew from Croft's previous talks. He had told me he -could go to Palos as quickly as I could think of it myself, and here I -was anticipating a resumption that night of his story concerning beings -I had never seen, with an eagerness amounting to impatience of the -dragging hours. - -Here was I thinking of Naia--the golden-haired, purple-eyed beauty -of Aphur; of Lakkon, her father; of Jadgor, her uncle; of Robur, her -cousin, the Aphurian crown prince and Croft's loyal co-worker and -friend; of the sweet and matronly Gaya, his wife; of Magur, Zud's -deputy in Himyra; of Zud himself and others, as one thinks of people -well known--actually visualizing them before my mental eye according to -Croft's description--portraying their thoughts and acts and feelings to -myself, as I might with any man or woman on earth. - -And to me in that moment Naia--glorious in her purity and youth, -waiting for her mate in the quarters of Ga--the virgin--where burned -the never-dying fires of life, on the altar before Ga's feet--was far -more clear in her seeming than a million mundane women, despite the -billions of miles between her and my present physical estate. - -Billions of miles. My mind bridged it in thought. - -And Croft had bridged it in spirit at first, until at last he had -learned how to cross the bridge and gain a life in the flesh--because -the lure of the woman had nerved him to that test. The thing thrilled -me, fired every element within me capable of responding to the stimulus -of romance. Sane or insane, true or untrue, I wanted to hear the rest -of the story. - -Only remember--that if it wasn't Croft, his spirit--indwelling in -the new patient's miserable wreck of a body--how would he have known -the elements of the former story he had already mentioned--been able -to pick it up where he left it off, and preface what he had promised -to tell me, with his account of the actions of the Tamarizian high -priest? That argument alone seemed enough to remove the last shreds of -unbelief. Consequently I felt that when I entered my patient's room -that evening, it would be to hear not so much a story as a narrative of -life. - -And at that I was to be amazed by what had happened to Jason Croft. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - HARNESSED TO HEAVEN - - -Meanwhile I sent him the books he had said he wanted, together with -a box of good cigars. And along about eight forty-five, when I had -finished my evening round of patients, I went up myself. - -I lighted up a cigar and took a chair, tacitly preparing for a stay -of some considerable time, and then as Croft continued to smoke in an -almost meditative silence, I opened the matter myself: - -"Even supposing that Zud did get at your plans, I hardly see why he -should have taken the step he did before your return." - -Croft nodded. "It wasn't only the plans," he said. "You must recall -Abbu, the priest of the pyramid at Scira--the one who was present when -I entered Jasor's body and made it my own--who administered the last -rites of his church to the dying Jasor, and with whom I talked after I -had succeeded in compelling the Nodhurian's form to obey my will. - -"I told you that to Abbu I had acknowledged that my spirit was not -Jasor's, but that what I was about to do was for Tamarizia's good, -thereby enlisting his aid in my undertakings--also how he acted as an -instrument in saving Naia from becoming a victim of the plan Cathur's -crown prince and his Zollarian coplotters had so cunningly laid. - -"At the time I swore him to secrecy, of course, and I honestly believe -that up until the time I left Jasor's body for the purpose of making -a final trip to earth, he was the only man who knew that the spirit -within it was not the same as the one it had held at birth. But"--a -smile flicked across his lips--"just as on my first excursion to Palos -I made an error and nearly precipitated myself into the fiery heart of -Sirius, so I seem to have overlooked the human equation which holds on -Palos no less than earth--and I overlooked also the fact that Zud was -the high priest. - -"Abbu, after the war with Zollaria, had been brought to Zitra and -raised to a higher rank, because of his part in first assisting -me. Naturally Zud was acquainted with all such facts, and one can -hardly blame him for wanting to know more in view of what I can -well understand were the tremendous changes I had brought about in -Tamarizia's affairs. - -"To me motors and firearms were nothing save things of every-day -experience, and what I had made on Palos seemed but as crude devices at -the best. But to Zud and all others they appeared little short of the -miraculous, upsetting all former conceptions of their lives. Take that -into consideration and then picture the impression on his mind likely -to be made by the fact that by my own admission I was not the same -Jasor of Nodhur who, according to the physician attending him in Scira, -had there died." - -I began to understand what must have happened. - -"He pumped Abbu?" I exclaimed. - -"Exactly." Croft smiled dryly again. "He absolved him from his oath and -learned all the facts with which Abbu was acquainted. You can easily -understand the rest. Jasor of Nodhur dies. His body comes back to life. -Its lips speak to Abbu, the priest. He hears that a new spirit inhabits -Jasor's body. Immediately after strange things--but things aimed wholly -for Tamarizia's good--begin to happen. - -"Shall the dead live again, save by divine intervention? Shall -undreamed of things appear save by Zitu's grace? And if in addition the -revivified body shall fall into strange sleeps at times and upon waking -seem possessed of a supernatural knowledge, what more natural to the -priest--unendowed with a full understanding of what was taking place, -unaware that the things that excited his unlimited amazement were but -copies of things existing on another planet--than to consider that -those things he witnessed were the result of divine ordination and to -regard the individual who brought them about as the mouthpiece of his -god in the flesh? Oh, frankly, Murray, I don't blame that puzzled old -man in the least. As a matter of fact, I blame myself for not having -foreseen the effect of all that had happened on his brain." - -Croft put out a hand and selected a fresh cigar. He set it alight and -got it to going nicely while, as it seemed to me, he marshaled his -thoughts. And then--all at once he began speaking again, and this is -the story he told. - - * * * * * - -The Palosian day--or "sun"--is twenty-seven hours long. Dawn was on the -verge of breaking when Croft, having severed the astral link with his -earthly body, opened Jasor of Nodhur's physical eyes in the room of -the Zitran pyramid. And because now he had taken the last step which so -nearly as possible must make him a Palosian indeed, and nothing held -him longer on any other sphere, he opened his eyes in a flash. - -One moment the body he had taken when Jasor laid it down was stretched -an inanimate object on the golden couch beneath its smooth coverlet of -orange silk. The next moment it was the living, breathing figure of a -perfectly proportioned man, blinking its newly opened eyes. - -A slightly unsteady radiance of a yellow color filled the room. It came -from the blazing wicks in oil-filled sconces fixed about the walls, as -Croft knew. He lay and sensed it briefly, while the tide of awakening -life flowed in a tingling stream through his powerful body and limbs. -And then he turned his head. - -His glance fell upon one of the lay brothers of the priesthood, clad -in a brown robe, from which peeped his toe-splayed, naked feet. He sat -on a stool of molded copper, with down-bent head. He appeared to be -asleep. But suddenly as though aroused by Croft's slight movement, he -jerked to attention and encountered the sleeper's eyes. Instantly he -sprang erect, approaching with a soft, quick shuffle and pausing by the -golden bed. - -"My lord--my lord!" he stammered in little more than a husky whisper, -and sank upon his knees. His back bent, his head inclined until its -face was hidden. His arms rose, and as Croft watched he made the sign -of the Tamarizian priesthood--a horizontal cross. - -Croft lifted himself to a sitting posture on the couch, shoving the -coverings back until his shoulders and torso gleamed white with a -ripple of muscles beneath the yellow light. Frankly he was perplexed. -Knighthood he had gained. He was a _Hupor_ or Prince of Aphur by -Jadgor's accolade. It was well enough for the brother to call him -"lord." He was a powerful man in all the nation, but--never had he -before encountered the bent knee of a priest--and since the guardian of -his chamber must have known what to expect, he hardly thought the man's -act attributable to fright. - -"Come! What's the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Since you were placed -to attend my awaking, why do you kneel?" - -The man lifted his face--it was white--even beyond the priestly -pallor--and his eyes were wide. - -"Because," he said slowly, in almost timorous fashion, "all men bend -the knee to the Mouthpiece of Zitu--even Zud himself." - -The whole thing burst on Croft just like that, without warning, -without any premonitory sign to prepare him for his changed estate. -And then, with a wildly whirling brain as he realized the far-reaching -consequences hinted at by the priest's announcement, he found himself -forced to accept the conclusion that the Mouthpiece of Zitu could be -none other than himself. At first the thought startled him, disturbed -him, appalled, and in swift succession it excited an almost resentful -rage. - -Those things were instinctive wholly, then as the brain, once more in -the grasp of his will, began to functionate more fully, he decided that -something unforeseen must have transpired while he lay here entranced, -and resolved in a flash that the first step essential to a fuller -information lay in an interview with Zud at once. - -"Get up," he said to the priest. - -"Yes, lord." - -The brother rose. - -"Give me my garments." Croft kicked the silken sheet completely off and -stood upon his feet. - -"At once." The brother shuffled toward a chest in a corner of the -apartment, lifted the lid and produced a robe. Blue it was--the color -of the highest order of the priesthood--embroidered on the breast -in stones like drops of transparent gold. The brother brought it -back, outspread across his forearms, and Croft caught sight of the -design--the wings of Azil, flaring out from the stem of a cross, looped -in its upper segment--the cross ansata--the Palosian symbol of immortal -life. Then as the brother once more sank to his knees, holding the -garment toward him, he controlled his surprise and asked a question: - -"What is the meaning of this?" - -When he had called for his garments he had expected his leg-casings -of gold, gem studded, his shirt of soft fiber, and his metal -cuirass whereon blazed Aphur's sign of the sun, his sword with its -jewel-incrusted hilt and belt, and his helmet with its orange plumes. - -But the kneeling brother answered: "It is as Zud hath decreed." - - * * * * * - -Zud--Zud--Zud. It seemed to Croft that Zud had, all unknown to him, -been taking a very large part in his affairs. For an instant he had -the distinct sensation of having in some way, he hardly knew how, been -trapped. But it only hardened his determination to see the high priest -at once and learn what had been going on in Zitra during the past two -weeks. He took the robe from the brother's extended arms and slipped it -on, fastening the shoulder boss, and seated himself while his companion -laced a pair of blue-and-gold leather sandals on his feet. - -"Go now," he directed, once the latter task was completed. "Say to Zud -that with him I would have speech." - -"I go. It was ordered that I report thy awakening, O Mouth--" the -priest began as he backed toward the door. - -Croft cut him short almost sharply. He lifted an arm in a sudden -pointing gesture: "Go!" - -The Mouthpiece of Zitu! He sat almost tensely on the edge of the couch. -What in the name of Zitu did the brother mean, and what had Zud been up -to? Why was he tricked out in this priestly robe with the wings of the -Angel of Life, the loop of the Cross of Life on his breast? And what -would be the effect of the thing on all he had planned himself? - -Naia! The thought stabbed him like a knife. He lifted his eyes toward -the ceiling of the room. Up there--high above him--in the quarters -of the Gayana, the vestals--where burned in the shrine of Ga the -never-dying fire of life--up there she was waiting for him to come -back--waiting to become his bride--his mate--his complement and -counterpart--for the fulfilment of their mutual love--that love which, -like a lodestone, had drawn him here in the first place--to win which -he had done all else. - -What would be the effect of whatever it was Zud had done in his -absence, on the maid herself? - -It behooved him to master his startled nerves and get himself into a -proper mind to dominate the coming interview with Zud. By deliberate -effort, then, he forced himself back to a state of mental control. -He decided to watch the high priest closely and learn, if he might, -whether the man were sincere in the motives for his action or had been -actuated thereto by personal or political desires. He relaxed the -tension of his body and waited for Zud to appear, as he presently did. - -He came in, an old man with graying hair, clad in an azure-blue robe -with the cross ansata embroidered in flame-colored jewels upon the -breast. He advanced directly toward Croft as the latter rose, and some -three paces before him sank slowly to his knees. - -"Thou hast called, and thy servant appears, O Mouthpiece of Zitu," he -said slowly in a tone of what might be reverence. "Long were we in -recognizing the truth, yet was the fault not entirely our own, since -only to Abbu of Scira had you voiced it, and not since Azil himself -descended to teach the sons of mortals has such a thing occurred, nor -in Zitu's wisdom was thy coming revealed." - -In a flash Croft began to understand. The mention of Abbu's name was -enough to give him the clue. He recalled his first conversation on -Palos with the Cathurian priest, and the tangle began to clear. - -"Thou thinkest me the Mouthpiece of Zitu, then, indeed?" he questioned -the high priest, and watched him closely. - -"Aye, by Zitu! the one source of life and knowledge," Zud replied. -"Did not Abbu state that you told him thy spirit was not that of Jasor -of Nodhur, who was dead, yet whose body having died, became once more -alive, and hast thou not said that all you did was by Zitu's grace? -Didst not tell me that those things you commanded to be made for -Tamarizia's good were shown to you in your sleeps? Canst the spirit of -a mortal enter and leave the body at will--the spirit of one such as -Jasor was--and"--seemingly Zud was forgetful of all discretion in this -meeting--"have I not seen the paintings of the things you plan yet to -bring to Tamarizia in yonder casket?" He turned his eyes toward the -golden box where Croft had left his designs. - -Croft considered swiftly. Sincerity rang in the man's tones, and more -and more, as he ran on, Croft understood. He decided quickly on another -test. Zud had raised his eyes as he finished his answer, and Croft -looked steadily into his face. - -"You opened the casket?" he demanded in a louder, an accusatory voice. -"You dared much, priest of Zitu. What things are to be will be in the -time of Zitu's choosing. It is a brave man dares to know all things in -advance." - -Zud's expression changed. Before it had been one of an almost wide-eyed -respect. Now it became an ashen thing of horror, of unmistakable -dismay. "My lord--my lord," he faltered, "I but sought to learn the -truth. I swear by Zitu that my heart was clean in what I have done -and--said." - -There was an odd break in his utterance just before the final word. It -was as though the man were appalled at the palpable displeasure of the -one before whom he knelt, yet, despite of any consequences to himself, -were determined to confess. - -And Croft noted his manner of speaking, and caught up that last word: -"Said? You have said what, Zud?" - -"That thou wert the Mouthpiece of Zitu--sent into the flesh for -Tamarizia's good." - -"To whom have these things been spoken?" Croft queried with a caught-in -breath, sensing the calamity which had overtaken his own plans as great -as it possibly could be, if things were as they now appeared. - -"To all Tamarizia have I, as high priest, proclaimed it," said Zud. -"Zitra but waits your awakening, that it may behold and proclaim you in -the body you have chosen as your servant, and give ear to your words." - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - MAN OR MOUTH? - - -The thing was cut and dried. Even a public appearance was, it would -seem, arranged. The church of the nation had given him forth as a -spirit divinely sent as a teacher, gaining physical expression through -the body of Jasor of Nodhur. And--what was Croft to do? To disclaim--to -compel Zud to retract--would strike, as he knew, not only at his own -powers of future accomplishment, discredit him as it were, but would -aim a blow at the very foundation of the social structure, if Zud -were shown to have made so terrible an error as he had. And yet--and -yet--to accept--to go on--to pose as what he was not. The thought was -distasteful, and worse, since to go on might mean the loss of Naia, as -well as that position he had expected to hold in the newly organized -republic of Tamarizian states. - -For the political end of the matter he cared very little to tell the -truth, but even the thought of Naia sent a quiver throughout his -body--caused a sudden dizzy whirling of his brain. Once more he felt -baffled, trapped, enraged. And so far as any escape from the situation -he confronted was concerned, he could see no possible way out. For a -moment a wild impulse to seize the kneeling man at his feet, lift him -up and shake him, hurl against him a scorching torrent of passion-urged -words for his curious meddling, assailed him. But he choked it and -stood as one who considers, and when he spoke his words were once more -calm: - -"Enough. What things Zitu wills, those things shall be done. Yet have I -a body, as thou seest, that has lain unnourished full long. Rise, Zud -of Zitra. Command me food. I would eat while we talk." - -"Even now it waits." Zud rose and went backward toward the door. He set -it open. As Croft seated himself once more on his couch there filed -in a group of brothers, the foremost bearing a short-legged table of -molded copper, the others dishes and flagons in their hands. - -The dishes were of gold and silver. There were goblets of glass which -the Tamarizians made of magnificent quality and design. One of the -latter was placed before Croft and filled with a mild and blood-red -wine. Their service ended the lay brothers bent in genuflexion and -retired. Zud remained standing in watchful silence until Croft bade him -be seated, when he drew up a stool and sat down. - -While he ate Croft plunged into a series of questions concerning -affairs in the Tamarizian states. - -"The reign of Tamhys will terminate in fourteen suns (days)?" - -"Aye." - -"Thereafter we shall adopt the new government as it was decided, the -elections being held as in the choice of the former assemblies in each -kingdom--each decktaron to elect a representative, by whose vote shall -be the choice of president?" - -"Aye." Zud inclined his head. "So has it been proclaimed." - -"What candidates have been selected?" - -"Jadgor of Aphur, and Tammon, Tamhys's son." - -Croft considered the names as he sipped his wine. Jadgor, he knew, had, -before the Zollarian war, had an eye on the Zitran throne--had hoped to -mount it, and strengthen the entire nation by a change of that policy -of pacifism which, by its continuation for something like fifty years, -made Tamarizia weak, despite the wonderful resources in wealth and -men which were hers--which would seemingly have led to her overthrow -through Zollaria's arms and Cathur's defection, had not Croft appeared. - -So it was not at all surprising, in view of his popularity not only in -Aphur, but in Nodhur and Milidhur as well, and because of his prominent -part in the war, that he should have been chosen as a candidate for the -nation's first president. Nor for that matter was it to be questioned -that the retiring occupant of the throne should have put up his eldest -son. Of course, Croft had expected to enter the field himself, but now -he brushed the point aside. - -"It is well," he gave his decision and set down his glass. "And the -governors of the states?" - -Zud mentioned a list of names covering each former kingdom. "In Aphur -Robur, Jadgor's son alone. There is no other, because of his part -with you in all that has been done. In Cathur, Mutlos, a man of the -people, and Koryphon, Scythys's second son, who ascended the throne, as -you know, after Kyphallos fled and destroyed himself in Berla before -Kalamita's eyes. As your directions were understood before the time of -your recent sleeping, in Hiranur the president controls also the state -affairs." - -"Aye," Croft agreed. His heart had warmed at the announcement that -Robur stood for election in Aphur alone. Of all its people he had -known, save Naia only, he had come to love Robur best, had found him -a true friend, a man of broad and intelligent mind, under each and -every test. By Jadgor's own edict Robur had been his main assistant and -lieutenant in all that he had done. He felt very much toward him as he -might toward a younger brother. He had even discussed those periods -when his body lay unconscious with the Aphurian crown prince in so far -as he could, and there had been a time when the only confidante of -his love for Naia had been Gaya, Robur's wife. Suddenly he felt that -in these two he might find once more true friends and allies in the -situation in which he found himself. - -"And where is Robur?" he asked. - -"In Zitra, lord. He and Lakkon and Jadgor desire speech with thee so -soon as thou shalt have waked." - - * * * * * - -A quiver of comprehension stirred in Croft's breast. The desire of -Lakkon and Jadgor for an interview with himself he could understand. -The former it was who had pledged his daughter to the Hupor Jasor, as -he was then known, as wife. And Jadgor had approved of the pact. It -was but natural that now they should wish some explanation at least, -some understanding as to the girl's position, in view of Zud's most -extraordinary proclamation. He threw up his head and stared the high -priest in the eyes, and found them a trifle uncertain, his whole -expression more or less puzzled, even somewhat abashed. - -"What troubles you, Zud?" he inquired with the feeling that the man -knew what it was really that Lakkon and Jadgor desired. - -And for a moment Zud made no answer; for a moment he seemed to study -Croft's face before he began in apologetic fashion: "What I have done -I have done for the best, as I now call Zitu to witness; yet are there -some things I do not understand." - -"You refer to the maiden Naia, who by your permission was taken into -the quarters of the Gayana?" An opening--an advantage appeared to -Croft's mind in a flash. - -And plainly his question disturbed Zud more than a little. - -"Aye," he said scarcely above a whisper at length and inclined his head. - -"To whom ere I slept, by consent of her father and Jadgor, I was -pledged?" - -"Aye, lord. Jadgor and Lakkon also ask themselves--" - -"Why the Mouthpiece of Zitu should seek a union in the flesh?" - -Zud clasped his hands before him. He sat with eyes downcast. By an -effort, at length he once more lifted his face. "Thou hast spoken, -lord," he said. - -Croft held him with a level regard. "And what says Zud, the high -priest?" - -"That the ways of Zitu are beyond mortal understanding," Zud responded -slowly. - -"Yes," Croft took him up sharply. "Zud, the high priest, endeavored to -understand--toward which end, though Abbu of Scira had sworn by Zitu to -keep silent, he induced him to talk." - -"I--I--lord, I absolved him of the oath of silence," Zud faltered, and -began a nervous twisting of his interlacing fingers. - -"And since when may even the high priest rescind that which Zitu has -recorded?" - -A tremor shook the priest. A twitching seized his face. He shrank back -and sat staring, staring at the strange individual before him, with -whose affairs he had dared to interfere, who now arraigned him with a -face and manner gone well-nigh impersonally cold. One could no longer -doubt that he had been sincere in what he had done, at least--what he -had proclaimed of Croft, he himself believed. Of so much Croft felt -convinced as he once more spoke: - -"High priest of Zitu, in what words was your proclamation to Tamarizia -concerning him until now known as the Hupor Jasor made?" - - * * * * * - -Zud wet his lips and made answer. "It was said that Zitu had sent us -a teacher--one who should reveal to all men his will, through whom he -revealed his pleasure--one who was his mouthpiece indeed." - -"And this you believed?" - -"Aye, lord." Zud moved. He left the stool on which he was sitting. He -would have knelt had not Croft stayed him: - -"_Hilka!_ Hold!" - -"Aye, lord." Zud stood erect. His knees seemed knocking together, and -he swayed. Something like pity stirred in Croft's breast. The man was -overwrought, keyed to a vast tension, troubled in his mind, well-nigh -dismayed. His confidence, born of years of unquestioned authority, -was shaken; he appeared beaten down and crushed. And Croft was minded -to maintain his advantage toward his individual ends. He spoke again: -"Think you that as Zitu's Mouthpiece I shall find it easy to take -my place as heretofore in the Himyra or Ladhra shops, where the -instruments designed for Tamarizia's use shall be brought forth? Do men -work best with one such as you would name me, or with another man, O -Zud?" - -"Lord, lord!" Zud bowed his head. - -"Or think you that were I the mouthpiece of Zitu, I would have pledged -myself to this maid save by his will? Yet today even Zud bends the -knee in my presence since his proclamation. Is this thing known to the -Gayana as well as to the priests?" - -"Yes, it is known," Zud told him slowly. - -"The maid is still there?" - -"Yes." - -"She has heard the truth?" - -"Yes." Zud flung up his head. Croft's last word seemed to give him -courage. "She knows--the truth," he said. "She requested an audience -after she had heard, and I went to her. I told her those things Abbu -said." - -"That my spirit was not Jasor's?" The words burst from Croft's lips in -an instinctive exclamation. For an instant he felt his control once -more slipping. Naia knew--that the body of the man to whom she was -promised was the body of one who had died--that its life was due not -to the presence of Jasor's spirit, but another. Zud had told her. He -had told her the truth. Croft had meant to tell her before the marriage -in so different a way from that in which the high priest must have -explained. And--what must have been the effect of such an announcement -upon her--what must she, could she think? - -"Yes." Zud's answer but served to accentuate and confirm the dilemma -his meddling had produced. - -"And what said she?" Croft forced himself to ask. - -"She is a maiden of spirit," said Zud in the tone of one who palliates -an offense. "She is unused to restraint. She refused to give credence -to Abbu's story or accept its truth save from your own lips." - -Croft thrilled. Here was fidelity and trust--the absolute confidence -which should exist between true mates. If Naia of Aphur had dared to -refuse acceptance to the words of the high priest, she would dare much. -Things might not turn out so badly as he had feared. There would seem -to be time still for the true explanation he had meant to make to the -girl herself. The purpose fired him to immediate determination. - -"She remains with the Gayana?" - -"Aye--until such time as you awaken." - -"I will see her. Send one to guide me to her at once." - -"Lord!" Zud's tone was aghast. - -"Stop!" Croft cut short his incipient protest. "Would question my -demands?" - -"But the Gayana--" Zud began a faltering explanation. - -His companion took a single step toward him. His jaw thrust out in an -almost menacing manner, indicative of a will to brook no opposition: -"May be entered by him who wears the wings of the Angel of Life as well -as the high priest." - -For a long, breathless instant the glances of the two men met and -crossed, engaging the one with the other. And then Zud was beaten down. -He yielded. - -"Permit that I show you," he said, and led the way. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - BEHIND THE SILVER DOOR - - -They passed from the room and along a corridor in which the oil sconces -had now been extinguished, faintly illuminated by the light of the new -day. Before a massive door Zud paused and set his hand to a slender -cord. His action was followed by the muffled clanging of a brazen -gong. He slid the door open and revealed the shadow-wrapped throat of -a shaft, up which a platform presently trembled into view. It was a -primitive form of elevator operated, as Croft knew, by a Mazzerian crew -in the foundations of the pyramid itself, lifting and lowering it on -signal, by winding its cable on and off a revolving drum. - -With Zud, he stepped aboard. The platform mounted slowly up the shaft. -The high priest, with a hand on an inner cord, observed its progress, -and presently once more the gong far below clanged out. The platform -stopped. - -They stepped into a very short corridor between masonry walls of a cut -and polished stone not unlike marble, save that it held a strange, -translucent quality in its substance and was wholly white. The main -staircase of the pyramid mounted before them and ran on toward the top, -with its crowning Temple of Zitu, and just beyond it, at the far end of -the corridor, was a door. Silver it was, the most precious of Palosian -metals, tooled and carved into the design of a full-sized woman's -figure, in whose hand was the looped cross of immortal life. - -Croft thrilled as they paused before it. This was the entrance to the -quarters of the Gayana. Here it was that Naia had waited for him when -he plunged into the venture of the Zollarian war. Then briefly he had -held her in his arms, and she had told him that none should claim her -ever save himself, or, failing that, she would remain forever virgin -in the sanctuary of Ga beyond this door outside which now he stood so -very, very differently from what he had once thought that he should. - -And suddenly the knowledge of what Zud had told her--of the shock -of revelation that must have come upon her, the torment to her -every finer sensibility and feeling--caused an actual sensation of -constriction in Croft's chest. He stood with tight-set lips and flaring -nostrils as Zud put up a hand and pressed against the left breast of -the woman on the door. - -There was a tiny click, and the door slid to one side, disappearing -into a socket in the wall and flooding the corridor with light. No -gloomy abode was that in which the vestals dwelt. High up on the -pyramid, but one flight beneath the crowning temple on the truncated -apex, it caught the first of Sirius's rays, and the last, through deep -embrasures set with slanting glass in the structure's walls. As the -door slipped aside a scene was presented to Croft's eyes, brilliant -with light and life. - -"Hold!" he said as Zud would have entered and stepped past him on one -side. - -"Wait me below in your own apartments, man of Zitu. Consider meanwhile -those words we have spoken before you brought me here. Peace be with -you, priest of Zitu. Go!" - -Then, as Zud turned to do his bidding and regained the platform in the -shaft, he stepped through the aperture of the door to the other side -and paused, a trifle abashed. - -He had come at a stride to a region of youth and beauty. It surrounded -him on every side. Feminine forms in diaphanous fabrics were grouped -about the room. The chatter of their voices filled the place. Directly -before him a group of maidens already at work about an immense basket -of flowers, forming the garlands and sprays which at the noontide hour -of prayer they would fling at the feet of the statue of Tamarizia's -god, paused and stood staring as Croft appeared. - -Their hair, unrestrained save for a metal filet or cincture, fell in -masses down their graceful backs. The flesh of their shoulders and -arms and sandalless feet, glowed warm and pinkly white. Their lips -grew parted, and their eyes, unaccustomed to masculine presence, save -possibly that of old Zud, grew wide. For Croft was no ancient as he -stood there in his azure robe, with the cross and the wings in gold -upon his breast and his yellow hair in a tawny mass upon his head. More -he was like some young and comely god himself, with his bold, strong -features, his hint of latent strength. - -So for a moment they stood staring until, as though her attention -was arrested by their postures and the direction of their glances, an -older woman appeared, coming directly toward where Croft stood, to -pause before him and bend in a genuflection, and inquire with a voice -leveled, as it seemed, by repression: "What does my lord of Zitu seek?" - -"Speech with the maiden Naia, priestess of Ga." Croft met her glance -directly. - -"So be it," said the woman. "Come with me." - -He followed--across a hugely pillared room where others of the vestals -sat on cushions or divans, engaged in simple tasks--toward a mighty -figure of a woman, carved from the strangely beautiful translucent -stone the Tamarizians used mainly in their sculpture--the figure of -a woman seated, brooding with a face of divinely maternal affection -above the form of a babe stretched prone across her knees. Mighty, -magnificent in her womanhood, beautiful in her maternity, she sat -there, back of a silver altar on which leaped from an oil-fed sconce -the eternal flame of life which never died. - -And this he thought was Ga, to whom Naia of Aphur had prayed that she -might be spared the unclean ordeal of a marriage with Cathur's prince. -This was the eternal woman, the eternal mother, the eternal source--the -Tamarizian virgin who had given birth to Azil, the Angel of Life. -Ga--the virgin, the madonna. This was the woman and--her child--woman -the shrine of the fire eternal, watching it, guarding it, replenishing -it against extinction through the eons of ages within and from herself. - - * * * * * - -A sudden passionate desire to do her and the members of her sex -some form of honor seized him in an impulse which sent him without -premeditation to his knees, bending before her majestic presence, -forming the sign of the cross horizontal, beneath her brooding -features; glancing up then, and then only, to meet the eyes of his -guide--and find them less frigid, in a subtle manner pleased. - -But she made no comment as Croft rose slowly and once more followed her -lead toward the door of a room, which she unlatched and pushed aside. - -Through the opening Croft's eyes leaped, to fall upon the figure of a -woman, her hair as golden as the sunshine falling in a rippling, silken -mass to the couch of wine-red wood on which she sat, her head bent -above a frame in which her tapering fingers were embroidering a pattern -in small, pierced jewels on a fabric of sheerest gauze. - -All that in a flash. Then, as though attracted by the opening of the -door, the woman glanced up, lifting a pair of pansy-purple eyes. - -"Naia!" Croft's lips framed the word rather than spoke it. He stepped -swiftly toward her through the door. It clicked shut behind him as the -vestal closed it. - -Naia, of Aphur, rose. The last vestige of color seemed drained from her -face, leaving her eyes very dark in its pallor, their pupils stretched -wondrously wide. So for a moment, she stood staring straight before -her at him she had known as Jasor of Nodhur, before her body took on -a sudden panting, so that the tissues or the temple garment she was -wearing became no more than a creamy ripple above her firmly rounded -busts. And then while Croft waited, choked by his own emotions, drunk -in his innermost being with her beauty, she moved and sank down on her -slender, supple knees. - -"Beloved!" Croft went one swift pace toward her. He stretched out his -hands. "Naia--mine own--arise." - -She glanced up. A quiver shook the perfect curve of her mouth. And then -for the first time her lips writhed open. "How speaks the Mouthpiece of -Zitu in a lover's guise?" - -"Arise," repeated Croft, and waiting until she had once more regained -her feet before he went on: "Were I to answer your question, beloved, -would any hear?" - -She regarded him strangely. It was almost as though she sensed some -new, some unsuspected meaning in his words, some hint of something of -which she had not dreamed, yet which, now that her intuition gave it -seeming, she desired to have made plain. "No," she made answer slowly. -"This is my own apartment--set aside for my use for such time as I -remain with the Gayana. What things may be said within it shall remain -unknown." - -"Then--" In a single stride Croft approached her. He swept her into -his arms. They closed about her with an almost yearning gesture. He -drew her to him, held her against his breast. The warmth of her, the -glorious litheness, the pliant softness of her figure, struck against -his own. He gloried in it, thrilled in every cell to the sudden -contact--to the quick, instinctive tremor which shook her form. -"Hark ye, beloved," he cried softly into the shell-pink ear beneath -his lips. "Hark ye--mark well my answer. The Mouthpiece of Zitu is no -supernatural being, but a man and a lover--thy lover in very truth." - -And on the word the supple body of the woman went tense inside his -arms. It struggled, it writhed. It struck its hands against his -breast and pushed back her torso, straining, bending it against his -restraining hold from the hips. Its face became convulsed, a panting, -lip-parted, eye-wide mask of horror. With a final effort Naia tore -herself free. Hot words poured from her mouth as she choked and gasped -for breath. - -"Then--in the name of Zitu---what do you here--with that--that"--she -lifted a naked arm and pointed--"with the wings of Azil--the looped -cross of Ga--upon your breast?" - -"Is not Zud a man--and wears he not the cross at least--and comes he -not among the Gayana at will?" stammered Croft, more disturbed than he -cared to admit at her manner and words. - -And as he paused she blazed out in a fashion of almost scathing -contempt. "A man, yes, is Zud--one in whom the flame of life burns low, -who comes thither only when the work of him he serves demands it; who -speaks, when he comes, naught but what to him seems truth." - -Croft instinctively flinched. Her allusion to what he felt she -considered his own deceit in regard to himself flicked him despite -his own knowledge of his own sincerity in all that he had done. The -sensation which gripped him was due to no sense of guilt, but was more -a poignant regret that she should have been led to consider him in any -way false to the holiest emotions of his life. - - * * * * * - -"What _seems_ truth, aye," he rejoined, therefore quickly holding -Naia's eyes, from which flashed what seemed a purple fire, with his -own. "Yet what man shall know the mind of Zitu, save as by his own -interpretation, or be free from error in his words at times, even -though years should have taught him discretion in his tongue?" - -Naia's lip curled. As Zud had said, hers was a haughty spirit--one -not prone to break or yield as a weaker might have done. And now she -refused to give ground in her position even with this man to whom she -had given her love in the past--had stood ready to yield herself in -every way the word implied. "At least," said she, "Zud makes no claim -of being any other than he is." - -"Nor do I." Croft drew himself up. He seized what appeared to him an -opportunity for arresting her sense of justice, which past experience -had taught him was true and fair if once it were reached. "Have I -claimed ever to be aught save a man who loved thee? Was it I or Zud -who named me Mouthpiece of Zitu while I slept, or by whose orders, -when I asked for clothing, was given me this priestly dress? Has Jasor -of Nodhur ever in the past sought any greater exaltation in rank or -fame or power than that alone which would bring him to your side? -Have his spirit, his lips sought ever to call out to any other save -to thee alone? Have not his arms fought ever those enemies who were -thine because of his love for Naia of Aphur--to keep her country safe, -herself from the pollution of other arms less clean?" - -And now for the first time it seemed that the Princess Naia faltered. -Some of the tension went out of her graceful figure. Doubt crept into -her eyes. "You--you," she asked a broken question, "would have me -believe the Mouthpiece of Zitu, a--man?" - -"Yes--as he is--a man who loves you as none ever loved you before." -Croft threw out his arms. "Seem I not a man to you, Naia of Aphur--maid -of gold--who have willingly lain in my arms, yielded me your -lips--before this--who stand here now in the quarters of the Gayana, -pledged to me by Lakkon--as well as by yourself. Is a man any less a -man because he wears the garments of a priest?" - -"Hold, in Zitu's name!" Abruptly a tremor, a shudder shook the slender, -half-veiled form he watched. "Man, though he be a priest, is sworn to -chastity in Zitu's sight. Yet you, whom Zud names the Mouthpiece of -Zitu--" - -"Am sworn to love you, beloved," Croft cut her protest short. - -"Love?" Terror woke in Naia's face. She drew back. "Would seek to -compel me with your newly acknowledged power? So long as Zud named -you a spirit, I was ready to bend before you. But now that you name -yourself a man, would seek to lead me into sin, even were I minded to -give heed to your plea?" - -"Nay," said Croft in a softer voice. "Nay, Naia, woman of my soul--whom -Zitu himself decreed in the beginning to be my mate. For love such -as mine is no sin, but the law of Zitu himself--the cause of all -living--all life. Yet, save you yield yourself to me of your own will, -those things my spirit cries for shall not be. And--can I not convince -you that, despite the words of Zud, which were ill advised, I am no -more than him to whom you gave your promise--than are you--free?" - -He broke off and for the first time bowed his head. Something like -despair seized upon him--a sick wave of discouraged purpose, as he -realized how fully the leaven of the high priest's revelations had been -at work--as he sensed that the very union she had confessed to him in -the past she herself desired, had come to appear now a breaking of the -law--a union unnatural--unsanctioned by the God of her religion--a -sacrilegious thing. - -And as he stood there a change came over the girl who watched. For the -first time in her knowledge of him Jasor of Nodhur bent his unflinching -crest; for the first time a hopeless something weakened the lines of -his strongly commanding face. And only one who knows the hearts of -women may tell what things stirred that moment in her breast. She -moved. Step by step she approached him where he stood. In an almost -timid fashion she lifted a bared arm and laid her hand against his -chest. - -"But," she faltered, "Abbu said--" - -"What?" Croft did not alter his position. - -"Those things which sent my spirit down to the dark world of Zitemku, -ruler of the lost souls, in surprised dismay--that made me tremble -as with cold--that sent me to kneel before Ga for hours that, being -a woman and knowing women, she might help me to understand--that the -spirit which dwelt in Jasor of Nodhur's body was not his own, but -another's--sent by Zitu to possess it--when Jasor--died." The last was -a quivering whisper, no more than a sibilant breath. - -"And if what Abbu said were truth?" Croft lifted his somber visage and -looked down into her darkly tragic eyes. Twin pools of mental agony, -they seemed, very close beneath his face--and Naia of Aphur's flesh on -cheek and throat and scarce-veiled bosom gleamed bloodless, pallid. -Even her parted lips were white. - -"If?" they questioned as he paused. "Think you that, right or wrong in -Zitu's sight, I myself could mate with you were it the truth--couldst -give myself to the embrace of a body filled by another than that spirit -Zitu breathed into it at birth; think you my flesh would not shrink -in very horror from the contact, my spirit rebel, nor force my flesh -to yield? And were Abbu's tale true, then, too, were the high priest -right. For how might such a thing transpire save by the will of Zitu -himself--how else the body of a man who had given up the spirit return -to life?" - - * * * * * - -"I have told you," said Croft, "that those things I did were done by -Zitu's grace. But I have not explained my full meaning. That I had -reserved for another time, and for your ears alone. Yet I swear now by -Zitu and Ga and Azil that I meant in my heart to tell you all things -before I claimed you as my wife--make all things plain." - -"Then--" Once more Naia's figure stiffened. One hand crept up and -lay pressed in above her heart. "Abbu said truth--your spirit is not -Jasor's, but another's?" - -"Yes," said Croft, dully refusing further evasion, "Abbu said the -truth. Yet not all the truth, and Zud overshot the mark in his -interpretation." He paused. - -For the figure before him had risen, stretching upward on the balls of -its rosy feet, lifting its arms in a high-flung gesture with fingers -outstretched, extending, as it seemed, in every line of its slender, -rounded length, with head back-tilted until its golden hair hung -half-way down its tapering thighs in a shimmering cascade, its face -raised, its lips parted, its eyes half closed. So sudden was the -change that the girl's form seemed to have flung itself into that -strange posture of abandonment to woe, as a stricken creature leaps in -its death throes when struck by the hunter's shaft. And as Croft broke -off, arrested by that tragic and yet still beautiful pose, a scream -came out from the round, soft pillar of Naia of Aphur's throat. - -"Zitu! Ga! Befriend me!" - -All life went out of her glorious body. It sank down, seemed to shrink, -to bend and sway before him like a tempest-riven reed. - -Croft caught it as it fell and lifted it in his arms--lifted it and -held it, the dearest burden they had ever known--held it and bent above -it with sick despair in his heart, despair for her whom he held, whose -pliant glory now lay impotently unconscious, upborne, saved from the -injury of its fall by his strong and reverent hands--despair for her -and for himself--for them both--victims of Zud's curious meddling in -their affairs. - -Zud! He ground his teeth together. He was not done with Tamarizia's -high priest. Zud--or another--or ten thousand others--must pay for -this. Something like a sob caught in his throat as he gazed at the -down-dropped lids above those pansy-purple eyes in which Zud's -interference had waked the look of horror they had held before they -closed. - -The sound of a muffled groan escaped his lips. How different was this -meeting from the one he had planned as taking place. Then, too, he had -thought to hold her in his arms, but that she would lie there willing, -gladly, responsive in her inmost being to his presence, not like -this. And suddenly moved again by a strange impulse, because Zitu or -God--what mattered it as to name, since, by any name whatever, there -was for life but one source?--he lifted that splendid form and held -it stretched prone and motionless before him, extended face uppermost -across his powerful arms. And-- - -"Ga befriend her. Zitu befriend me. Azil have compassion upon us both!" -he cried before he laid her on the couch of wine-red wood. - -For a long moment after he had straightened, he stood gazing down upon -her. The sun streaming into the room through the glass of an embrasure -struck out the golden design of the wings and cross upon his breast. -It sparkled, shimmered, as it rose and fell with his breathing. But -it was no more golden, no more shimmering than the flood of golden -hair about Naia of Aphur's head. Nor was Croft's robe more blue in -its jewel-wrought folds than the limpid eyes beneath her fallen, -long-lashed lids. - -Of a sudden Croft's own eyes fired with purpose. He drew a sharp, -deep breath. Naia of Aphur was his no longer. But--as Mouthpiece of -Zitu--all men must obey his mandates; there would be no exception; not -even the high priest himself, and--if he were to be cheated of the -major object for which he had labored, to attain which he had finally -broken the last bond between himself and earth--then let all men -beware. He turned away to go in search of Zud. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - CROFT DECIDES - - -And, now, despite all these things, despite the scene in the room -of the Gayana, the shock of surprise attendant upon his waking--the -first startled comprehension of what had happened wearing off ever so -slightly, Croft's future course became to him more clear. - -Since the commanding part remained to him yet, it was his to command, -not to question or advise. He stalked across the sunlighted vastness -of the region of the Gayanas where the chatter of the maidens sank to -silence as he passed, bade the vestal who had taken him to Naia send -some of the women to attend her and passed through the silver door. - -Stern of lip, utterly composed in outward seeming once more, giving no -outward sign of the tempest of black despair, of heart-sick and baffled -yearning which raged within him, he made his way down three of the -angling flights of the pyramid stairs and flung back into its masonry -sockets the high priest's door. - -Never perhaps in the history of the nation has so unceremonious an -entrance of those chambers in the sacred structure been made. Yet Croft -had deliberately planned on the effect and a quiver of satisfaction -filled him, as Zud, seated at a table of the wine-red wood so much used -for furnishings in Tamarizia, refreshing himself with some cakes of -beaten grain and wine, and fruit, glanced up sharply with an expression -of surprised resentment and then started to his feet. - -"Sit, man of Zitu," he directed bruskly, and watched the high priest -comply as he himself advanced and occupied a richly upholstered couch -close to where Zud sat. Then as the priest dipped his hands into a -crystal bowl of water and dried them on a square of cloth reserved for -the purpose, he went on. "It were well to consider the form of this -proclamation concerning the Mouthpiece of Zitu, I think." - -Zud eyed him. Plainly the high priest was ill at ease. Croft's whole -manner had altered strangely since he had left him at the door of the -Gayana, and he must have sensed it. The thing was in his intonation, -the settled lines of his face, his eyes. "I--give ear, lord," he began, -after a momentary pause. "What suggestions are there--" - -"Suggestions?" The Mouthpiece of Zitu caught the last word from his -mouth. "Think you that I shall offer suggestions, priest of Zitu? Does -Zitu suggest when he speaks?" - -"Nay." Zud's expression grew troubled. "Hold not my words against me, -lord. I seek not thy displeasure. Yours is the speaking, mine it is -to--obey." - -"That is well," said Croft in a milder voice. "Listen then, Zud. It is -my will that neither you, nor the brothers of the priesthood, nor any -other man in Tamarizia, bend the knee to me again. Render unto Zitu -that obeisance as heretofore--to Ga and Azil--not to me. Those things -are of the spirit, Zud, not of the flesh. In Tamarizia after fourteen -days men walk equal in Zitu's sight. Let thy word go forth to this -effect." - -A tremor shook the high priest's hand as he stretched it forth. "I hear -and obey, O lord; yet was it to thy spirit the knee was bent, not to -Jasor of Nodhur's flesh." - -"My spirit is what Zitu by his grace has made it," Croft returned. -"What I am lies between me and Zitu himself." - -"Yet how then shall the Mouthpiece of Zitu be proclaimed?" Zud -quavered. Suddenly, despite his priestly trappings, the sumptuous -quarters in which he sat, he seemed no more than a shaken old man. - -"It is of that I would give you counsel," Croft replied. "Were I minded -I could forbid this proclamation altogether, Zud, and compel you to -hang your head, admitting that you had meddled to bring about those -things Zitu had not ordained. Think you he needs any man's assistance -in working out his plan? Yet because I have watched closely since I -awakened, and find your act inspired by no evil intent, but by lack -of understanding, because to discredit your words were to strike not -only thee, but at the very foundation itself of each man's belief, I am -minded to let what you have decreed take place. - -"You shall proclaim me thus. Not as a spirit, but as a man, a teacher, -one to whom Zitu permits certain things to be known; one by whom the -welfare of the nation is considered, through whom shall be given to -Tamarizia's people much for their own good; through whom those things -Zitu permits for them shall be transmitted to them, and in so much -Zitu's mouthpiece still." Abruptly he broke off as a sudden conception -seized him. For a time he considered a startlingly daring plan before -he spoke again in a tone of musing: "Zud--Zud, if you only knew the -truth." - -"The truth, O lord!" said the high priest slowly. "Have I not sought it -all my life?" - -Croft nodded. "Aye, priest of Zitu, I think you have. Wouldst hear the -truth of those things Abbu told you from my mouth?" - -Zud leaned forward somewhat quickly. For an instant an eager light -gleamed in his eyes before they met Croft's steadily watching, and then -wavered. - -"Lord!" he faltered, "lord!" - -Croft told him the tale. - -For that was the plan which had filled his mind--to tell it; to narrate -to Zud the truth; to explain those things which had been done, and the -how of each act so fully as he could inside the other's comprehension, -to convince him by word of mouth if he might, or, failing that, to win -his consent to a practical test. - - * * * * * - -While he talked time dragged on, and by degrees Zud relaxed his pose, -of something like overborne embarrassment. - -His attitude now became that of an amazed and eager attention. His eyes -lighted and his breathing quickened, and now and then he moistened his -lips with his tongue. By degrees his excitement increased, until he was -gripping the arms of his chair and leaning toward Croft, in a posture -which seemed no more than physical reflex of his mental determination -to miss no single word. - -"Thou--thou sayest a man may leave his body at will?" he stammered as -Croft paused. - -"Yes, if he knows the method of controlling his spirit to affect his -object," Croft replied. - -"May go to other places while his body remains where he leaves it--and -see and know, and return again?" Zud said. His eagerness struck Croft -as almost pathetic. It was like that of a child. - -"Yes," he repeated again. - -"It is hard to believe," said Zud. - -"Would you like to have proof?" Croft decided to convince the high -priest now and at once. - -"Proof?" Zud queried. - -"Yes. Would you like to leave this body of yours, Zud of Zitra, under -my direction, learn I have spoken the truth?" - -His words were followed by a widening of the high priest's eyes. In -them waked something like a startled desire, combined with a cautious -hesitation. His whole expression was that of one who falters on the -brink of the unknown, longing to dare it yet deterred by the very fact -that it _is_ the unknown. - -"Thou canst bring that about?" he questioned at length. - -"Yes, if you obey me wholly." Croft held him with a steady regard. To -him that which he meant to do was no more than play. To cast this old -man into a cataleptic sleep by his own consent and project his astral -consciousness, whither he willed, was naught for one who by his own -volition had spanned the gap of interstellar space. Yet to Zud the -venture seemed to appear very vast, and he hesitated yet a moment -briefly before: - -"My obedience is yours, O lord," he gasped. - -"Then," said Croft, summoning all the powers of his trained will to his -aid, "fasten thy eyes on me, O man of Zitu, and fix thy mind on sleep, -for this leaving of the body begins indeed with a something approaching -sleep in its nature. Think therefore of sleep, O Zud--of sleep, of only -sleep!" - -Fastening his gaze upon him in complete attention, until by degrees his -lids, at first wide, began to droop above his eyes, Zud obeyed. - -"So then," Croft droned on as he noted the change, "your eyes are -closing, Zud; the lids grow heavy; sleep creeps now upon thee; sleep, -a deep sleep. Zud, thou art asleep, yet sleeping thou canst hear my -voice. Speak I not the truth?" - -"Aye"--a muffled murmur from the high priest's mouth. - -"And hearing me, Zud, even in your sleep you will render obedience to -my words. Hence, listen closely and obey. Do you know where Lakkon and -Jadgor and Robur lodge?" - -"Aye," quavered the high priest. - -"Then shall you go there, Zud, on my command. In the name of Zitu I -command you to leave your body--now." - -For a moment he gave over speaking and waited while the form of the -high priest relaxed and sagged down in the chair of ruddy wood. Then -abruptly he resumed: - -"Have you obeyed me, Zud?" - -"Aye," no more than a whisper from the lips of the body in the chair. - -"What do you see?" Croft demanded. - -"A strange sight, indeed. My own form, as in a reflecting water-pool, -seated with downcast head, as wrapped in sleep." - -"'Tis well," Croft spoke in answer and direction. "Await my company, -Zud." He threw himself prone upon the couch and freed his own astral -shell from Jasor's body by the effort of his will. An instant later -he floated midway between the floor and ceiling at Zud's side. Below -them, sat and reclined each body. There stood the table, still bearing -food for the material body midway between couch and chair. Croft turned -to his companion. And now all communication was on the astral plane, -without sound, yet by a none less evident diffusion of conscious -vibration. - -"Thou seest?" he queried with a smile. - -"Aye," the answer came to him from Zud's wraith--that strange replica -of his earthly form, implacable, invisible to any save Croft's and his -own eyes, which hung there between the floor of the apartment and the -burnished roof, weaving to and fro, in each intangible current of the -air, swaying and billowing, like a wind-stirred effigy in smoke. "Aye, -lord, I see, and am filled with amazement." - -"Thou seest but the first step as yet," Croft told him. "Come!" - - * * * * * - -There was an open embrasure in the pyramid wall. Through it Croft -willed himself, and seizing the thin arm of the weird form beside him, -dragged it along. They shot out and up through a sun-filled air--out -and up and up. The pyramid lay beneath them, the snow-white temple of -Zitu glinting in dazzling fashion on its top. East, west, north and -south Zitra lay spread to their sight, with its houses, its palaces -and hovels, the ringing circumference of its mighty walls. Its harbor -studded with sails was all asparkle in the sunlight, and beyond that -the bosom of the central ocean rose and fell slowly like the breast of -a woman asleep. - -"Lord! Lord!" Croft sensed that the high priest gasped again in his -emotions at least. - -"Behold!" Croft returned and swept an arm in the gesture of a circle. -"Priest of Zitu, behold! And, now, in which direction do the men I -mentioned lodge?" - -"In the palace of Tamhys himself, as his guests," Zud replied, and -pointed with a spectral arm. - -"Will thyself to their presence, even as you were in the flesh. Think -only that you desire immediate nearness to them. So shall you come upon -them, Zud." - -"Aye, lord," Zud knit his astral brows as though in mental effort. - -The sunlight vanished in a flash. With it went out the far-flung view -of the Tamarizian landscape--the city, the waves of the central sea. -Suddenly vast walls appeared on every hand--a tessellated floor inlaid -in white and gold and silver, stretched out beneath a roof of silver -inlaid beams, supporting frames containing varicolored glass. - -This was the interior court of the Zitran palace as Croft knew. It -swept past quickly. He had the impression of the balcony surrounding -it on all four sides in Tamarizian style, of the supporting arches, of -the groups of statuary between them, of the ascending stairways, and -then they vanished, too, and he found himself in a smaller apartment, -its sliding doorway covered by a scarlet curtain, its floor in part -concealed by gorgeous rugs, its windows draped with other scarlet -tissues through which the outer light shone redly--a room equipped with -couches and chairs and tables, adorned between the doors and windows -with frescoes and groups of sculpture done in the customary translucent -stone, and supported on pedestals of copper, silver and gold. So much -he saw at a glance before he fastened his attention on the figures of -three men grouped about a table in front of a scarlet-curtained window -in the outer end of the room. - -These men he knew, had met and known and conversed with before this in -the flesh. Jadgor, of Aphur, heavy set, dark of eyes and complexion, -grizzled of hair, his nose high and somewhat bent in the middle, his -whole appearance that of a man of driving purpose, sat there now clad -in leg-cases, shirt and metal cuirass, with Aphur's rayed sun on his -breast. And close beside him on the table reposed his helmet with its -nodding scarlet plumes. - -Opposite him sat Lakkon, noble of Aphur and adviser to the king, -heavy set like his brother-in-law, strong of feature, with iron-gray -poll, dressed like to Jadgor in every essential detail, though in a -fashion less royal. By the end of the table stood Robur, Jadgor's son, -clean-limbed, strong-featured, with well-formed jaw and mouth, about -which lurked often a hint of humor, as Croft knew. In a fleeting glance -he recognized its absence now. The face of the crown prince was set -into almost stubborn lines, its cheeks a trifle flushed. - -And even as Croft perceived the attitude and expression of the several -occupants of the apartment, Jadgor hit the table with one fist a -resounding crash, whose vibration eddied out and set Zud to drunkenly -rocking in their whorl close by Croft's side. - -"By Zitu, and by Zitu!" He swore a double oath. "I like not this -delay in an understanding. Thrice in as many days have we visited the -pyramid, and Zud has said he sleeps. Much has he done for Tamarizia, -as I shall last deny; nor did he tell us to remain in Zitra at the -last. Yet if Zud be right, as he should, being high priest, my brother, -Lakkon, finds himself in difficult case." - - * * * * * - -Lakkon's visage darkened. "Yet was the pledge given of his seeking," he -broke out in querulous fashion. "Jadgor knows that Jasor, be he spirit, -as Zud saith, or man, sought it of me ere he entered the armored car -to lead into the conflict wherein Helmor, of Zollaria, was overthrown. -And Jadgor himself did sponsor my words wherein Naia, my daughter, -was promised him to wife. Wherefore, she hath permitted his arms, and -yielded him her mouth, as none save an unclean woman doth to any save -the men of her own family or him to whom she is betrothed." - -"Aye," said Jadgor, frowning. "Yet shall a spirit mate with the flesh. -Continence is no less a vow of the priesthood than of the Gayana. -Were a spirit sent by Zitu to do his work, even though to that end he -employs the body of one whom Azil has recalled, is he to be considered -as man or priest?" - -"Think you Zitu wouldst choose a rebellious spirit for his -mouthpiece?" Robur broke in with considerable heat. "Jadgor, my father, -who are we to judge?" - -"Robur seems minded to attempt it," Jadgor rejoined with a sarcasm he -plainly did not wish to conceal. - -"Aye." The color deepened in the crown prince's cheeks. "For by -Jadgor's command I labored beside this Jasor, of Nodhur, as he then -was known, for the better part of a cycle, toward the end of making -Tamarizia safe against what Helmor did intend, and in nothing did I -find him other save steadfast and just. Man he was in every seeming, -save that his knowledge surpassed the knowledge of all other men, and -for these sleeps such as holds him now. We became as brothers in our -common purpose, whereby Jadgor now bids fair to attain his ends." - -Croft's heart warmed swiftly to Robur's defense, though it was no -more than from his knowledge of the crown prince he had felt he might -expect. As Robur said the bond between them in their year of mutual -endeavor in the shops of Himyra and Ladhra, where the motors and rifles -used in the war were made, had become exceedingly close. Indeed, so -intimate had they grown that he had addressed Robur as "Rob." - -They had been as brothers, indeed, and he felt new confidence now, -knowing Gaya would reflect the attitude of her husband rather than -any one else. And Gaya in the past had been at one time the means -of communication between Naia and himself, when Lakkon had felt -himself bound by a pledge to Cathur, to discourage Croft's suit. Now, -therefore, he waited eagerly to see what response Jadgor might make to -his son's final sentence which was no more than an allusion to those -plans of mounting the Zitran throne that had held Jadgor's mind when -Croft came to Palos first, toward which, by a marriage with Cathur's -profligate prince, Naia was to aid. - -And that Jadgor sensed the half-veiled rebuke, he saw at once, since -the Aphurian's frown but deepened before he spoke. "Man in seeming -is he, I admit, yet to Abbu he confessed that he was not Jasor but -another. This thing I do not understand, nor doth Zud. Yet were he an -agent of Zitu, then were the end of which you speak of Zitu's willing -for Tamarizia's good, which, as my son knows, lies nearest Jadgor's -heart. Zud, as you know also, I have questioned, and he holds that -none save a mortal may know a woman, save only by Zitu's will, as Azil -was conceived of Ga." - -"Then why question Zitu's will, as expressed by Zitu's Mouthpiece?" -said Robur quickly, and paused with a gasp. - -"What mean you?" Jadgor half rose from his seat. - -"Nay--" Suddenly Robur faltered, he seemed disturbed, abashed. He -lowered his eyes. "Nay, my father, I spoke in haste. What says the -maiden herself? Did not my uncle speak with her the prior sun?" - -"She holds to her promise as she has held since the beginning," Jadgor -replied. "She refuses to leave the Gayana until she has speech with the -sleeper himself." - -"Nor will she leave ever, should Abbu's words and Zud's judgment -prove true," Lakkon said with a twitching face. "Virgin is she in all -save the love she has given to him she knew as Jasor. Failing its -consummation, she becomes Gayana herself." - -"Nay, by Zitu!" Robur cried a savage protest. "My father and uncle, of -this thing there lies some explanation. He who I, too, knew as Jasor, -won not the full love of my cousin for any such sterile fate. Himself, -he told me that all he did was by Zitu's grace; and of _all_ that he -did was not this too a part?" - -A part--rather the all--the motive, the object of what he had done, -thought Croft, as he once more thrilled to the sturdy, unyielding -quality of Robur's partizanship. - -Then as Jadgor made no immediate answer, and Lakkon sat with troubled -countenance, lost as it appeared in the prospective fate of the -daughter whom he loved with an almost adoring devotion, and now saw -embrace the life of a vestal as escape from what, by Tamarizian -custom, must otherwise amount to a technical disgrace, Robur went on. -"Wherefore, as said before, who are we to judge the Hupor Jasor or -the Mouthpiece of Zitu, be he what he may, ere he awakes? Like to my -cousin, Naia, I would ask him to speak for himself." - -Jadgor gave him a glance. "For that waking we have waited many suns." - -"Yet, perhaps he wakes even now," Lakkon suggested quickly, his manner -that of a man who grasps at straws. - -"Aye," said Jadgor, "perhaps. And--since we are met for the purpose, -rather than useless discussion, let us seek the pyramid at once. He -rose, a commanding figure in his glistening cuirass and moved toward -the curtained door. - -"Back!" Croft commanded Zud. "Desire the return to thy body." - -He suited his own act to the word, and an instant later opened his -physical eyes to find Zud sitting tensely erect, regarding him out of -staring, startled eyes. - -He sat up. "You saw, O Zud," he questioned. "You heard?" - -"Aye," said Zud a trifle hoarsely. "This passes understanding." - -"Only until understood," Croft told him. "Art any less yourself for -having left your flesh?" - -Zud dropped his eyes. "Nay, not so," he said at last. - -"And had you entered this body upon the couch, rather than that in the -chair?" Croft pressed him closely. "Think you, Zud, you would have been -any less yourself, any less Zud, the--priest of Zitu, and--a _man_?" - -"Zitu!" Zud breathed sharply. Plainly he caught Croft's drift. "In such -a fashion then you have visited other places, even to the stars, and -seen strange things, and brought back what you deemed good?" - -"Aye," said Croft with a smile. "In the spirit, Zud, you have seen your -body lie sleeping, even as in the flesh you have seen my body lie. Yet -are you Zud in the spirit or in the flesh; for with each man it is the -spirit commands the flesh; that acts, and the spirit, Zud of Zitra, is -of Zitu, breathed from his nostrils, into the flesh, to give the body -life." - -"Man then is a spirit?" Zud began slowly. He seemed shaken, yet in some -subtle way exalted, despite the fact that he was pallid to the lips. - -"Aye, Zud, priest of Zitu. There were no man else." - -A rap fell on the door of the apartment. It slid back, revealing a lay -brother in bare feet and cord-belted robe. He advanced, bending before -Zud from the waist, his arms extended in the sign of the horizontal -cross. - -"Jadgor of Aphur, and Lakkon, and Robur, son of Jadgor, await audience -with Zud of Zitra," he announced. - -"Admit them," Zud glanced at Croft as the brother withdrew. "Thou art -as thou hast said, a teacher not only of all men, but of Zitu's priest. -I would speak with thee more of this." - -For the second time the door slid back. Jadgor, Lakkon, and Robur filed -in. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - FATHER AND SON - - -"Greeting, priest of Zitu," Jadgor began, catching sight of the other -occupant of the room, and paused briefly before he went on: - -"_Hai_, Hupor, so you are awake again at last." - -"As Jadgor sees," said Croft without rising, while Lakkon stared -and Robur took a quick step forward, flushed deeply and checked his -instinctive motion, as one who hesitates in a decision. - -Toward him Croft put out a hand, and as Robur caught it with a sudden -gesture, he smiled. "Zud tells me you stand without opposition in -Aphur, Rob," he resumed as he gripped the Tamarizian's fingers. "Of -such things I am glad." - -"It was to inquire of you, we have intruded upon the priest of Zitra," -Jadgor spoke again before Robur could do more than return Croft's grip. -"Concerning thee a proclamation has gone forth. Mouthpiece of Zitu, -thou art acclaimed. How then shall we salute thee in the future?" His -tone was haughty, harmonizing with the attitude of mind Croft had -sensed in the room in Tamhys's palace. But he paid it the tribute of -small notice. - -"Salute me," he said almost coldly, "as Zud has ordained." - -"Thou art from Zitu then?" Jadgor lost a modicum of his aplomb. Man -of action, accustomed to command though he was, yet, like most of his -nation, he stood in awe of his nation's god--and Croft's answer gave -him pause. - -"All men are of Zitu, Jadgor of Aphur," Croft replied, meaning in his -response to do the presidential candidate small good. - -But as he paused: "Truth is being spoken," Robur cut quickly in. "All -men are of Zitu through Azil and Ga, until Zitu himself sends Zilla, -with his sucking lips to take his life away." - -Once more Croft smiled into the eyes of his friend. "Then gentle -Gaya--she is happy at your popularity, Rob?" he inquired as Jadgor -stood and stared. - -"She waits me at Himyra," Robur returned, inclining his head. -"But--there were reasons why I desired more to remain in Zitra until -such time as should find you awakened from your sleep." - -"Oh, aye--such reasons as Jadgor's doubt, and Lakkon's questions -concerning Zud's proclamation." Croft yawned as he spoke. "But Robur -forgets not so quickly his friends." - -"By Zitu! How say you?" Jadgor broke out in a roar, flicked as it -seemed to dare the question by Croft's manner and words. "Are you -spirit or man?" - -Croft eyed him for what seemed a long time before he answered. "A -man--in the way you mean it, O Jadgor--a man as thou art." - -"Hai!" In a fashion Jadgor seemed surprised. "Then how the -Mouthpiece--" he began. - -Croft rose. The cross and the wings of Azil glowed yellow in a ray of -sunlight on his breast. His tone was that of a teacher to a child. -"Jadgor of Aphur," he spoke with deliberation, each accent falling -slowly, "the Mouthpiece is that which speaks from knowledge to him -who has less--hence is the teacher a mouthpiece of knowledge to the -student. Those things which are difficult to one of little knowledge -may appear but simple to the mind of one who understands." - -Color crept into Jadgor's dark face. One would have said Croft's -speech had lashed his haughty spirit like a whip to a gnuppa's flank. -His eyes came up and he measured glances with the man before him. -"And," said he a trifle quickly, "as Mouthpiece of Zitu, you claim the -greater knowledge for yourself? Perchance it were but a short step -in your belief between the greater knowledge and the greater power. -But--Tamarizia is not yet within the full grasp of your hand, and Aphur -still is Aphur, and with Nodhur and Milidhur, strong." - -"My father!" Robur's tone was one of consternation. He took a quick -step in Jadgor's direction. - -"Hold, Rob!" Croft lifted a restraining hand. It came into his mind -that the greater power of which Jadgor spoke was after all the main -point that was troubling the Aphurian king--that he feared a loss of -that prestige even as president, which all his life he had known--was -alarmed lest Croft with the backing of the priesthood gain the upper -hand, and Zud step into the position of sponsor for the stranger which -until now he himself had held with great honor to himself and his son. -He let an icy smile grow slowly on his lips. "Aye, Milidhur and Nodhur -and Aphur are strong. Aphur's king, through me. Also, is Tamarizia yet -an empire. Wherefore the change of government is by Tamhys' decree. Let -Jadgor beware lest success and quick attainment of his wishes may turn -his head." - -"_Hai!_ You would threaten!" Jadgor exclaimed, drawing himself up to -his full height. - -"Hold!" commanded Zud, breaking in for the first time. "Jadgor of -Himyra, you forget yourself, and the obedience all men owe to Zitu--and -the victory granted Tamarizia by his grace. What is the strength of -Aphur or Nodhur or Milidhur, to his designs? And think you that any or -all of those states will follow you against the word of Zitu's priest?" - -"Or," Croft caught up the subject, well pleased by Zud's stand in the -matter, "think you that I who gave the strength of which you boast, -have not greater strength to give, or should the need arise to use -against that already given? If so, ask Zud, who has seen somewhat of my -plans." - - * * * * * - -But Jadgor was stubborn, and years of authority had made it hard for -one of his type to yield. "Strength you may have," he retorted shortly, -"yet where shall it be produced in time to avail against Aphur's -strength? And if not in time, where produced at all, were Tamarizia -still an empire with Jadgor on the throne?" His eyes flashed sharply -and he laid a hand on the gem-studded hilt of his sword. - -"Hold!" cried Zud once more, while Robur paled and Lakkon drew -instinctively back from his king. "Thy words approach treason, Jadgor, -should they come to Tamhys's ears. As priest of Zitu I command you -to yield obedience to the Mouthpiece of Zitu--to aid, not oppose his -intent." - -Jadgor was heated beyond all cool judgment. He flung back his head. -"Mouthpiece of Zitu--or of Zitemku, the foul one--or man as he himself -alleges, Jadgor yields authority to no one!" he roared. - -"Nor hesitated to offer his sister's child to a profligate prince, -turned traitor to his land in order to increase it," said Croft as the -Aphurian paused. - -"The point is well taken," Jadgor returned, breathing deeply inside his -metal cuirass, "since the maid was almost asked by the Mouthpiece of -Zitu himself as a price." - -"No," Croft denied with a greater show of emotion than he had exhibited -as yet. "I asked but your consent and that of her father to win her for -my wife if I could." - -"He speaks truth, my father," Robur declared. "And--I myself know that -Naia, my cousin, loved Jasor of Nodhur as no other." - -"Jasor," Lakkon spoke for the first time. "But Naia herself has told me -that Abbu of Scira said--" - -"That Jasor's spirit was drawn from his lips by Zilla," Jadgor -interrupted. "How say you, Robur--think you your cousin desires -marriage with a body whose spirit has fled?" - -"No," said Croft, speaking before Robur could find any answer. "Naia of -Aphur is free from any claim of mine, save as she herself decides when -she learns the truth." - -"Thou hast--seen her?" Lakkon faltered, his face beginning to work. - -"Yes--and told her the truth as I meant to tell it to her, save that -Abbu spoke to Zud in the time of my sleep and Zud spoke to the maid -without a full understanding of all the truth embraced." - -"The truth--what is it? Is it true that your spirit is not Jasor's?" -Jadgor once more broke forth. - -"Aye--my spirit is not Jasor's," Croft returned. "To Zud I have -explained it. Yet is my spirit the spirit of a man born of a woman as -any other though not on Palos nor into Jasor's flesh." - -"Zitu!" Jadgor was plainly startled. "Can a man's spirit forsake his -body and enter another, and yet possess mortal life?" - -"Aye," said Zud, whose single experience, as Croft had meant, seemed to -have filled him with complete conviction. "I myself have left my flesh -and returned into it again, so that while I was absent it lay sleeping. -Zitu has granted this to me through his Mouthpiece, that I might more -fully understand." - -"Thou?" Jadgor eyed him, as though in doubt as to how to take his words. - -"I, Jadgor, yes," Zud said. "In the spirit was I present in the palace -of Tamhys when you spoke with Lakkon and Robur concerning this same -thing, and Robur defended his friend as since coming here he has done. -And though I was not seen of you, yet heard I what was said. Hence I -believe that the spirit of Zitu hath sent to guide us to a greater -knowledge is, as he himself says, the spirit of a man of earth." - -"Earth?" Jadgor frowned at the unaccustomed word. - -"Aye--a world ruled over by a different sun than ours," Zud rejoined. - -"Jasor--since that is the name by which I have known you, and learned -to love you," Robur began again, "is this the truth?" - -"Yes, Robur my brother, Zud speaks truly," Croft replied. - -"You came from--earth?" The crown prince stammered slightly over the -planet's name. - -"Yes, Robur--I came from earth." - -Robur nodded. "I remember now that Sinon of Milidhur mentioned the fact -that his son's appearance since his illness had changed, along with his -bearing and his knowledge. Jadgor, my father, I believe this truth. -Friend of the Crown Prince of Aphur, what was your name on earth?" - -"Jason," said Croft. - -"Zitu! 'tis well-nigh the same." - -"Yes," Croft regarded the crown prince, smiling. "And--Robur my friend, -it is the spirit which molds the flesh. Hence Jasor's body, after I -possessed it, altered in its appearance to some extent. Think back, -Prince of Aphur; seems it the same to you now, as in those days when by -you it was first known, or has it undergone some still further change?" - -"It has changed," Robur replied quickly, his eyes lighting. "Now by -Azil himself, I begin to comprehend your meaning, Jason, if I may call -you by that name." - -"Call me as you will, Rob," Croft returned. "Since I know you are my -friend." - - * * * * * - -Lakkon plucked at Jadgor's arm. "I--would see my daughter, O Jadgor," -he said in a lowered voice. "Since she has seen this Jason, I would -speak to her of many things." - -"Shortly," Jadgor replied. "Say to her that so soon as Jason is -proclaimed Mouthpiece of Zitu, we return to Himyra--" - -"But should she desire to remain with the Gayana," Lakkon interrupted. - -"By Zitu!" Jadgor gave him a frowning glance. "I speak to you and to -her through you as her king. Surely I hold place above the children of -Aphur yet. Are there not Gayana in Himyra's pyramid as well as here -should she decide to give herself to Ga? Repeat to her my words and see -that she obeys. Or--hold! I will see the maid myself." He turned back -to Croft and Zud. "These things I confess I do not understand, and in -truth to me they pass all understanding. Man of Zitu, yet is it clear -to my mind that an understanding lies between this other and yourself. -Wherefore I must ponder the matter well, and seek to determine whether -the palace or the pyramid of Zitra shall rule Tamarizia in the future. -To thee for the present, Zud--peace. Be pleased to direct that the -maiden Naia be brought to an audience chamber for speech with her -father and her _king_." - -"Jadgor's request is granted." Zud lifted a small hammer from the table -and struck against a metal gong. - -The door slid back and a lay brother appeared. - -Zud spoke to him, directing him to lead Jadgor and Lakkon to an -apartment, and command Naia's presence there. - -"Peace to you, Zud," Jadgor said again as he turned away. - -"And to thee peace," responded Zitu's priest. - -"Rob," Croft arrested Aphur's prince as he moved to follow his father, -"are you party to this interview with your cousin?" - -"No." Robur paused. "I return now to the palace." - -Croft nodded. "Presently then. Come now. I would speak with you alone." - -For all his controlled demeanor, Croft was none the less disturbed as, -leaving Zud, he led Jadgor's son to the room in which for two weeks -his body had lain entranced. Jadgor's stand he could understand well -enough, as well as his veiled taunt that were it to come to a test of -strength between them, Croft might not be able to arm the rest of the -nation against Milidhur, Nodhur, and Aphur, for the simple reason that -before he would create anything with which to resist the weapons he -himself had placed in the hands of Jadgor's men and his allies, he must -create shops. Those plants he had thus far brought into being were in -Nodhur and Aphur alone--one at Himyra, Jadgor's city, and the other at -Ladhra, capital of Nodhur, where lived Sinon and Mellia, the parents of -Jasor whose body Croft had made his own--that Sinon and Mellia, whom -Jadgor had raised from the merchant caste to the nobility because of -the wonders worked by their supposed son. - -Nor did Croft like the thought that because of him or anything he had -done, Tamarizia should by any chance be torn by internal conflict, or -his plans for a republic be overthrown. And yet in Jadgor's words he -had read a hint of civil war between the south and western states and -the rest of the nation, where Jadgor declined to accept any authority -higher than his own. As he had said to the man not half an hour before, -the easy victory over Helmor of Zollaria and the acclaim resulting to -himself as nominal commander of the Tamarizian army, seemed to have -gone to Jadgor's head. And in addition he appeared to feel sincerely -that through Croft a possible disgrace had been brought upon his family -through Naia, and therefore upon himself. - -Also Jadgor had thrown out an intimation that with enough power behind -him he would be minded to curtail Croft's activities in so far as he -could, once he were on the Zitran throne. Nor did Croft doubt that even -were a civil war avoided, Jadgor would be elected president of the -republic if let alone. Aphur would vote for him, as would Nodhur unless -very quick action was taken. Milidhur could be counted on for support -since Robur's wife was the daughter of that state's present king. -Cathur, freed from the treason which had weakened it once, would surely -favor Jadgor, who had saved it from being overrun and meeting Mazhur's -fate of fifty years before. Mazhur might be expected to support the man -who had freed her from the slavery she had endured for fifty years. -Bithur and Hiranur alone, then were not sure. Of the two, Hiranur would -almost certainly support Tammon, the emperor's son, and Bithur might -well be expected to split his vote, with the odds on Jadgor again, -because of that boasted strength Croft's labors in Aphur had brought--a -strength Bithur might feel needed in defense, since Mazzer adjoined -her entire eastern frontier and Zollaria, beaten but not crushed, yet -threatened dangerously on the north. - -All in all he felt that in what he did and said he would tread on -delicate ground, as he saw Robur seated and approached the golden -casket Zud had opened to inspect the drawings it contained. - -But he said nothing of what was seething in his brain as he took out -the plans and carried them back to spread them out before Robur's eyes -on his couch. - -One of them was for a dynamo, water-driven, and nothing else. There -were many streams in Tamarizia's mountains, and he had planned to -harness their power for the generation of electric force. This then he -took up first. - -"Look, Rob," he began as he held it before his companion's eyes. "Can -you remember a night in Himyra when Jadgor named me Hupor, and I said -the scene would have been more brilliant were light obtained from many -lamps of glass inside which a luminous filament glowed?" - -"Aye, I remember it well." Robur inclined his head. His face was -serious and he seemed ill at ease, as well as somewhat surprised that -Croft had turned to the plans rather than taking up a discussion of -other things. - -But Croft had a purpose in so doing; a hope that by showing Robur the -things he planned to accomplish, he might reach Jadgor's ear in a less -direct, though no less effective fashion, since doubtless Robur would -speak concerning them to the king. "This," he said when assured that -the prince recalled his former remark, "is a device to provide such -light, and many other things." - - * * * * * - -For an hour thereafter he talked, displaying plan after plan, each one -of which he explained, until at the end, Robur's face was flushed with -excitement, his eyes glowing in anticipation of beholding undreamed of -things. - -"Jasor or Jason," he exclaimed at length. "Mouthpiece of Zitu must you -be indeed to devise such objects, to have knowledge of them--to draw -their designs." - -"No--" Croft considered swiftly. Robur was husband to Gaya, and Gaya -had stood his friend in his effort to win Naia before. He decided to -tell Robur the literal truth. "No, Robur--these things are not mine -own. Of Zitu they are--by him permitted for man's use--yet are they -things known, and employed daily in the life of men on that star from -which I come." - -"Earth," said Robur quickly. "These things are known on earth, and the -motors, the rifles--" - -"Yes," Croft nodded slightly. "And a thousand other things." He took up -a final plan. "Rob, what do you think of a device which can lift a man -into the air, as a bird rises on its wings?" - -"Zitu! Would you fly, Jason of earth!" Robur caught a slightly unsteady -breath. - -"Aye," Croft spread out the parchment. He had drawn it in a moment -of daring impulse, and now he explained to Robur how it was driven -by a "motur"--the name he had given to his engines, modified to fit -Tamarizian speech, and the action of the planes. - -For a time Jadgor's son sat seemingly lost in a silent contemplation of -this to him most wonderful fruit of his companion's hand and brain. And -then he flung up his head and looked him full in the eyes. "Jason, tell -me the truth, in Zitu's name!" he burst into an impassioned query. "Why -came you from earth to Palos--what strange force led you to seek life -with us?" - -And Croft answered that heart-sincere appeal without visible -hesitation. "The strongest force in all the sum of Zitu's forces, -Robur--that force which men call--love." - -"Love?" repeated Robur, staring. "Of a woman, you mean?" - -"Of a woman, yes," said Croft, returning his regard directly. "You know -well the maid." - -"Naia, by Zitu!" Robur sprang to his feet. "You have dared all for her?" - -"All," said Croft. "Listen Rob, my true friend to whom I may open my -heart: To Palos and Tamarizia I came first, seeking knowledge, having -learned how a man may leave his body in the spirit, even as I have -proved a man may. Yet knew I not why I chose Palos, until I came to -Himyra and saw Naia of Aphur first. But having seen her even in the -spirit, I loved her, as a man may love but one woman, in either the -spirit or flesh; and because of that love--because to me she meant all -and more than any other thing in life, and because I possessed the -knowledge and the power, I dared death itself in taking Jasor's body -when he laid it down, in order that I might save her from the marriage -to Cathur, Jadgor planned, and win her for myself. Jadgor's son knows -the rest." - -"Aye," Robur said. "And he knows that were the truth understood by -Jadgor he would command the maid to your arms, and make sure that these -strange instruments, the designs of which you have shown me, should be -made in the Himyra and Ladhra shops." - -"Hold!" exclaimed Jason. "Stop--once have I saved Naia of Aphur from -paying the score of Jadgor's ambitions, nor will I permit it again. If -the maiden comes to me at all, Rob, it must be of her own choice--from -her own wish, not by the command of Jadgor or another, as my willing -mate--not as a price." - -Robur nodded. "_Hai_, Jason!" he cried. "Now can I understand you, and -find you the man I have felt you in my heart." He approached Croft, -seized his hand and placed it on his shoulder, laid his own on that of -his companion in the posture of greeting used by Tamarizian friends. -So for a moment the two men stood eye to eye before Robur went on: -"Thy love is a true love--of the heart as well as of the body. Claim -me thy friend in this, O Jason--I and Gaya, the woman I won in similar -fashion, though I journeyed no farther than to Milidhur to find her. -You have seen the maid since your awakening. Tell me; said you to her -so much?" - -"Yes," Croft told him, "save that she came to me willingly--herself she -was free." - -"And what said Naia my cousin? O Jason, my heart goes out to you as -ever since we have known each other. Robur may find a way to assist a -friend." - -Once more Croft felt his whole being warm to Aphur's prince. "'Tis -the matter of Jasor's body and Jason's spirit, that disturbs her," he -explained. "Concerning that I meant to tell her, as only I could tell -it, so that she might understand. That would I have done at a time of -my own selecting before she became my wife, save that Abbu of Scira to -whom I confessed that my spirit was not Jasor's but one which meant -to Tamarizia only good--Abbu, whom I swore to silence in Zitu's name, -was by Zud absolved from his oath and spoke. And Zud gaining part of -the truth only, yet carried what he had learned to Naia's ears. Zud, -startled by what he had learned, named me to her a spirit sent by Zitu. -Naia looks upon herself as one deceived, well-nigh betrayed." - -"But," said Robur quickly, "when you told her of yourself--" - -"Nay," Croft replied. "Naia of Aphur is not one to weep, nor ask for -explanations." - -Robur nodded in comprehension of all Croft's words implied. "So that -she knows not as yet of this love that drew you from another world to -win her, even as with us a man might go from one kingdom to another. -Yet to me it seems that a maid might marvel at a love so great." - -Croft's eyes lighted at the suggestion. "As I had hoped she would when -I told it in the way I meant to tell it, Rob. See you not that this -title proclaimed by Zud is something thrust upon me, rather than sought -by myself? For though I meant to be to Tamarizia a teacher in many -things, and in so far a mouthpiece in very truth, showing to her people -those things known to others, but drawn first from Zitu's mind as all -things created must be; yet had I no intent, or wish to greatly exalt -myself. In Himyra I sought the rank of Hupor merely because it raised -me to her caste. And Zud himself will tell you that in proclaiming -me to the people, I have forbidden him to name me other than a -teacher--more than a man like themselves." - -"_Hai!_" said Robur. "You have done this, Jason! Did Jadgor know, it -would change his stand I think. My father's attitude in this matter -grieves me. Let me be _your_ mouthpiece in this to bring understanding -to his mind." - - * * * * * - -Croft considered. In so far as he could see, it could do no possible -harm for the Aphurian king to realize that he was seeking no material -glory beyond the life with Naia he had planned. That, he felt, was -glory enough to pay for all he had done or might do in the future, -if it could be attained. He nodded. "Speak, Rob, if you like," he -answered. "I am, I confess, more or less disturbed by your father's -manner and his words, not for myself so much as for Tamarizia. I -would see no split in the nation. I would see her stand proud in her -strength, yet guilty of no aggression--ready to defend herself, yet -not wishing to attack unless assaulted first, broadening in wisdom and -knowledge rather than in lands gained by the conquest of the sword. -Speak if you will, Rob, if thereby we may turn Jadgor from what seems -to me a dream of personal power, back to that wish for the strength of -_all_ Tamarizia, which held place in his heart, when I knew him first." - -Robur sighed. "Teacher you may well be called, Jason," he said in a -tone of accord with Croft's remarks. "Jadgor's name on every lip has -been to Jadgor's spirit like wine to a strong man's flesh--nor do I -myself think Zud has any wish to interfere with the affairs of state -through proclaiming you Mouthpiece of Zitu, even though my father -appears to fear some such thing himself. Wherefore I shall tell him of -what you have said, if I may. And of this other matter also I shall -speak. In that Naia has yielded you her mouth, has felt your arms about -her, who are not of her blood; to Jadgor's mind, there lies a disgrace." - -Croft nodded again. "Yet would he have given her to Kyphallos, the -play-thing of Zollaria's unclean woman--the master of dancing girls, -my friend." His tone grew heavy, as he recalled the inconsistency of -Jadgor's course. - -"I know--I know," Robur replied. "But that would have been in marriage." - -For a moment it was in Croft's mind to retort quickly that the -degradation of a loveless union could not be legalized in the sight of -Zitu by any words of a priest. But he checked the impulse. "There can -be no marriage between Naia and myself until it is brought about by her -as well as my wish." - -"Failing which she will become Gayana," Robur said and looked full into -Jason's eyes. - -"Which you do not like yourself," Croft responded, recalling the words -Zud and he had heard the man before him speak in the palace room. -"Which, should it happen would deprive me of all I have labored in -sincere purpose to gain--that which I think Zitu himself is inclined to -permit--since he has permitted also that I dwell in the spirit inside -Jasor of Nodhur's flesh." - -"Aye, by Zitu, I see it!" Robur exclaimed. "Were it said to her, by one -to whom she would scarce fail to give ear--then--perhaps she would see -it too. Jason--Gaya, my wife, has before this had a hand in this affair -of your love. Could she prevail upon my cousin to listen--" - -"Rob!" Croft caught an almost quivering breath as he spoke the word. He -rose and began a slow pacing of the floor. But presently he paused and -once more faced the crown prince. - -"At least," he said, "she returns by Jadgor's command to Himyra. Let -Gaya speak with her, friend of my heart, to whom my heart is shown, and -prevail upon her to remain outside the pyramid until she has taken time -to think. Myself, I told her I could explain if the chance were mine. -Rob, you and Gaya your wife will do this?" - -"Aye," Robur declared, rising also. "Be not cast down in your heart. -Inside fourteen suns I shall be governor in Aphur--and I shall see to -it that Jadgor understands much which now he does not understand--also, -that Naia does not go to the pyramid in Himyra. I shall speak with -Magur himself. Speak of this with Zud, Jason. Have him give tablets -into my hands to Magur from himself, advising against an immediate -action. Then once I am in the palace, Jason, my friend, we shall reopen -the Himyra shops, and set the melting furnaces flaring, and make -many things for Tamarizia's welfare--even to this machine which flies -without moving its wings." His face lighted, and his nostrils flared at -the pictures in his brain. - -"With you, my brother, and with Zitu it rests, then," Croft said, and -the two men struck palms as once on the day of their first meeting they -had struck in friendship's pledge. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - SCARLET BLOSSOMS - - -All Zitra was _en fête_. All morning men and women in gala attire, rich -and poor and middle class, even the blue men and women of Mazzerian -extraction, the serving class of Tamarizia where their parents had been -slaves, had been thronging into that immense central square of the -island city, whose pavement was a tessellated expanse of rock crystal -white and gold. - -Always Croft had marveled at the beauty of the imperial capitol since -first he saw it. Himyra--the red-walled queen of Aphur, brooding on the -banks of the yellow Na, he had thought a dream of Babylonian splendor -when first he came to Palos. Himyra he would always love, because it -was there he had first seen Naia outside its gates. But Zitra surpassed -it in the point of artistic magnificence. Himyra was a city of red and -white, of palaces, parks and terraces along the river, studded with -shrubs and trees. Zitra was a city of white and silver and crystal and -gold--a thing undreamable unless once seen--and even so more like the -city of a dream. - -About the square, where, on the morning of the third day after Croft -had awakened from what he considered his final trip to earth, a huge -platform had risen overnight, the populace ranged themselves, close -packed. The scene was brilliant in a degree. From the tops of the -structures facing the square, built mainly of the predominating white -stone used in constructing the city, and even its walls, canopies and -streamers of azure blue and scarlet had been stretched as a protection -against the sun and its midday heat. They made of the square a -temporary auditorium of enormous size, into which the people jostled -with a babel of voices, a soft yet vast shuffling of feet. Only at one -point was an opening in the billowing covering of the canopies left. -There at high noon a ray of the sun would strike through and lie on the -platform in the center of the square. - -Soldiers of the Imperial Guard, in metal greaves, short-skirted tunics, -and breast-plates, armed as in former days, not with rifles, but with -short swords, spears, and shields, since this was a formal occasion, -were stationed at the end of each street which entered the square, and -admitted the crowds in orderly fashion, assigning each arriving group -to their proper place in the vast temporary enclosure according to -their caste. - -By degrees the audience came to seem a thing divided into particolored -segments, each composed of the caste for which it had been set aside. -There were the blue packed masses of the Mazzerians, with their almost -indigo skins scantily covered, a jostling sea of swarming, whispering -flesh. There were the laborers in their tawny smocks, their hair -cinctured by a golden or copper band, supporting the draped cloth which -protected their necks in labor from the sun. And beyond them were the -tradesmen with their women, taking on a still more brilliant appearance -according to the dictates of taste which had clad them in various -shades and colors. - -And again, nearest the dais was a rippling band of color marking the -noble caste--men and women of station and wealth. And here gorgeous -might describe the play of colors, the flash and glint of jewels and -costly metals, the stately waving of plumes, the flicker of stalwart -limbs, of white arms and snowy breasts and shoulders, the iridescent -shimmer of diaphanous gauze scarfs. These were the select of the Zitran -population. Each gnuppa-drawn carriage that whirled up to the end of -the streets disgorged its recumbent passengers from the couchlike seats -on which they reclined as they rode, and then retired. - -By degrees the square became utterly packed save for a space about the -platform maintained by more of the Imperial Guard, and an alley running -toward the mouth of a single street. The hour crept on. Through the -canopy the sun blazed dimly. Water-bearers with bottles made from the -hide of the tabur--an animal widely raised, with the fleece of a sheep -and the general shape of a hog--passed through the square, sprinkling -the pavement to cool the air, doubly heated by the outer temperature -and the multitude of bodies packed into so close a space. Never had -there been a greater concourse or a more brilliant in the history of -the state. Indeed, in all the annals of the nation, no more auspicious -date would appear. - -This day marked what might be regarded as a new era in national -affairs. The Zollarian war was done. Tamarizia was stronger than ever -before in the memory of man, and a new and more liberal government than -any they had known was to be adopted within the next few days. And as -though that were not enough, it was common knowledge that Zitu had sent -the nation a teacher for their welfare; to greet and acclaim him they -were gathered here. - -Well might the crowd be in holiday attire and humor. Well, as it -waited, might its blended voices rise in a cheerful fashion, a -ceaseless diapason of sound, changing as there came a blast of brazen -trumpets, and Tamhys appeared in magnificent silver harness, to a cheer. - -Silver studded with diamonds were the casings upon his calves; silver -was the cuirass upon his breast, whereon in azure-colored stones in the -circle enclosing an equilateral cross, sign of Hiranur, was blazoned -forth. Silver was his helmet, and white as purity itself his tossing -plumes. Even the hair upon his head, mark of his years, was silver, as -he came down the alley left open, between his guards, and mounted the -dais and seated himself upon a silver chair. - -Then from without, as the cheering subsided, there came a sound of -harps, and in the mouth of the alley down which Tamhys had passed, the -head of a procession appeared. - -First came the harpers themselves, white clad, marching in ranks of -fours. And back of them appeared a litter borne by the brown-clad lay -brothers of the Zitran pyramid. Of burnished copper was the litter, -inlaid with a silver filigree, and curtained with fluttering draperies -of an azure, silklike fabric. From within it, as it advanced behind the -harpers, Zud's old eyes peered. - -At the foot of the dais it was placed, and the high priest of Zitu -emerged, mounting the steps, while a sudden silence fell across the -multitude assembled, a reverend figure in his azure robes with the -scarlet cross ansata on his breast. He saluted Tamhys and took a second -silver chair, leaving a vacant seat between the emperor and himself. - - * * * * * - -And now, as the harpers ranged themselves and struck the strings of -their instruments in perfect unison, and Zud's litter was swept aside, -a second litter appeared. - -It was of silver, and its bearers, giant blue men of Mazzer, well-nigh -staggered beneath its weight. A sigh, almost a gasp, ran through the -assemblage. Zud had been borne by priests, but--the Mouthpiece of Zitu -was carried by men--the serving class of the Tamarizian state. Always a -people quick to recognize the involved symbolism of an occurrence, few -of those present failed to understand Jason's intent in the manner of -his appearance--that thereby he implied that he came to them, not as a -spiritual teacher, but as a teacher of men. - -And then silence came down once more as the litter was placed before -the steps of the dais and Zitu's Mouthpiece appeared, and the harps -died, and the figure in its azure draperies, whereon flared both the -cross and the wings of Azil, mounted slowly to that vacant seat between -Tamhys and Zud, the high priest. - -The crowd jostled, straining forward to see the better, and then -settled themselves once more to attention as Zud rose. - -He lifted a hand, commanding silence. In his other hand he carried a -long silver stave topped with the looped cross. He began speaking at -once in the simple fashion which characterized most of the Tamarizian -ceremonials: - -"Men and women of Zitra and of all Tamarizia, give ear to Zud the high -priest's voice, through which it is given to announce to you one who -comes among you as teacher, endowed with a wisdom passing the knowledge -of Zud or any other among you, by Zitu's grace. - -"Jason, as he is named, cometh to instruct the people on whom Zitu -smiles, as a sign that his pleasure is in his people, and shall remain -while they are obedient to his laws. - -"Mouthpiece of Zitu is Jason, and shall be so known while he shall -remain among us, and afterward, when the spirit within his body shall -have been withdrawn. Exalted he is by the knowledge which Zitu hath -seen fit to instil into his mind. Worthy of honor is he from all -true men. Yet is he man as thou art, and to him shall no knee bend. -Obedience and respect alone are his due. I, Zud, the high priest, have -said it. Let all men regard the Mouthpiece of Zitu as his brother as -well as his friend." - -As Zud paused a second ripple ran through the crowd, a sibilance of -whispers. Croft looked down into the nearest rows of uplifted faces and -encountered Jadgor's own. - -The Aphurian king sat with arms folded, staring directly toward him, -his dark face distorted by a frown. The glances of the two men met and -held for the merest instant. Croft's was steady. Jadgor's repellent, -a voiceless challenge more than anything else. Croft turned his own -glance deliberately away, sensing that in whatever he might attempt -in the near future he would meet antagonism from Aphur's king. His -eyes fell on Lakkon with his countenance somber, and on Robur, just -beyond. The crown prince met his regard fully and shook his head. In -the gesture, and the expression of his strong face, there was all the -poignancy of a groan. It came over Croft that in whatever he may have -said to his father since their conversation three days before, Robur -had failed. - -But he gave over such considerations as once more the harps rang -out. He became aware of a spot of sunlight on the platform directly -before the chair whereon he sat--almost, indeed, at his feet. Even as -he watched it seemed creeping closer--and the harps were thrumming, -thrumming sweetly--and the buzz of the vast assembly was once more -falling still. - -Suddenly the blended voices of a female chorus rang out, rising and -falling in rhythmic fashion in perfect time to the harps. Down the -alley came a group of vestals bearing flowers in their hands. Clad -all in white were they, save for a cincture of golden tissue that ran -about the neck, down between the breasts, and fastened in front like a -sash with pendant ends, hanging in a golden fringe to the edge of the -knee-length skirt. Their hair fell about their rosy faces and bared -left arms and shoulders, wholly unrestrained save for a silver cincture -about the head. Singing, they came on with a swing and flash of their -bared and tinted feet and dimpled knees. - -And as they came there flashed into Croft's mind a recollection of the -first ceremonial of the noontide hour of contemplation and prayer he -had witnessed, not in Zitra, but in Himyra, the first day he had been -on Palos. - -In a way this was like it, save that then the vestals had sung and -danced before the statue of Zitu himself--the statue of a man with -a face divinely firm and strong, with purity and compassion written -large in its every line. That figure had been portrayed as seated on a -throne. And the rays of the noontide sun had shone through an aperture -in the roof upon it, bathing it in pure light. With an inward gasp -Croft began to understand--his own position, the nearness of the spot -of sunlight before him, the position of the chair in which he sat. -Zitu was the God of Tamarizia--and he was Zitu's Mouthpiece--and the -sunlight was over his knees now. He felt its warmth. - -"Behold the Mouthpiece of Zitu!" Zud's voice. - -Croft sensed rather than saw the congregation rising--the vestals -deployed to right and left in front of the dais, kneeling, holding -their floral sprays toward him in extended hands. He became conscious -that the spot of sunlight had moved again, was bathing him from head to -foot now in its golden rays, was shimmering from a thousand facets of -the jewels that etched the cross and the wings of Azil on his breast. - -The Gayana burst into a triumphal song: - - "Hail, Mouthpiece of the Omnipotent One, - Of Him from Whom nothing is hidden, - To Whom all things are known. - Hail, Mouthpiece of Zitu; - Hail, Dispenser of Knowledge; - Hail, all hail, teacher, - To whom those things permitted of - Zitu, are known!" - -The chant ended. The singers rose. In a scented shower the floral -sprays rained at the feet of him who sat on the silver chair with the -sunlight on his face. - -Croft's senses reeled. The vast concourse faded from his vision. The -flowers fell about him unheeded. The graceful forms of the Gayana who -showered them toward him grew into a blur. His vision seemed to narrow, -contract, focus upon a single point, shutting out all else, making all -else as though it were not, leaving him staring, staring at one single -gold-framed face. - -Naia. She was there before him--her blue eyes meeting his own in an -almost angry blaze. Naia--clad as a vestal, in white, bearing a spray -of flowers in her hands. - -Then, as their glances met, and Croft's breath caught in his throat, -she lifted the cluster of blossoms and threw it--threw it, not tossed -it, so that it struck full against his breast, rather than fell at his -feet--struck, not as a floral offering might strike were the distance -of its throwing misjudged, but with a positive, definite force that -hinted of some weighty object concealed within its crimson mass, and -fell to the dais with a petal-muffled thud, leaving a tiny spot on -Croft's flesh that tingled as though the scarlet flowers had been -the fingers of a licking flame--as though their touch had seared him -through the fabric of his robe. - - * * * * * - -By an effort he sat unmoved, unchanged in his position, giving no sign, -holding his eyes on the haughty face of the white-clad woman before -him, reading upon her smiling lips not the placid expression of the -ceremonial that held her retreating sisters as they drew back to either -side of the dais, but the curl of scorn, of contempt; so that the -contact of the cluster of red blossoms came to seem to him as a slap in -the face--a deliberately planned and executed blow. Nor to his whirling -senses was that the worst. - -His chest heaved in a well-nigh stifled effort at control as he -contemplated the full meaning of her presence in the Gayana's dress. -Naia a vestal--Naia--given to Ga! The thought slowed his heart for a -moment and sent it racing into a wild, ungoverned, suffocating series -of madly protesting beats. - -Naia become Gayana--Naia forming a part of the chorus which acclaimed -his new-found rank--Naia hurling these scarlet blooms, as red as her -heart's blood, or his, against him as a farewell act, a sign, a tacit -message that, in so far as he was concerned, it might as well be her -blood which lay red on the dais at his feet; that she might as well -have died; that to him, from now on, she was lost. The thought sickened -him, appalled, blotted out everything save itself so that for a moment, -despite the sunlight which fell upon him, he had the sensation of an -enveloping darkness that threatened to rise up and engulf him. He began -to tremble. Tremor after tremor of emotion seized and shook him. And -then Zud touched him on the arm. The ordeal was over. A strange babble -of voices assailed his ears. He realized that the vast assemblage was -cheering him, and in quite automatic fashion he bowed. - -The action roused him to some extent. Once more he caught Jadgor's eye, -dark, piercing, filled with menace, as the Aphurian turned away in a -haughty fashion and, followed by Lakkon and his son, began to edge his -way through the departing throng. - -"Thy litter awaits thee." Zud's voice was in his ear. - -He saw that the blue men of Mazzer had indeed brought the great silver -palanquin into position opposite the dais steps. But even so he took -time for one word with Zud. - -"The maiden--she has become Gayana?" - -"Nay!" He met Zud's eyes and found within them comprehension. "She but -asked a part in their ranks, and, being virgin, it was granted." - -Not Gayana--not yet--not yet. Croft's heart leaped again into freer -action. But why had she asked to be given a place in the ranks of the -vestals who had hailed him Mouthpiece of Zitu? He stiffened. Why save -to cast that bunch of scarlet blossoms, which had stung his flesh, -against him? He recalled now that it had stung him when it struck--had -stung his flesh even as Naia's expression had stung his spirit. Why -had it struck with such unerring certainty the wings of Azil, on his -breast? What had it contained save the crimson flowers of which it -seemed to consist? What was it had directed its course--weighted it -until its blow was a blow indeed, delivered sure and straight? - -He glanced down. The thing still lay there, a brilliant spot of color -among all the floral tributes at his feet. On impulse he stooped and -caught it up and carried it with him, a flame-colored thing against his -blue robes, as he descended the steps. - -He reached the litter, and paused again as his ear was assailed by a -single, quickly caught-in breath. His head turned. Once more his gaze -encountered a pair of fixed pansy-purple eyes. The vestals waited in -double ranks, one on each side of the dais. Naia of Aphur stood among -them, one white hand lifted and pressed against her body, to the left -of the golden cord that ran down and cinctured her garment between her -breasts. And it seemed, in that instant, to Jason Croft that her eyes -dwelt not so much upon himself as on the flowers in his hand. - -He gave no sign, however, as he entered the litter and felt it lifted -into tilting, swaying motion. He took with him that final vision of -Naia, caught in a startled posture, of her parted lips, of a something -like anguish in her eyes. Like the flowers in his gripping fingers, -that picture was caught in his brain. - -Swiftly the Mazzerians bore him out of the square and into a street -toward the bulk of the pyramid. The streaming crowds gave way before -them and stood waiting while they passed. Then, and then only, did -Croft seek to learn the mystery of the flowers Naia had thrown. Then -and then only did he thrust his fingers into their blood-red mass and -grope amid their stems for something he knew was hidden there--though -he knew not what. - -His search was rewarded almost at once. His fingers encountered a hard -object buried among the stalks of the flowers, and he drew it forth. It -was a silver medallion, bearing a raised figure of Azil, the angel of -life, and surrounded by blood-red stones, such as Tamarizian men gave -to the women to whom they were betrothed. - -Croft recognized it at a glance. He took it and laid it on his palm, -and sat staring at it as the litter swung along. He had ordered it -especially made, and given it to Naia himself at the end of the -Zollarian war. Like the maids of her nation, she had worn it on her -girdle as a sign that to one man, and one alone, Azil had set his seal -upon her. And today she had flung it from her, against the wings of -Azil himself, which Croft wore on his breast. - -There was no mistaking the action. It was repudiation. It was the same -as though her lips had uttered the declaration that henceforth she -would no longer guard for him that shrine of mortal life which was -herself. - -Croft's lips writhed into a strange smile. He recalled how the thing -had pained when it struck above his heart. - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - ROBUR'S INVITATION - - -Jadgor was elected over Tammon by an overwhelming majority. Robur -became governor of Aphur as a matter of course. In Cathur, Mutlos -gained the lead largely because the populace still remembered the -treason intended by Kyphallos of Scythys's house, and refused to vote -for the dead king's younger son. This was the major result of the -elections, so far as Croft was concerned. - -Before it was held, however, several things had occurred. Naia and her -father, Jadgor and his son, left Zitra the day of Jason's proclaiming, -in a motor-driven galley. Robur contrived an interview with Croft -before he left. - -Croft in the meantime had seen Zud as soon as he returned to the -pyramid, and showed him the jeweled medallion, and narrated to him the -manner in which it had been returned. At the end he requested a letter -to Magur such as Robur and he had discussed, asking the Himyra priest -to advise delay, provided Naia sought admission to the vestal ranks. - -The tablets of wax whereon Zud wrote his commands Croft gave to Robur, -and the two friends gripped hands. - -"Jadgor had turned his face from you," Robur said. "Always has he been -of stubborn mind. But, by Zitu, once I am in Himyra's palace, there -will be a place for you, my friend, wherein we will work out your -strange designs!" - -"Yes," Croft replied, sensing readily enough that Robur's interest -in the construction of new implements of commercial and industrial -progress was intense, and intending fully to carry out his plans in -regard to Tamarizia in so far as he might with or without Jadgor's -favor. And then he changed to the subject nearest his own heart. "Your -cousin goes with you, Rob?" - -"Aye," Robur declared. "She yields to Jadgor's command, saying one -may forget herself no less in Himyra than in Zitra's pyramid. Yet -strengthen your heart, man of earth. These tablets I have from Zud to -Magur, and in Himyra is Gaya, to whom, I believe, my cousin will open -her heart. At present the maid is overwrought, and Jadgor's attitude -toward you does not strengthen your case." - -"You spoke with him concerning those things we discussed three suns -ago?" Croft questioned. - -"Aye, and to small avail." Robur frowned. "His stand is, you should -have told them to him, rather than to Zud, at first. You will remember -how Zud swayed Tamhys before the Zollarian war in your favor. Jadgor -refused to accept it other than that there is an understanding between -the high priest and yourself." - -"Then must our works convince him since our words fail," said Croft. -"Robur, my friend, a safe and pleasant journey. May Kronhur, ruler -of the oceans, provide you a peaceful path to Himyra's gate. Make my -salutations to the gentle Gaya, whom I trust I may ere long greet. In -her hands and yours, Robur, is carried Jason's fate." - -"It shall be carefully carried, by Zitu!" Robur promised. "Robur -strikes not his hand in friendship lightly. Soon in Himyra shall he -greet you, and we shall work. And"--suddenly he smiled--"see you not -that Naia herself will be in Himyra--wherefore once you are come again -to Aphur, the same red walls shall encircle you both?" - -"Hai!" Croft's eyes lighted at the mere suggestion, and he gave vent -to a somewhat nervous laugh. And then he sobered. "But hold! Jadgor -elected, will not Lakkon and his daughter come to Zitra?" - -"Scarcely." Robur looked full into his companion's eyes. "I think she -will not look with favor on life in Zitra in her present mind." - -Croft nodded in comprehension. "Zitu spare you, Rob," he said, "for I -need you in my work." - -And Robur, always quick in his appreciation of humor, laughed. - -Yet, though Croft had spoken lightly at the last, he watched the -Aphurian depart with a mind which was deeply troubled, not only by -Naia's attitude toward himself and her return of the betrothal jewel, -but as well by the defection of Jadgor, on whose major support he had -counted much for success in his future plans. Indeed, just then it -seemed to Croft that those plans were of little account and his entire -future happiness marred. - -Like many men of large mind, he suffered the pang of realization -that lesser minds, because of their limitations, must fail to follow -his own, that small natures must fall short of a full appreciation -of a greater, simply because of an inability to measure the broader -character by any standard of their own. He was meeting for the first -time in a degree that thing known as the ingratitude of men, which -every leader of men or nations must meet at times. And the taste was -bitter in his mouth. - - * * * * * - -He took out the jewel and sat looking at it, holding it displayed or -shut up in a clenched palm for hours, until the sun sank and twilight -crept into the embrasure of the room, and a lay brother, slipping in to -light the oil sconces on the wall, brought word that Zud desired speech -with him alone. - -Whereupon Croft rose and watched the wicks flare forth, and suddenly -threw up his head and took a long breath. His mind went back to his -talk with Robur three days before. They had spoken of electric lights. -Why not? Work--work--that was the antidote for mental pain--to work--to -throw one's self into a very frenzy of stubborn endeavor and drown -the mental woe in a physical weariness, an actual tire of the brain. -Work! He stretched forth his arms. He would work, work--he would show -Tamarizia wonders such as she had never known. He would show Jadgor. -He would bring the haughty Aphurian to his knees by force of sheer -knowledge and what it wrought. He would compel him, force him to seek -his, Croft's, favor, because he could ill afford to do anything else. -And--he smiled grimly--he would do it with the aid of Jadgor's son--so -soon as the elections were over and he might go to Himyra, where Robur -had said there would be "a place." His eyes lighted and his lips grew -firm. He made his resolve. His moment of first mental travail was past. -He put the jewel away inside his robes and waited for Zud's coming with -an expression of fresh resolve. - -For four days thereafter he remained in constant company with Zud. Two -things occupied his time--the instruction of the high priest in the -mysteries of astral control, at first compelling the projections by -his own will. Later Zud gained a minor success for himself, a thing he -accomplished quickly because of his great desire to learn, and Croft -took up certain social reforms he had long had in mind. - -A more general education was the first of these. At Scira in Cathur, -Tamarizia had maintained a national school. This, however, was for the -patronage of the rich. Among the masses little education was known. -Croft decided at once to alter this. To Zud he outlined a scheme -for a general system of schools. Assisted by the high priest, he -drafted a provisional alphabet, to which the hieroglyphic characters -not unlike those of the Maya inscriptions in Central America lent -itself with little change. Already in Himyra he had constructed a -form of printing press for large character work. Now he took up the -subject of perfecting and elaborating this to the wonder of Zud, -whose enthusiastic approbation he instantly gained. He thought the -matter of the schools might be easily arranged. The national school -was under the patronage of the church. Most of the priests were -educated in it. Teachers could be drawn from their ranks; and if the -matter were carefully broached, both Jason and Zud felt inclined to -believe that the move would meet with little opposition from Jadgor at -first--especially if the suggestion came from some such one as Mutlos, -governor of Cathur, whom Zud would see was properly approached by the -faculty of the national school, rather than by Zud or Croft. - -Late on the afternoon of the fourth day, however, Croft went to his own -quarters, loosened his clothing, and laid himself down on the golden -couch. There had been time for Jadgor's galley to have reached Himyra, -as he knew--time for Naia to have gone either to her own home or the -palace, as Jadgor and her father had elected. Closing his eyes and -fixing his mind on the red-walled city of Aphur, he brought all his -will to bear upon his one desire, and projected his astral entity to -Himyra in a flash. - -It lay beneath him as he had seen it the first day he came to Palos, a -far-flung circuit of walls--the farther lost in a heat haze until it -appeared no more than a ruddy shadow through a shimmering veil--spread -out on either side of the river Na, inside its banks of cut stone, its -quays, whereon at night the fire-urns flared red at the foot of the -terraces and shone redly on the yellow waves. Magur's pyramid--red with -its ringing band of white, to mark the quarters of the Gayana--with its -white temple of Zitu, jutted up across the river from the vast white -pile of the palace, and on either side as far as the eye could reach -along the crest of the river terrace stretched the palatial homes of -the noble or rich. - -There was almost a sense of homecoming in the sight, and Croft -experienced a thrill as he willed himself swiftly toward a huge red -palace set well back from the street--the city home of Lakkon, advisor -to the king. - -Today the doors stood open, and he passed into the major court, where -flowers, shrubs, and even small trees grew between the divisions of -a pavement of transparent rock crystal, cut into geometrical blocks, -beneath a roof of movable sections of glass. - - * * * * * - -The court itself was two stories in height in the prevailing custom, -with a staircase ascending to the surrounding balcony at either end. -These were of a lemon-yellow stone like onyx, save that it was not -veined. The pillars of the balcony and the rest of the interior was -in white. A low-growing hedge enclosed the central portion of the -crystal floor, whereon Baska, the Mazzerian majordomo, who had startled -Croft the first time he saw his blue skin, was once more exhibiting -his magnificent form and peculiar pigmentary endowments with amazing -frankness while he trimmed the hedge. Maia--Naia's own personal -maid--in an equal state of unabashed nature, was sprawled, watching on -a red wood couch. - -So much Croft saw at a glance before he turned away, judging, from -the very nature of the servants' careless manner, that Lakkon and his -daughter had not yet arrived. - -The palace, then. He willed himself toward it, entered it through the -main gates between the huge carved figures of the winged dog-like -creatures set up on either side, their front legs supporting webbed -membranes from body to paw. He passed into a vast, red-paved court, -where naked Mazzerian porters passed to and fro with metal sprinkling -tanks strapped to their shoulders, and gnuppas, harnessed to flashing -chariots, champed on their bits and pawed. - -To Croft, it was all an old story. He had lived in it once. He gave a -single embracing glance to the white walls of the various government -departments surrounding the huge red court, each with its guardian -sentries at the doors, and fixed his mind on gaining the presence of -Gaya, Robur's wife. - -For here he felt Naia would have gone had she come to the palace, as he -believed seeking the company and companionship of a woman rather than -any one else. - -In this his judgment proved right, as he found so soon as he reached -the wing of the palace in which he had formerly lived. Here, in the -portion given over to Robur and his wife, was a court containing a -private bath, set in the center, surrounded on all sides by growing -shrubs and flowers, the tessellated pavements about it dotted with -chairs and couches of the wine-red wood and silklike canopies to offer -shade against the Palosian sun. It was a favorite resting-place of Gaya -in the afternoons, when, attended by her servants, she either bathed in -the limpid, sun-warmed water or received such guests as might elect to -pay a social call. - -On two of the red couches he found the women he had come in search of. -They reclined beneath a yellow awning supported by standards, with a -low table between them, holding small cakes, fruit conserves such as -the women of Tamarizia affected, and crystal glasses, scarcely larger -than a thimble, filled with an amber-colored wine. - -But it was to Naia Croft gave his major attention once he had reached -the palace. She lay pale, her eyes shadowed by darkened circles beneath -their lids, her features weary, drawn with what he recognized at a -glance as a dangerous tension of the nerves. Her figure was draped in -a robe of exquisite green, across the upper part of which a strand of -her fair hair made a sheen of gold. To Croft she had never seemed more -appealing than now, in this mood of acute distress. He glanced at Gaya, -and found her eyes fixed in an anxious inspection of her companion's -face. - -Abruptly Naia's breast swelled sharply and she spoke: "I shall become -Gayana. There is nothing else." - -"Nay! Nay, daughter of Lakkon--you are overwrought. Robur thinks not -so, nor Jadgor, his father. To Lakkon there is none other, since your -mother died, save yourself. Would you leave him to finish his life -alone?" - -Naia sat up upon the couch. "That was true," she returned in a tone -gone bitter, "until this trouble came upon me. Now Lakkon holds me -disgraced--in that I have yielded my lips to Zitu's Mouthpiece, against -all the laws of custom for a woman of my caste. Yet, in Zitu's name, -wherein was I to blame, who loved as never a woman loved before--who -was asked in marriage by the one she loved, by one who had sworn, -aye, and done many deeds to win her? In what did I wrong? How could I -foresee that he was not--what--what he appeared?" - -"Nay," Gaya said, while Croft's soul quivered at this confession from -the lips of the woman he loved above all else. "Say not that in any way -were you to blame, Naia, fairest of Aphur's maids. For have you and I -not spoken concerning your love ere this, and did you not first to me -confess it, when you stood pledge to Cathur's heir, from whom this man -of Zitu saved you?" - -"Man," Naia caught her up, interrupting quickly. "Say you that he is a -man--Gaya, my friend--or is the word but used as a means of expressions -since you know not what to call him save as he seems?" - -"Nay, I mean man, child," Gaya returned. "Man he appears, and man he -claims to be, and man he is. You know Robur for his friend. Much to -Robur has he explained since he wakened from the last of his strange -sleeps. Yet is he such a man as never was seen on Palos before; and -though of mortal birth, as we are, yet was he not born on Palos, but of -a woman on earth." - -"Earth?" Naia's eyes widened swiftly. - -"Aye--a different star from ours," Gaya replied. - - * * * * * - -"Robur told you this?" An introspective expression crossed Naia's face. - -"Aye--ere he brought you to me." - -"And he told Robur?" - -"Aye. He swore it by Zitu himself." - -Suddenly Naia struck herself upon the breast. "He told it to Robur--to -your husband--to Jadgor's son! Why not to me?" she cried. - -"To Robur he swore he had meant to tell you ere you became his mate," -Gaya rejoined. "Save that Zud learned these things from Abbu of Scira -and spoke to you during his sleep, I feel assured he had done it at a -proper time." - -She paused, and Naia turned her head. She sat staring, staring across -the sun-kissed surface of the sunken bath. "Now I remember that he said -to me after he awakened, when he came to me in the quarters of the -Gayana, that he had somewhat to explain. What said he else?" - -"Strange things--things to madden the heart of a woman, as it seems to -me," Gaya returned; "things to waken strange dreams in her soul, if -true. To Robur he swore that to Palos he came because of you, because -in you he knew the mate to whom his spirit cried out--that he remained -on Palos to save you from Cathur and win you for himself, and to that -end that he might claim you wholly, used Jasor's body when his spirit -was drawn from his flesh." - -"Zitu!" The word came from Naia's lips as a strangled exclamation. She -drew herself up on the couch until she sat tense in every quivering -fiber of her being. "Now you have touched on the part of the matter I -may not tolerate or understand. Granting that he says truth--that a -spirit may enter the body of another and possess it, and cause it to -live and breathe, and move as its own--can a maid consider a lover in -such guise, surrendering to his embrace?" - -"Yet consider," said Gaya softly, with a widening of her eyes as though -the spell of the subject were upon her fully; "try to measure if you -can, my princess, a love so vast that it draws its mate across the -space between the stars. Consider what this man's love must be that he -forsakes that life to which he was born and comes in search of you--the -one woman who fills his soul with longing; and consider, also, that -after he entered Jasor's form it changed--that even Sinon declared he -no longer resembled Jasor greatly. Seems it not to you that Jason's -spirit has altered the elements that were Jasor's until they are as his -own?" - -"Jason?" Naia faltered. - -"Aye. That was his name on earth. Also says he that it is the spirit -within us which dwells in and makes us of the flesh. He says, and Zud -supports him in saying that to the spirit the flesh is no more than to -man is a house--a something he inhabits, makes use of, and finally lays -aside." - -"Stop!" Naia stayed her. "Why--why were these things not said to me -before--before--" She broke off, clasped her hands and crushed them -together, struck them down against her sides. "Nay--it might have -been," she went on, more to herself than to Gaya, "had I given the -chance. He came to me, and I berated him with words. I was filled with -pain; my spirit was blinded with horror and despair. I thought only -that I had been led to my own undoing--I knew not the truth. - -"Zud's words had well-nigh unsettled my mind. Wherefore I prayed to -Ga and Azil, and there was no answer. And then I prayed to Zilla, and -even the angel of death turned away his face. Gaya, I am like one -fallen into a pit from which there is no escape. Him I knew as Jasor--I -loved with a glory of the spirit and a madness of the flesh. He was my -master. His word was my law. My heart beat like a caged bird in his -presence. My spirit faltered when he spoke to me. My flesh was as clay -in the potter's hands to his touch. I was a slave, and my glory was in -the slavery of my love. Save only Zitu, beyond him there was for me no -god!" - -Once more she paused and sat panting, her bosom rising and falling, her -nostrils aquiver, her lips compressed, while Croft yearned to her and -this voicing of a love no less, as it seemed to him, than his love for -herself. - -"Canst wonder, then," she went on after a moment, "with what gladness I -gave him my pledge; with what joy in my thoughts of the future I wore -upon my girdle the badge of Azil he placed within my hands as sign that -I was his--that badge which, on the day of his proclaiming Mouthpiece -of Zitu, I placed in a spray of flowers and hurled against his breast!" - -"Naia! Child!" Gaya half started up at the climax of her companion's -words. "You did that--did he--understand?" - -Naia nodded slightly. "I think so. He--from the dais he carried the -flowers I flung against him to his litter in his hand. Oh, Gaya--my -soul died within me at that sight--would Zitu--the rest of me had died. -I am alone, Gaya--alone. Alone, alone--the word tunes my every breath. -Jadgor opposes my seeking the Gayana. My father looks on his name as -through me disgraced. And I am tired, Gaya--tired--so very tired. And -there is no rest. If only Zilla would hear me when I call him--" - -"Aye, you are tired, poor child." Gaya rose, crossed to the other -couch, and took the girl's golden head inside her arms. "Come, talk -no more at present. I shall call Bela, my own maid, who shall attend -you. You shall bathe, and afterward she shall anoint your flesh with -sweet-smelling oils, and you will sleep and awaken refreshed. She has a -soothing touch beyond any I have ever found. She shall wait upon you." -She reached out to the table and struck a small metal gong. - -"Refreshed," said Naia slowly. Once more her eyes were fastened on the -sun-kissed water. "Aye, I shall bathe, gentle Gaya. I shall find rest -in your pool." - -She rose slowly. Her eyes were wide; her face was very white. Turning, -she walked to the edge of the sunken basin. For a moment she stood -there in the attitude of one who listens. - -Her lips moved. "Zilla," she whispered and smiled. - -And then her voice raised, rang out sharply: "Zilla, I hear thy answer!" - -Her arms lifted, stretched upward. She plunged face downward into the -pool and sank without a struggle into its transparent depths. - - - - - CHAPTER X - - ASTRAL UNDERSTANDING - - -And now began one of the most amazing parts of Croft's whole tale. - -He saw Naia sink. He knew the meaning of her words, her act. Her cry to -Zilla, the Angel of Death, showed him clearly that she saw in the water -the way of death for herself--read a new meaning into her words to -Gaya, that here in the pool she would find rest. He saw the water close -about her, saw her well-loved form sink down, down, cradled in the -limpid water; down, down, a slender figure, as beautiful as a Tanagra -statuette in its green robe, as it sank. He knew that indeed Zilla -hovered close above her--knew she was drowning--that the element in -which her figure was engulfed would, like the figurative lips of Zilla, -soon suffocate her breath. - -And he was powerless, impotent, to do anything save watch what went -on before his eyes. He could see, and know, and understand. He could -suffer the most terrible agony of conscious comprehension, and--in his -astral presence he could do nothing else. In his soul he writhed, cried -out in a torment in which, like the despairing mind of the girl, he -would have welcomed dissolution as a relief. But aside from that he -was chained to a passive watching, was unable to make one single move -toward the rescue of her expiring flesh. - -Not so Gaya, however. Nor did Robur's wife lose her head. Her -comprehension of her companion's act was instant, and she cried aloud -to the Mazzerian girl, who now appeared in answer to the summons of the -gong. Then, without waiting for even the servant to reach her side, -Gaya flung her own form into the pool in a cleanly executed dive. Bela -followed her mistress a moment later, her blue figure cutting the -liquid surface with hardly a splash. Both women were entirely at home -in the water, and by the time Gaya had reached and seized Naia, who -began instantly to struggle, Bela was at her side. - -The fight below the surface was brief. Croft saw Naia open her mouth. -Her bosom expanded as though she gasped. And then she relaxed, and -Robur's wife and the Mazzerian maid bore her quickly upward, supporting -her head between them, and swimming with her toward a submerged flight -of steps by which the pool was customarily entered. Reaching it, they -lifted the limp body in its trailing robe, which clung to trunk and -rounded limb more like a shroud of vegetation, a crinkled kelp born of -the water itself, than a garment, and staggered with it from the pool -to lay it on the pavement of the court. - -"Quickly!" Gaya cried as she knelt beside it. "Seek out Jadgor's -physician and command his presence." Unmindful of her own soaked -condition, she seized Naia's form and rolled her upon her face. Placing -her hands on either side of the body close to where the ribs joined -the spine, she threw her weight forward on extended arms, held so for -the space of a long breath, and lifted herself once more upon her own -flexed thighs. - -It was a form of artificial respiration she was practising, and Croft -uttered a prayer for her success in his heart. And then--he forgot -temporarily her continued efforts in the wonder of something else. - -Naia of Aphur was about to die. Croft knew it as certainly as he had -ever known anything in his life. Because he saw her soul come forth as -he had seen Zud's astral body after he had bidden it leave its fleshy -habitation on the day he awakened from his sleep. Slowly, as Gaya -lifted herself and sat back, it emerged from the figure on the ground. -And as wonderful as was the form of Naia, so wonderful was its astral -counterpart. Like an image of her beauty in every detail, it swam and -hovered above her, still chained for the span of a breath by an almost -invisible bond that wavered and tensed and threatened to break. - -And that breaking--the snapping of that soul cord--the counterpart of -the union between the maternal substance and the body of the child in -physical birth--spelled physical death. With its severance, as Croft -knew, Naia would pass from the mortal plane to a wholly astral life. -But more than that he knew that now it was within his province to take -definite steps to preserve once more the woman he so wholly loved--that -now at last he could act. - -Toward the lovely floating shape he compelled his own astral form until -he floated with it face to face. "Naia--Naia--thou other part of me," -he thought rather than cried to her; "Naia--my beloved--hold. Return -again to thy body. Go back." - -And he knew that she received the potent vibration his own soul gave -out. For slowly the head of the floating figure, the dream shape which -swung and glowed like an iridescent mist in the sunlight, turned -its head toward him--seemed to regard him strangely with wide open, -startled eyes. - -"Naia!" He sent his appeal to her again. "Naia, it is that Jason whom -you knew as Jasor who commands that you return again to your flesh. In -Zitu's name, beloved." - -The rainbow figure writhed. It seemed to quiver, to hesitate and sink -slightly back toward the unconscious body beside which Gaya kept up her -work, with darkly troubled eyes; so that there was some relaxing of -that binding cord. - -"Jason!" Croft felt the thought impinge against him. - -"Jason, who loves you--who claims you--who shall claim you yet," he -returned, driving each word into her perception with the full force of -his will. - -"What do you here?" - -It was a question, a wondering interrogation. He answered it truly. -"You know of my sleeps. In them my spirit leaves the body. It visits -many places. Now sleeps my body in the Zitran pyramid, yet is my spirit -present to watch over you and guard you. It was not Zilla called you -into the pool, but your own troubled spirit, beloved. Go back into your -body--in the name of the love you confessed to Gaya; go back." - -"But--why--am I not myself?" a second question faltered to his -perception. - -"Yes, you are yourself always," he returned. "Yet this is the real you -which speaks to the real me, beloved. Look beneath you, and tell me -what you see." - - * * * * * - -For a moment nothing was said ... as the form beside him turned down -its eyes. And then a startled response: "Gaya--she bends and works -beside a form--to--to which I seem in some way connected. It--Zitu! -Azil! It is the form of one like myself!" - -"It is your own form, Naia," Croft told her; "the body in which -all your life you have dwelt--the beautiful habitation of your -spirit--which you cast into the pool in an effort to gain rest." - -"But--I--I--" The diaphanous soul form began once more to tremble. - -"You are you--even as I am I," said Croft. "That body over which Gaya -works is but the servant which has done your bidding, which, save you -obey me, you condemn to death. Return to it before it is too late. -I, Jason, who have met you midway between the body Azil gave you and -Zilla's domain, command it. Between you and Zilla himself I stand as a -barrier. Return to the form below you and give it breath." - -"How--how shall I return?" Again a question. - -"Wish it," said Croft. "Wish it as I desire to hold it in my arms and -claim its love and yours." - -"I--I shall return." It was a promise. - -Croft thrilled at the victory he had won. "Yet hold!" He stayed her -as slowly she began to sink closer to the form beneath them. "Again -shall you leave it if I call you--leave it as now--to meet me as now -you meet me, and return." For the thought had come to him that in this -guise might he seek out her spirit and converse with it and teach it -many things--seek it and hold it until such a time as events should -straighten out the tangle in their affairs, and thereby watch over and -guard her. - -"Now go, beloved. See with what a frenzy of hopeful endeavor Gaya -works." - -From beside him that figure as fair as the play of sunlight through the -prism of a fine mist vanished. - -Into his ears there stabbed the cry of a physical voice, upraised in -triumph. It was Gaya speaking. "She lives! Thanks be to Zitu, she -lives!" - -She bent and lifted the body, which rewarded her efforts with a gasping -breath, and laid it on one of the red wood couches, caught up one of -the tiny glasses of wine from the table, and forced its contents into -Naia's mouth. - -Naia gasped. Her throat contracted sharply. She swallowed. Again and -again her full chest swelled beneath her clinging robe. Some of the -waxen pallor went out of throat and cheeks. Bela appeared running, -with the physician behind her. He hurried to the couch and dropped his -fingers to the patient's pulse. - -And now came Robur across the court toward the group beneath the -yellow awning. He reached it and slipped his arm about Gaya's shaking -shoulders, placing himself at her side. For now that the need of her -presence of mind was lacking, she seemed completely exhausted and on -the brink of tears. - -"She--she cried on Zilla and cast herself into the pool," she half -spoke, half sobbed. "Beloved, she--she was dead to all seeming--but--I -cried on Zitu, and worked above her, and now--she lives." - -The physician bowed. "The Princess Gaya has in truth done a most -admirable piece of work." - -Naia's lips moved. "Jason," she whispered, "I--I have obeyed." - -"Hai!" Robur started. His eyes darted swiftly from the girl to his -wife, and back to the physician. "What said she?" he asked. - -"She dreams, doubtless," the physician made answer. - -But Croft knew she did not, and Robur frowned slightly as one perplexed. - -Naia opened her eyes. They stared up blankly at the yellow canopy -overhead. - -Gaya bent above her. - -"Gaya!" she cried and lifted her slender arms and laid hold upon her. -"Oh, Gaya, I--I dreamt that I--had died. I--" - -And suddenly she broke--broke utterly--and clung fast to the drenched -form of the woman beside her, shaken by a storm of sobs. - - * * * * * - -From the blended group Robur turned to Bela and the physician. "This is -forgotten as though it had not been, man of healing," his voice came -thickly. "By you and by Bela, it is as if it were not. I myself shall -see that it reaches Lakkon's ears." He reached into a purse at his belt -and extracted some pieces of silver, extending them to the doctor. -"Your fee. What needs she else?" - -"Rest--quiet for perhaps a sun; no more." The physician accepted his -payment with a second bow of respect. - -"See to it." Robur turned to Bela. "Go--and return with women to bear -her to her apartment without delay." - -Then, as Bela ran once more from the court, he approached Naia and his -wife. - -"Peace, Naia, my cousin," he said gently, yet with a narrowing of the -eyes. "Know you not that Robur is friend to you and--Jason?" He paused -for the barest space before the final word. - -The face he watched flushed slightly despite the sluggish return of the -blood to her stagnant veins. For a single instant a strange expression -burned in her purple eyes. "You say that you dreamed, my cousin," Robur -went on. "Praise be to Zitu, it was but a dream. Yet"--and now again he -watched her very closely--"in waking you spoke Jason's name." - -"He--he sent me back," Naia of Aphur faltered. "In--in my dream I -met him, and he showed me my body, with Gaya working beside it, and -compelled me to return. It--was all--very strange." - -"Zitu!" Robur started. "A--strange dream indeed, my cousin," he said, -with an equally strange expression on his face. To Croft it appeared -that without fully understanding, his friend half suspected the truth. - -Bela and three other Mazzerian women now reappeared. They lifted the -couch upon which Naia was lying, and bore it from the court into -the palace and to a sumptuous apartment on the second floor. Walls, -windows, and doors were hung in yellow draperies. A huge purple rug was -on the floor. A copper couch, studded with amber jewels, stood ready to -receive the patient. Caskets for clothing, tables and chairs and stools -completed the appointments. Plainly, it was a room designed for women, -as Croft knew at a glance, since in the center of the floor was one of -the mirrorlike pools of shallow water, close to which stood a pedestal -of silver, bearing the figure of Azil with extended wings. - -By a strange chance, as Naia was borne in, one of the Mazzerians struck -against the beautifully carved figure. It tottered, swayed drunkenly on -its standard, and fell into the pool. - -Naia cried out at the sight, and covered her eyes. - -Robur sprang forward and lifted the statue, setting it back on its -base. "Fear not!" he exclaimed. "It is wholly uninjured. 'Tis a good -augury, my cousin, I think. Life fell into the pool, and life comes -forth unmarred." He smiled. - -Naia relaxed from her tension. Her eyes met his. "You are quick to read -signs, my cousin," she faltered. "Perchance--you are right." - -The bearers set down her couch, and Gaya took charge. "Disrobe her," -she commanded. "Bring sweet oils and massage her body and limbs. Cover -her lightly, and do you, Bela, sit beside her, to supply her wants. Yet -if sleep comes, permit her to rest. When I have changed my own garments -I shall return." - -She left the apartment with Robur at her side. Croft followed, filled -with a wonderful exaltation, since now at least he had come in contact -with Naia's spirit as never before, and in a way which assured a -repetition of the meeting on that plane when he desired. True, she -regarded the experience now as no more than an exceedingly strange -dream, but the mere fact that she remembered was proof sufficient to -Croft that the effect he desired had been gained. To himself he made -a promise that from now on, when conditions were suitable for the -experience, she should dream again. - - * * * * * - -As for Robur, he was of the opinion that the Aphurian prince was not -sure that Naia had dreamed at all. And the first words of his friend, -once he was outside the door of the apartment where the serving maids -ministered to his cousin, confirmed Croft's thought. - -"Thus," he began to Gaya as she turned to her own room, "does Jason -prove his sayings truth." - -"What mean you?" Gaya paused. - -"That he stood between her and Zilla, to whom she called, before she -flung herself into the pool," Robur said. "Heard you not her words that -he sent her back--that she beheld her body beside which you knelt? And -do you not recall that I told you he had explained to me that in his -sleeps he left his own body even so, and gained knowledge by visiting -other places in the spirit? By Zitu's grace, Jason was here when this -occurred." - -"Here?" Gaya turned her eyes about her in an almost ludicrous fashion, -and Robur smiled. - -"Aye--his spirit. In Zitra his body lies asleep. Yet here has spirit -met spirit and his conversed with hers. By Zitu, but I had a fright! -I had been to Magur with tablets from Zud which Jason gave me, and, -returning, I heard Bela cry to another of the maidens that one had -fallen into the pool. Gaya"--of a sudden he swept her into his -arms--"my heart died, and I ran to find that my fears were vain." - -"As you might have known," said Gaya, smiling into his down-bent eyes. -"Know you not that I learned to swim as a child?" - -"Aye," Robur admitted; "yet strange things happen, and never more on -Palos than now. By Zitu, I must carry this to Lakkon's ears. He takes -not the right stand with this troubled daughter of his. Go now and -change your dress, my Gaya." He released her and went stalking off, his -forehead furrowed with thought. - -And he sought out Lakkon. - -"My lord," he accosted him without other introduction, "have you -thought of the meaning to you of Naia's loss?" - -"What mean you?" - -Lakkon turned in a flash. His face darkened, and a quick, instinctive -expression of pain leaped into his eyes. "Would you question my love -for my daughter, Prince of Aphur? Know you not that in her very glance, -her every movement, I see her mother as I knew and loved her first? -And"--his voice gruff at first, grew unsteady--"know you not that I -loved her aunt, my wife? What need of your question, then, Robur, son -of Jadgor, since--should she go to the Gayana, shall she not to me be -lost?" - -"She shall go not to the Gayana, I think," said Robur slowly. "Magur -will advise against it." - -"How know you?" Lakkon asked. - -"He himself told me." Robur met his uncle's questioning gaze with a -level glance. - -"You?" Plainly Lakkon was surprised. "You spoke with him about it?" - -"Aye," Robur made answer. "He told me he would advise against it at -the present. Listen, Lakkon, my uncle." He went on and told him what -had occurred. And, as he spoke, Lakkon's face took on a twitching, his -breathing became heavy. - -"But she lives--she lives--Robur--she has passed this danger?" he -questioned brokenly at the last. - -"Aye. And were her father to appear before her--were he to smile upon -her," said Robur with evident meaning, "she were less apt to cry to -Zilla again in the future, I think." - -"Aye." A quiver sat on Lakkon's mouth. For the moment he was wholly the -father, no more the noble or the courtier. For the time his thought -was of his child, her life and nothing else. "Aye, Robur--I have been -remiss, and praise to Zitu that his lesson is by example and nothing -worse. I--I shall go to her. I--I shall try to comfort her in this." - -"As you should." Robur inclined his head. "Go, and Zitu frame the -wisdom of your speech." - -Lakkon went. He crept into the room where Bela sat and Naia lay relaxed -on her couch. He went quite to it and sank on his knees beside it, and -looked with misted eyes into her weary face. - -"Child of my loins," he quavered to her. "Child of thy mother, seek not -to leave me again. Be thou the spring-time to my old age, the starlight -for my eyes." - -"My father." Naia lifted a hand and laid it on his head. "That I sought -to leave you was that it seemed to me best--that--that I was tired in -body and spirit--that for me there seemed no place." - -"Thy place is in my heart," said Lakkon with a heavy, rasping sob. - -Slowly Naia drew the grizzled head toward her till it lay upon her -shoulder. "I would go to our home in the mountains," she said, "and -dwell there in quietude--and--rest." - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - BLUE AND GOLD - - -Followed now for Croft the weirdest wooing mortal ever dreamed, a sort -of astral courtship, wherein what might perhaps be best described as -the sublimated essence of Naia's being--that astral shell containing -her conscious spirit, met and communed with his. - -To the man this period became a strange source of encouragement mixed -with intervals of an ineffable delight. And the fact that to Naia -herself, the hours so spent seemed as dreams rather than a thing of -actual occurrence, disturbed him not in the least. He was content to -let the truth develop in her soul by degrees, until it should at last -be known as truth. - -On the second day after her despairing attempt against herself in the -pool at the Himyra palace, and so soon as her own buoyant vitality had -made her well-nigh her physical self, Naia departed for Lakkon's palace -in the mountains of Aphur, across the desert from Himyra to the west. -Renewed understanding with her father, plus an interview with Magur, in -which the priest advised against her joining the Gayana, helped her in -the resolve to withdraw for a time to that seclusion, a wish for which -she had already expressed. - -She made the trip in the motor Croft had caused to be fashioned for her -when the things were new on Palos, and had driven out to her mountain -home himself. And with Maia, her maid, and Mitlos the Mazzerian -majordomo, left always in charge of the palace, together with the great -dog-like creature, Hupor, as her body-guard, she took up the course of -restful days. - -Sometimes she lay for hours on a couch in the central court--sometimes -she bathed in the sun-warmed water of a pool behind the palace--a thing -constructed of a lemon-yellow stone in sides and bottom, and screened -by a wall of white, overgrown with trailing vines. Sometimes she rode -in the motor, driving it herself along the splendid Aphurian roads--as -perfectly built as the roads of the ancient Romans--which on his -first sight of them, had excited the admiration of Croft--roads that -stretched throughout the nation; over which the huge sarpelca caravans -passed. - -Sometimes, endowed with a splendid strength for all her slender grace, -she climbed with Hupor at her side, among the hills. And many, many -nights she sat in the sunken gardens, wherein the bathing-pool was -placed, watching the three moons of Palos wheel across the sky, and -thinking her own thoughts. It was Croft's purpose at this time to see -that in the latter he lacked no part. - -Hence, on the night following her arrival, he visited her first, -purposely choosing a late hour, since he wished her to be asleep and -preferred to have his own action unknown just then, in the Zitran -pyramid. - -And as he hoped, when he stole into her apartments, making ingress -through an open window, he found her indeed asleep. The moonlight -through a half-drawn curtain showed her to him, stretched on a metal -couch with the cloud of her loosened hair about her face. Coverings of -silken fineness lay above her. Azil, with outstretched wings, seemed -like some white guardian of her slumber on his pedestal beside the -mirror pool. - -Naia of Aphur! The woman of his soul. She lay here before him. Croft -thrilled to the thought that she was his in spirit at least, as he was -hers. He recalled her impassioned avowal of the love she had felt for -him before old Zud's clumsy priestly blunder. And then he let the cry -of his spirit steal forth. - -"Naia! It is Jason calling. Naia, my beloved--appear!" - -"Jason--I hear!" - -Like a wraith of dreams, it seemed that she stood before him--a form, a -figure pure as a blade of silver, emitting a faint auric play of blue -and gold. Man and woman they confronted one another, and the moonlight -striking upon that divine something he had called from its lovely -mansion, set it aquiver and struck through it in a million tiny points -of scintillating fire. - -"Beloved." Croft stretched forth a dim hand. - -It floated toward him. - -"Come," he said again, and caught her hand in his, and led her out -through the window, where he had entered, under the moon and the stars. - -Out, out he led her. They were free as the winds on which it seemed -they rode. Like a sheet of molten silver the pool in the garden lay -beneath them. About them and beyond them spread the wide panorama of -the wooded mountains, marked here and there by the bone-white windings -of the road. Beneath them swam the wide expanse of the desert. Far off -to the east and south, in a ruddy glow, the fire-urns of Himyra flared. - - * * * * * - -Croft turned his face to that of the shape beside him, and found it -the face of a sleeper who sees visions, and knew that though the soul -of Naia obeyed him, it was still asleep. "Art afraid?" he questioned -gently. - -"Nay, Jason, I am not afraid." - -Some way the words afforded him a great pleasure, for he knew he would -not have had fear in any circumstance whatever, in the spirit he -regarded as the complement of his. - -"Thy father--would see him?" he questioned once more, deciding upon a -further stretching of the astral cord. - -"Aye." Naia smiled. - -"Behold then!" said Croft, and willed himself toward Himyra, still -keeping his companion's hand. - -The city glowed beneath them, its fire-urns burning up and down the -Na in double ranks. The place was white before them. Then--Lakkon lay -stretched in slumber on a couch. - -"My father!" Naia left Croft's side and seemed to hover all blue and -white and gold above him, until as though subconsciously he felt her -presence, Lakkon's lips moved and he muttered: "Naia," in his sleep. - -"Come," said Croft again, and led her back, since he did not deem it -well to risk too long a first excursion. - -"Return now to your body as before," he directed when they stood beside -it. "Yet remember this when you wake." - -For the first time she asked a question of her own volition. -"You--are--really Jason?" - -"Aye." - -"And--your body?" - -"Lies in the Zitran pyramid as yours lies here before you. Return into -yours, beloved, and I return to mine." - -"Aye," she assented. "I return, but--I shall remember---the -moonlight--Himyra--my father--and you." - -She ceased and suddenly Croft found himself alone. Gone was the -radiant form with its aura of gold and purple, its dancing points of -fire, which, as he knew, were no more than the never-ceasing, vibrant -oscillation of the Pranic sparks--the fires of life--gone, and he stood -in the room where Azil spread his wings in a wide-flung benediction and -Naia of Aphur lay asleep. - -Yet Croft was satisfied if not content, and he felt assured as he -willed himself back to Zitra that when she waked in the morning she -would recall this first experience as a vivid dream at least. - -Indeed as the days went by his major trouble was to curb his own -impatience in setting her astral consciousness awake, in refraining -from an attempt to progress too fast, in keeping the development he was -seeking to produce within her, inside the limits of a well-nigh natural -awakening of the greater powers of the soul, in avoiding anything which -could in any way resemble a forced growth. Hence, as a sort of brake -to his own desire to return too frequently to her, he took up the -instruction of Zud, initiating the amazed old man more and more into -the mysteries of what he, in his own experience, had proved to be the -truth. - -Once more, however, he visited Naia, before the elections were held, -choosing an afternoon when Zud was engaged in temple duties. - -He found her in the vast red-and-yellow paved court of the mountain -palace, with Maia beside her, very much as on a former day when he had -first visited her in the flesh and spoken to her of love. She lay as -then on a wine-red couch, in the sort of diaphanous house-robes women -of her class affected, with Maia waving a huge feather fan above her. - -Croft smiled as he called her forth, thinking how amazed the blue girl -of Mazzer would be if she knew that her arms swayed the fan above an -empty tenement of clay, and saying as much to Naia, so that she, too, -smiled. - -And that day they wandered far over valley and hill, flitting above -wooded slopes, loitering sometimes in sun-filled hollows, where flowers -of tropic brilliance nodded in the grasses or flaunted their beauty -from swaying trailing vines. And from there to the higher places, -up, up, hand in hand, to where the eternal snows lay gripped in the -clutches of dark peaks and crags. - -Until then their communion had been silent save at the first, but the -sight of the sparkling snows beneath the sunlight seemed to stir some -recollection within Naia's soul. - -"It--was here I sent for snows to chill the wines for the banquet to -Kyphallos, the time he came from Cathur, by Jadgor's plan," she said. - -"That Kyphallos to whom Jadgor would have wed you?" Croft replied. - -She nodded. "Except that I was saved from marriage to a profligate and -traitor by"--she paused and appeared to hesitate and went on in a way -less certain--"by Jasor of Nodhur." - -"Jasor of Nodhur has gone to Zitu," Croft corrected quickly. "You were -saved from that fate by me, after Jasor's body became the servant of my -spirit, as is your body the servant of your spirit, and changed it to -my purpose, made it mine, because your spirit had called me to you as -today I called you to me." - -"Yet I knew you not then as Jason, but as Jasor," Naia faltered. "How -then could I call your spirit?" - -"Nay," said Croft, "you knew me not, yet felt you never in those days a -yearning for some one you had as yet seen never--felt you not yourself -already to answer that some one's call, as a woman ripened must answer -to her lover?" - -"Aye," said his companion slowly. "Ga the eternal spoke to me more than -once in such fashion, yet none came to sound the call I should answer -until Jasor of Nodhur appeared. Were it your spirit in Jasor's body, -you know how the call was answered afterward." - - * * * * * - -"Am I not like him?" Croft questioned, thrilling at the recollection -her words invoked. - -"Aye," she confessed. "And when I am with you, it seems that you -are he--that you call me to you in spirit, even as he called in the -flesh--that I come to you gladly as a maiden to a tryst with him to -whom Ga sends her. Yet, when I return to the body beside which even now -Maia stands watch, all is confusion when I wake." - -"Were you to remember then that in or out of the flesh, it is the -spirit calls to the spirit, it were perchance more plain," Croft said. - -"Love then is of the spirit only?" She looked into his eyes. - -"Yes." Croft nodded. "Love is of the spirit--passion alone of the -flesh. Know you not then that it was love called me to you from the -earth?" - -"Earth?" she repeated. "Aye--Gaya told me somewhat concerning that." - -"Come then," said Croft, determining of sudden impulse on a -demonstration and seized her by the hand. - -Up, up he carried her across the void. The landscape dwindled swiftly -away beneath them. Its details faded, became but a sun-smeared blur -until Palos whirled on its mighty ball, bedded in a mass of woolly -cloud. Up, up. Croft glanced at his companion and found her face -wide-eyed. Up, up, as she floated beside him, her slender shape in the -void of darkness beyond the atmosphere of Palos beginning to flash and -glow with its contained fire. For Croft had willed himself to that one -of the moons on which he had first come down from his daring journey -from the earth. And now it swung above them. Together they swam toward -it, and came to it finding its barren and lifeless crags and plains -aglare in the light of Sirius, partly steeped in impenetrable gloom. -Across the lighted region Croft led Naia swiftly. They passed from the -light. - -"Look!" he cried, and pointed to the void of the eternal heavens beyond -them, where sparkled the pin-points of a million worlds. "Behold, -Palos!" He directed her vision to where the planet rolled, its clouds -now turned into what seemed golden fire. "We stand now on one of the -moons that light your world at night, beloved. We gaze at your world -from its moon, as from earth we gaze at a star--as we gaze at earth -as a star from here. By the will of the spirit have we come. By the -spirit's will shall we return." - -And on his words it was as though Palos rose to meet them, and once -more they were back on the crags beside the snows. - -"Zitu, may this be permitted?" Naia panted as one shaken by amazement. - -"Much," said Croft in answer, "may be permitted to the spirit which -seeks truth and dares." - -And after that they wandered on, finding a good-sized stream leaping -down the side of the mountain not far from Naia's home. Croft seized -upon its presence with acclaim. A glance had told him that here was -power he could harness to perfect his scheme for generating artificial -light, and he sought to explain it to his companion, outlining how by -the construction of a series of giant penstocks he would divert the -plunging water against wheels to use its force in turning other wheels. - -She listened closely and suddenly she laughed. "Now are you as Jasor!" -she exclaimed. "It was so he talked concerning his devices before the -Zollarian war against which he planned." - -"Always have I been as I am now," Jason told her. "Even as Naia of -Aphur has always been the same." - -"Always?" she questioned and turned searching eyes upon him. - -"Aye, always, and ever will be," he answered, "until Jason and Naia -shall be one." - -She quivered. Her astral body glowed. Its fires leaped and flamed -before him, white and purple and gold. Croft knew that he himself was -swayed by a similar emotion and sought to check it lest he overtax her -as yet not fully awakened understanding. "Come," he said again, "come," -and led her south along the western mountains, exploring them, pointing -out their beauties as they passed along. - - * * * * * - -It was thus he found an outcropping barrier of coal. He spied it and -sank upon it, and bent to assure himself that he was not mistaken, -and straightened with a radiant face. Here was energy stored for the -furnaces he meant to raise across the land ere long. Until now charcoal -had been used mainly in the metal trades. But--here--he had a vision of -vast smelters once this coal was mined. And the Tamarizians were miners -experienced for generations in the handling of ores. - -He pointed to his find and explained to Naia that here was fuel. - -"Zitu!" she cried in wondering half comprehension. "Would Jason burn a -stone!" - -"Nay," he said, and made plain the nature of the substance they -discussed. - -At the end she nodded. "I am convinced," she said. "Him I knew as Jasor -was Jason indeed. Your words, your plans are the same. Thanks be to Ga -and Azil, I am happy. You, Jason, are he whom I--" - -"Love," Croft supplied as once more she faltered. - -"Aye, love." For the second time her astral figure glowed with its -auric fires. "With you I am happy--free thus and alone, with a strange -new happiness--such as I have never known. Canst not hold me thus -beside you? Must I return again to the prison of the body? Canst not -claim me now, and keep me wholly thine own?" - -"No--not yet," Croft stammered, shaken as never before by her words -and taking alarm at the mood which was upon her. "Yet, some time I -shall claim you mine before all men. Come now, for the present we must -return." - -Across a twilight sky they flitted back, drifting into the red and -yellow paved court where the red-and-yellow steps ran up at either end -to the yellow balcony supported on its carved pillars of red, and the -giant figure of a straining man, did battle with a beast not unlike a -tiger, to protect a crouching woman from its fangs. - -"See!" said Croft. "So shall I fight for you--protect you--guard you, -wage warfare against all else for you, until indeed you are mine." - -She smiled upon him. "So shall I wait for thee," she began, and broke -off sharply: "Behold!" - -Croft turned his eyes. Maia knelt the length of her azure form crouched -in a posture of woe beside the couch on which Naia's body still -reclined. Her arms were thrown out across her mistress's breasts, her -face buried from sight between them. Beside her stood Mitlos, gazing on -blue girl and white, his entire posture and expression indicative of -distress. - -"Woe, woe!" Maia wailed in choked accents. "Cursed be Zilla who came -upon her in her sleep! She moved not, neither did she speak. Yet when -I sought to wake her at the hour for her bath, she answered not to my -voice. Again and again I cried to her, 'Naia, my mistress,' yet she did -not wake. Mitlos--Mitlos, we are undone. This is not of our doing, yet -will Lakkon seek our lives." - -"Go," said Croft to the lovely presence beside him. "Spare her alarm. I -thought not of your bathing. I have kept you overlong." - -And Naia, nodding, lingered for a final question. "Yet--will you come -to me again?" - -"Yes," said Croft and watched her vanish, watched Naia of Aphur's eyes -open, and the bosom beneath Maia's outstretched arms swell slowly, so -that the Mazzer girl felt and sprang up, startled, staring, with a -starting gaze. - -And then he went back to Himyra and sat up on his golden couch and -smiled. He had done a good day's work. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - ON THE WINGS OF AZIL - - -The end of the month following the election found Croft beginning -to carry out his material plans. Robur coming to Zitra for the -inauguration of Jadgor, bringing Gaya and Naia with him--the latter at -Lakkon's request--found time to insist that Jason return to Himyra at -once, and institute the work they had before discussed. - -Nor to tell the truth was Croft in any way loath. Indeed work was what -he craved, rather than a life such as for the past two weeks he had -found himself compelled to live in the Zitran pyramid. In addition -he felt that the atmosphere of Zitra would be subtly changed once -Jadgor was upon the ground, while in Aphur with Robur, his friend -and collaborator in his endeavors, the course of his plans would be -cleared. Then, too, he was thrilled by the thought of contriving a -material meeting with Naia, even more than by anything else. That -thought it was which set him to work on the development of electric -power first. - -Before that, however, he took Zud and journeyed to Scira in a galley, -its hull gilded, its sails of azure-blue, with a blue canopy above its -after deck, driven by a motor, rather than the oars which had formerly -projected from its waist. And at Scira he interviewed Koryphu, the -head of the university, regarding the establishment of schools. It -was arranged that he should induce Mutlos to take the matter up with -Jadgor, and Croft and the high priest sailed south to the mouth of the -Na and up its yellow flood. - -Then once more Himyra's forges flared as they had flared for the -greater part of that strange year before. Robur, democratic despite his -royal birth, went with Croft to the shops. In them was posted a notice -printed from Jason's original alphabetical blocks, announcing that past -the command of the Mouthpiece of Zitu there was no further word. In all -things pertaining to the development of the things he had planned Croft -found himself supreme. He directed and designed, while at the same time -he cultivated the friendship of his superintending captains and their -men. - -One of his first steps was to set about developing the vein of coal he -had discovered. He organized a band of miners and a motor transport -train. It was a strange sight when the latter for the first time rolled -forth. Robur and he went with it, and saw to the starting of the work. -Save for his faith in Jason the new governor of Aphur would have -doubted. Laughing, Croft gave him and the staring bands of miners and -captains a demonstration, and allayed their doubts. On the second day, -after the strippers were uncovering the vein and others of the men were -erecting cabins to house the workers, Robur and he drove back. - -Copper wire and rubber, or a substitute, were what he next required. -The first was easily gained. For generations the Tamarizians had -worked in metal, as shown by their couches, their molded doors, their -carriages and chariots and their tempered swords and spears. Croft -set hundreds of the workers to the task of making wire. The second -requirement was far less readily gained. But he did not despair. -Aphur's climate was tropical in the main. He believed he might find -some vegetable product such as he needed for the insulation of his -wires and set about an extensive questioning of the city's learned men. -So in the end he learned of a tree which exuded a milk-like sap, in -the forests south along the Na. Thither he and Robur went straightway -in a motor-driven galley, and the thing was done in theory at least, -depending for its practical working out on the efforts of an army of -local natives, whom the two set to gathering sap. - -Back again in Himyra, save at night, Croft gave himself little rest. -And even at night since, on Robur's insistence, he had taken up -residence at the palace rather than in the Himyran pyramid, Robur and -he discussed their plans, unless the governor was called by his duties -somewhere else. Occasionally when this happened, Croft talked with Gaya -instead. - -In this way he succeeded in winning her sympathetic understanding of -his position, even as concerning his love for Naia he had won it once -before. And Gaya, whose nature was characterized by a sweet simplicity, -questioned him frankly concerning the episode of Naia's attempted -suicide in the pool: - -"Robur swore by Zitu, he believed you present, in the same guise in -which you have told me, you move when your body sleeps." - -"Yes, Robur was right," Croft told her and described step by step what -had occurred. - -The princess nodded. "Now that Lakkon remains with Jadgor at Zitra, -the maid grows lonely," she declared. "She has asked me to visit her. -May I speak with her concerning these things if she mentions to me her -dreams?" - -Croft smiled. On Palos, or on earth, woman he thought was the same. -And Gaya, happy beyond question in the arms of the man of her choice, -stood ready to lead or drive Naia, a sister-woman to a mating if she -could. And, smiling, he nodded assent, but added a caution. "Yet speak -not of it save as of a dream--wife of my true friend. For the growth of -the soul must be as the growth of a flower, which the light of truth -expands." - - * * * * * - -His wire being made, his rubber gathered, Croft turned next to the -harnessing of the mountain stream. He chose copper for his penstocks -instead of wood, furnishing specifications to the molders for the -sections of the pipe and designing the model of the turbines to be -mounted in the pits. - -In all things Robur rendered him such assistance as he could, while he -never ceased to marvel at the very things he planned. "Mouthpiece of -Zitu you are indeed!" he exclaimed again and again, with flashing eyes -as some new detail was unfolded to his mind. "Let Jadgor be president -at his leisure. Thou and I, my Jason, shall take Tamarizia yet and make -it a new world." - -And with such a lieutenant Croft found his work advance. Wire was -being made in miles, rubber was being delivered in enormous chunks -from the commercial galleys down the Na, loaded onto trucks along -the quays, drawn by the dog-like creatures harnessed to them through -the merchandise tunnels beneath the streets and stored in the huge -warehouses against future use. Indeed all Himyra, all Aphur hummed at -the end of the month, and the founders were beginning to turn out the -sections of the giant penstock pipes. - -Thereupon Croft collected another train of motors and, organizing a -party of road-builders and masons, made his way into the hills to -select the site of his power station on the mountain stream. - -At the camp he established beside the mountain torrent he lost no time. -Long since he had cast aside Zud's choice of temple dress, for the -metal leg-cases, the short-skirted tunic of a military captain, falling -half-way down the thighs, and belted at the waist--a costume affording -the utmost freedom of movement while he directed the beginning of -each task. Habited thus he sat one day on the hillside, watching his -laborers digging trenches for the mighty penstocks, preparing the pits -for the turbines when, with a crash, through some near-by bushes was -thrust a huge animal face. - -Open it was, gaping, with a lolling red tongue, and yellow fang-like -teeth. For a moment it stared at him panting and then with a bound -the whole lithe creature advanced, and flung itself against him as he -scrambled to his feet. - -"Hai, Hupor!" he cried, recognizing the huge houndlike beast which had -fawned upon him once before in Lakkon's mountain house, and excited -Naia's comment by the act. - -Then as the creature dropped down beside him and turned its eyes, he -followed their direction with his own, and found his heart begin a -gladdened leaping. A trifle further up the hillside, Naia of Aphur -stood between two trees. - -Soft climbing sandals of gnuppa hide were on her feet and embraced her -tapering calves to just below the knees. Brown was her garment above -them, embroidered simply in green. And on her golden hair was a band of -brown, supporting a shimmering drape against the heat of the afternoon, -and a curling plume green as the leaves above it. In that first glance -it seemed to Croft that seen so, she was more beautiful than she had -ever been. - -He went toward her, his pulses hammering in his ears, the giant beast -trailing at his heels. - -"Greeting, maid of Aphur!" he said when he stood before her, and bowed -deeply from the hips, in formal fashion. - -"Hail, Mouthpiece of Zitu!" Naia inclined her head. "Did Hupor break -upon your meditations or distract your attention from the work in hand?" - -"Hupor and I," said Croft with a glance at the beast, "are friends. Nor -is my work a thing requiring such haste, that I may not spare time to -admire the fairest work of Zitu's hands." - -A swift color mounted into Naia's cheeks. Her glance shifted. "I walk -frequently with Hupor," she began a somewhat confused explanation. "The -temptation came upon me to inspect the work which I have watched from -my father's home for the past three suns, since it began. Hupor, I -think, was more surprised to see you than was I." - -"You expected to find me?" Croft caught her words up quickly. - -"Why not?" she rejoined with an upward flash of her eyes. "Is not the -work of Zitu's Mouthpiece under his direction?" Her manner changed, -became charged with covert meaning. "And more I dreamed." - -"Dreamed?" Croft repeated, striving to still a rising tumult in his -breast, at what seemed a challenging of his spirit by hers. - -"Nay, I know not," she said almost faintly, while her white lids -quivered above each purple iris. "But it was as though one told me this -stream was to be used to bring new light to Himyra--that such was a -part of your plans." - -"Yes," he said, "it is--to Himyra, and to Lakkon, thy father's house, -if so you desire, and to all of Aphur, all of Tamarizia in time. If so -you saw it, it would appear as a vision rather than a dream, maid of -Aphur. Come and I will show you its beginning and explain." - - * * * * * - -For an hour after that she wandered with him, and watching her now and -then, Croft surprised a puzzled expression on her face. Yet he said -no definite word, since he knew that the leaven of his past acts was -working in her, was slowly rising up until at last it should wake her -fully to the truth. - -"It were hardly fitting, were Lakkon's daughter not to offer to Zitu's -mouthpiece the freedom of Lakkon's house," she said at the last, when -Croft had escorted her back to the mountain valley wherein the palace -was placed. And her tone was vaguely wistful--there was something in -her eyes that cried out to him, wholly unlike that blue fire of scorn -they had held, when she flung the betrothal seal of Azil against his -breast. - -"Jason, the Mouthpiece, shall do himself the honor of Lakkon's house, -when Lakkon is within it," he replied with meaning, as he bowed and -turned and left her, and heard her catch her breath. - -Yet he took with him a song in his heart because of the invitation -which had faltered from her lips; because as he knew now the cry of -spirit to spirit was beginning to actuate the flesh. And he walked more -as a god indeed than a man as he made his way back to his workmen, -threading his way on springing feet, glorying in the strength of his -free-limbed stride on the wooded slopes, holding in his heart the -knowledge that it was because she had felt he would be present--because -of an urge to be near him, to speak with him as man and woman, that she -had come to view the new work. - -But he did not attempt to approach her again in the astral condition -during the week longer that he remained at the site of the power-plant. -Nor did Naia venture to it any more. And so soon as he was satisfied -that his subordinates understood the exact scope of their duties, he -returned to set about the actual construction of the dynamo that, water -driven, should light Himyra with a myriad of glowing lamps. - -But that night, after he had received Robur's report of progress, and -they had talked over the dynamo plans, he sought his own apartment and -stretched himself upon his couch. And then he went seeking the two -women who in all his life he had known the best, because he thought -that it would be on this first night, with Gaya, that Naia would -unburden herself. - -Failing to find them in the palace, he sought and found them in the -garden, seated on a carved bench of stone, inside the vine-grown walls -of the pool. Naia's eyes were fixed upon its surface, silvered by the -light of Palos's moons. Very wide and dark they seemed beneath the -shadow of her hair. Her lips moved. - -"Whether these be dreams, induced by those things of which you told me, -or whether too much thinking has tired my mind until it makes of vain -imaginings the seeming of other thought, I know not," she said in a -musing voice. "Yet even as you said, he had told my cousin Robur that -he left his body, so has it seemed to me that I left my flesh, when -he called me to him--that hand in hand we wandered forth together, to -Himyra--over the mountains, and once that we leaped all space, as he -says his spirit leaped from earth to Palos and stood upon the larger of -the moons up yonder, whose light sparkles here on the pool." - - * * * * * - -"Zitu!" Gaya's tones were a trifle unsteady--filled with a certain awe, -as Croft waited her answer. "But--Naia, sweet maid, may not dreams -embody truth?" - -"If dreams they be, I think it may be so," her companion rejoined. "For -on that time we went to Himyra as it seemed, I saw my father asleep, -and he whispered my name, and the next time he came to me he spoke to -me about it; said that he saw me standing beside him and had called me. - -"And,"--abruptly her soft voice took on the speaking semblance of a -child--"Gaya--the night was the same--on which I had my dream. And -again on an afternoon when it seemed he called me, and we wandered over -hill and valley, where flowers bloomed, and up to the everlasting -snows, it seemed also that on returning Maia thought that I had died, -and he bade me back into my body, promising to come to me again. And -when I woke, Maia and Mitlos stood beside me, in tears and terror, -thinking my spirit flown. Gaya--how explain such things as these?" - -"I may not tell you," Gaya faltered. "In these days since Zitu's -mouthpiece came among us, Aphur and all Tamarizia have witnessed -wondrous sights, have dreamed of undreamed truths." - -"Mouthpiece of Zitu," Naia repeated, turning to face her companion. "I -like not the name. Jason, he calls himself to me in my dreams, and as -Jason I prefer to think of him--as Jason, a man, and--and--my lover. -Ah, Gaya, should I blush for such a thought?" - -"Nay--thou art a woman, ripe for loving," Gaya reassured her quickly. -"And to women, be they fit, I think that Ga herself sends dreams." - -"Dreams!" Abruptly Naia clenched a fist and struck the tapered outline -of her thigh. "Dreams--aye, dreams they must be, Gaya--for to me he -came no more again. Only when I thought not of his coming did it -happen, and since, when I have called him, sought once more to sleep -and find him, it is vain. Yet if I be shameless, let me speak the same. -Greater happiness have I never known since I tore the seal of Azil from -my girdle, than when in my sleep he called me to him, and I answered -and saw him standing before me in my chamber, fair as Azil himself, -with his form shot through by the soft light of the moon. Or, when I -slept and Maia fanned me, and he came and led me into the outer world, -where we wandered in far places, he and I alone." - -"You saw him while he was in the mountains?" Gaya asked as her -companion paused, causing Croft to smile as he saw her intent to learn -what he himself had not told. - -"Yes--what am I saying? Gaya, I forget myself, even as that day I -forgot myself and bade him to my father's house." Suddenly she broke -off to throw her arms about Gaya's neck and bury her face, gone white -in the silver moonlight, against her breast. - -"And--" the arms of the older woman crept about her. - -"He replied he would enter it when Lakkon was within it," Naia told her -in a smothered voice. - -"As he would were he careful of your honor." Gaya held her close. -"Child, when my visit is ended, you must return with me to Himyra, nor -longer spend your time in dreams and thoughts." - -"But--" Naia sat up abruptly. Her question came with a sweetly feminine -inconsistency. "Would he not think I sought his presence, were I to -accompany you to the palace?" - -"Are you not Robur's cousin?" Gaya answered. "Can he expect you to -remain forever in your father's house?" - -Croft's smile was very tender as he turned away. Time and those -"dreams" of hers were fighting his battle for him in Naia's soul. And -had he need of other assistance in winning the one woman he desired in -a million worlds or years, Gaya was his lieutenant. He blessed her as -he returned to Himyra, for that propinquity of Naia and himself in the -future, that feminine endeavor at match-making, for which he now knew -that she schemed. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - NEW MARVELS - - -That Zitran, too, ran past. During it word came from Zitra that Jadgor -had approved and recommended for acceptance by the national assembly -that scheme for a chain of schools among the masses, Mutlos of Cathur -had introduced. Thereupon Croft and Jadgor selected several expert -metal molders and set them to work at making type, and Jason choosing -some of the skilled workmen whom he had trained to exact methods in -making the motors, months before, directed them now in the building of -a rather simple set of presses in which the type should be used. - -Also looking to the future he commanded others of the motor mechanics -to begin the construction of a half dozen engines of a somewhat -different design. Questioned by Robur as to his purpose, he explained -that these were destined to finish the lifting power for the first -Tamarizian airplanes. - -"Zitu! Zitu!" exclaimed the governor of Aphur, flashing his perfect -teeth; "I doubt you not, Jason, but my wonder does not cease. Recall -you the morning when you drove the first motor through the streets of -Himyra and well-nigh frightened the civic guards to death?" He smiled, -and Jason laughed. And then he sobered. - -"Yes," he replied. "And I recall also how the same morning, Chythron, -Lakkon's driver, lost control of the gnuppas and they bolted, and I -spoke with Naia, thy fair cousin, first." - -Robur nodded. He laid a hand on his companion's arm. "Fear not," he -admonished in sympathetic understanding. "Though the maid repel you -because of a lack of understanding, yet shall she come to you at -length." - -"Aye," Croft looked the other man full in the eyes with meaning. "Once -more shall I place Azil's sign upon Naia of Aphur's girdle." - -Yet to all outward seeming he appeared immersed in his work, and even -as the dynamo and the turbines took shape, he sent men into the vast -plain that stretched between Himyra and the mountains of Aphur, to a -spot of his selection, and bade them build there a huge shed to house -his airplane fleet. Still others he set on the fashioning of ribs for -the wings of the planes themselves, to building the fuselage bodies out -of sheets of copper, and after a consultation with the local caste of -weavers, he picked on a fabric for the wings. - -And with all his ceaseless activities he still found time in a -whimsical mood to inaugurate among his workmen a series of recreation -and games lest under the driving of Robur and himself the sweating -laborers grow stale. Indeed, he introduced a sort of competitive spirit -in the various shops, organizing from the members of each a separate -club and matching them one against the other in their sports. And of -all the games on which he might have picked, Jason Croft, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, and virtual commander of the remaking of a nation, chose baseball! - -In this he gave his at times bizarre fancy full rein. The balls were -fashioned from well-turned gnuppa hide, about a rubber core, with a -covering of string. The bats, were of tough resilient wood, which the -new devotees of the pastime swung with might and main. - -Then for the first time on Palos were heard the crack of the batsman -lining out a clean drive, and the cry of the umpire, Croft himself at -first: "Ball four--take a free pass! Strike--one!" - -And because even the most serious mind must find relaxation at times, -Croft found he enjoyed the matches between teams immensely, while -Robur entered with almost animal spirits into the rivalry of the -games, and nearly pestered the life out of Jason, trying to master the -intricacies and comprehend the casual principles involved in curves, in -and outshoots, drops and breaks, after he had seen them first. Indeed -Jason had more than one laugh after he discovered Robur in the bathing -court of the palace one morning, hurling a ball against a backstop he -had arranged, and trying to learn to throw it around a corner, as he -somewhat naively explained. - -But if Robur did not accomplish his purpose, several of the pitchers -eventually did to some extent, and Robur got a laugh of his own, when -one of them whom he had secretly had Jason coach in the copper foundry -team, was produced. The batter who happened to be up swung sharply -at what looked like a slow and easy delivery, and Aphur's governor -chuckled for days because the fellow very nearly broke his neck when -his bat failed to find the ball where he thought it was. - - * * * * * - -Croft's main satisfaction, however, in the success of the innovation -lay in the fact that from rivalry in the game it was but a step to -rivalry between the various corps of laborers in the shops. He took -that step and introduced a system of bonuses and holidays for increased -production or extra-efficient work. And because the Tamarizians were a -pleasure-loving people, the plan was a success from the first. Working -three shifts, as he had before the Zollarian war, Croft found his plans -progress. Five weeks--the length of a Zitran--after his return from -the mountains, found his turbines finished, his dynamo ready to be -transported and assembled in its appointed place. - -That place was ready to receive it as Croft knew from several trips he -had taken to it, in one of his swiftest motors. A stone power-house -had been erected, the penstocks were in place. Diverting gates were -prepared to turn the stream into them at the proper moment, and send -it roaring through the turbines in the pits. Telling Robur to send men -into the mountains to cut poles, and giving him a model of insulators -to be made of glass, Jason loaded the sections of his dynamo upon his -fleet of transports and set forth again on his journey to the hills. - -Thereafter for two weeks he toiled and sweated, thankful at least for -the fact that in Tamarizia labor was plentiful, and regulated by -government control in regard to wages, carefully estimated on a living -scale, so that the dissatisfaction and continual strikes of earth were -unknown. The condition enabled him to command what workmen needed, and -rest assured of a steady advance in the projects he undertook. - -More than once in that long, hot fourteen suns, Robur drove out to -inspect the progress made and marvel, and report the insulators being -turned out in satisfactory shape, and the poles coming down from the -hills on creaking motor trucks. Croft gave him drawings to guide him in -setting up a line of power poles across the desert from Himyra toward -the mountains, and at night, when his weary workmen were sleeping, -plunged into the task of devising Tamarizia's first electric lights. -At first he confined his plans to small-sized arcs, intending to give -public demonstration before he went on with the attempt to devise -incandescents for inside use. - -Coal was coming down from the vein he had discovered by now in quantity -sufficient to use in the copper smelters, and he decided to gain his -carbons, from this, converted into coke. After several nights of -intensive working, he pushed aside his finished plans and drew a long -breath of relief. The thing was done. - -Croft's eyes flashed. This enlightenment of a people and a nation was -becoming well-nigh an obsessing delight in his brain. It partook almost -of the nature of creation despite the fact that he knew those things he -was producing were but crude copies of familiar things he had formerly -known as concomitants of life. For, as he had said to Robur, and to -Zud, and to Naia herself, he was a man--was human in all his impulses -and feelings regardless of the marvelous control of the spirit he had -learned, and he thrilled with a personal satisfaction in the success of -each new endeavor, the wonder each new product of his scheming excited -in other brains. - -From Robur he learned that Gaya had returned to the palace, bringing -Naia with her for an indefinite stay. That, indeed, was in accordance -with his plans. For so soon as he had realized that Gaya meant to throw -the girl and himself into a closer association, as he did after the -conversation he had heard between the two women, he had purposely meant -to be absent from Himyra himself when the woman he loved arrived. - -Croft would not have been either where or what he was had he been -devoid of a vast psychological knowledge. And deep as were his own -emotions, strong as was his own impulse to indulge a desire for -Naia's closer presence, yet in all he did at that time he followed a -deliberately mapped-out course for the accomplishment of his purpose. - -During those days, as her words to Gaya had shown him very clearly, -Naia of Aphur's mental condition was one of vague unrest. And the -principle cause of that unrest was, as Croft knew, himself. - -The new estrangement between them, her act in returning his betrothal -jewel in so dramatic a manner, those subsequent excursions into the -unknown world of the astral plane which he had brought about, and which -she was as yet unable to consider other than as vagaries of a sleeping -brain, had induced within her a state of introspection which, even more -than his immediate presence, he felt sure must serve his purpose best. - -She had cried out in a sympathy seeking confusion to the wife of his -friend, that she had sought him that day in the mountains, as a sort -of test--a means of convincing herself if her visioning were false or -real. She had admitted that, even despite her former reluctance to -consider a possible mundane love between Croft in his present body -and herself, he had appealed to her that day in his physical form and -strength. And she had complained that he had not kept the promise given -by his astral form to hers, to return to her so again; had confessed -that she had sought for a renewal of those two former meetings, had -tried to repeat her "dreams." - - * * * * * - -Jason Croft, erecting his dynamo, harnessing it to his turbines with -heavy beltings of gnuppa hide, felt that the very desire he had wakened -in Naia's soul, would do its work better while it remained unsatisfied, -would gain in strength as the days passed into weeks, would receive an -added poignancy when she arrived at Himyra and found him gone again -to the hills, engaged without any seeming distraction attributable to -herself, on his work. - -For Croft knew very, very well that one of the great laws of all mating -consists in this--that until mating itself is accomplished, one element -retreats, while the other as constantly seeks, before desire itself in -the one awakens desire in the other, and thereby bringing both elements -together, strikes out of them life's fire. - -Yet, night after night, his work finished, stretched on a rough couch, -Croft yearned for this woman of all the worlds to his soul. Night after -night he lay picturing her as he had known her, revealing their every -association together, from his first sight of her in her father's -carriage, to those two weird astral meetings which had occurred. He -Pictured her beauty of face and form--the supple strength of the -latter, its litheness, its wonderful grace. He saw it in his mind's eye -as he had seen it time and again in life. - -And there were times when he quivered, and stretched out his arms which -throbbed with a strange, numb aching, remembering as it seemed in their -very substance, the soft, warm pressure of her flesh, the glory of -her former surrender to the caress of their embrace. There were times -when his lips writhed as he recalled their first meeting with her -mouth--that quick, spontaneous giving and taking of a kiss, before she -had cried out that now--now--he must win her, or else by the customs of -her country, she stood a maid disgraced--had cried it, and yet before -she left him on that same occasion, had crept to him, inviting a second -kiss. - -And though at such things Croft thrilled as may any man thrill, at the -thought of the one woman who can drive him to madness as a man, yet -unlike the ordinary mortal he thrilled still more at the beauty of her -soul. For unlike the customary lover, Croft had seen it--and because -of his knowledge of such matters, because he knew the meanings in a -spiritual sense of certain vibrations--because he could interpret the -meaning involved in auric colors--he knew that only a chastely pure -spirit possessed an aura of blue and gold. Wherefore great as was his -glory in his recollections of her physical beauty and charm, greater -still was his exaltation recalling how even like her golden hair and -purple eyes, that glorious image of her being he had twice called from -it, glowed. - -Glorious was she in body, beautiful in soul. And Croft lying while the -night wrapped the mountain, and the stream, plunging over the rocks in -its bed, sent its murmur to his ears, renewed once more his purpose, -and swore by all the highest forces in his conception, that ere this -thing was finished, that glory and beauty should be his. But in his -own way--the true way--the way in which two chemical atoms might come -together--gladly--almost unconsciously because of compelling force, -affinity, desire--let the word used be what it might since in the great -law of Zitu or God, they were the same. And it was so Croft meant to -claim that woman, body and soul, whom he felt was his true twin--that -glorious complement of his entire nature--that lode star of his being -who had drawn him to her--across the empty void between the stars. - -On the fourteenth day Robur came up from Himyra at Croft's request. -Jason met him as he descended from his motor and led him into the -newly constructed power-house. There, on a masonry and copper base, -insulated by a heavy plate of glass, stood what was as yet Tamarizia's -most wonderful device. Bolted and belted to the driving-gear of the -turbine it stood, waiting but the driving force of the waters through a -penstock to wake it into life. - -Croft's eyes blazed with something of excitement as he gestured toward -it. "Behold, Rob," he said, "with this shall we harness the lightnings -and bid them do our will. With this shall we light the streets of -Himyra and the fire-urns along the Na, and the palace, the houses of -all men in Himyra first, in all Aphur at the last. With this shall we -ere we are done, drive the wheels in many shops, which now are turned -by men and beasts in treadmills or upon the windlass bars. So shall it -come at last that by the mere pressure of a hand upon a lever those -wheels shall move. These things I promise you, Rob--behold." He waved -a hand to a captain standing by the door of the house. And he in turn -signaled to a workman not far off. And he, who had been waiting, lifted -a trumpet to his lips and blew a blast. It was the sign on which Croft -had agreed for the men high up on the mountain to open a penstock gate. - - * * * * * - -Yet for a moment there was nothing to mark the effect, until with a -whisper, rising to a roar, the huge pipe filled and discharged its -plunging contents against the waiting wheel. Then, as the wheel turned -and the belt of gnuppa hide revolved, there crept through the new rock -house a strange and droning hum. Louder and louder it rose, as faster -and faster the shining armature which Croft and Robur watched spun -round. Faster and faster, louder and louder--blue sparks began to shine -and quiver under the copper brushes. And suddenly, with a blinding -scintillation, a hissing crash, a giant spark leaped the gap between -the terminals of two wires Croft had arranged to test the ascending -charge. - -"Zitu!" Above the crackling discharge the captain in the door cried -out: "Fly--we are undone, man of Zitu--fly!" He staggered back and -paused and stood staring, vaguely reassured at the smile of triumph on -Croft's face. - -"Fear not," Jason told him quickly, as he struck up a lever, released -the tension of the belt, and caused the first dynamo on Palos to sink -from a dizzy whirling toward rest. "This moment speaks success for all -our toil of weeks. Go tell the men on the pipes to close the gates." - -Robur's face, too, was pale, well-nigh as that of the captain's, though -he had held his place. His lips were close pressed, however, and his -nostrils slightly pinched. Then, as Croft so easily chained the fiery -breathing of the monster he had produced, his eyes began to flash. - -"By Zitu, and by Zitu!" he swore the Tamarizian oath of wonder. "Jason, -you have indeed harnessed His own lightning, as you have said. For a -moment I feared that His wrath were excited by your daring, and He had -sent a bolt of His fire to destroy us, with the house." He broke off -with an almost shamefaced laugh. - -"Yet now it gentles like a wild gnuppa under its master's hand," he -went on again as the dynamo stopped and naught remained save the -dwindling rush of the waters through the waste pipes from the turbine -beneath their feet. "Zitu, my friend, but all men shall marvel yet as I -do now at this! What plan you next?" - -"Light!" said Croft. "Light, first, and after that to make use in all -the ways I mentioned of this force--to turn the wheels in shops, to run -the presses I have made to print from type and so supply the schools -Jadgor has favored with the means of broadening men's minds--to print -for them and their children, and so to spread the truth." - -"Thou wilt build a city here to do these things?" Robur questioned, as -yet unable to fully sense quite all Croft's words embraced. - -"No," Jason told him. "This power shall flow from here to Himyra, Rob, -across the line of poles your men are building, along the wires." - -"Zitu!" The governor of Aphur stared. - -Croft smiled. "Tomorrow," he went on, "I return to Himyra to arrange -for the making of lights, and a demonstration of their working when -the time is ripe." And suddenly his whole face lighted at an inward -thought. "Naia--Rob. Tell me of her." For suddenly at the mention of -his return her picture had leaped before him; the certainty had come -upon him that in Himyra he should meet her, speak to her, dwell beneath -the roof of the same house. And the accomplishment at which Robur, of -Himyra, was staring in awestruck wonder--the great dynamo, successful -in its primary test, and all it stood for--sank into nothingness before -the thought. Naia of Aphur's face, the hinted perfume of her presence, -blotted it out. - -"Thou wilt see her," said Robur--"of course." It was as though he read -Croft's thought. "And could you see her now as each sun I see her, -perchance you would feel as do I, that she will be glad of your coming -now at last. Like one without purpose she moves, Jason, my strange -friend, whom I love as no other man, yet do not understand. There is -the look of one who waits for one who comes not in her eyes. In their -purple depths they hold a question ever that makes them doubly dark. -Yet if at times I say I am driving forth to meet you, I have seen her -lay a white hand over Ga's snowy fountain beneath her robe. I have -seen her lips part as though to speak or question concerning thee, and -having returned, I have known that her ears were like thirsty lips to -drink in what reports I made regarding the progress of your work. Yet -in such mood is she sweeter, more desirable as it seems to me, than -ever in her life." - -Croft nodded. "Not more desirable to me," he said, "than the first sun -whereon I saw her. Today I place a guard and send the workmen back to -Himyra. Tomorrow I shall come." - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - BEATING WINGS - - -Naia of Aphur--Naia! He was now to meet her again in the flesh. The -thought held Croft as he drove toward Himyra the next day. He was to -meet her, as at Zitra, not as in the mountains beside the stream he had -harnessed to his and Tamarizia's purpose, but in Robur's palace, where, -like himself, she was a guest--under conditions where the conventions -of social life, not so far unlike those of earth, since human nature -is, after all, very much the same, would compel a certain courtesy in -their association at least. - -Toward that meeting he went more like an ardent lover than anything -else. Once in the palace, he sent for a barber and had his hair -carefully trimmed. For an hour after that he lay while a Mazzerian -masseur rubbed softening oils into his skin. And then he dressed in a -costume he had ordered made when he returned from Zitra first, unlike -old Zud's robes, and of his own designing--a costume of golden leg -cases studded with sapphire-hued stones--an undervest of gossamer -tissue--a short skirt of a heavier material, white in color, with a -silken sheen, and a cuirass of gold and silver, with the wings of -Azil and the cross ansata, inlaid on the breast-plate in more of the -sapphire-like gems. Of gold and silver was his helmet topped with a -crest of azure plumes. Robur came in upon him, having barely returned -from the shops, as he put it on. - -"Zitu!" he exclaimed, pausing to stare at his friend, and went on: -"Jason, thou art a sight--" - -"A sight, yes--" Croft cut him short with a heightened color. He -laughed. "Rob--there are times when your tongue reminds me of speech -on earth. Were I there at this moment, they would name me a _sight_ -indeed." - -A smile twitched Robur's lip as he caught the unaccustomed meaning. -"And at times I find a strange application of meaning in thy words, -Jason," he replied. "It is so in the manner of speech you use -concerning the games of baseball when the contest waxes warm. 'Tear -its hide off! Lay on that pill! Lean on it! Lean on it!'--the word -'charley-horse' which you sometimes employ, and the naming of an arm a -'wing.' None the less thou art a sight to gladden a maiden's eyes, my -friend, and even now a maid and a matron await thee beside the bathing -pool. So--get thee gone! Thou art beautiful enough." - -With another laugh Croft took him at his word, descending to the court -where the swimming pool sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight, -and advancing in a considerable blaze of material glory to where, on -couches beneath a shimmering awning, Gaya and Naia reclined. - -"Hai, Jason!" Robur's wife exclaimed, extending a hand as she saw him. -"Welcome, thou tamer of the lightning, as my lord has said thou art. -Wilt pardon a matron's indolence, or should I greet thee on my feet?" - -"Nay." Croft took her hand and bent above it. "I like thee less, wife -of Robur, in the formal mood. Retain the charm of thy ease." Then -deliberately he turned his eyes and met those of Naia. "Greeting to -thee, maid of Aphur," he said. - -"And to thee, Mouthpiece of Zitu," she returned with her pansy-purple -eyes fixed on the flashing symbol on his breast. - -Croft noted the glance, the slight tensing of the lines about her mouth -as he sat down. He had meant from the first to note its effect. Indeed, -he had worn it to this meeting of a purpose. It was his intent that, in -spite of it, and all it stood for, or had stood for at one time in her -mind, her surrender should be gained. - -"As to the harnessing of Zitu's fire, 'tis no more than a following -out of Zitu's law when understood," he turned to Gaya to explain. "The -generation of 'elektricity,' as it is called, is no more in this case -than the changing of one force into another, a transfer of energy -from---" - -"Ah, Ga, I am a woman, unversed in such matters!" Gaya exclaimed with -a dancing in her eyes. "I fear I am too old to learn. Naia is of a -younger generation, her mind of softer substance; grave thy meaning on -its tablet with the stylus of thy tongue. I would see Robur before the -evening meal. It were time he had returned." - -"Aye," said Croft, smiling and rising to assist her to her feet. "Even -now he is within the palace. We spoke before I came forth." - -He watched while she hurried importantly away, still smiling inwardly -at her palpable subterfuge for leaving Naia and him alone; then turned -to where Lakkon's daughter still reclined, and resumed his seat. - -"You have heard from Zitra?" he inquired. - -"Aye," she said, and went on with the information: "Lakkon, my father, -and Jadgor are blessed by Zitu with good health. My cousin's wife -informs me Jadgor has given sanction to thy plans for schools." - -"My plans?" Jason countered the indirect accusation. "Was not the -matter presented by Mutlos of Cathur?" - -"Aye." The pansy-purple eyes grew somewhat narrow. "Mutlos--a man of -the people, who writes not his own name upon the tablets, suggests -that the people be taught to read the characters heretofore known -to few save the nobles and the priests. And Koryphu of Scira joins -hands with Mutlos to support the project. Thus inside a few Zitrans -after a thousand cycles in Tamarizia--" The ivory shoulder above her -left breast twitched in something like a shrug of her own words of -rejection. "Thus, on its face, the thing appears. Also, Robur last -night came with a marvelous tale of your latest success. Zitu--one -succeeds where another only dreams." - -"Success," said Croft, looking directly at her, "consists very largely, -Princess Naia, in refusing to be denied." - - * * * * * - -For a moment she endured his steady contemplation, and then her lids -drooped, she picked at a fold of her garment. "And you succeed? You -refuse to be--denied?" - -"Yes, by Zitu!" her companion told her quickly. "I refuse to question -the possibility of aught which Zitu permits or ordains." - -And suddenly Naia of Aphur threw up her head in an almost haughty -gesture. "As were fitting, being Mouthpiece of Zitu," she made answer, -"speak further. Tell me of your plans." - -Womanlike, she had touched him on a soft spot. Croft blazoned forth. -And though now in all things mortal he was Tamarizian indeed--still -he was a man--and because of the peculiar circumstances leading up to -his present position, he still clung to many of the habits in thought -of earth. Furthermore he had planned at some length the night before -concerning the manner of his demonstration of electricity to Himyra. -And in those plans he had put all his eggs in one basket, more or less. -He had planned to make it what on earth he might have called "some -time." - -Hence he ignored Naia's evasion of what had been growing into more -or less a tense situation, fell in with her suggestion, and began a -delineation of his designs. And despite herself, as he went on, Naia, -being a typical Aphurian and, like her people, one of a pleasure-loving -race, found her interest quicken, her somewhat formal pose forgotten, -her brain filled with pictures never beheld before; so that long before -he had finished her eyes began to shine. - -"Himyra shall see sights such as she has never witnessed," Croft -declared. "I shall make lights. Already for them the plans are drawn. -Lamps they shall be of glass and metal, which, when the new force shall -pass through them, shall glow, yet without emitting any smoke or flame. -These first I shall show at a public celebration, in small numbers. -Later they shall flare from one end of Aphur to the other. Yet before I -present them to the people, I shall have completed yet another device -which shall be for a part of the celebration--a machine which, like the -motors across the desert, shall fly through the air." - -He went on, lost in the joy of portraying his intentions to her, and -described the airplane, drawing in graphic words a verbal outline of -each part, from the metal fuselage to the wings. - -It was then for the first time that Naia interrupted. And not as an -interruption, but in their nature her words were surprising in a way. -Gradually as Croft described the airplane he meant to build, her whole -expression had changed, had grown wide-eyed and parted of lip, a thing -of rapt attention, until as he paused, with the promise of himself -riding the air at the coming celebration, she exclaimed: - -"Thou wouldst be as a bird in thy daring, and the birds I have often -yearned to follow! To rise like them, singing in broad circles against -the sun, or with beating wings to breast some cloudy storm. Zitu -permitting"--she lifted herself on her couch, and her whole form seemed -to expand with the thrill of the conception--"I myself would delight to -fly with these thy wings." - -"Thou?" Croft found that her wish both upset and thrilled him. The -spontaneous flare of daring it mirrored forth, the flash of the lovely -eyes that accompanied its expression, the light of its thought on her -face, all woke a quick admiration. But--the following consideration -of her glorious life exposed to the perils of the undertaking roused -something like consternation in him. - -And as the thought clouded his face and he stammered forth his -interrogatory exclamation, Naia relaxed the tension of her figure, -reclining again on the couch. "Nay," she said, "if it fills you with -displeasure, forget my overquick speech. There shall be new light in -Himyra, and Zitu's Mouthpiece shall ride above all men's heads, on -the wings of his devising, that they may behold him and wonder at his -wisdom. What else?" - -Mentally, Croft winced at the subtle turn of her words. Almost it -seemed to him that she purposely misunderstood his hesitation, seeking -thereby to mask the temporary loss of her own pose, the well-nigh -forward interest she had displayed. But, aside from an inward emotion, -he gave no sign that he noted the personal bias of her rejoinder. - -"In the afternoon there will be a ball game," he said. "Robur and I -will select the teams." - -"Base-ball?" Suddenly Naia laughed. Her arms rose, and she clasped her -hands behind her head. Her whole figure, clad in white, embroidered -over the breasts and about the hem in scarlet, blue, and green, with -small gems to produce something like a Persian effect, stretched its -supple length in an almost indolent fashion. She began toying with the -ends of its fringed girdle. "Robur tells me 'tis a game you brought -with you from--earth." - -Abruptly Croft became aware of the scrutiny of her eyes, for the space -of a heartbeat, then they were again inspecting her girdle's fringe. - -"Yes," he answered, sensing that once more she was groping for some -sign in his words or manner. "Have you witnessed a game?" - -Naia nodded, without looking up. "Robur insisted, after he had -contrived to throw a ball through my chamber window and drop it into -the mirror pool with a most surprising splash, to say nothing of waking -me with the water in my face." - - * * * * * - -Croft smiled. He suspected Rob had been continuing his experiments with -the intricacies of curves. - -"Since then," Naia went on, "I have been seeking to aid him in the -mornings with something he desires to learn. It seems that he declares -a ball may be thrown so that it changes its direction in the air, and -I confess that, watching one of the team pitchers whom he pointed out -at a game, it appeared that it was done. We have risen and worked for -several mornings together; but, besides breaking two windows and some -flower urns, we have little to show for our pains. Gaya declares he -will destroy the palace unless you teach him the trick on your return." - -"I shall join you in the morning," said Jason, laughing, as her red -lips smiled. - -Naia regarded the arches of her pink feet, bared save for sandals of -scarlet gnuppa leather, caught about her slender ankles by silver -bands, to which were linked chains of silver running up on either side -of the heel and between the toes. "Then," said she, "shall I let you -take the ball when he throws it. I confess it burns my hands. As to -this new light--what does it burn, since it neither smokes nor flames?" - -"A substance," said Croft, "made from koal." And now as he spoke he -watched his companion in turn. And suddenly he met her eyes in a glance -that thrilled--a glance that spoke of recollection, that seemed for an -instant to flash him a voiceless question, yet one whose meaning to him -was plain. And for a moment it seemed that an actual question trembled -on the lips of the perfect mouth he watched, before Naia spoke in an -almost breathless fashion. - -"Koal--the strange, black stone you have set men to digging in the -region to the west? Jason--how knew you where to find what, before your -coming, in all Aphur was unknown?" - -Croft's heart leaped, both at what he felt was the animus back of the -query, and the fact that now, for the first time to him in the unity of -soul and body, she had used his name. And suddenly daring the issue, -he let his eyes sweep from her golden head to pink-nailed toes, in a -glance that was subtly like a caress, before he answered slowly: "I -came upon its locality on a day when my body lay sleeping and my spirit -wandered as you have heard that it does. Some might say that Zitu -showed it to me--in a dream." - -Naia of Aphur went pale. Her color faded. One of her hands crept up and -lay above her heart. For a moment she plainly struggled for control, -and then she faltered. "A dream, say you--a dream?" - -Croft nodded. "Yes. Did you not speak to me yourself of one such, in -which you had learned of my intent concerning the use of water to bring -new light to Himyra? Said you not as much the afternoon of that sun on -which you and Hupor came upon me by the stream?" - -"Oh, aye--oh, aye, indeed." Naia's tone was listless, weary. "Yet am I -not Mouthpiece of Zitu. Who am I to dream?" - -And suddenly Jason Croft caught a breath deep into his lungs. Close to -the borderland between spirit and body were they in that moment, and -he knew it--close, very close. A little more thought, a little more -pondering and questioning of itself, and this girl's spirit must spread -the wings of the soul in conscious understanding of the truth. His eyes -lighted at the recognition of that fact. His nostrils tensed a trifle -about the angle at thought of all it must mean. - -"No, Mouthpiece of Zitu are you not called," he said. "Nor is there any -mouthpiece of Zitu, save through the soul of man. Yet are you daughter -of Ga, and a woman, through whom man's soul must pass before man be man -indeed. Thou art the door between man and Zitu, and in so much nearer -than man to him." - -Then for a moment he paused and sat with a fear beginning to stir -within him lest he had dared too much. For she said nothing, nor moved. -Nor did she look at him, or, as he fancied, at any objective thing. -She lay reclining, her body rising and falling to a long, slow rhythm -of breathing, her gaze directed off across the shimmering ripple of -the pool. But as he watched, her expression softened, became rapt--as -though the purple eyes beneath her long-fringed lashes were beholding -what save to herself was an invisible thing. Her lips moved without -sound. But Croft, reading their motion, knew that they framed two of -his own words: "The Door." - -"Yes--the door--above which Azil spreads his wings," Croft repeated -softly. - -Once more he broke off and sat waiting. Because his words had been -almost an allusion to the betrothal gift of Tamarizian men to their -women--that seal of Azil she had torn from her girdle and returned in -scorn to him. And that she would understand it, considering how largely -symbolism entered into Tamarizian speech, he felt assured. - -Nor was he kept long in suspense. Naia's steady breathing broke -its rhythm. With a lithe movement she first sat up on the couch, -then lifted herself to her feet. Her eyes turned toward him. The -introspective light was gone from their blue depths. They blazed with a -purple fire. "Enough!" she panted as she faced him. "Friend thou art of -my cousin, and friend art thou to his wife. Mouthpiece of Zitu art thou -to my nation, and as such I yield you my respect. Yet speak not any -more to me such words as these, and let us have understanding. Daughter -of Ga am I, and a woman as thou knowest; but one for whom not--any more -does Azil spread his wings." - -She paused and stood before him, head back-tilted on the round, white -pillar of her throat, arms straightened beside her a trifle extended, -drawn a trifle back, tense as a tightened cord in all her slender -length; staring wide-eyed into his eyes, until abruptly she lifted a -hand and struck herself sharply on the breast and turned from him, -crossing the court to disappear from sight. - - * * * * * - -Beside the pool Croft remained more than a little disturbed by the -feeling that, urged on by the propinquity for which he had thirsted -through weeks, he had on this first meeting risked too much. Nor was -his mood lightened by the fact that Naia failed to appear at the -evening meal, and the questioning expression in Gaya's glance, which -she turned upon him from time to time. As a matter of fact, the girl's -close presence had gone to his head, and he had literally sought to -gain from her some sign--to speak not so much to her physical mind as -to her soul. But as he sought his chamber that night, it appeared that, -instead of rousing an answering flash from her spirit, he had struck a -note which in some way disharmonized. - -And because of that he sought her out, safe once again in the -undertaking, since should he call her to him in the astral body now, -she might well think that she dreamed once more--a dream inspired by -his presence in Robur's house. - -He willed himself to her. Long practice had made it easy. With him -now, such things occurred in a flash. It was his intent to summon her -forth, speak to her such things as he dared not speak yet in the flesh. -But once in that yellow-draped room of Robur's dwelling where he had -thought to find her stretched on the amber-jeweled copper couch, he -paused--paused and stood waiting and watching, because-- - -Naia knelt, a slender white shape in the dusk of her apartment, before -the figure of Azil, beside the mirror pool. And as once before, when -she had cried out to this same Angel of Life against the barter of her -body to a profligate traitor, for the saving of her nation, so now once -more Croft bent his head while she prayed: - -"Oh, Azil, who carry life from Zitu to all the daughters of Ga, by his -command--thou whose sign I have torn from my girdle and flung at the -feet of him who gave it, have pity upon me. For truly am I a daughter -of Ga. And though thy sign I hurled against him, even against the -symbol of thy widespread wings, yet was my action prompted by an agony -of spirit, rather than by any wish or intent to show disrespect to -thee. And were I wrong, set me aright. - -"Spread over me again thy shadow wings--let me once more be altogether -daughter of Ga, thy mother--not barren, but a fruitful thing. Or were -my impious act too great to be forgotten--if against me thy wings are -folded--if woman's birthright I may not hold, nor mirror the life of -him, as this pool mirrors thy form within it--if I may not be that Door -of Life he called me--have pity, Azil; Zitu have pity; have pity Ga, -and teach me a new strength." - -She rose. Her arms lifted. For a moment she stood so before the carved -figure. Then her lips moved. "Jason," they faltered. Her breath caught -in a sob. She turned and threw herself upon her couch. - -"Beloved!" Croft let the cry of his thrilling soul steal forth. -"Beloved you have called me. Beloved, I am here." - -Naia of Aphur stiffened in every soft line and curve. She lifted her -head as one who listens. She lifted her slender body on her rounded -arms. Then slowly, in a wide-eyed wondering fashion, since Croft -had not waited for sleep to claim her on this night of nights when -he had heard the confession of her love in the sacred shrine of her -night-wrapped chamber, she sat up. - -And now the borderland between objective and sub-conscious knowledge -was narrow--very, very narrow indeed--the consciousness of soul and -body was divided by no more than a breath, a hair. Croft felt that it -quivered as the woman sat there, rapt of expression. - -"Jason," she whispered again at last. - -"Beloved--come forth!" Close by the form of Azil, Croft took his -station, moved by the sudden impulse that for this girl who prayed to -be made once more all woman he was as Azil himself. - -The form of Naia swayed. It bent. Slowly it sagged down and lay relaxed -upon the couch. And between it and Croft where he waited, there -appeared the diaphanous, swaying, scintillating outline of her astral -shape. - -"Jason!" And now for the third time she cried it gladly with her -quivering, flaming lips. "Jason--Azil!" She stretched out yearning -hands. "Thou hast come to me again." - -"Yes," said Croft, opening his own embrace and drawing her inside its -circle. "Yes, I have come--to tell you your prayer is answered--to tell -you that of all laws of Zitu, the greatest of all is love--that love -in which Ga brought Azil forth before he came to Palos to teach men -the way of life. Wherefore for Azil himself I speak when I say, as I -have said before, that for me--for me, and for me alone, you guard the -shrine of life--that some day, once more I shall place upon thy girdle -that sign that in Zitra you flung against my breast." - -"Thou hast it?" The contained fire of her substance glowed. - -"Yes." Croft smiled. "And some day the fleshly hands of Jason shall pin -it fast." - -"I was mad, mad!" his companion panted. "Much thinking, the shock of -learning thee other than I had thought, had made my heart sick, my -mind unsettled--too much I thought of the man, and not enough of the -spirit--the real you that is here with me now, as with you the real me -is here. Ah, Jason, Jason--one time in Lakkon's palace we stood thus -together in the body, and I--I yielded you--my mouth." - -"As once more you yield it." Croft lowered his lips to the strange, -lambent outline of hers beneath them. He kissed her in a strange kiss -such as he had never dreamed of--a thing all inexpressible softness, -seeming to hold in its contact a something that tingled like fire. And -as though that fire were a strange, cosmic solvent, for an instant as -short as a breath, as long as eternity, it was as though their two -individualities dissolved and flowed together, blended into one. - -Croft tore away his mouth. The thing had been too real. It left a -weird, staggering sensation quivering through him, and the form within -his strong arms quivered. Its auric fires of white and gold and purple -were more radiant than they had ever been. Naia's hands clung to him. -Her eyes were uplifted. "Go--go!" she panted. "Send me back to my body. -Yet wait not so long to come to me again." - -"In the morning I shall see you with Robur," said Croft as he released -her. For now he felt assured that she was very, very close to a -conscious understanding of the nature of their love--its wonder--its -glory--its truth. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - THE KING'S MESSENGER - - -And that she stood very near indeed to the threshold of understanding, -the weeks that followed their third astral meeting showed. - -It showed in a changed demeanor of their meeting the next day. Croft -waked with the sound of her voice in his ears, and lay for an instant -startled in the half world between waking and slumber before he -realized that it drifted from the bathing court of the palace. - -Instantly he sprang up, recalling her words of the day before -concerning Robur's daily practice at throwing curves with a baseball. -He glanced out. Already Naia and her cousin were at work. Croft had -overslept, as it seemed, but now his pulses quickened at the picture -Naia made. - -As he reached the window Robur threw the ball, and the princess ran to -retrieve it. All in white she was--a single fluttering garment, its -skirt tucked up and caught together for greater freedom of movement, -revealing a flashing play of speeding limbs. Bare on the tiles of the -tessellated pavement were her pink-arched flying feet, and bare her -outstretched reaching arms. And her hair, free, was a cloud of flying -gold about her face. An old-time story flashed into Jason's mind. So -he thought might Atalanta have appeared, free-limbed, glorious, and -unrestrained, as she ran her race. He turned away, tearing his eyes -from her youth and grace and beauty, and hastened to dress. - -As he came forth five minutes later, she flung the ball with a truly -feminine overhead gesture to where her cousin stood. "Zitu, my cousin!" -she teased with a flash of milk-white teeth between the twin crimson -portals of her mouth. "You throw wider of the mark, and still more -wide. To me it seems that you lack that which you speak of in Jason's -words as 'control.' Thy ambition to be a pitcher stands in sorry case." - -And then she caught sight of Jason himself and broke off, while across -her lovely face there stole a flush as soft as the dawning Sirian -light--a flush as beautiful as that on the bosom of rising Aurora, -Croft thought. She was panting somewhat, perhaps from her exertions, -perhaps from an inward emotion as she turned toward him and held out a -tapering hand. "Hai, Jason!" Her red lips changed the object of their -speaking, and her blue eyes met his fully. "It is morning--and--I see -you again." - -"And I thee," said Croft as he touched her fingers--"fairer, more -beautiful and altogether lovelier than the dawn itself. Thy voice -awaked me and told me I was late for our play with the ball." - -But his blood was singing, his pulses pounding. The thrust of his heart -was a visible beating at the base of his stalwart throat. For her words -had been but a paraphrase of that promise he had spoken to the soul of -her he had held the past night in his arms. And more than any others -she might have spoken, they told him that at last, as a waking woman, -she began to understand. - -Yet he gave no further sign, and Naia herself seemed contented with -that one brief interchange. "Aye, teach him, instruct him, and thou -canst. He is willing, but he accomplishes little with a vast amount of -work to himself and my feet and hands." - -And Jason laughed with a wonderful exultation coursing through him as -he took the ball from Robur, who had approached. - -Thereafter for a half-hour he instructed, and Naia retrieved the -Aphurian's wild heaves and pitches, until by degrees Robur gained the -partial mastery of a simple inward curve; and Naia, her face dewed -with a fine moisture from her part of the practice, protested against -any more that morning, declaring instead for a bath, and moving toward -the pool, loosening her garment on the shoulder as she walked. - -It fell from her, leaving her in the Tamarizian costume employed by her -sex when both men and women bathed--a sort of harness about the back -and shoulders--thin, glinting chains of metal supporting gem-incrusted -shields above the breast--a girdle at the waist to fasten about her -hips, a gold and purple covering, not unlike a pair of trunks. Croft -was acquainted with the fashion, but never before had he seen Naia so -revealed. He caught his breath with an audible inhalation, and became -aware that Robur smiled. - -"Go," he suggested as he moved to join Naia in the sun-kissed water. -"Tell Bela to ask Gaya for a garment, and join us in the pool." - -Croft nodded. He hastened away. He found Gaya's maid, and once with -the trunklike article she produced, lost no time in putting it on and -returning to the court where Naia and Robur were now contesting in -the water, with choking word and laugh. In a clean dive, he cut its -surface, shot across the full width of the pool, and came up at Naia's -side. - -Her hand crept out and lay against him. Almost it seemed to him that -she sought the contact. "You are strong, O Jason. You should be at home -in the water, even as an Acquor," she said with a quick-drawn breath. - -There was a hint of witchery in her smile, however, as Croft knew. The -Acquor was a gaudy aquatic creature, colored something like a pheasant, -with the head of a goose, red legs, and blue, webbed feet. Consequently -he laughed as he replied: "Work in the mountains has reddened my skin, -it is true, O little fish of gold and purple and silver--yet have a -care, since the Acquor eats little fish that it catches in the water." - -"Zitu!" Naia exclaimed, as very much like a silver fish, indeed, she -dived. - - * * * * * - -Thereafter Croft forgot all else save her new mood and her presence, -until Robur announced that it was growing late, and that he had many -things that he must discuss with Croft. - -In such fashion, however, did he enter upon the multitudinous energies -that marked the following Himyran days. He plunged into them and -their endeavors with a song in his heart. Indeed, it was as though the -absence which until now he had actually courted had worked its effect -on them both--as though that propinquity which followed brought now a -sort of reflex attitude into their bearing toward one another, swung -them from one extreme to the other more than anything else. - -That first day Croft started work on the ovens to produce his coke. -With Robur he talked over all his plans. He drove out to the site of -his hangars and inspected the rising sheds. He returned to the shops -of the carpenter caste, and set in motion the work of assembling -the airplane wings. He inspected the bodies, found fault and made -corrections, looked into the motor plant, and ordered the captains -there to speed up their work. He drove to the glass plant from there, -and gave orders for the making of his arc-lamp bodies. He seemed -inspired with a ceaseless energy, which finally drove Robur into -comment: - -"Zitu--Jason, my friend, where is the need for such haste?" - -Then, and then only, did he realize with what a restless energy, what a -tireless thrill of driving force, he had moved from place to place. - -"None, Rob," he said with a quick-caught inhalation; "save that today -the fire of life burns high within me, and my spirit seeks action, not -rest." He broke off and lifted his own hand to the spot where Naia's -fingers had lain that morning on his flesh. - -And, as so often, Robur seemed in a measure to catch his thought. "Is -she not beautiful as a shaft of Zitu's own light?" he inquired, and -looked into Jason's eyes. "Gaya is beautiful, too, and I love her; yet -I think thy belief that she is the other half of thy soul is true. For -Mouthpiece of Zitu are ye, and wiser than all other men of Palos, and -Naia of Aphur, my cousin, is divine." - -"Thou hast said it. Her beauty drives me as the whip against the -gnuppa's flank. It quickens my endeavor, forces me to fresh effort--" -Croft began, and broke off as a captain, followed by a servant from the -palace, appeared in the door of the room wherein they stood. - -"Hai, Robur!" the captain exclaimed, advancing with uplifted hand. -"Here is one who seeks thee, as he says it, by command." - -"Speak," said Robur, turning to the other--one of a number of -Mazzerian runners who as messengers were kept always at hand. - -The blue man saluted in formal fashion. "One from Zitra awaits thee at -the palace. Even now others seek you from place to place." - -"Go. Say that I come." Robur dismissed him and turned to Croft. A -pucker of thought lay between his eyes. "This may be from my father. -I know not the nature of his message, but--my friend, accompany me in -this." - -Jason nodded. His heart warmed again, as so often, to this man. No -matter what word Jadgor might have sent, Robur, the son of Jadgor, -was his friend. David and Jonathan--the comparison flashed in his -mind as they left the glass-blowers' shop and entered the motor to -drive swiftly back to the palace at once. David and Jonathan! It had -been something like that between them from the first. He sensed the -subtle way in which, in the present instance, the Aphurian was giving -demonstration, that whatever stand Jadgor might have taken toward -Croft, his son would follow the dictates of love and honor in his stand. - - * * * * * - -In the huge, red-paved court they left the motor and, passing between -the portal guards, made their way swiftly, side by side, to the -audience-hall where once Croft had seen Kyphallos of Cathur received -by Jadgor, Aphur's king. A man with the circle and cross on his -breast--Jadgor's emissary--was waiting there for their coming now. As -the two friends appeared, he rose. - -"Greeting to Robur, governor of Aphur and son of Jadgor, who sends me -to him," he began, producing a ring that Croft himself had often seen -on Jadgor's finger and pressed it into Robur's hand. - -Robur glanced at it and nodded. "Say on," he replied. - -"On Bithur, Mazzer makes war." - -"Zitu!" Robur started and turned his eyes to Croft. - -Croft nodded. Beyond a narrowing of his eyes, he gave no sign of the -quiver of surprise that shook him. "Let us sit down and hear the rest -of it," he advised. - -Robur waved his father's emissary to a seat and found one of his own. -"And now thy story, and quickly," he urged, while Croft found a place -by his side. - -"As thou knowest who led an army into Bithur when Zollaria made war," -the Zitran resumed; "there was promised to Mazzer, for her help of the -children of Zitemku to the north--whom Zilla take to himself--certain -of the expected spoils. And as thou knowest, in all that was -contemplated, both Zollaria and Mazzer failed. Yet was Mazzer promised -a free highway down Bithur's principal river to the Central Sea. -Mazzer, encouraged thereto as thy father thinks by Zollaria perchance, -now presses this demand. Bithur, being not as Aphur and Nodhur and even -Milidhur, supplied with the new weapons they used against Helmor's -armies, is weak. Already have there been clashes between the blue men, -better armed than ever before, and the men of Bithur along the border. - -"Towns have been burned--fields laid waste--women carried into the -forests, and men and children slain. Wherefore Jadgor commands you -this. Send to Bithur the armored moturs, and a thousand men with the -new weapon that shoots metal and fire with the death-dealing bolts of -metal they discharge. For since all Tamarizia is one nation, it is -fitting and just that the weak should cry for aid in their need to the -strong, and that the strong should hear. Jadgor, who sits on Hiranur's -throne as head of Tamarizia, has spoken. Let Robur of Aphur give ear to -his words and obey." - -"Aphur hears." Robur inclined his head. "Say to Hiranur that Aphur -obeys. The moturs, the men, and the weapons go to Bithur at once. Man -of Zitra, you will refresh yourself ere your return." - -"Nay." Already the other was on his feet. "This matter gives no rest. -I return so soon as Aphur's obedience is assured. Zitu speed the -fulfilment of your promise." As Croft and Robur rose he bowed and left -the room. - -Robur turned toward Croft. "Revenge," he said. "A war of revenge, my -friend. Zollaria, cheated of her foul designs, would harass Bithur's -borders. Hai!" His eyes flashed. "So be it. We shirk not what Zitu -sends. Jason, go with me. Help me to send what is needed forth." - -"Yes," Croft nodded, and for the rest of that long day the drive of -energy within him found full vent. Runners were despatched to notify -the captains of the civic guard, and a sufficient number of the -veterans of Croft's riflemen in the Zollarian war. Cases of cartridges -were loaded into the motor galleys along the quays. Six of the armored -motors Croft had designed and used against Helmor's legions went -roaring through the streets and snorted their ungainly way aboard the -waiting ships. What Aphur had been called upon to furnish, she set -about providing without delay. - -And yet, though in no way was he glad of this fresh need of armed force -on Palos; there was no satisfaction in his soul at the thought of dead -men, and women carried captive into the Mazzerian towns. Now and then -as he worked, superintending that transshipment of men and munitions, -Croft smiled. And his smile was strange as he found himself wondering -just how Jadgor would meet this flank attack--this guerrilla warfare -hurled against his most poorly prepared state by that beaten nation to -the north, which Jadgor seemed inclined to take credit to himself for -having defeated in war. - -And that night, because there were things he wanted to know, he decided -to learn them in the same way he had learned many, many things to his -own and Tamarizia's advantage before. He willed himself to Zitra, -to the palace and the presence of the man who had boasted to Zitu's -Mouthpiece of his strength. - -Zitra lay, all crystal and white and silver, under the triple moons. -And then he was in a room with Jadgor and Lakkon and another--a -stranger, whom he learned from the following conversation was a man of -Bithur, Parthys by name. - -The latter was speaking as Croft came in. - -"By Zitu!" he exclaimed. "These bands are led by men of Zollaria, -beyond any question. Some there are who have been killed in the -fighting, and--they have stained blue their skins and dyed red their -fair hair. - -"Beaten in fair fight, she sends her captains to lead these barbarians -against us--to outrage our women, and dash out the brains of sucklings -and destroy our men. Jadgor, this was planned. Even among the men of -Mazzer among us have there been whispers, so that blue men have slain -the Bithurians in whose homes they were employed, and information -has been transmitted from among us to our foes. This is Zollaria's -vengeance she sends another to fulfil. Like a blue swarm of stinging -insects, they swarm against us. Ten towns lie in ashes. Medai, our -governor, is gathering our people for defense so quickly as may be. -Yet, and aid be not sent us quickly, Zitu himself knows what may be -endured." - -Jadgor's dark face grew darker still at this report. He struck the -table by which he sat a characteristic blow with his fist. "By Zitemku, -the fiend whose spawn they are, they shall pay double price for what -they have undertaken," he declared. "For aid I have sent already to -Aphur. By now a swift galley should have arrived at Himyra, bearing my -agent to the governor, my son. Once has Jadgor, when of Aphur, saved -Tamarizia from Zollaria's designs. Fear not, Parthys of Bithur, that -with the same means Helmor was vanquished, we shall punish this blue -horde." - -"Yet were it not better"--Lakkon put out a hand and touched the corded -forearm of his brother-in-law, still tensed as it held his sinewy -fingers doubled into an almost hammerlike fist--"were it not wiser, -Jadgor, to ask the advice of him to whom much of our success against -Zollaria, and the return of Mazhur to the nation, is due?" - - * * * * * - -"This Mouthpiece of Zitu?" Jadgor turned his eyes. "By Zitemku, Lakkon, -where are thy wits? Must Zitu, even through his Mouthpiece, teach us -our lessons twice? Have we not the weapons that carried death into -Helmor's ranks by the thousands of souls? Know we not how to use them? -Know we not that a thousand men so armed are the match for five, yes, -for ten thousand equipped with sword and shield? And a thousand of -such men I have asked from Robur, with a number of the moturs which -ground Helmor's guard in the last battle beneath their crushing wheels. -Enough! In four suns I myself shall go to Bithra, with our noble -Parthys, to confer with Medai. When the Aphurian galleys arrive I -myself shall take the field. Thou, as my agent, shall stay here till I -return. Small need to question Zitu's Mouthpiece in a matter such as -this." - -Parthys nodded. "Your words strengthen the heart, O Jadgor," he -resumed. "In four suns we shall depart? That is well. As yet it appears -that only Bithur is attacked. Were it not wise to send word into -Milidhur, lest along her borders these blue men forget the barter of -hides and dried meats and cheese, and turn to war?" - -"Aye." Jadgor nodded. "He who is warned is best prepared. Lakkon in the -morn see to it. Let Milidhur be watchful for the slightest hostile sign -along her borders. Then shall we teach this spawn of Zitemku to pluck -Zollaria's vengeance for her; and should we capture some of these -seeming men of Mazzer who have dyed themselves to play a part, I swear -they shall wear their false tintings ever." - -At least it was clear that Jadgor realized the nature of the trouble -along the eastern border. How completely he would be able to meet it -was a question which time alone would show. On the face of things, he -was acting promptly and in a calmly thought out way. Had there been -one single thing in his whole course open to objection, it would have -been his over-confidence of the final issue which Croft would have -criticised. But as he flitted back to Himyra he was fully aware that -Jadgor was one of the few men in all Tamarizia versed in the art of -war--was a good general in so far as Palosian methods of warfare went. -And it appeared that, with Bithur's man-power organized and augmented -by the thousand rifles, the six armored moturs from Himyra, Jadgor, -even as he himself had declared, was very apt to make short work of -Mazzer's naked horde. - -Hence, as much because he wished to so believe as for any other reason, -it was with the feeling that the affair along the Bithur borders was no -more than a tempest in a teapot that he opened the eyes of his body and -turned himself on his couch. Let Jadgor handle it in his own fashion, -since he felt fully able, as no doubt he was, with the aid he had asked -from Aphur, even now going rapidly into the galleys where Himyra's -fire-urns flared along the quays, and the little cars trundled down the -merchandise tunnels, bearing cartridges and rifles. As for himself, -Croft smiled. He had plenty to do in Himyra, and--Naia of Aphur had -gleamed like a blade of silver that morning as she cut her slender -way through the waters of the pool. Only he had called her a little -silver fish, and she had cried out and dived. He rose and lighted an -oil sconce, and found the silver medallion, with its embossed figure of -Azil and its circle of blood-red stones. Placing it in his palm, he sat -staring at this amulet that had once proclaimed her his. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - BETWEEN HIMYRA AND THE SUN - - -In the weeks that followed, many things transpired. The line of poles -stretched its length from the power station to Himyra, and men were -stringing wires. Croft made coke, ground it into powder, mixed it -with a cohesive substance, and molded it into carbon cores, to serve -his growing arcs. Also, he began experimenting in the construction -of batteries, both moist and dry cells. He succeeded with the former -from the first. And for these experiments he demanded of Robur, and -obtained, the use of an unused room in the palace, where he often -worked at nights. - -Chemistry, as an exact science, was unknown on Palos, but through -consultations with the local caste of physicians Croft managed to -collect a certain number of crudely refined salts which they commonly -used as drugs. The room where Croft delved into the simpler mysteries -of nature became an apartment of wonder to Robur, who came to it first -himself, and later brought Gaya and Naia. - -And on the night of their first coming, Croft explained the laws of -chemical affinity as best he could to the three, comparing the force -that drew the ions together with love, and caught a comprehending flash -from Naia's blue eyes. - -Thereafter she came as she willed when he worked, and watched while he -struggled with his far from satisfactory equipment, and asked a hundred -questions, until he suggested that she assist him, whereupon she -accepted with a readiness that filled him with surprise. Night after -night thereafter she donned a coarse smock and labored at his side, -finding a new world open before her with the wide-eyed interest of a -child; beholding for the first time the deliberate manipulation of the -hidden forces of nature, beginning at length to understand man's right -and power to use them to his advantage, direct them and command, to -look upon them not as some supernatural manifestation, but as a wholly -natural thing. - -Meanwhile in the motur shops, Croft's by now expert force were -assembling the first two airplanes. And in the same place, since he -could work there as well as anywhere else, and supervise their work at -the same time, he and Robur spent a part of each day constructing a -resistance coil and a temporary switch on a slab of the marble white -stone so much in evidence on Palos, against the day when the new light -should be shown to Himyra first. - -At the end of two weeks, however, he moved the now finished wings -and bodies in which the moturs had been installed to the hangars -and installed a force of men with them there to complete the work. -Meanwhile at night he kept up his search for a satisfactory dry cell, -telling Naia that the success of the flying machine depended upon it; -so that when at last he succeeded, and she felt the current tingle -through her fingers for the first time, she cried out in delight. - -And in those two weeks, as Gaya had planned, as Croft had known must -happen, constant association and education had its effect. As they -played ball in the mornings, and bathed, and worked, and sought for -strange, new results such as the woman had never dreamed in all her -existence, they drew closer and closer together in their aims, their -every interest, their understanding, than they had ever been. In his -own way and by his own methods, Croft was rapidly raising the woman, -whom as a woman he worshiped, toward his own mental plane. Thus in the -end she came to a realization that those things which had once seemed -as much a miracle to her as to any of her people, might very well be -manifestation of natural law within the grasp of man. - -His dry cells perfected, the success of his engine ignition -assured--several arcs nearing the finished stage of their construction, -Croft had a new thought. He decided that after his demonstration of -the airplanes at Himyra, he might wish to exhibit them at Zitra, and -altered his plans somewhat as a result, and equipped each plane with a -set of buoyant pontoons, thereby converting them to the type of flying -fish more nearly than anything else. He explained his reason for this -to Naia, with whom he was now talking everything over fully, and she -smiled. - -"On the water they will run as well as through the air," she said, when -he had finished. "Jason--you must teach me to fly as well as everything -else." - -And as on the first afternoon of his coming to Himyra from the -mountains, Jason frowned. "I like not the thought. There is danger in -this flying." - -"Danger?" Naia of Aphur arched her brows. "Think you I have any fear?" - -"No," he hastened to assure her. "It is Jason who for thee would be -afraid." - -For an instant she colored and then went a trifle pale. "And what of -Naia of Aphur, think you, when Jason dares this danger, my friend?" - -"It is a matter of knowledge," Croft said quickly, thrilled by her -hinted meaning. "I have driven them before." - -"On earth?" Naia's pupils widened swiftly, making almost black pools of -her eyes. - -"Yes, on earth, where they use them also in the battles of their wars." - -"Hai!" cried Naia sharply, with a quiver of her finely chiseled -nostrils as she caught the picture his words conveyed. "To rise and -wheel and fight--to struggle like great birds in the air. This earth of -which you speak must be a wonderful place." - -"Yes," said Croft, as he went on and told her many things, describing -among others the aviator's dress. - -"And what will Jason wear on Palos?" she asked. - -Croft laughed. "I had not given it any attention. I must consider the -matter. Perhaps a garment fashioned out of gnuppa hide." - -Naia nodded. Suddenly her scarlet lips were smiling. "In my mind I see -as in a painting these leather-clad men of earth. Leave the matter of -your apparel to Naia, and you will, O Jason," she replied. - -And Croft assented, filled with both pleasure and surprise. - - * * * * * - -Then came a night to Aphur very much like that before the first motur -was finished--a night when a very few hours would see the first pair -of airplanes done. And that night Croft remained at the hangars, -examining, tuning, testing and testing again the motur he meant to -demonstrate to Robur and the gaping workmen, with the dawn. Over and -over he turned on the spark and sent the giant-voiced engine spinning -with an ever-steadying hum. Under the flare of oil slushes burning -about him, he looked into the face of the captain in charge of the -hangar crew and found his bronzed skin pale. - -"Thou wilt dare it, Mouthpiece of Zitu?" the fellow said in a tone of -awed deference, meeting Croft's glance. "Thou wilt attempt in this -device to mount the air? Brave men have there been in Tamarizia, aye -and brave women, yet none like to thee before." - -"Nonsense!" said Jason, and laughed with a catch in his breath. For -indeed he was thrilling with a vast sense of accomplished purpose as -the motur roared. "With the sun I shall be a thousand vestrons over -your head," he declared, meaning thereby approximately three thousand -feet. And he laughed again, more in sheer nervous tension than from -any humor as the captain instinctively tipped back his head and stared -at the hangar roof. - -Satisfied at length that everything was ready, he threw himself on -a pallet, from which he rose at dawn. To his rousing cry came the -captain and his men. The doors of the hangar were opened, and the first -airplane on which Sirius had ever shone was trundled out, rolling on -wheels affixed to the bottoms of each pontoon. - -And even as it appeared, a motur flashed from the blurring shadow of -Himyra's red walls and dashed toward it along the road. It was Robur -coming to witness his friend's latest venture, driving in a smother -of dust and impatience. Leaning against a vane, Croft watched his -progress, and so received a surprise. Robur was not alone. - -At first Croft noted the fact with wonder, and then with a leaping -heart. Naia was with him--Naia of Aphur. He was to make his first -attempt to scale the air of Palos before her purple eyes. He caught a -deep breath, and his own eyes flashed as the motur approached, and he -went toward it, and Robur sprang out. - -"Hail, Jason, Tamarizia's first man-bird!" he exclaimed, glancing from -Croft to the huge machine. "Zitu, I can scarce believe that so large a -thing can rise and take to wing." - -"Bird-man, not man-bird, Rob," said Croft, giving Naia a hand to assist -her from the motur, and becoming aware that she carried a package -across her knees. - -"Thy garment," she explained, extending it to him. "Go into the cote -where you house your bird and put it on." - -"My thanks for it, and your presence," Croft accepted and helped her -from the car. "Hai, Rob--don't fool with the engine, will you, while I -don my new attire?" He turned away and disappeared through the hangar -doors. - -And there he opened the bundle with unsteady hands and lifted what it -contained. Trousers, or rather breeches, they seemed of leather as -soft as the finest earthly ooze grain--a tunic--a helmet--leg-cases -fashioned to strap on. And Naia of Aphur had designed them, had planned -them, directed their making, had brought them to him this morning. -Croft's hand actually fumbled the buckles as he put them on. Yet in the -end the thing was done, and he stepped forth clothed from toe to head -in russet brown, save for the front of the helmet, through which shone -his face. - -"Zitu!" cried Rob, and Naia's eyes were shining as he advanced toward -them followed by the hangar's crew, and mounted into his seat. - -Over the fuselage edge he looked down directly into their blue depths. -And suddenly they lost their glint of pleasure, grew dark and a trifle -strained in the white oval of her face. "Take places!" - -The hangar crew ran to the stations Croft had already assigned. - -"Ready!" Two of the men laid hold of the propeller and sent it around. - -With a roar the engine caught on. A cloud of backdriven dust half -veiled the men who steadied the huge plane against the drag of the -motur holding it, checking it as it strained and quivered like a hound -against the leash. - -"Let go!" - -The men fell back. The plane quivered, moved slowly in advance. Out -across that same desert where once Jason had driven the first motur in -a mad, reckless dash to save Naia of Aphur's life, he now shot forward -in the first quickening dash of Aphur's first airplane. Forward--faster -and faster--faster and faster--then up. Obedient to his shifting of -the controls, the huge machine tilted, seemed to rear on its haunches, -lifting its nose, its wheels, rising, rising--free of the ground at -last--free and rising, higher and higher, up! up! - - * * * * * - -Up, up! A spear-point of the rising sun caught it and set it aglisten -as it rose. Up, up, its well-tuned motur roaring out the song of a -marvel's birth. Up and up against the pink and blue of morning. Up and -up, smaller and smaller to them who watched it from beside the hangar. -Then, as they watched, it turned. It turned and flew back above them, -five hundred feet in air. It began to spiral, ever rising higher above -the ground. And suddenly, though Croft did not know it at the time, and -Robur, lost in amazement, did not sense it, Naia of Aphur ran swiftly -to the motur and, carrying something crushed to her bosom, from there -to the doors of the hangar, and disappeared. - -Over the fuselage Croft looked down. The hangar was a little shed -beneath him. The cluster of watchers were a group of ants. A vast -elation filled his breast. Once more his efforts were crowned with -complete success. With no more than some minor changes, he felt that -his mastery of the Palosian atmosphere was assured. He altered the -inclination of his vanes and began sliding swiftly down, gliding -gracefully back to a rolling stop at the end. - -"My friend!" cried Robur, running up. He caught Jason's hand as Croft -climbed out, and stood clinging to it. - -And though an hour before Croft would have been well satisfied with -such recognition, he became aware now of hunger for something else. -Naia--it was her praise, her congratulations, he wished. He turned his -head, seeking her presence, and found it, and gasped. - -For Naia of Aphur had changed since he left. No more was she a glowing -girl in her fluttering garments, waiting to see him essay human flight -with bated breath. Gone were the filmy draperies that had swathed her; -and instead, she stood before him, habited like himself, in a smaller -suit of brown, which clung to her graceful limbs and supple torso like -a loosely fitted skin. Gone even were the masses of her golden hair, -veiled under a helmet of brown. - -But as he met them, her blue eyes were the same. And they were fired -with a light of excited anticipation. "Again!" she cried. "Again--and -this time I shall go with you, Jason--I would fly!" - -"Naia! My cousin!" Robur started forward a pace in instinctive protest. - -"Nay." She wheeled upon him, stamping a small foot incased in the soft, -brown leather. "Nay, Robur, I shall be the first woman in all Tamarizia -to fly." She stretched out slender, appealing arms. "Jason--is there -not place between your wings for me?" - -"Yes." There was something almost a veiled suggestion of wider meaning -in her words, and Croft caught it as he gave her his hand. The thing -was madness--but--it thrilled him--excited his admiration afresh as he -realized that the whole thing was no matter of the instant, no impulse, -but something she had thought out, planned--for which she had caused -her costume to be made at the same time as his own. And he had not the -heart to deny her, in the flush of his recent success. - -"Come," he said instead as Robur fell back, and caught her under the -arms, lifting her lightly up, until her foot gained a supporting hold -and she climbed to her place in the pit of the fuselage. - -And then, settling himself once more in position, Croft cried to -his men, and once more the engine roared. Briefly he glimpsed his -companion's face. It was eager, expectant, in the morning light. Her -breast rose and fell in a barely quickened rhythm under its covering of -brown. - -"Let go!" - -Once more the plane advanced, jolting, tipping a little, swaying to the -slight irregularities of the ground it ran ahead. Croft moved a lever. -The obedient monster answered. The desert fell away beneath. Up, up, -Jason of earth and Naia of Aphur, daughter of Ga, and child of Palos, -swam toward a brightening sky of pink and gold. Up and up. Once more he -stole a sidelong glance at his companion's face. It was lifted, tilted -a little back--its blue eyes closed. - -"Naia!" Croft spoke to her above the motor's roar. - -She lifted her lids, met his somewhat anxious regard, and smiled. -And from him she let her gaze wander over the whole vast panorama of -desert and mountain and the Central Ocean, blue and green and black -and gold, with a froth on the nearer waves like a fringe of white to -their shadowed flanks as it caught the light, and Himyra--the red city -beginning to glow as Sirius shot his shafts against its ruddy walls, -and like a dull chain, supporting the red jewel of the city on the -breast of Aphur, the yellow Na, outlined as far as the eye could reach -by a band of shimmering green. - -And suddenly her breast lifted, her lips parted, and she began to -sing--to sing as she had once cried to Croft that the birds she envied -sang as they rose against the morning--gladly--clearly--freely as a -bird itself might sing. - -So sang Naia of Aphur, between Himyra and the sun. - -After that Croft taught her how to fly. Having once yielded, he could -not well again refuse. And Naia had her way with him, as she had -meant to do ever since she first was taken with the notion of herself -controlling one of the new machines that he had made. - - * * * * * - -But the promise to teach her she exacted that same morning after they -had returned to the palace. Robur ran off to tell Gaya concerning the -success of the trial flight, and Naia dared Croft to bathe. Afterward -he was half inclined to think she adopted the time and place to a -gaining of her point. Woman she would not have been had she not -realized her beauty and its appeal. But at the time he gave the matter -no thought. - -"You will surely teach me to fly?" she said almost as soon as they -floated side by side. - -"No," he denied in a somewhat uncertain fashion. "This morning I -yielded because of your great desire to be the first woman of Palos to -take to the air. In that I was not altogether wise. Again I would not -dare." - -"Yet and you yielded to my desire in the matter of this morning, -your excuse should be the same in yielding to me again, no less. Ah, -Jason"--her hand crept out and lay upon his arm--"now know I the -feeling of a bird when it rises and sings from pure joy, for the first -time in my life, and the knowledge thrills me; I would know it again, -because--" She broke off with a little, gasping breath. - -"Because of what?" Croft turned his head and looked into her -pansy-purple eyes. - -"Because," said she very slowly, "it is to me as though I was no longer -mortal--as though I had in some way left the body--cast off all the -weight of the flesh." - -"Naia!" Croft stammered. "Thou knowest?" and paused, strangely shaken -at the knowledge her words showed. - -"Aye--since the last time you called me to you. Come and I shall show -you, Jason." She turned and dived. - -Croft followed. Down, down, he followed her gleaming form through the -clear water. Down, down, until he swam beside it. And then lost, buried -deep in its liquid embrace, screened from all observation by the play -of the sun upon its surface, she turned still closer to him, and for -the first time since old Zud's blunder had brought misunderstanding she -offered him her scarlet mouth. - -From that kiss man and woman came up gasping almost as to a new birth. -Misunderstanding, all barriers of restraint, seemed to have been washed -away in the shimmering pool's soft flood. "Ah, Acquor, Acquor," Naia -panted, "thou has caught thy little fish at last." - -"Fear not, little fish," said Croft in a voice which quivered, "I shall -not eat you, but--this time I shall surely hold you fast." - -"And you will teach me to fly?" There was witchery in Naia's words -and in her smile; witchery, whimsy, almost a conscious knowledge that -now--now--she could not be denied. - -"Yes," said Croft in open surrender. "And Zitu pity me if aught befall -thee." - -"Nay, I will be careful," Naia sobered. "And--and--" - -"And what--is there something more, beloved?" Croft questioned softly. - -"Nay." She lowered her eyes. "I must go fasten my girdle about me lest -we be late for the morning's meal." She swam toward the sunken steps. - -And suddenly Croft knew--the thought that had stirred her soul, and -it set his own soul glowing. In one swift stroke he overtook her. -"Beloved, beloved," he whispered to her, "on the day the new light -comes to Himyra I shall once more fasten thy girdle with Azil's seal." - -"The new light--" The fires in her blue eyes quickened. "Aye, Jason, -I would wear it in the new light," she said as, side by side, they -clambered from the pool. "Once in these waters I sought the mouth of -Zilla, and in them today I found Azil's, beloved, in the touch of -yours." - -Half an hour later Croft met Gaya, and she stopped him. "Wise man, and -one of great wisdom, are you, Jason, as Robur, my husband, tells me, -saying, accompanied by Naia, you have conquered the air." She put out -her hand. - -Croft took it. He bent toward her. "Hark you, Gaya, my sweet friend," -he said, speaking softly. "The air is nothing. I have conquered -something else." - -"What mean you?" Gaya questioned. - -"That Naia of Aphur, on the day the new light comes, will wear my -seal," Croft told her. - -"Zitu," she exclaimed, smiling, "you have spoken, then, at last. Wise -man I have confessed you, yet to me you have seemed most blind in this -as most men are with women. Glad though am I for you both. But now she -was in my chamber, and radiant as Ga. She declared you would teach her -to fly, and easily deceived as I was, I thought it that." - - * * * * * - -After that two causes hastened Croft's arrangements for the celebration -of the coming of the light. One was the renewal of his formal betrothal -with Naia, of course. The other was of a wholly different sort. - -As for Naia, save for the hours he spent in the shops, he was with -her the greater part of the time, either teaching her the control of -a plane, which she mastered quickly both on land and water, or in the -laboratory, or, in the evening, sometimes speaking with her alone, -sometimes with Robur and his wife. And in the laboratory, one evening -shortly after the day of their first flight together, Croft spoke to -her of love as he had spoken once before but with a different meaning. -Taking two salts in solution, he poured them together. - -"Behold," said he, as he mixed them and formed a substance compounded -of their blending which fell slowly to the bottom of the glass, -"behold, beloved, the chemistry of love--how each atom draws the other -atom to it, until they blend and are no more, but lose themselves each -one within the other to form a definite something which was not before! - -"Behold--for even so, beloved, it is with the souls of men and -women--each drawing the other to it; each blending with the other, -until in the will of Zitu, and they are truly mated, they melt into -perfect union, and a perfect spirit is born!" It was one way of -portraying the doctrine of twin souls, the "marriage of the lamb," -the birth into angelhood, dependent on the union of the two original -spiritual halves, and Naia nodded with a widening of her eyes. - -"Each draws the other to it," she said, coming close beside him. "Ah, -Jason, did I draw you to me really from the earth?" - -"Aye, by Zitu," he swore, and slipped an arm about her. - -"Thy need of me brought you unto Palos, even as thou hast called my -spirit from my flesh." - -"Aye," Croft said in a voice gone husky with emotion. It was the first -time she had mentioned those astral meetings in a fashion so direct. - -She eyed the new-formed substance in the glass before them. And -suddenly she smiled. Face, eyes and lips, her whole fair being glowed. -"They meet and mingle, melt into one another," she went on softly, and -lifted his other arm and drew it about her form to meet the other. "Ah, -Jason, thou messenger of Azil to me--that first night you lay in the -palace, yet came and bade the presence of my spirit, and held me even -so as you are holding me now; it was as though I forgot all else and -knew thee only; as though I was not, save as a part of thee truly, save -that I felt the strong fire of thy mouth." - -And, again, on a night when the sky was cloudless and the triple moons -had turned all the Palosian world to a dreamland of silvered plain -and sea and mountain, Croft spoke to her of love. That night he drove -her to the hangars, and they entered a machine. Up, up they whirled -through an air aquiver with moonbeams; up, up to a land of dreams. And -there between the heavens and the far-flung landscape they swam in a -dream world of their own making, while the plane wheeled in wide spun -circles, like some huge, dark bat against the skies. - -"Behold Palos!" Croft cried to her above the roar of the whirling -propeller, heard as it swept them forward, yet not seen. "Is it not -lovely, is it not fair--this one of all the millions of stars on which -we live? And yet why is it; for what purpose; why was it brought into -existence, even as you and I, beloved, and sent spinning through the -void from Zitu's hand, save for love; save that a million million men -and women might find a spot whereon their spirits, the real they, -should be given substance, in order that they should live and meet, -and know one another, and--love. Wherefore is the body of man no more -than the servant to give to love expression, since this is Zitu's plan: -that no man's spirit is complete without the woman's, that no woman's -spirit is complete without the man's; so that in his wisdom, each ever -seeks the other to make it whole and satisfy its longing. Thus then is -love assured, and life inspired." - -He shut off the engine and began a long, slanting, coasting down a -moonlighted, sloping path. - -"Love," said the girl beside him, "love so great that it spans the -space between the stars. And did I call you to me, without knowing, -yet now it seems to me, beloved, that I should know and find some means -to answer, no matter where you were." - -In a long sweep Croft brought the plane back to the ground. And then -without any verbal reply, he lifted her from her seat and bore her back -to the motur in his arms. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - IN THE GRIP OF WAR - - -As for the other matter which speeded his preparations, it had nothing -whatever to do with love--was the exact antithesis of it, dealt wholly -with human passion, human strife. - -It was now over five weeks since the relief expedition had sailed to -Bithur from Himyra, and no word had come from Zitra since. - -Mentally, Croft had allowed at least two weeks for the galleys to reach -Bithra, the capital of the northeastern state, and unload their moturs -and men. Another week, he figured, should bring them well into contact -with the Mazzerian forces, if Jadgor moved as quickly as he felt -assured he would. And drunk as he was with love, busy as he was with -his own endeavors, Croft forgot not entirely affairs of state. - -As a result he chose a night some weeks after he felt sure the -Bithurian army and its reinforcements should have reached the Bithurian -borders, and willed himself to Jadgor's tent. - -A strange sight met his eyes. He swam above what at first appeared -to him as an enormous grassy plain; and beyond it was a forest, dark -in its own shadows beneath the moonlight, and beyond that again was -a flare of fires. Toward these he propelled himself without knowing -whither exactly he was going, yet arriving to find them the flaring -remains of burning houses, spread out on yet another open space beside -a river, a mere village, such as the peasant classes were accustomed to -inhabit, rather than one of the larger walled towns. - -And around it, through it, their bodies picked out by the moonlight and -the leaping of the flames, were hundreds--not of Bithur's soldiers, but -of leaping, howling, spear-shaking, blood and lust gloated Mazzerian -men. And beyond it as he saw now, overcoming his first surprise, lay -one of the armored moturs, ringed with intermingled Bithurian and -Mazzerian corpses and tipped upon its side. - -Disaster! For the first time Croft suspected a Bithurian route. In a -flash he returned to his original purpose and once more demanded that -Jadgor's position be revealed. - -And now a walled town appeared before him, not so large as Himyra, but -decidedly greater than Zitra, to judge from the circuit of its walls -inside which countless fire-urns flared. And within those walls, as he -sped above them, Croft beheld a beaten army's wrack--two of the moturs, -parked close inside a gate: weary men showing the marks of conflict, -stretched out beside them in a sodden bivouac. - -Then into a palace, built of what seemed a brown sandstone, with a -huge inner court paved in green, where fire-urns flared and guardsmen -stood before a door through which men in armor, with stern, drawn faces -passed in and out. Croft followed the progress of the latter and so -came at last to the presence of the man he desired. - -Jadgor, of Tamarizia--Jadgor, of Aphur--president of a nation, once -a haughty king. Jadgor, of Aphur, wounded slightly, with a binding -bandage wound about his grizzled head, with his armor dust-stained and -smeared with the grime of conflict, Jadgor scowling like some savage -creature overborne, driven into a corner, with the sinewy hand of a -muscular arm fingering in nervous fashion at his sword. - -And about him a cluster of drawn-browed, armored men, one of whom Croft -judged to be Medai, governor of Bithur, since his armor was jeweled -with the sign of the state, a green medallion halved by a bar of -iridescent crystals, to symbolize the mighty river Bith, which crossed -it with its flood. - -"Mazzer," said Jadgor, "has loosed upon us her whole horde. Armed are -they by Zollaria, led by Zollaria's men. By sheer weight of numbers -were we overborne--the wings of our army cut so that the center was -engulfed. Two of the moturs broke down, and those in charge of them -knew not the secret of the one device which causes them to run, because -he who constructed them first held the knowledge to himself. - -"The men with the rifles within them were cut off when their supply -of bullets was gone. Those others so armed, killed so long as their -bullets held out, when they also fell back before these blue fiends as -well. The fault is not with the weapons, but with the first seeming of -the matter. Men of Bithur, we face no barbarian border raiding. This -the principal city of your eastern lands shall soon be assailed. Men -of Bithur, this is war. For fresh aid I have sent--for more men and -weapons. Thrice on as many fields have we met them, and thrice have -we been driven back by press of numbers. They swarm like blue vermin, -and where one dies two take his place. Yet though crushed, we are not -vanquished. Wherefore we fall back on Atla as a strong place for our -defense." - -"Strong walls has Atla," Medai replied. "And Jadgor speaks strong words -from a strong heart. Yet if this be war indeed inspired and sent -upon us, not Bithur alone, but all Tamarizia may be affected thereby, -if Bithur fall. And since he who made these new weapons knows surely -best their use, were it not well also to send one asking him as Zitu's -Mouthpiece, to give us aid?" - - * * * * * - -For a single moment Jadgor winced, and then he inclined his head. "Aye, -Medai of Bithur, so have I done. In the mouth of him who departed for -Zitra and Himyra, for speech with Zud the high priest, and Robur, my -son, have I placed words to that effect. For, as you have said, this -matter affects not one man or another, or even yet one state. The peril -lies now to our welfare as a nation. Were Jadgor to avail himself not -of all means to combat it Jadgor were wrong, and, by Zitu, I swear that -above all other things in life, it is Tamarizia that Jadgor loves." - -Croft thrilled to those words. Here spoke the old-time Jadgor, patriot -again. Even as the first time he had watched the man and listened, -as now, to his words, in those days when he sought to strengthen his -nation through the sacrifice of Naia, hoping so to block Zollaria's -plans, so now the _generalissimo_ of Tamarizia's forces seemed thinking -of his country first. Wherefore Croft felt shaken in his soul, so -that a responsive emotion toward Robur's father waked within him and -glowed. And he vowed that such aid as was asked he would give, both -as Mouthpiece of Zitu, and as a man to whom Tamarizia's welfare, both -present and future, was identical with his. - -Swiftly he made calculation. At the best it would take eight days for -the messenger Jadgor had despatched to arrive. He willed himself back -to his own apartments in a flash and sat up on his couch. Much might be -done in a week he thought, and there was much to be done. Jadgor had -failed largely because the drivers of the moturs understood not the -nature of the magnetos which Croft had kept secret in their making, -and the ammunition for the rifles had given out. Well, for the first -part, he had dry cells now to insure ignition, aside from the more -complicated device. Moturs must be equipped with them without delay -and the arsenal Robur and he had equipped many Zitrans before, set -working--much ammunition, many cartridges and grenades turned out. - -He rose and called a guard and sent him for Robur at once. And when -he came to him, his face somewhat puzzled by this summons from his -slumbers, he told him all that he had learned, and how. - -And from past experience Robur believed without question. "Zitu!" he -cried, springing up and standing before Croft with eyes that were -flashing. "They are driven back on Atla, shut up inside her walls, two -of the moturs destroyed, their bullets well-nigh exhausted. They send -for fresh aid. Hai! Mouthpiece of Zitu, how do you advise?" - -Croft told him. "Start all men working on more bullets and the bombs -we throw by hand. Send men to call the assembly together against the -time Jadgor's messenger comes, yet state not why, save that Robur -commands. Order all captains of decktarons to hold those men we trained -in readiness for a possible call to arms. Give these orders merely; say -naught as yet of war." - -"Aye," Robur nodded, "it shall be done." - -"Speed also," Croft went on, "the completion of the other airplanes. -In the morning I begin training men to fly them when they are done. -Also"--his eyes narrowed with a sudden thought--"Rob--we shall remove -the dynamo, and transport it to Atla, after we have shown Himyra this -new light." - -"Thou wilt do that still--in the face of this?" Robur stammered. - -Croft nodded. Before his mind's eye floated Naia of Aphur's face--Naia -who was to pin the seal of Azil on her girdle the day the light he had -promised to Himyra was born. Come weal or woe, come war or peace, Croft -swore naught should interfere with that occasion. - -"Aye," he said, "on the seventh sun from this." - - * * * * * - -Yet despite Croft's interdiction on the spreading of the word abroad, -Naia and Gaya were told--the latter as Robur's wife, the former as -Croft's assistant in his work. For from now on she became fully that. -Day after day, from the hour of the morning bath until late at night, -she toiled in the laboratory he had equipped in the palace, preparing -the chemicals for the dry cells, aiding him with a tight-lipped, yet -unfaltering purpose while the cells were packed, taking full charge in -the daytime while he was engaged elsewhere on other work. - -Clad in a coarse smock, acid stained and scorched, her hands soiled -by the manipulation of reagents, she yet had never to Jason presented -a fairer, braver sight. She worked. She neither complained nor cried -out. She gave her service to her country and to him, in the depths of -her purple eyes an almost Spartan light. And Gaya helped. Day after day -she labored beside her, under her direction, learning in turn from Naia -what she had learned from Croft. - -"Are you not glad you have taught me to fly?" Naia questioned one night -as they worked. "See you not Zitu's hand in this, beloved, since when -you are gone to this spawn of Mazzer's undoing I may continue your -work?" - -"You?" Croft faltered, sickened at the picture of her meaning. "You -must not. As I have told you, there is danger." - -"Ah, but"--her smile was very gentle--"is there not danger to thee as -well? Think not my heart is like a frightened bird, did it speak in -place of my mind. Know you not that to me the loss of you blots out the -world?" - -"No," Croft cried, and swept her into his arms. "Tis a brave, brave -heart, beloved!" He caught and held her fingers. "O brave, brave heart!" - -For a moment she lay against him. He felt her shake. Then it was over, -and she straightened up again. "In three suns," she said, "your seal -shall glow again on my girdle. Tell me, beloved, for I hunger for -the knowledge, how may this separation of the spirit from the body, -which you have thrice brought about within my knowledge, be by oneself -attained?" - -"By desire," said Croft. "By a focusing of all the yearning of the soul -on that one thing--without doubt, without fear--by centering the mind -on its attaining and on the object whereat in that state you wish to -arrive; for indeed, beloved, it is the desire of the spirit in life -that accomplishes all things." - -"Desire," she repeated softly, "desire. Aye, now I see. One must forget -all, save only it, alone to attain it. It must be so great that nothing -else save only it remains--as great as the love you have wakened in -me--as your desire for me. Ah, beloved, when first Gaya told me of -your seeking me from earth, I thought it madness, though even then the -thought itself set me aflame. And then"--she threw out her arms and -stood before him glorious in her soul's surrender--"then you come to -me, in what at first I called--a dream." - -"Naia!" Croft stammered, lost in the glory of her. "Naia, what have you -in your mind?" - -She came closer. "Am I not your mate, who am about to lose you? Yet -were this power mine, perchance I, too, might visit you--in dreams." - -And now Croft saw her meaning, and like her quivered as once more he -held her in his arms. - -Then came to Himyra light! Croft smiled in singular fashion on the day -it came. Aphur's red city was in carnival attire. Its pavements swarmed -with life. Open refreshment booths did a thriving business, jugglers -plied their skill on woven mats stretched out in open squares. Jostling -crowds swarmed about them, filling the air with jest and good-natured -cries. The whole place hummed with a myriad life. - -And yet to Jason the whole scene was unreal--a mask, a carnival domino -spread as it was above a grinning skull. To him driving in his motor -with Naia in purple and gold, above which her snowy left shoulder and -throat made a band of ivory, the whole vast assemblage seemed no more -than the shifting fantasmagoria of a dream--a gorgeous play of color -through the mind of a sleeper not as yet awake. For Himyra made merry -in her ignorance of the catastrophe striking against the national -borders to the east. Jadgor's messenger had not as yet arrived. - -And though Himyra dreamed a dream of splendor, in which none had a -thought of care, though the crowds moved in indolent leisure through -street and public square, though copper-bodied motors roared and panted -over pavements laid in bitumen as smooth in their surface as a floor; -though plumed gnuppas pranced with a clatter of slender feet, and -bright-eyed, softly shrouded and perfumed women rode within them to the -games of the afternoon--the beginning of the celebration of what all -thought a new era in the life of Tamarizia and Aphur, still beneath the -surface seeming, because of Croft's knowledge, and the words he had -spoken to Robur, and Robur's orders, the inner soul of Himyra and all -Aphur prepared on this day for war. - -In a way the aspect of the city reminded Jason of the condition of the -woman at his side in those past days when the soul of her had been his -as always, and only the objective mind had failed as yet to wake. - -Today she had come to the game with him alone at his own request. -Outside the vast stadium where formerly all public games had been -held--a huge thing of red stone, that always reminded Croft of the -Colosseum of Rome--he helped her down. Through bowing crowds they -gained the entrance giving on what had once been the royal box, now -reserved for the governor of Aphur's suite. He led her in through a -gilded and frescoed passage, and conducted her to where a scarlet -canopy was spread above a tier of seats. She sank down, inclining her -head in salutation to a hundred greetings from neighboring boxes, until -the purple plume, rising from the cincture in her golden hair, was set -a-nodding above her lovely face. - - * * * * * - -Robur came with Gaya a few moments later. The vast assemblage rose and -the games began. First was a chariot race, entered by six chariots -drawn each by a team of four plumed gnuppas, driven at top speed. -Marthos, a young noble, won handily, amid acclaim from the thousands -ranged about the immense amphitheater, and was awarded a metal garland, -standing flushed with triumph before Robur's box. - -Followed various athletic contests, javelin throwing, foot racing, -shooting with bows and arrows at a herd of wild taburs driven into -the arena from pens beneath the tiers of seats, wrestling matches and -other sports, in which both men and women took part. In a way, as he -sat at Naia's side, the scene reminded Croft of a reproduction of a -public ceremonial of ancient Greece. For as in Greece and in Tamarizia, -for generations untold, the contestants threw off all their clothing -as they came to their stations and worked frankly nude until they had -ended their exhibition of skill or strength, when once more their -garments were donned. - -The minor events ended, there came a pause. Then from the far end of -the arena suddenly there dashed a chariot drawn by four pure-white -gnuppas, orange plumed. Straight for Robur's box they plunged and came -to a rearing halt as Marthos, to whom had been awarded this further -honor, drew them to a stand. - -Croft rose. He descended from the box and entered the car. Clad in -brown he was, in the suit Naia had designed and had made for him as -once more the gnuppas traversed the arena's length and stopped near to -where the men from the hangars had trundled the great plane into sight. -In a leap he was aboard. The attendants ran to their places. Two men -turned the engine over. It caught! - -Above the whispers of the multitude its roar rang out. The great plane -trembled. Its attendants released it. It trundled forward over the hard -packed floor of yellow sand. Straight as a die it surged toward Robur's -box until suddenly Croft changed his vanes. And then it rose. It shot -up at what looked like a forty-five degree slant. Up and up and up, -until it swam above the vast concourse of back-tilted faces. Like the -hum of a giant beetle, the sound of its whirring engine came down from -a cloudless sky to a myriad ears. Once, twice, Croft made the circuit -of the arena, and then began to settle, finishing with a graceful -volplane, which left him within a few feet of his start. - -"Hai! Hai! Hail to the Mouthpiece of Zitu! Hail to Jason, teacher -of all Tamarizia! Hail to him whose mind Zitu has enlightened above -all others!" the cry of the multitude rang out. Croft once more in -Marthos's chariot pushed back his leather helmet and bowed. Bowing to -right and left, acclaimed as a conqueror might have been, he rode back -toward Robur's box, and left the chariot and ascended to his seat, and -looked into Naia's face, finding it somewhat white, but smiling, and -bowing again before the tempest of acclamation began to subside. - -Then came the game of ball, on a diamond arena attendants were -beginning already to mark out, between the men from the foundries and -the team from the airplane shop. Robur himself rose and, taking a ball -from an ornate box extended to him by a guardsman, cast it out. Then, -as it was passed snappily to the pitcher of the foundry's team which -had won the inning and elected to send the airplane aggregation to bat: -"Play ball!" he cried. - -And suddenly as the first batter fanned and flung his bat away and -walked to the bench, very much like any disgruntled batsman of earth, -Croft smiled. It was unbelievable, of course. It was a fantasmagoria -of the brain. The thing couldn't be, and yet--there was the pitcher of -the founders, in a short-skirted tunic, below which his lean thighs -showed above his leg-cases of leather, cradling the ball, and cuddling -it in his palm. And there was the catcher, squatted down back of the -plate in breast-plate and mask, twiddling the signaling fingers of a -huge labor-browned hand, and--whir--snap! There was the ball thudding -against his mitt. - -"Strike on-n-n-e!" That was the umpire's voice. - -_Cr-a-a-a-a-a-c-k!_ That was the sound of a ball met fairly and lined -swiftly out. And there it went, a clean drive between first and second -base, into the right outfield. - -"Run, run--go on--go on!" That was Robur yelling in ungovernorlike -excitement. - -"Run--go on--run--oh, run--run!" That was the voice of Naia--of the -woman by his side. - -Croft turned to her and found her leaning forward, straining her -slender length from the hips, lips parted, her eager blue eyes wide. - -"Hold it!" That was the airplane's captain coaching the runner. - -Thud! The right outfield had slammed the ball into the second baseman's -glove. - -Croft smiled again. It couldn't be a baseball game on Palos, but--it -was. - -And as it went on the assembled multitude went wild. They cheered, they -jeered, they urged and encouraged, and cat-called and howled. They -stamped on the tiers of seats with leather and bare and metal-shod -feet. They waved hands and arms. State assemblymen already gathered by -Robur's orders, and guests of the occasion forgot dignity and joined in -the rising roars that greeted the different plays. And Naia of Aphur -was beating against Croft's thigh and yelling--yes, yelling, as the -founder's first baseman romped home on a far-reaching drive. "Come -on--come on," she was urging the runner. "Come on--atta boy--come home!" - -Croft prisoned her beating little fist and held it. The runner scored. -She looked into Jason's face and smiled. Croft thrilled. She was all -woman---all glorious, lovely woman. He knew it, had seen it proved in -the last week when she worked stern-lipped for the good of her nation. -But today in this new-found pastime she had forgotten for the moment -and become a child. - -The game ended for the Founders, three to one, bringing with its -termination an intermission, since not until dusk would the lights be -turned on. - - * * * * * - -Blue men of Mazzer with torches began moving about the vast circuit -of the arena, lighting hundreds of oil flares. Blue girls with skins -of tabur hide on their naked backs and shoulders, and metal cups in -their hands, began threading the tiers of seats selling a mild, light -wine. Vendors of fruits and conserves for the women, and baked meats -and wheaten cakes plied an active trade. In the rear of Robur's box -was spread a table, and a meal was served. And before its beginning -Magur, high priest of Aphur, arrived. To him Croft and Naia rose side -by side and bowed. And suddenly Naia was once more all woman, as she -looked into her companion's face and flushed from throat to eyes. -Magur's coming meant she was to pledge herself to Croft before all the -assembled men and women of Aphur, once the new light came on. - -And in such fashion was it done. Two heralds with silver trumpets -appeared in scarlet livery, the color of Robur's house. From the front -of Robur's box they blew a blast. - -And on that signal the arena attendants began running to and fro -extinguishing all lights. Over the arena night came down as one by one -the oil flares died. - -Croft gave a final glance to the woman at his side--to her face, her -form, to her dress of purple and gold. He had asked her to put it on. -It was the garment she had worn on the first formal occasion in which -he had ever seen her take part. And its colors were the same as the -auric colors of that astral form of hers which he had seen and found -divine. Taking her hand he led her quite to the front of the box. There -on either side had been placed one of Tamarizia's first two arcs. And -in the back of the box was the controlling switch. And miles away in -the mountains men were waiting for the signal of a flare on Himyra's -walls to release the power. Already one had gone to see that the flare -was lit. And a captain was without to carry word when it shone forth. - -Now suddenly he appeared. - -Croft closed the switch. - -A click--a hiss--the crackling ignition of incandescent carbon--a -rising glow in the darkness--then--light--clear, radiant light! - -Light that flared up and wavered and steadied and shone on Naia of -Aphur, sheathed in purple and gold. - -A babble of sound, a cheer of acclaim. - -The trumpets of the heralds rang out. - -Jason stepped forward and took his place close by Naia's side. - -Magur, the high priest, arose, robed in his vestments of azure, -accompanied by two temple boys. Each bore a silver goblet on a tray of -the same metal that sparkled under the light. - -Magur lifted a silver stave crowned with the cross ansata. "Who cries -to Magur?" his voice rang out. - -"A maid who would pledge herself and her life to the man of her -choosing, O Prince of Zitu," Robur replied. - -"The man is present?" Magur went on in ritualistic form. - -"Aye, he stands beside her," Robur declared. - -"Who sponsors this woman?" Magur inquired. - -"I, Robur of Aphur, her cousin--child of the sister of her who gave her -life." - -"Come then in the name of Zitu," Magur said, and advanced to face the -arena, back of Naia and Croft. - -"Naia of Aphur--thou woman, and being woman, sister of Ga, and hence -priestess of that shrine of life which is eternal, the guardian of the -fire of life which is eternal--is it thine intent to pledge thyself to -this man, who stands now at thy side?" - -"Aye," said Naia of Aphur clearly, and looked not at Magur as she -answered, but into Jason's eyes. - -"And thou, Jason, known as the Mouthpiece of Zitu, whom Zitu has -inspired with his wisdom, even as no other man, do thou accept this -pledge, and with it the woman herself, to make her in the fulness of -time thy bride, to cherish her and cause her to live as a glory to the -name of woman, to whom all men may justly give respect?" - -"Aye, so I pledge, by Zitu, and Azil, giver of life," said Jason, -gazing on the woman as he spoke the words. - -"Then take this, maid of Aphur." Magur drew from his robe a looped -silver cross and placed it in her hands. "Hold it and guard it, look -upon it as a symbol of that life eternal that you shall be kept -eternal, and which, taken from the hands of Azil the angel, shall be -transmuted within thee into the life of men." - -Turning, he took the two goblets from their bearers and poured wine -from one to the other and back. One he extended to Naia and one to -Croft. - -"Drink," he said. "Let these symbolize thy two bodies, the life of -which shall be united from this time in purpose. Drink and may Zitu -bless thee in that union which comes into existence by his intent." - -Jason raised his goblet. "I drink of thee deeply," he spoke to the -lovely chalice of mortal life standing there. - -Naia set her goblet to her lips. "And I of thee." - -Then, and then only, Croft took that medallion of silver ringed with -red stones, which Zitra had burned against his breast. And lifting the -golden girdle which cinctured Naia's body above the hips he pinned it -once more upon it, so that it flashed like a scarlet eye, beneath the -newborn light. - -Magur lifted his stave. "Azil's seal has he set upon her. Let it speak -to all men's sight." - -"Hail! Hail! Mouthpiece of Zitu. Hail! Hail! Hail! Naia, maid of -Aphur!" From the vast arena a roar of acknowledgment and approbation -tore its way upward in the night. - -So as it seemed ended Himyra's greatest holiday; so for Croft and Naia -began a new phase of life. Yet though she had never seemed nearer, -dearer to him, the Mouthpiece of Zitu was vaguely disturbed as they -rode back to the palace through the still pleasure-making crowds. -Everything seemed very peaceful, very auspicious. But he could not rid -his mind of the picture which had troubled him for a week--the picture -of a burning village--of blue men leaping in savage exultation of a -beaten army's rout. - -Hence it was with no pleasure that an hour after their return from the -arena, while yet the city flared and rang with the carnival life of -the people, a palace guard brought word to him from Robur, asking his -presence at once. - -Nor when he had followed to the audience chamber of the palace was he -surprised to meet a man with drawn face, and eyes a trifle haggard--a -man wearing Bithur's green and silver circle, who rose now and saluted -him with flat palm forward, and burst into hurried, excited speech. - -"Mouthpiece of Zitu, Bithur is sore assailed--her armies beaten, the -aid Aphur sent her largely destroyed; wherefore in the name of Bithur -and of Tamarizia, Jadgor, president of the nation, now at Atla, sends -me to you and to Robur of Aphur, his son, to speak what is in his -heart." - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - THE MAN OF THE HOUR - - -Jason went to Bithur. Naia remained behind. In the week before the -celebration of their former betrothal they had so planned. Now, with -the red and silver seal of Azil once more glowing in her girdle, Naia -did not object. She was a woman. Croft knew she suffered. It was in -her eyes, the touch of her hand. But--as he had seen her prove once -before--she was a Tamarizian first. - -In the night Jadgor's messenger arrived, the assembly of Aphur was -called together. To it the Bithurian explained. Faces darkened and eyes -flashed as the startled statesmen learned that once more the integrity -of the nation was threatened. But, as a man, in firm determination they -empowered Robur and Croft to respond to Jadgor's plea, and accepted the -challenge to war. - -At daylight, with the airplane he had flown from the first and a supply -of grenades and fuel, together with the additional armored motors -aboard a swift galley, Jason left for Bithur and the battle-front, -taking Jadgor's messenger along. With him also he took a supply of dry -cells to insure the better performance of the motors already on the -ground. - -To Naia and Robur and the trained captains he left all the rest--the -assembling of troops, the lading of galleys with all sorts of supplies, -the forwarding of other completed airplanes with the men he started to -train in their use, whose training Naia of Aphur declared she would -complete. - -Only at the last did he hold her in his arms and lower his lips to the -low burning flame of her mouth. For Naia of Aphur's lips were pale -as they lifted to his farewell caress, and her slender body quivered -inside his arms and her purple eyes were dark with her soul's distress. - -"Yes," she said, clinging to him briefly, "you will come to me again. -Swear it to me by Azil, whose sign you have placed upon me--swear!" - -"Yes, by Zitu and Azil, I will return to you, woman of all women," -Croft declared, as he held her and once more pressed her lips. - -Then gripping the hands of Gaya and Robur, he left the palace, and Naia -herself drove him down to the quays. - -Seven days later he entered Bithra, the capital of Bithur, and left -it inside an hour, heading east along the Bith between banks where a -tropic vegetation came down to the water's edge, and the mighty flood -of waters swept in a turgid current between banks of trees. - -Morning brought him close to Atla, as the pilot taken on at Bithra -declared. Also it brought attack of a sort. From the banks as they -advanced the galley was suddenly greeted by a flight of slithering -shafts. Most of them, thanks to the range, fell into the water, but -one or two reached the deck. Croft lined a company of riflemen he had -hastily mobilized and brought with him on either side of the galley -replied with a crashing volley as the galley advanced. So after that, -meeting flights of arrows with bullets, he progressed, reaching a bend -from which the gates in the city wall spanned the river's flood and -flinging the flag of Aphur into view before the sentries on the walls. - -The gates swung open. The galley ran through. The gates were closed -again. The galley tied to a quay below the brown palace Croft had -visited in his astral presence; he marched off with his men. A -procession was debouching from the palace gate. It came toward him -quickly. He recognized Jadgor and Medai in the van. He halted his -company and waited. The others came on. Five paces before him they -halted. - -"Hai! Mouthpiece of Zitu," Jadgor spoke in greeting. "Thy coming is -welcome. What word from Aphur and my son?" - -"Aphur sends men and weapons to Bithur," Jason responded. "As for -Robur, son of Jadgor, he remains in Himyra to speed the departure for -Bithur of all that may be required." - -"It is well," said Jadgor. "Return with us to the palace where all -things may be explained. Medai of Bithur greets you in Bithur's name." - -Medai bowed deeply. The guards behind him and Jadgor turned. Followed -by Croft's company they retraced their steps until the palace was -gained. - - * * * * * - -And there in the room, Croft, Medai and Jadgor sat down. The latter -eyed his former adviser and friend. "You are looking wondrous well," he -said. - -"Yes," Croft nodded. "In all things have my efforts by success been -crowned." - -"In all things?" Jadgor gave him a piercing glance. - -"Yes," Croft again inclined his head. "Thanks largely to Robur, -Jadgor's son. But more of that later, Jadgor. Inform me how matters -stand." - -Jadgor shrugged. "It would appear to go not so well with the things -in my hands as with your plans. From the first was the extent of this -matter with Mazzer misjudged; and in addition there is a fault in these -motors of yours, when not controlled by the builder's mind. Wherefore -they failed when most needed at times, and were by sheer force of -numbers overborne. As a result the blue flood of Mazzer laps even now -against Atla's walls on all sides." - -"Yet breaks against them," said Jason. - -"Aye as yet," Jadgor replied. - -"And shall break utterly," Croft went on. "Of this defect in the motors -already I had learned, in the same way in which I have learned other -things in the past, as Jadgor knows. Wherefore his messenger came not -to Himyra as a surprise, and for seven suns before his coming, Robur, -Jadgor's son and I prepared." He broke off and watched the Aphurian -closely. - -But Jadgor merely nodded as he responded: "Say on." - -"Among those things which have been completed since my return to -Himyra," Croft resumed, "is one which flies in the air. Riding upon it -a man may cast down such bombs as were used at the taking of Niera in -the Zollarian war." - -And now Jadgor started and narrowed his eyes, and Medai half rising -from his seat exclaimed: "Zitu! Is this the truth?" - -"Yes," said Croft. "One came with me aboard the galley. Between decks -are the bombs. Today shall it be set up and tomorrow shall these blue -men meet with a surprise. Also have I brought devices to make the -performance of the motors more assured. From the ground and from the -air shall we smite the Mazzerians at once." - -"Hai!" Medai roared. "Jadgor--to fly above them and rain death on their -heads. Never was such a thing heard of. You believe?" - -"Aye." Jadgor of Tamarizia rose. "Zitu's Mouthpiece is a man who speaks -not in idle fashion, O Medai. He speaks true words. One does well to -give credence to his speaking." His hand snapped back and drew his -short sword from its scabbard. He presented it hilt forward. "Man whom -Zitu has sent to Tamarizia's strengthening, to thee I yield." - -"No." Croft waved the sword aside. He looked into Jadgor's face and -found it working. "Mouthpiece of Zitu have I been called, in that at -times I have been given the power to direct or to advise. In Jadgor's -heart and mine must Tamarizia find first place always. Let Jadgor wear -the sword." - -And suddenly Jadgor's lips set together. He sent the blade back into -the sheath with a rasping clash. "You and I together for Tamarizia -then," he said with abrupt decision, and thrust out his palm. "Accept -Jadgor's hand at least." - -The two men gripped and the Aphurian resumed: "Speak, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, what do you advise?" - -"What men have you at your disposal?" - -Jadgor and Medai explained, and Croft decided upon a tour of the walls. -The trio set forth. And as they went Jadgor explained further that -three times within the past ten days had the Mazzerians attacked them. - -Indeed, Croft gained evidence of that when the top of the wall was -reached. It came to him first as an almost insufferable stench. Jadgor -noted the twitching of his nostrils and burst into a savage exultation. - -"Aye, by Zitu! they stink to the skies, these dead litter of an unclean -birth. The trenches about Atla's defenses are filled with their -corpses. They lie in heaps. They carpet the ground with a blue carpet, -even more foul in death than in their life. By the thousands have we -slain them, yet by the tens of thousands have their following spawn -arrived. Their souls have we hurled to Zitemku and their bodies to -the ditch." He swept his arm toward the outer parapet in a wide arc. -"Behold!" - - * * * * * - -Croft looked out of an embrasure and down. An arrow rattled against -the stones beside him, and he drew back. But the one glance had been -enough. This was grim reality he faced. In heaps and rows the rotting -bodies of uncounted dead lay jumbled in dissolution beyond Atla's -walls. He began to think it would be no mean undertaking to defeat the -men of an army who fought like that. - -"Back!" he said. "Back to my galley, Jadgor! Let us put together the -flying device I have brought. Tomorrow I swear we shall give them new -death from the skies." - -And for the rest of that day Croft sweated and worked, assembling the -airplane on Atla's broadest street, which, like Himyra's, faced the -river--a splendid concourse, above a terrace, offering him a spot -for starting, two hundred feet in width. What of the armored motors -remained he had also driven up, and under their metal bodies he -installed his batteries, wiring them to the ignition system--explaining -to their drivers, how, should the former supply of power be thrown out -of service, this auxiliary source might be employed. - -Toward evening, however, he altered his plans. To his mind it appeared -that the more unseen the destruction which came upon them, the greater -on superstitious minds the effect might be. And as he knew even from -his association with the Mazzerian serving-caste in the nation he had -literally adopted, the Mazzerians were superstitious to a degree. - -About twilight he loaded the plane with a good supply of bombs. -Ascending from the broad thoroughfare, and returning to it, outlined -as it would be by the fire-urns, which, as at Himyra, marked the banks -of the Bith along the quays, would be no more than child's play. As -a result, he decided to make his first bombing expedition beyond the -walls so soon as night came down, carry what consternation he could -to the Mazzerian forces. This decision he definitely reached after a -conference with Jadgor, who announced that for a great distance before -the walls the Mazzerian camps were nightly marked by the flares of many -fires. - -Jadgor, Medai, the major captains of their armies, and many of -the citizens of Atla stood to witness Croft's start. Wearing his -flying-suit which he had brought for the purpose, Jason climbed aboard. -Then at his instruction two frightened-looking soldiers seized the -blades of the propeller and turned the engine round. They let go and -scampered well out of the way as it roared. The plane quivered, moved. -It darted forward along the perfect pavement, tilted and took the air. -In a moment it soared high above the walls. Croft shouted once and then -forgot all else in the sight beneath his eyes. - -As far as he could see before him, and to either side, the night was -dotted with fires. In a wide semicircle they blinked and winked and -flared. They outlined the main position of the Mazzerian army. His -heart leaped into his breast, as a rising stench told him he was -passing those rotting bodies stretched out among a mass of broken -weapons at the foot of Atla's walls. - -Then the walls were passed, and with the breath of a clean night in his -nostrils, the roar of the engine in his ears, he swept toward the line -of fires. - -Far, far out he swung. It was his intention to circuit the back areas -of the Mazzerian line--to come upon them not from in front, but from -the rear--to make his coming appear that of some huge, undreamed -monster of superstitious seeming, to traverse their main body from one -end to the other, dropping bombs which, under the conditions, he felt -could hardly fail of a telling effect. - -Far, far out he swam on the new wings he had built for himself--and for -Naia. Naia? He smiled. In Himyra she was perhaps flying by day even as -he was flying now--flying as he had taught her to fly in body and soul; -teaching others to fly for the strength of her nation, as he was flying -for her nation and his, to make it strong and secure. For a moment the -thought gripped him, and he flew on in a sort of waking dream, until -the flare of a hundred leaping fires directly beneath him brought him -back to the matter in hand. He passed the first line of the Mazzerian -bivouac and darted above a wood and came above a great savanna--a -tree-dotted plain, where the camp-fires were flashing again. - -Then, and then only, for the first time he reached down and took up a -bomb, and sailing high above that plain where the camp-fires looked -like a myriad of fireflies far beneath him, he let it fall. - -A flash, a ruddy, great mushroom of golden, raying light--a splash of -rending destruction in the night. The explosion came up to him long -after he saw it, on the lagging vibrations of sound. Again and again he -hurled a second and third as he swam from left to right. - -Faint, far away, oddly detached, he thought he heard a distant -shouting, though it was hard to be sure above the motor's roar. But the -light of other fires showed him the silhouette of many figures running, -of arms uplifted, as though those who swarmed like a hill of angry -ants driven into panic were pointing into the air. Where that cluster -of pointing forms seemed thickest he soared on swift, sure wings and -let go another bomb. It fell beyond his vision. It burst. The blur of -bodies into which it descended was no more. - - * * * * * - -And now a strange mood seized Croft in its grip. It was unlike anything -he had ever known. It was in reality a sort of air intoxication one -may suppose. But suddenly it was as though he were a superman indeed, -above all things mundane, so far above the puny mortals who crawled on -the ground beneath him, who writhed under the force of his bombs, that -he moved in a world detached from them, or any one, or anything save -himself. - -It was as though he rode on destiny's wings rather than upborne by -those of the roaring airplane. He tilted his vanes from no sane -purpose, with nothing to gain. Up, up he shot; up, up, until he -could see the whole night-wrapped region about him, the forest, the -fire-studded camp of Mazzer's army--Atla, a ruddy glow behind her -walls, where shortly he must return. - -But not yet--not yet. For a time it was enough to chase this new found -exultation, to swim here in the void between earth and heaven, alone -with the thing he had made, on which he rode; alone with it, with his -spirit, and his thoughts of Naia of Aphur, of the time when these blue -spawn, driven back to their lairs in the hinterland of Palos, he should -return to claim her. It was enough to ride thus the winds of eternity, -as it were, sweeping on and on in the wheel of a mighty circle beneath -the stars. - -A sputter, a cough from the motor. Croft came back from his dreams to -the present in a flash. The engine was missing. Apprehension touched -him with a breath-arresting recognition of the fact. And hardly had he -taken it into account when the motor missed again. And having coughed -for the second time, it died. - -He was falling--falling! The bombs! Oddly enough he thought of them -rather than of being dashed to death. He reached down and found the -remaining four he had brought. He hurled them over the side of the -fuselage, tossing them wide. Then he began a frantic effort to once -more start the engine--in vain. - -Below him four ruddy flashes told him the bombs had struck. In a -rushing whirlwind the air of night was driving past the plane. Doomed -as it seemed, still the will to live, to struggle, to overcome danger -and death itself remained within him. He began an effort to straighten -out the dead plane's course, to catch and use to his own advantage that -wind that was whistling past him now. To catch it, to ride once more -upon it, if only as a kite may sink back to the earth, and so alight, -little damaged rather than broken, splintered by a giddy fall. - -So in the end he did straighten out at last and slid swiftly, where -before he had eddied and whirled. - -"Zitu!" he breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. "God!" For an instant the -face of Naia swam before his mental vision, so clear, so bright, so -seemingly herself, that it was almost as though he beheld her in the -flesh. - -Then--the fire-dotted plain was very close. And the airplane was -shooting down toward it, even though no longer falling, and there was -little chance to choose a course. With a crash the pontoons beneath it -struck through the top of a tree, and the whole machine swerved. In mid -air it staggered, checked, lunged ahead again like a restive living -creature, tipped, slid off sidewise, and crashed down on a crumpling -wing. - -Unable to maintain himself in his shaken condition, Croft gave vent to -an inarticulate cry of anguish. The entire bulk of Palos seemed to rise -and hit him, as catapulted from the fuselage by the ruinous landing, he -struck and lay in a dark and senseless huddle on the ground. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - A TAWNY VAMPIRE - - -Hours afterward, as it seemed, Croft opened his eyes, and blinked at a -flare of light and closed his lids again, while he sought to collect -his shaken senses. - -He remembered by degrees. - -The plane had fallen. There was nothing after that. But he had fallen -upon a night-wrapped plain, studded with the fires of a camp. Now, -instead of stars above him, there was what looked like the bellied top -of a tent. Slowly he spread the fringes of his lashes and sought to -verify the impression he had gained. - -He was correct. He lay in a tent, seemingly of skins joined to form -the sloping top and walls. The interior was lighted dimly by a couple -of flaring torches. But the light was sufficient to show Croft piles of -military gear, rugs of native skin, on one of the latter of which he -seemed to be lying, and some crude stools scattered about. - -He lay with head half turned as he had been thrown down, and now -he became aware of other life in the tent as his senses more fully -returned. There was a sound of voices. He opened his eyes widely and -stared about. And inwardly at least he gasped. - -This was the headquarters of the army he had sought to bomb, past any -doubt. Blue men--a dozen, a score were clustered about a huge chair -to one side, in which another blue man sat. And yet--in the latter -Croft detected something familiar in a flash, and immediately after he -understood. He had heard it alleged that certain Zollarian captains -had stained their bodies and shaved their heads and dyed the remaining -scalp lock of their light hair to match the Mazzerian red. - -And--and--this was Bandhor of Zollaria--brother of Kalamita--that tawny -female magnet with which the northern nation had sought to bind the -profligate Prince of Cathur to her cause. This was Bandhor, his massive -body stained blue in its every ungainly line, seated upon this chair -before which the other blue men stood. And inspecting the latter more -closely, marking their features well in the murky light, Croft decided -that most of them were men of Zollaria tinted and shaved and dyed like -Bandhor himself. - -Here then was proof of Zollaria's hand in the Mazzerian invasion, proof -that Croft lay in the spot which was the brain center of the Mazzerian -army in the field. Croft's head was splitting, but he sought to focus -his attention on what was being said. - -"Sayest thou that this man fell out of the skies?" Bandhor roared, -turning his eyes toward where Croft lay on the farther side of the tent. - -"Aye," said one of the captains, whom Jason felt positive was a -Zollarian for all his naked blue length. "Aye, Bandhor, he fell from a -device like to a pair of wings. Before that had strange weapons fallen -upon my men from the skies in a rain of death. Then suddenly came this -man." - -"Tamarizian devil," Bandhor swore with savage force. "This newest -method of their fighting would seem to be like their last, when they -struck Zollaria's army with a blast of fire. Go see if still he -breathes." - -Two of the men turned and approached Croft. They bent above him. He -stared straight into their faces. - -"Aye, Bandhor of Zollaria," reported one. "He has opened his eyes." - -"Bring him here." - -Croft rose. Without waiting the touch of a captor's hand he staggered -up and faced Bandhor's chair. "Stand back," he hissed to men beside -him. "I would walk alone." He took a step forward, swaying; whereupon -the others seized him and hurried him to Bandhor's place. - -"Spawn of Tamarizia," Bandhor began, "what is thy name?" - -"Thou hast said it, Bandhor," Croft retorted, determined to give no -information. - -"Came you from Atla?" Bandhor roared. - -"Yes." - -"How many men inside her walls can Jadgor and Medai claim?" - -"Enough," said Croft. "Enough blue-dyed men of Zollaria to pile other -thousands of your naked dupes before them. There are not men enough in -all Mazzer to scale at Zollaria's command Atla of Bithur's walls." - -"Hai! By Bel of Zollaria thy fall has not broken thy tongue at least!" -Bandhor exclaimed. "But thy man-made wings are broken, and thy insolent -spirit may be broken also. Hai--bring a brazier and a spear head. -Since this Tamarizian fights with fire we shall give him a taste of it -himself, and learn perchance what within Atla transpires." - -"Hold!" Suddenly the wall of the tent behind Bandhor's chair swept -back, revealing a small private tent beyond it, and a tawny woman -appeared. - -White she was in the murky light as a ray of moonlight in the -dusk--white, and splendidly formed in every supple line of sensuous -body and limb. Jeweled cups covered her breasts, and a scarf of -shimmering tissue was twisted about her sinuous loins and fell half -down her thighs. With the grace of a stalking panther she advanced, -accompanied by another blue-stained Zollarian captain, and took her -stand beside her brother. In the flare of the torches she gleamed among -those blue-tinted bodies like a silver wand. - -"Bethink you my brother," she continued as Croft recognized in -her that Kalamita, that feminine magnet of flesh, who had tempted -Cathur's Prince Kyphallos through the spell of her unclean charms, her -unhallowed embrace, "would destroy or even mar the weapon in your hand?" - -"Hai, by Bel," began Bandhor. - -"Aye," his sister went on. "Where are Bandhor's eyes? Call on Bel -and you will, yet have you not sacrificed to him enough of blood to -glut his heart, without adding this? See you not this is a man of -importance--and one to me before this described? Mark you not the -closeness of the hair upon his head, his stature? Know you not that -before you stands the Mouthpiece of Zitu of whom Tamarizia boasts--him -to whom Zollaria must mark the score of her defeat, her loss of Mazhur? -Rather than for gaining information can Bandhor not think of a better -way in which such a one may be used?" - -"Hai--you mean a ransom, Kalamita my sister?" Bandhor burst out as she -paused. - -"Aye." The eyes of a tigress looked into Croft's as she answered, -studied his every expression, marked the effects of her words. "Aye, -Bandhor, and you and other captains--and the ransom--should be--large. -Much should Tamarizia be asked in payment for her Mouthpiece of Zitu, -who tumbles from the skies." - -And suddenly she smiled as she broke off her flippant taunt--smiled and -looked steadily into Croft's staring eyes. - -"By Bel!" once more Bandhor roared. "The words of Kalamita are of -wisdom. Go--Mamai. Take portions of the device from which he fell. See -they are carried to Atla. Say that this man fell among us with them. -Demand a parley, at which terms for his return shall be named." - -"Aye, Bandhor!" One of the captains saluted and left the tent. - - * * * * * - -Inwardly Croft writhed. Here was a pretty pickle, indeed, since by -his own blunder he had become to Tamarizia a weakness rather than a -strength--since because of it, Tamarizia would seem to be confronted -with the choice of leaving him to fate or paying Mazzer's and -Zollaria's price. And--he had caught all the meaning in the tawny -depths of the Zollarian courtezan's eyes. That price would indeed be -large. - -And now she bent and whispered into Bandhor's ear and he nodded. "Bind -him," he said, and pointed to Croft. "Lift him and bear him into my -sister's tent. Place a guard about us when it is finished. That is all, -my captains. We wait for word from Atla. Go!" - -To resist was useless. Croft did not try. He stood passively while -his hands and feet were trussed. Even then he was trying to think, to -scheme some way out of the mess into which he had brought himself. -And--a vague question roused as to Kalamita's object in having him -carried into her own tent. Object he was sure there was, but it baffled -him for the moment. Then he was lifted and borne beyond the flapping -door through which she had entered, and laid on a pallet of skins -beside a copper couch. - -The woman followed, remained standing until his bearers had left, then -approached and reclined on the couch from whence she could watch his -eyes. - -"Mouthpiece of Zitu," she began after a moment of contemplation, -"Mouthpiece of Zitu, who tumbles from the skies." - -Croft made no answer, and suddenly she left the couch and knelt beside -him. "You are a handsome man, Mouthpiece of Zitu; am I not beautiful -myself?" - -"Yes," said Croft, since in a purely physical way she was no less than -a creature to drive most men mad, and he knew that she knew it, and -because of the knowledge, left none of her charms concealed. - -"And"--she bent above him, closer, closer, until her reddened mouth -seemed about to touch him, until her breath played softly against his -cheek--"wisdom and beauty may accomplish much together, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, think you not?" - -So that was it--wisdom and beauty together. A sudden loathing--an -impulse to put more space between that gleaming body, that blood-red -mouth so very close above him, gripped Croft and shook him. But he kept -it out of his voice and out of his eyes as he replied. "What mean you, -Kalamita of Zollaria, you magnet of the flesh?" - -She laughed--laughed with a note of exultation in the sound as though -his words were a tribute to the power she knew was her own. "Why think -you Kalamita saved you from the fire?" - -Croft quibbled. "Said she not the reason in words?" - -The woman frowned. "Think you Jadgor of Tamarizia will pay the price -for you that Mazzer will ask?" - -Croft knew that his heart leaped. He had been afraid--afraid--yet now -he recalled Jadgor as he knew him--Jadgor who had bowed his haughty -crest on the day just passed for Tamarizia, but never for himself. -Turning the thought in his brain he forget to answer. - -"You know he will not." Almost Kalamita hissed. "And if not, is death -preferable to life, power--love? Wouldst prefer to lie in the ground, -wise man of Tamarizia, or in Kalamita's arms? Wouldst prefer to give of -your strength to Zollaria and her, or to the worms?" - - * * * * * - -More and more Croft sickened at her words. For this he had been brought -into her private tent. There alone with this shameless woman he was -to be intrigued, turned traitor, in spirit and body seduced. Almost -instinctively he turned away his eyes. Her beauty had become a deadly -menace--the perfume of her tinted flesh had become a stench. To him she -was offering what to Cathur's prince had been given, which had made of -the man's name a synonym for treason in his nation. And now once more -she was speaking. - -"Behold, we are alone. I can unbind you, and--Kalamita's couch -is--wide." - -"Aye, too wide, by Zitu!" suddenly Croft roared. "The need was too -patent in its making to have foreseen the fact that width would be -required. Sister of Bandhor, beautiful as the dream of a soul in the -realms of Zitemku you may be, but--Jason of Tamarizia barters not the -welfare of his nation for a moment's lust." - -"So!" Kalamita rose and stood above him. Cruel was her red lips' smile, -and cruel was the light that flashed from her oval, tawny eyes. "So, -then, we know your name at last. Hark ye, Jason--for Kalamita's favor -prouder heads than thine have bended down in the dust. Nor is her favor -a thing to be lightly brushed aside. Wherefore and Jadgor pays not the -price we ask, then the Mouthpiece of Zitu dies." - -A space of time dragged past and Croft had not replied. - -Suddenly Kalamita was again beside him. "Or, perhaps," she said in a -softer fashion, "it is because of that maid of Aphur, of whom one has -told me--that Jason turns aside. If so, forget her--and remember only -that Kalamita also is a woman." - -"Nay--by Zitu, and Azil and Ga, the pure woman," Croft flamed. "Jason -forgets not the virgin to whom he is plighted for one who has lain in -Kyphallos of Cathur's or another's arms." - -"By Bel." Once more Kalamita rose. A tremor shook her tightened figure -and quivered in her tones. "By Bel, who delights in slaughter, you -shall die by torture. Tested by fire shall you be, and staked out for -the insects to devour. The carrion birds of Mazzer shall pluck out your -beauty-blinded eyes. The beasts of the forest shall tear thy entrails -from thee for thy words to me." She turned and went swiftly toward the -flaplike door and flung it open. "Bandhor, O ay Bandhor!" she cried. - -Her blue-stained brother appeared. They conferred together. Bandhor -turned away. - -But only for a moment longer were Croft and the woman alone. Then -came Mazzerian soldiers, and lifting the trussed figure, bore it -swiftly into the night through Bandhor's tent and to another, smaller, -unlighted as to its interior, with naught for a floor save the -grass-grown ground. And there they flung him down. - -But Jason smiled. That quiet dark, the sweet, pure kiss of the grass -beneath him was better than the atmosphere he had left. He stretched -out his limbs so far as his bonds would let him and breathed a sigh of -relief. - -And after a long time, as it seemed to his troubled senses, all his -planning focused on Zud and Naia--dwindled down to those two words. -Lying here, bound, practically doomed to die, he could yet communicate -with them in the astral state. To Zud, whom he had taught to recognize -his coming, he could go then, and even though thereby he made his own -death practically certain, he would still serve best the Tamarizian -states. And Naia---he quivered at the thought. Naia--as he knew her, -would like himself, consider him unworthy if he did less than that. -Therefore he took a deep breath; he would go to Zud. - -And swiftly as the thing was always accomplished when he so desired -it, he was bending over the high priest's body, asleep in the Zitran -pyramid. - -"Zud," his spirit was calling. "The Mouthpiece of Zitu commands you. -Come forth." - -And Zud appeared. "Aye, Jason of Zitu," he quavered. "Zud is here." - -"List ye, Priest of Zitu," Croft replied, and told him what had -occurred. "Wherefore give ear further to my words. Go to Lakkon, and -bid him, in Zitu's name, to send to Jadgor at Atla, advising him to -hold out and seek for delay until the aid from Himyra arrives. Let it -be said to him that Zollaria inspires all things which Mazzer requires. -Let him know that through the power of the spirit which is mine, I -shall inspire Naia of Aphur to cause Robur, his son, to come swiftly -to Atla in person, to direct the use of the weapons that together with -myself he understands, and that through you and Naia of Aphur, I shall -keep him informed of all that transpires while yet my body survives." - -"And thou--thou?" Zud faltered in distraught fashion, clasping his -shadowy hands. - -"I? I know not," said Jason. "My fortune is in Zitu's hands. To you I -give this mission. Say that you understand." - -"Zud hears, and Zud obeys." - -Croft left him. His work was finished. He sought Himyra and Robur's -palace, and Naia---his other self. And this part of his plan he felt -would be the hardest, since in order to make her comprehend fully he -must tell a painful truth--must confess that through his own daring -was Jason at last undone--that his body lay prisoner to Mazzer, -condemned if what he meant to attempt were accomplished, to what seemed -inevitable death. - -And suddenly, as he gained her chamber, Croft had the odd sensation -that he stood before a tomb. Why it was he did not know at the moment, -but it was as though he faced a ravished or an empty shrine. So -strongly had he willed himself to this spot that the very concentration -of his purpose had blotted out all else, and only now, when he reached -it, did there come upon him the feeling that his coming here was vain. - -Yet he crept inside. He moved swiftly toward her couch. In the dusk her -form lay stretched upon it. But--it was motionless, with no stirring -of the coverlet stretched above it, no evidence of breath. Pale as a -lovely image it lay before him, in the semblance of what might be death. - - * * * * * - -Fear--sheer, stark fear gripped Croft and held him through the span of -a startled instant. And then he knew the truth. Because as he stood -there it seemed to him that Naia of Aphur was calling--not from the -form on the couch, but from somewhere else. "Jason--Jason--O Jason, my -beloved!" that subtle cry rang out. - -And it drew him. It compelled him. It was the voice of love--the voice -of the affinity of the ages, soundless, as the spinning of the planets -down the grooveless tracks of time--a blind thing, a mad thing, beyond -all thinking in its sweetness--the voice of atom to atom--of the soft -wind to the pollen--the voice of the bird to its mate--of the maiden to -her lover--the ceaseless song of creation--the voice of God to man. - -"Jason--O my beloved!" - -It filled Croft's being. It engulfed him. It caught him up and carried -him he cared not whither on the tide of a swift irresistible flood. It -made of his astral substance no more than a straw swept up and off and -about in an eddy of compelling force. It was more like that ceaseless -urge which had drawn him from the Dog Star always while yet he dwelt on -earth. - -It carried Croft out of the palace and across the Central Sea. It swept -him across Bithur, with its plains and night-wrapped woods. It drew him -above the camp of the Mazzerian army, and inside that tent where his -body lay stretched out upon the ground. - -And then Croft understood--that Naia had accomplished for herself, what -heretofore had been by him induced--that her spirit's love--her desire -for knowledge, had enabled her soul to break the body's bonds. That as -she suggested she might, in a former conversation, she had found the -way to visit him in dreams. - -Yes, Croft knew all this in a blinding flash of comprehension. -Because--there in the little tent, its auric fires paling and glowing, -its soft arms twined about his unconscious body, lay Naia's astral form. - -She had come to find him. Suddenly it seemed to Croft that he might -have known. And all at once he was glad, with a great unreasoning -gladness that when she came, she had found him here alone, like this -rather than in Kalamita's tent. - -Then very softly, "Beloved," he let steal forth the soul call. - -She heard. She lifted her head from where it had lain upon his breast. -She turned its wide eyes toward him, and saw him and rose swiftly -toward him, and into his embrace. - -"Jason--I came to Atla, and could not find you. And I sought -you--sought you. What is the meaning of this?" - -"The plane fell. I told you always there was danger," he explained -briefly. "I was taken prisoner by the Zollarian masters of the men of -Mazzer. I am held to ransom for a price." - -"Zitu!" Naia panted. "And what else?" - -"I went in the spirit to converse with Zud, and send him on a mission -to thy father," Jason told her, loath to answer her questions with a -mere avowal of the numbing truth--that truth which as it seemed must -blast their own hopes for the future, unless in some blind way he could -contrive escape. "Through him I shall send word to Jadgor that the -price must be refused." - -"Refused?" Naia drew back slightly. Those quivering fires of her life -force faltered, grew dim and uncertain, died down like a flame well -nigh blown out by a deadening wind of fear. "But Jason--thy body--which -I found lying--here?" - -"Belongs to thee, while yet it survives," Croft answered slowly, and -went on before she could find a reply. "Then went I to Himyra, and -finding your form stretched on its couch, seemed to hear you calling, -and returned to find you here. Listen, Naia, my beloved, you must find -Robur and speak to him for me. To Jadgor you must send him, explaining -what has befallen, telling him from me as the one Lakkon sent will tell -him, that when Robur shall arrive to take charge of the motors and -the riflemen of Aphur, they must strike, strike, strike until Bithur -shall be freed. Also to Robur you must say he shall call on Nodhur and -Milidhur to arm so quickly as they may, and send their men to reenforce -and support Aphur. So shall Tamarizia vanquish Mazzer and once more -defeat those things Zollaria plans." - -"And--you ask me--to do this?" Naia faltered. - -"Aye--for Tamarizia I ask it," Croft replied. - -"But--you--you?" She glanced toward the tight-bound body. - -Croft sought to stay her questions. "Look not there, beloved. I am -here." - -"But--unless this price of Mazzer you mentioned--be paid?" She would -not be refused. - - * * * * * - -Croft drew her to him. His position was perhaps rather more peculiar -than that of any living man. The answer to what she had asked was -death, and he knew it. Once he had snapped the astral cord that bound -him to a body, but only after control of another had been gained. And -that second body, the one he had made his own on Palos when he forsook -earth because of the woman whose vital substance now glowed and paled -against him, was the one which lay bound beside them on the ground. -There was no other--the loss of it meant to him what the loss of -physical life must mean to all men--nothing else. "If the price is not -paid, it is easy enough to snap the cord that binds my life within it, -at the proper time," he said at length. - -"And," said Naia in a tone of horror, "you would ask me in taking your -message to Robur, in sending him to Jadgor, to consign our love to -death?" - -"The price," said Croft in justification, "is very great. Much will -Mazzer ask--more than by Tamarizia can be paid for one man's life." - -Swiftly the auric fires leaped up in Naia's slender figure. "Is there -no escape?" - -"I know not," Croft made answer. "It is as Zitu wills. These Zollarians -with the men of Mazzer have stained themselves blue. Yet whom have I to -stain my body, were the stain within my grasp, or shave my hair and dye -it red in time to make the venture? This tent is under guard, and will -be, and the hands of my body are bound." - -Naia considered. "And the price Mazzer will ask," she spoke slowly -after a time, "is large?" - -"Aye, as large, I fear, as though the Zollarian war had been lost by -Tamarizia and Mazhur not regained." - -"And if not paid--your body--dies--and mine." - -"Thine?" Croft tightened the grip of his arms upon her. "What mean you, -maid of Aphur, by such words?" - -"Aphur means what Aphur says," she returned, and looked him in the -eyes. For a moment her own were steady, and then they wavered. She -clung to him in an almost frantic agony of what seemed a momentary -panic of more than mortal grief. Then that, too, had passed, giving way -to an almost passionate mood. "Think you that when life has left your -body, Naia of Aphur, too, shall not lie dead; that to her the body has -no longer any meaning, save as it delights you, save as through it she -knows the touch of yours? Did you not swear to me by Zitu and Azil to -return and claim me? And if that promise remains unfulfilled, think you -that Naia of Aphur will live?" - -"Yet," Croft stammered, shaken by this breath of passion, dazzled by -the flashing of her being's fire, "if the welfare of Tamarizia demands -the failure of that promise--if not with honor can I return to Himyra -in the body. If your words, beloved, make doubly hard my purpose, -when you shall have left me and returned to carry my message to your -cousin--" - -"By Zitu--and by Zitu," Naia fired into desperate protest, "it shall -not be. Azil, giver of life! Shall these foul spawn of Zitemku keep you -from me? Nay, as I am a daughter of Ga, with your seal upon me, now Ga -speaks to me!" She broke off and lifted her hands to her breast. Her -very eyes were fired. - -So for a moment she stood before she went on. "Hark you, Jason, whom I -love more than my own soul. This tent is guarded as you have said, and -a price is laid on Tamarizia for your returning. Yet am I not woman -whom you have wakened for nothing, and my love is not in vain. What -price for a man who is dead?" - -"By Zitu!" Croft caught her meaning. His glance turned toward the body -on the ground beside their feet. - -And Naia nodded. "Aye--Gaya told me in speaking of those things you -told to Robur and to Zud, and now I know for myself that when the -spirit is without it, the body lies as dead. Wherefore were it possible -for you to remain as now you are for a space sufficient to deceive -these men of Mazzer into thinking that injured in your fall you -perchance had died--think you they would keep your body under guard or -even near them, lest it foul the air even like those rotting corpses -which tainted it with horror as I passed this night by Atla's walls?" - -"No by Zitu--they would cast it forth in some other place," Croft -answered quickly. "Naia--Ga--priestess of life, you have said it. -Together we shall beat them yet." - -"Aye, we shall beat them. Listen further," Naia said. "For a few suns -you shall appear to be alive, yet faint and not recovered from injury. -To Himyra shall I return and carry your message to Rob. When seven -suns beginning with the next are passed, then must you seem to die. -Thus shall they carry you forth. But the seven days shall be to gain -time for what you direct to be done. Hai, I am not daughter of Ga for -nothing. Beloved--give me your mouth. I must be gone." - -Life! Life and this woman! There was a chance. Her wits had found it -where his had milled around. Daughter of Ga was she as she said--and -perhaps Ga--the eternal woman, _had_ spoken to her through the elements -which went into forming her nature first. Croft took her once more -closely into his arms. - -"Seek not to leave your body for one moment between now and the end of -the seventh sun," she cautioned, "lest one should note it and so at the -proper time entertain a doubt of your real death." - -Croft marveled. To him she seemed to think of each infinitesimal -detail. "No," he gave his promise. "I shall be merely as one who from -one sun to another fails." - -Naia lifted her lips. And as once before in similar fashion, she -yielded them to him. For an instant it was as though their two beings -blended, intermingled, and then she had torn herself from him, divinely -glowing. "Zitu keep you, beloved," she whispered, and vanished from -before his eyes. - - * * * * * - -For the succeeding seven days Croft endured--simply endured -discomfort--the trussing up of his arms and feet at night in none too -gentle fashion, the scant irregularity of poorly furnished meals, the -absence of aught save trampled grass to sleep upon, renewed attempts on -the part of Bandhor to force from him some intimation of Tamarizia's -plans--the haughty, venomous hate that glared out of Kalamita's -tawny eyes--that fury of a woman of the purely physical type, whose -allurement has been scorned--of an adventuress, a schemer, whose scheme -has failed. - -But on the seventh day, as he lay brooding in his tent, close by the -huge skin headquarters tent of Bandhor, which reminded him more of some -Tatar chieftain's domicile than anything else, with its hide walls, its -semibarbaric trappings, its red-and-green standard floating on a pole -before its door, the door of his own tent was drawn slightly to one -side and a face appeared to send his heart leaping into his breast. - -Maia, Naia's own maid, was looking shrewdly into his starting eyes. -And as lost in a maze he lay staring at her, filled with a vast wonder -at her presence here in the heart of the Mazzerian camp, yet afraid to -speak--torn between a desire to learn the meaning of her presence and a -fear lest any sign of recognition should destroy whatever purpose that -presence might portend, she flung the flap entirely back and darted -inside. - -"Thou canor of Tamarizia!" she cried in the voice of a termagant--a -shrew--and struck him with her right hand a smart blow. "Thou foul -offspring of Zitu fallen to the ground--thou devil who sent fire -against my people, whose own people have cast him off, die--like the -canor thou art!" And all the time she was shrieking she continued to -buffet him with blows, striking him with her bare hand, kicking him -with her feet. "Die, thou pale-faced fiend, whom Bel--greater than thy -Zitu struck down and hurled among us--die--die now!" - -But Croft, under the storm of her words, her buffetings, made no -movement of resistance, lay limp and unresisting on the grass. Because -even as she struck him, even as she lashed him with her tongue, calling -him fiend and devil and canor--the name of the great beasts such as -Naia's pet and protector, Hupor, which was the nearest approach in -Palos to a dog; yet as her one hand rose and fell above him, her other -drew from the narrow apron about her blue loins a little looped silver -cross, and showed it to him briefly and thrust it back, and between -the anathema of her lips they moved in almost soundless speaking. -"Hupor--give ear to my berating of thee closely. I come from one who -loves thee greatly--to show you the cross." - -The cross ansata--the looped symbol of life--the little sign Zud had -placed in Naia's hands at their betrothal--the sign of immortal life -which came to men through women--Naia of Aphur was sending it by this -servant of hers, who loved her, to him! He closed his eyes and nodded -slightly in understanding as Maia continued to rave. Only now his brain -was whirling, seething; was a caldron of troubled questions he dared -not voice--questions as to why Maia had been sent to aid in his escape, -as he felt sure now she had. Yet to question the girl was impossible -under the present conditions, and what was she screaming? - -"Die--thou canor--die as Bandhor has decreed thou must, since Jadgor -has refused thy ransom! Die now--thou Tamarizian dog!" - -And she had told him to listen closely to her vituperations. Croft -gained the message she intended. Jadgor had done as he advised, and -Bandhor's captive had lost value. Wherefore he kept his eyes closed, -and seemingly died. - -Footsteps! Croft's guard burst through the door. He seized Maia and -flung her to one side, and stooped above the body with a face of -terror. And then he straightened and turned upon her. "By Bel, you have -killed him!" he stammered. "He has been ailing ever since he fell among -us. Fool that I was to listen to your plea to view him. May Bel send -you our commander's rage." - -"That rage," Maia said, panting as it seemed from her exertions and -emotions, "seeing that he is of value no longer, should not be so -intense." - -"Come!" The guard seized her by an arm and led her toward Bandhor's -tent. - -Croft went along, trailing the man and woman's steps. And once inside -the huge shelter of skins, the guard saluted sharply and hurled Maia -before the Zollarian noble, so that she sprawled her length on the -ground. - -"Behold, O Bandhor"--he made his report in a gruff bluster designed to -cover his own face as well as he could--"this woman who made her way by -stealth into Jason of Tamarizia's tent and struck him so that he died!" - -"Hai!" Bandhor half rose, and sank back and narrowed his eyes. He -regarded Maia, who groveled before him, her body caught and held, -half-raised, on stretching arms, her head lifted, gazing into his -startled face with watchful eyes. - -"How are you called?" he inquired. - -"Maia," stammered the woman. "Child am I of a father and mother who -have lived among his people. All my life have I served them until Bel -sent Bandhor and my father's people to bring liberation. Then I slipped -away and made my way to thy army, with which I have stayed the past -sun. Wherefore, hearing that Bandhor had condemned this one to death, -I desired to see him and, seeing him, rage overcame me, and I threw -myself upon him. Mercy, O Bandhor, mighty commander of my people, for -this which I have done." - -"Hai!" said Bandhor again, his lids contracting still further. "After -all, it is a small matter, though my sister will be annoyed. She had -planned a more lingering death for this insolent man. Yet to death was -he condemned, and it is finished. Say you that from the bondage of his -people you have come?" - -"Aye, from Atla, lord." - -"Atla! Now, by Bel!" Bandhor roared. "And what inside the penned-up -city do these white spawn plan?" - -"They speak of resistance," Maia made answer, "as Bandhor knows. But -perchance he knows not that many men from Aphur have arrived, armed -with the chariots they call moturs, which run by fire, and breathe it -forth as death, and with the sticks that throw death unseen with noise -and smoke, unlike the flight of an arrow or spear. Ten thousand have -reached Bithra, and are advancing to the relief of Atla even now. More -are said to be journeying from Aphur across the Central Sea, and yet -others from Nodhur and Milidhur are to come." - -"Hai!" For the third time Bandhor said it with a heavy frown. "This -is of importance. For the information your words contain, I give you -pardon--were those other of thy father's children in Tamarizia as -loyal--much might be wrought of ill among them were their caste of -servants to rise and kill and burn. Go!" He turned to the guard, whose -face had lightened. "Take men and bear forth this body, and cast it -beyond the camp. Or hold! I will view him myself." For the third time -his eyelids narrowed, and he rose. - - * * * * * - -Followed by Maia and the guard, he entered Croft's tent and bent over -the body on the ground. "Aye--his spirit has left him," he said as he -straightened from the inspection and swung about on his heel. - -"Mighty Bandhor," Maia stayed him. "I may remain for a time in the -camp." - -Bandhor eyed her. "Oh, aye," he said in careless fashion. "You are a -comely girl of your people; you should have small trouble in finding -some man to take you to his tent." - -He turned away, and a moment later a brazen trumpet began sounding -a summoning blast. As Croft learned, this was a signal to Bandhor's -captains and advisers to assemble for a council with their chief. - -Maia stole out with the arm of the guard about her, walking coyly at -his side. Quite plainly the fellow was inclined to take Bandhor's -suggestion about her to himself. Croft watched them vanish, and -remained beside his own body, still huddled on the grass. - -And in the end he followed it--followed his own body when it was borne -outside the limits of the encampment and cast into a thicket of bushes, -where its disposition was watched by Maia, who accompanied the now -openly amorous guard and lingered beside the thicket with him after the -other soldiers had cast down their burden and gone. - -"Let us remove its clothing," she suggested. "To waste it were a loss." - -The guard assented. - -Five minutes later, more than a little aghast, Croft found his material -tenement stretched stark upon the ground. Maia and her lover were -moving off. In her arms the girl bore his suit of soft, brown leather. - -In a way now Croft became more and more disturbed. Vague fancies filled -his mind. At the first he had trusted her wholly, but this last move he -did not understand. He recalled the story Parthys had told of the blue -servants rising against their employers during the present trouble, and -he marked the manner in which she accepted the blue man's advances. - -After all, she was a Mazzerian herself, he thought, and there was no -reason save her possible affection for Naia to insure her worthiness -of trust. Still--she had shown him the tiny cross from the apron about -her waist, and she had told him to die, as Naia had advised he should. -After all, she might have some definite reason beyond his present -knowledge for divesting his body of clothes. And he could do nothing -until nightfall. That being the case, and the night being several -hours removed, there was nothing to do but wait. Dead it might be in -seeming, yet Croft knew that lying thus in the open his body needed -protection. In the middle of the thicket he settled down beside it. It -was rather odd, he found himself thinking, to be sitting there keeping -an invisible watch of his own form. - -Now and then, as the afternoon passed, he stole a glance at the camp. -There was bustle there, a moving and shifting of men. It came to him -that Bandhor, after his council, was preparing for another attack -of Atla, urged thereto by Maia's report concerning the approaching -reinforcements of weapons and men. Well, let them attack, he thought -with a grim satisfaction. Jadgor would hold out through yet one more -attack surely, and by then Bandhor would have lost his chance, once -Robur and his forces had arrived. - -Night came at last. Purposely Croft waited until late before making his -venture at escape. And while he waited, there stole into the thicket a -dim shape, which approached his body and sank beside it on the ground. - -It was Maia. More than a little surprised, Croft watched her. She -carried a bundle. She undid it. She moved higher beside his body and -raised his head, supporting it on her thighs. Then swiftly she began -to shave it, turning it to reach the back, and working rapidly on the -sides. That done, while comprehension flashed into Croft's mind, and -with it renewed confidence in this girl, as he recalled his words to -Naia concerning some such thing as this, she took a small box from her -bundle and began rubbing the scalp-lock she had left upon his poll with -a substance it contained. After that she lifted a flask and removed a -stopper. Working rapidly, she began smearing the body with some dark -fluid, spreading it thinly upon the skin, rubbing it to as even a -coating as she might with rapid hands. And as she worked Croft's body -lost its ivory whiteness and became a dark-hued thing like her own. At -the end she took a small cloth from the articles she had brought with -her and twisted it deftly about his loins. - -And as she finished and straightened herself from her labors, Croft, -sensing it time for his reviving, opened the eyes of the body over -which she had worked and spoke. - -"Hai," said Maia, without any particular evidence of consternation. "It -is even so she said it would happen when I had finished. She said that -when I had shaved you, lord, and reddened your hair, and stained your -body, and put the loin-cloth upon it, you would reappear." - -"She?" Croft questioned her quickly. "You mean Naia of Aphur, Maia?" - -"Aye. Who else, Hupor Jason?" She rose and picked up her bundle. "Naia, -my mistress. These are your garments. Come, Hupor, till I lead you to -her. She lies near." - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - THE BLUE GIRL OF APHUR - - -She lies near! Croft's senses reeled and then steadied into the -blinding truth--the sweetness of it, the full meaning of it--and yet -the possible peril to her whom it concerned. - -Naia of Aphur lay near him--had come to his rescue. - -Then--then--seven days before she had not told him all the plan she had -in mind. She had told him only the essential portion which most closely -concerned himself--and the rest--this thing--the part which dealt with -her aid and assistance when the time for it should arrive, she had -left unspoken, knowing no doubt he would forbid her risking her own -integrity in an effort to succor him. - -For an instant he thrilled with blended feeling, and then he spoke to -Maia. "You mean?" - -"That she lies hid some distance beyond the camp of thy enemies, Hupor. -Come." - -"But--" Croft found himself confused by the manner of Naia's presence. -Barely seven days had passed since she must have wakened in Himyra -after their astral conversation in the tent where he lay bound. The -time was not sufficient to brand Maia's words as truth. And yet Croft -knew that he believed them. How, then, had Naia come? - -Almost with impatience Maia interrupted. "Seven suns from now she waked -from her slumber, Hupor, in a most strange mood. For the Hupor Robur -she sent me, and for long they spoke together, and after that she spoke -with me again. Bidding me place her in the garment she wears when she -dares to rise in the air, she took me with her to the great house where -the thing she rides is kept, and compelled me to enter it with her, so -that my spirit turned as weak as water when, with a great roaring, we -leaped into space." - -"Zitu--you mean she flew to Bithur?" Croft's stained chest rose -sharply. His eyes began to flash. - -"Aye, Hupor--partly in the air like a bird, and partly on the water -like a boat--which, praise to Zitu, was calm, and with wonderful speed." - -"But fuel--what is burned in the motor?" Jason questioned. - -Maia shrugged. "Her lips, not mine, should tell you how, like a bird to -its mate, she came to seek thee, Hupor," she admonished. "Yet--were not -the great galleys already seeking to reach Bithur with men and weapons -by the Hupor Robur's orders? And though he swore by Zitu and Azil she -should not undertake this madness, he did not refuse to his cousin that -which would spell her death. On the waves we rode beside the galleys -when the thing that makes the motor turn was required." - -"My God!" Croft spoke not as a man of Tamarizia, but of earth. Naia had -solved all difficulties, driven by the desire of saving him from the -results of his own misfortune. She had overcome all obstacles in her -desire to reach him. And this was love--the flight of Naia of Aphur, as -the blue girl had phrased it, like that of a bird to its mate. - -"On the night of the sun before this we came down in an open place in -the forest," Maia explained further. "There the great wings we rode on -lie hid. And some distance farther in this direction she awaits thee, -Hupor. Come." - -"Aye," said Croft, and caught a great, a wondrous breath of -realization. "Aye, come." And now as he moved off, where he had delayed -before he seemed fired by an all-compelling haste. - -To reach her--to meet her--to greet her and gather her into his arms! -To hold her, sense the strength, the softness, the ripened glory of -her; to hold her, and know that no matter how beautiful she was in -body, the beauty and strength of her spirit was no less. To hold her -and know, realize, feel that the beauty, the strength, the glory of -both soul and body were his. He started out of the thicket at a pace -that made Maia gasp: - -"Walk not so quickly, Hupor, and permit that I walk at thy side. Seen -we may be of many, and though thou are stained to the seeming of a man -of Mazzer, yet were it best that you seem also not as one in haste, but -as a man who strolls through the camp with a woman at his side." - -"Aye." Croft nodded in understanding and slackened his stride. -"Aye--Maia--yet lead me to her as quickly as you can." - -Their course led them after a time into the depths of the gloomy -forest, where the moons were blotted out or their light filtered in -streaming tatters through the trees. And there Croft spoke again to his -companion. - -"I failed to understand when you put it into the mind of the guard to -make way with my clothes." - - * * * * * - -Maia made a clicking sound suggestive of an almost impish amusement -as she answered. "But--since I was to paint your body, Hupor, it -was easier for me to bring the pigments wrapped inside them, when I -slipped away from him after he had drunk wine into which I had dropped -a substance to induce heavy slumber I had brought with me inside my -girdle band. Indeed, we three appear now no more than as other children -of Mazzer. My mistress, when we come upon her, will seem no other than -myself." - -"You mean you have stained her?" Jason questioned. - -"Aye, lord, from the roots of her golden hair to her graceful heels. -For two suns, as I have told you, has it been needful for her to lie in -the open while I made my way to the camp and performed my mission, and -had any come upon her--" - -She turned aside and swept back a screen of branches. She plunged -through and came into a break in the forest close to the banks of a -tiny stream across a little glade. And there she pursed her lips and -sent quivering through the moonlight what seemed a nightbird's call. - -It was answered. Maia repeated, and paused, and whistled again. Then -touching Croft on the arm, she urged him forth from the shadow until he -stood revealed in the rays of the Palosian moons. - -And from the shadows beyond him another shape appeared. Slight it was -and slender, graceful as a faun, as it came swiftly toward him on -flying feet, graceful as a dryad of the forest in its every supple, -sweeping line save for where it was girdled by a band of white. - -So much Croft saw, and advanced to meet it, and found it Naia, veiled -as she stood before him from head to waist in the heavy cloud of her -auburn-tinted hair. - -And then she lay against him--his arms were straining her to his -breast, and that cloud of ruddy hair was like the kiss of satin against -his naked chest. And her hands were clinging to him, her arms were -holding him fast. - -"Jason, beloved," she panted, "you are safe--uninjured, alive!" - -"Yes--thanks to you, beloved, and to Maia," Croft replied, and kissed -her. - -"Thou"--Naia of Aphur flung up her head and turned to the girl of -Mazzer--"thou who this night have brought me more than life or anything -besides--thou shall never leave me--thou shall remain always with -me--and with him. My children you shall cradle in your arms--and if -love comes to you as to me and offspring, I swear it--to me they shall -be as mine." - -"My mistress," Maia faltered, bending her head before Naia. - -"Nay--you are my sister," said Naia, smiling, and took her by the hand. -And after that she spoke again to Croft. "Yet--I am forgetting. Not -yet are we free from danger. Thrice today have men roamed through the -forest while I hid me beneath the leaves. But thy huge bird waits to -bear us high above them. Come, beloved, come." - -For an hour after that, his arm about her, or walking hand in hand--as -though now they were once more together they sought the assurance of -the fact through every thrilling sense--they hurried on. And then once -more the moonlight filled all the bowl of a tree-ringed opening in the -forest, and struck dull gleams from the copper body of the waiting -airplane. Huge, impotent, in seeming, it squatted there, waiting -their touch to wake it; its interlacing struts and trusses making a -spider-webbed pattern in shadow on the ground. - -Naia drew her ruddy tresses about her as they stepped into the forest -meadow. - -"Put on your flying garments now, beloved," she prompted, "while Maia -and I find ours and put them on." - -Five minutes later Croft lifted both women to their seats. Then as -Naia, save for her strained face and changed hair, very much herself in -her brown flying garments, took her place at the control, he seized the -blades of the propeller and sent the engine round. - - * * * * * - -The plane swung with them like some monster bat beneath the skies. It -turned. It rushed off under Naia's guiding, its vanes all silvered now -like the top of the forest in the moonlight, bearing its burden of -renewed life and love. - -Far, far away on the plain where Croft had lain captive, still winked -the light of fires. They came closer, closer, as the airplane ate -through the trackless distance--were beneath it--were left behind. - -Around, in a monster circle--a descending spiral. Once more around. -Again and again in a vast, wide turning, sinking lower and lower down. -The lights on the Bith were closer. Closer the fire-urns burned. Below -was the wide-flung reach of the street along the river, and straight -above it the airplane swung. The hum of the motor died, and the night -wind sang in a sinking whisper past it. It slipped down a long hill of -air and sped along the ground. - -And as it stopped, as Croft lifted Naia from her seat, from the -entrance of Atla's palace there dashed a chariot drawn by gnuppas, -their plumes tossing, bearing down on the plane with flying feet. -Straight as though driven in a race, it approached and paused, with -the gnuppas on their haunches. Robur of Aphur flung aside its silklike -curtains and sprung down. - -"By Zitu--and by Zitu, my friend--my brother--and thou, Naia, my -cousin, thou chosen of all Zitu's children!" he cried, all poise or -thought of dignity vanishing as he caught them in his arms. - - * * * * * - -They entered the carriage and reclined upon the padded cushions, the -princess commanding Maia to take a place at her side. They were driven -to the palace, and there Croft was led to a room. And there attendants -labored until the last of the blue pigment vanished, and his skin -merged from beneath it a most surprising pink from the necessary force -they used. As for the ruddy scalp-lock, he had it shaved off as the -simplest way of settling the matter regarding his hair. He was glowing, -both literally and with the thoughts induced by the manner of his -escape and return when Robur appeared. - -Bidding the servants fetch his customary garments, leg-cases, tunic, -helmet, and metal cuirass, he dismissed them and proceeded to clothe -himself. - -"Hai!" Robur eyed him. "As once before I remarked, thou art 'a sight.' -And a sight thou art for more than the eyes of a maid, Jason, my -friend. In Zitu's name, what chanced to the airplane that thy plans -went wrong? In Atla there was well-nigh a panic when you failed of your -return." - -Croft explained, and Robur nodded. - -"Aye, it was the same with the motors when they 'stalled,' and they -knew not how to start them; and as you have explained to me, there is -small time to work upon a motor in the air. My father, however, swore -it was a judgment of Zitu against him for his stand of the past few -Zitrans toward thee. Then came Zud and Lakkon with your message, and -word that fresh men and weapons were assured to lighten his cares." - -"And the dynamo, Rob?" Croft questioned, buckling his cuirass straps -and standing once more appareled in silver and gold, with the wings and -cross in blue upon his breast. - -"Lies on a galley even now beside the quays," Robur replied. "What of -it, Jason? You have a plan?" - -"Yes," Croft nodded as he laid a hand on his sword. "A plan to show -that its wires as well as light, may build a cordon about Atla's walls, -to touch which shall mean death. Then let Mazzer's Zollarian-commanded -horde attack." - -"Aye--say you so." Robur gained his feet. "Two thousand riflemen are -with me; four times their number come from Bithra, and should arrive -tomorrow. Nodhur and Milidhur will send us others. Also, there are the -motors--twelve, all numbered--and the remaining airplanes, with men who -know how to fly them to some extent. Aye, let Mazzer and her Zollarian -leaders attack. But if you are ready, come. I was sent to bid you to a -feast." - -"A feast?" Croft eyed him sharply. - -And Robur smiled. "Aye, a feast in quality, my friend, if not in -numbers," he replied. "Come along, you favored one of Zitu. Naia of -Aphur acts hostess tonight to her lord." - -Yet even so, Croft did not understand as he followed his friend to a -small apartment where a table was spread, and found Medai of Bithur, -Jadgor, Lakkon, Zud, and Naia, already reclining on the couches ranged -about the board. Nor did he consider greatly, after he had gripped -the hand of each man present and looked into old Zud's eyes with a -glance of mutual understanding, and taken the place at Naia's side she -indicated by a gesture of her hand. - -She was in white--all save the golden fabric of her girdle where -against the glistening background the seal of Azil blazed. Save only -for that spot of color, white as the robe of a vestal, her garment -showed. White even were the sandals and leg-cases on her feet and -tapering calves--of white leather as thin and soft as kid. White, too, -were the stately plumes above her hair, once more a shimmer of gold. -And her lips were scarlet as a poppy, and her eyes twin lakes of pansy -purple, and softly pink, as the blush of innocence itself, her warm -skin glowed. - -Wherefore Croft was content to put by all consideration to eat; to -drink of the wine before him with his lips, of Naia with his eyes; -listen to the congratulations of the others stretched about the tables, -while the harps of musicians hidden somewhere out of sight were softly -played. - -Nor did he dream that anything beyond the celebration of their safe -return was toward, until old Zud, rising, signaled them to rise. - -So that, all uncomprehending, he obeyed and rose, and giving Naia his -hand, assisted her to her feet, and stood in silence waiting for the -priest to speak; becoming aware as he did so that the others had also -risen and were standing with their eyes on Naia and himself. - -"Children of Zitu, I give ye to one another. May he send his blessings -upon you, as I, his priest give--mine." - -So spake Zud of Zitra, high priest of all Tamarizia, than whose words -was no higher priestly voice. - -And Naia, reaching down, unpinned the seal of Azil, and placed the -gleaming jewel in his palm. - -"O Jason, Jason," she stayed his halting question, "think you not that -in our case custom may be set aside? See you not that so I compelled -Zud to promise--before I flew above Atla's walls to find you--that if -we returned together, it should be so--tonight?" - -And then Croft comprehended all the sweetness of her planning. And drew -her into his arms and held her--held her until it seemed that all else -faded away and there was naught in the world save their two selves. - -"My bride," he said; "my--bride." - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - LOST CONFIDENCES - - -This is the story told me by the lips of the sorry wreck on the bed, -the spirit that looked out of its eyes--Croft's spirit, as I have -every reason to believe, since he so frankly admitted what he had -done, and because every detail of the narrative itself showed complete -familiarity with the events embraced in the story Croft in his own -earthly body had told me before. - -"And that's all--or practically all--Murray," he said at last with a -sigh and laid his cigar aside. "I've done a lot of things since then, -and Tamarizia bids fair to develop into a very up-to-date nation; only -I needed information concerning a lot of things in regard to which -I was lacking. It was to gain this information I reversed my first -experiment in changing bodies. Will you help me to what I need?" - -"I'll help you, of course," I told him; "but what about the Mazzerian -invasion?" - -He gave me a glance, and the light in his eye was quietly amused. - -"Lord, man, I was forgetting. To me it seemed that the moment in which -I knew Naia mine was the logical ending. But we beat them. Hadn't I -gained what I went to Palos to attain? Small chance that Zollaria's -blue rabble could accomplish the revenge for which she schemed. - -"Rob and I went to work the next day. We put about a thousand riflemen -on the walls. And then we went outside and set up a lot of posts about -twenty feet from the base of the walls. Ugh!--it was nasty work--with -all those rotting corpses under foot. But we got them up while the -riflemen kept the blue men back out of arrow range, and then we hitched -one end of our wire to an armed motor and pulled it about the walls. -In the meantime, however, we had to repulse an attack. On the second -day Bandhor sent about ten thousand Mazzerians against our defenses, -and we rolled them back considerably less in numbers than when they -started, though I must say they fought like devils, and for a while it -was pretty warm work. - -"We had quite a time getting the wire strung, too, because they used to -slip in and cut it down at night, so that finally, while I was rigging -up a motor to run the dynamo and generate the current I meant to charge -the wire, we gave it up. Then, when the motor was properly harnessed, -we took a couple of cars and ran half-way around the walls each way -between daylight and dark, and hooked the two ends up. And that night, -you can take my word for it, the Mazzerians found trouble when they -came up to undo our work. All you had to do was to stand on top of the -wall and watch the flashes when those blue men hit the wire. Robur -thought it was about the best piece of work I had accomplished yet. - -"By that time, however, the eight thousand from Bithra had come up, and -we began to get ready to stage our own attack. Murray, the present war -was just started when I went to Palos first. But at the time I defeated -Helmor, of Zollaria, these tanks I've been reading about in the papers -the past few days hadn't been thought of, let alone used, on earth. -That's one instance in which Tamarizia beat this more advanced planet." - -"It was a man of earth who did it," I pointed out. - -"Well--possibly, yes." Croft laughed. "What I started to say, however, -was that I seem to have in a measure duplicated their performance -and manner of offensive use myself. We used them to break the first -resistance of the opposing line and pave the way for the infantry -attack. You will recall the success of their work against Helmor's army -in the Zollarian campaign. Well, they made good again. - -"We sortied from Atla, with the motors in advance. Under a screen of -rifle fire from the walls, we moved them out of the gates and placed -them back of the wire, and filled them with men and grenades. And I -picked two men Naia had trained in flying better than I could have done -it myself. I suppose, Murray, fliers, like other men with some special -aptitude, are born as much as made. My wife is a born aviatrix--nothing -less. She'll do things with a plane I daren't attempt, and she'd licked -two of the hangar crowd into mighty decent shape. I took them, and we -used three planes and about a ton of bombs. Naia wanted to go along, -but I wouldn't let her, but I know she went up on the walls with Lakkon -and watched. - -"Rob led the motor squadron and I the planes. We gave Bandhor's army -everything at once. Jadgor had charge of the foot forces. And when -everything was ready the sortie began. - -"The motors advanced straight over the wire in which the power was -turned off. I took my planes over the walls from the concourse along -the Bith, and hit the blue army first with a shower of bombs. That -upset them more or less. I honestly think the sight of the planes -themselves shook them as much as anything else. - -"And, of course, Robur made contact with his armored cars before they -had steadied themselves. They fought--oh, yes, they fought, but they -were beaten from the first. They tried to stall the motors and overturn -them as they had when Jadgor used them against their army first. But -this time they didn't stall, or not for long at a time--and what of -the enemy weren't shot by the men inside them either ran away or were -crushed. One did get stuck in the timber, and was in a pretty bad way -until Robur himself got to it and drove the Mazzerians about it off. On -the whole, however, they did splendidly, and tore some awful gaps in -Bandhor's line. - - * * * * * - -"The infantry, coming up to the attack behind them, finished the work. -Inside thirty minutes there wasn't any real army before us so much as -the fragments of an army fighting where they fought at all, in small, -disorganized bands. Thousands ran away in bodies. Hundreds hid in the -woods. The riflemen mopped them up in droves. In a surprisingly short -time Rob broke clear through the line with three of the motors, and -got out of the fringe of forest between Atla and that great plain -where Bandhor had his tent. And as luck would have it, he was just in -time. Bandhor was about to leave. Rob"--the eyes of the man on the bed -twinkled--"suggested in a somewhat urgent fashion that he remain--and -his sister with him. I mustn't forget Kalamita at the last. He stuck -both of them into one of the motors under guard and sent them straight -back inside Atla's walls, and after that, what with the planes above -them and the two remaining motors--Rob's own and the other--the -Mazzerian army met a warm reception when it streamed out of the forest -upon that plain. The end came right there. Mazzer's organized force -broke up. It quit cold and ran. For a week we were hazing them in small -bands out of Bithur, but they never stiffened up enough to offer a real -fight again." - -"And what about Bandhor and his sister?" I inquired. - -Croft smiled. "I have every reason to think they were surprised to find -me alive. I know Bandhor swore when we met the first time, and Kalamita -turned a bit whiter that I had ever seen her before. We held them, -Murray. Zollaria found out two could play at the same ransom game. -Only Zollaria paid--a million sesterons, which, you may appreciate, is -equivalent to about a million pounds. I hardly think she'll care to try -conclusions with Tamarizia very soon again." - -"And since then you've gone on introducing innovations, I suppose?" I -said. - -He nodded. "Yes. Naia and I went to Lakkon's mountain house. He gave -it to us for our own. There were a lot of associations about it, and -I was glad to accept it for a dwelling. As I told you, Tamarizia bids -fair to come up to date. We're printing papers in Himyra and Zitra -now, my friend. We've established a system of free schools. Now I'm -after more rapid means of communications mainly--we've a sort of -telephone--short-distance lines which I want to improve, and I want to -establish telegraph and wireless. Astral communication may do between -harmonized minds, but it's too much to expect to educate a people into -anything like that. - -"Also, I want to improve the medical caste. Oh, I've done a lot, but -I want to do a million things yet. So I talked it over with Naia, and -we decided that I should come back--reverse the experiment. We've been -back in the astral condition, of course, more than once. I've brought -her with me--shown her earth. She understands--and she's waiting for my -success in this matter even now, up there in the mountains where I told -her I loved her first. And see here--it may be that some attendant will -tell you I'm pretty sound asleep almost any night. If I take the notion -I'm apt to slip up to tell her how things are going along. So--if -that happens, don't let it fuss you--though, with your understanding, -I don't suppose it would. Anyway, I'll promise you now to give you -warning when the work I came back for is done." - -"And you're happy?" I questioned. - -"Happy?" He gave me a strange glance. "Man, the word's inadequate. -I've found the complement of my nature--speaking in that sense, I'm -satisfied. And--as though that wasn't enough--it's five Zitrans -now--six months about, as you estimate time, since Naia told me--that, -in the quiet of the night, she had heard the whisper of Azil's wings. -I--I don't know, Murray, both she and I hope it will be a boy--but -whether it is or not--boy or girl, it is ours--the final proof of our -love--of the blending of my life and hers." - -I helped him. Of course I helped him. I did everything within my power -to furnish him with the information he required. A month went by, and -two, and nearly every night of that time we spent at least an hour in -confidential talk. - -And then, one night, he caught me by the hand and looked into my eyes -and gripped my fingers hard. "I'm going, Murray," he said, smiling. -"I've got what I came for, I fancy--so don't be surprised. And see -here--Naia knows all about you. I've told her; and when I speak to her -first in the flesh on Palos, I'm going to tell her how much you've -contributed to the success of this undertaking. And if ever you give -us a thought, you can feel that there's a woman--a wife and mother--up -here on another star whose heart holds a warm spot for you--the one man -on earth who knows our story--big enough--broad enough to refuse to -balk at the truth." - -I returned his gripping pressure, more than a little affected by his -words. "Naia of Aphur is as real to me as I am myself," I replied. "And -hang it, man--I--I wish I was up there with you. I'd like to be your -physician. I'd consider it a privilege to watch the light in her eyes -when they first see Jason Croft's son." - -"Man," he said, "man, I could love you for that," and wrung my hand -again. - - * * * * * - -It was midnight when the night superintendent called and told me No. 27 -had died. - - * * * * * - - The last story in this trilogy will be "Jason, Son of Jason." - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOUTHPIECE OF ZITU *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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Giesy</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Mouthpiece of Zitu</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: J.U. Giesy</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March 2, 2022 [eBook #67542]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOUTHPIECE OF ZITU ***</div> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>The Mouthpiece of Zitu</h1> - -<h2>By J. U. Giesy</h2> - - -<p>A Complete Novel</p> - -<p>Sequel to "Palos of the Dog Star Pack"</p> - - -<p>Copyright 1919 by The Frank A. Munsey Company.</p> - -<p>This story was published in The All-Story Weekly,<br /> -serially, beginning July 5, 1919.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> - -<h3>THE NEW PATIENT</h3> - - -<p>I took my stethoscope and went over the patient's chest. I wanted to -determine his general condition, since he was now committed to my care -as medical director of the State Hospital for the Insane. He had -struck me as being in a rather bad way when he was brought in from the -capital city farther north. It was part of my professional duty to -look out for his physical welfare as well as endeavor to set right his -distorted brain.</p> - -<p>I had one of the nurses remove the hospital garment into which he had -been put, and then I set the disk of my instrument over the region -of his heart. It was bad, very bad indeed. The burr and whisper of -its labored action came through his emaciated flesh with surprising -loudness. I frowned and went on to the lungs, and found them suffering -from the effects of that faulty circulation.</p> - -<p>A dissociation of personality had been alleged by the physicians who -had sent him into my hands. In other words, the man was supposed not -to know who he was—to have lost his true identity, or be confused -about it in his own mind. But the case was not violent, had given no -indications of any wish to work harm to any one about him. Indeed, the -entire course until now had been of a melancholic turn.</p> - -<p>I finished my examination and straightened, and met the regard of his -eyes. They were a very dark brown, and they were fixed intently on my -face. What was more, they gave me one of the oddest sensations I had -ever had in my life.</p> - -<p>I had never seen the man before. Of that I was positive. And yet as -I met the steady glance he held upon me, I felt that I knew those -eyes—the eyes, mind you—or what was behind them—looking out as -through a window in a darkened house. I'm not sure, but I think I -caught my breath.</p> - -<p>"Send the nurse away, will you, Dr. Murray?"</p> - -<p>For the first time during my examination the patient spoke, and the -sound of it was almost like a half-checked laugh. It was as though the -man felt a perfectly sane and understanding amusement in the situation -in which he found himself.</p> - -<p>Then as I hesitated, more in surprise than from any other reason, he -went on: "Oh, I'll not be violent or try to escape, or anything like -that. I merely want to talk to you—yourself."</p> - -<p>I nodded to the attendant, who left the room, and turned back once more -to encounter those strangely familiar eyes.</p> - -<p>"Don't you know me, Dr. Murray?" their owner inquired.</p> - -<p>"I never saw you before," I said, determined to meet this phase of the -man's condition, whatever it was, in as natural a way as I might. "And -yet—" Right there I paused.</p> - -<p>"And yet—you aren't sure about the denial even while you make it." -He laughed without any sound. Insane in a mild way he might be, but -he certainly seemed to know what he was saying and to be enjoying the -somewhat puzzled expression which I fancy must have shown upon my face. -"Murray, you're both right and wrong. You've never seen this body, so -far as I know, but I hardly think you've forgotten Jason Croft."</p> - -<p>"Croft! Good Heavens!"</p> - -<p>The words dribbled off my lips. I gasped. Now I knew what it was about -those eyes that held me. Croft I had not forgotten, but—so far as -earth was concerned—he had died; I had pronounced him dead myself; -had seen his body consigned to the grave. And it had been the body of -a splendidly proportioned man—no such pitiful physical wreck as this -figure in the bed.</p> - -<p>But it had been Jason Croft who had given to me what as nearly amounted -to a proof of spiritual life apart from the mortal body as any man -might have—who had told me, shortly before his death occurred, the -most remarkable tale my ears had ever heard, a tale incredible in -itself, and yet one which, despite all arguments against it, I had -always felt myself inclined to believe. In addition to that, when his -story was ended he had announced that he was forsaking his earthly -body for life on another planet; had told me that some day I would -receive a call and find his earthly body dead, but that on that other -star, Palos—a world in the system of Sirius the Dog Star—he would be -possessed of another body and Naia, Princess of Aphur, as wife.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Unbelievable? Of course it was unbelievable. And yet Croft's earth body -died, just as he said it would. And if any one could have heard his -story as I did when he told it, I think the auditor would have been -moved to credence just as I was myself.</p> - -<p>Croft was a physician even as I am. He was a scientific man. In -addition, he was a student of what most of us call the occult—the -science of the mind, the spirit, the soul. So much I know, not only -from his words but material evidence. His former home had contained -the greatest private collection of works on the subject I have ever -seen. According to his own statements, he had advanced so far in his -investigations of the subject that he could project his own astral -body anywhere at will. And by anywhere, I mean to be understood in the -literal sense.</p> - -<p>Many men have acquired the ability of which he was master, as applying -to the earthly sphere; Croft, however, had carried it to its ultimate -degree and had shaken off or entered the atmospheric envelope of our -planet at will. In our conversation, which ended with his announcement -that he was going back to Palos to wed Naia and live out his life in -that other world, he had explained the whole thing to me—largely as I -felt at the time and after, because I had dabbled in the occult to some -extent, and he knew I would understand, in part at least.</p> - -<p>In making clear his motives he had even broached the subject of -twin souls—the doctrine that each spirit is originally dual, but -incarnates as two individuals—a male and a female in the flesh. He -alleged that since a child he had felt a vague prompting toward the Dog -Star, which he could not understand until he went there in the astral -form, once he had gained the power, and found on Palos a woman—his -true counterpart, his twin soul, as he declared his belief.</p> - -<p>But, to accomplish his mating with her, Croft declared further that he -had done a most remarkable thing. Discovering a man dying from a mental -rather than a bodily condition on the other star, he had waited until -his death occurred and then appropriated the still physically viable -body to himself; and he explained the thing in a very comprehensible -manner at the time, describing the whole procedure in a scientific way, -until unbelief faltered and one felt that the thing had been done.</p> - -<p>Over that body he had acquired as full control as he had of his own. -He might at will throw it into a cataleptic sleep. After that he led a -sort of double existence—sometimes on Palos, sometimes on earth—until -his plans were finally shaped. Then, and then only, did he finally -forsake the mundane life for that other and fuller existence which he -felt the Palosian girl would make complete.</p> - -<p>At the time I had questioned him as fully as time and my own knowledge -would permit, and he had answered in a way which not only convinced me, -but amazed me.</p> - -<p>I had asked him concerning the time of his passing from earth to that -other distant star billions of miles across space, in a universe -outside our own. And he had replied that outside the mental atmosphere -of man time did not exist; that between the planets was only eternity; -that one could not use what was non-existent; that he could reach Palos -in the condition toward which he journeyed to it as quickly as I could -project myself there in thought. In similar fashion he had been able -to meet each of my several interrogative points. In the end I had been -content to merely listen to the astounding narrative he told.</p> - -<p>That story I had not forgotten any more than I had the man himself. -But that he should have reversed the experiment which had given him a -physical life on Palos in order to return to earth was more astounding -still. And yet—if I were to believe the evidences of my well-nigh -reeling senses—that was exactly what had occurred; because, no matter -how beyond all accepted tenets of life the thing was, I couldn't help -feeling that it was Croft's spirit looking out at me from the new -patient's eyes.</p> - -<p>Then as I stood there, tongue-tied, considering those things, he spoke -again.</p> - -<p>"Rather fusses you a bit, doesn't it, Murray? Well, never mind. I -didn't expect to come back here when I left, but needs must, you know, -as they say on earth. I don't wonder that it surprises you to find me -speaking to you with the lips of this poor hulk of flesh—not very -much like the one in which you knew me, is it?—but it will suffice, -even if it has a pair of lungs badly engorged because of a very shaky -heart. Your laboratory will show the kidneys affected, too. Oh, it's an -incipient wreck that I'm holding together simply for my use—because I -need it, and because I wanted to get down here with you."</p> - -<p>"With—me?" I faltered. Almost as surprising as all else was his calm -announcement that he was here because he wanted to see me.</p> - -<p>He smiled slightly. "Yes—you, of course. Murray, come down to facts -and quit speculation. There is nothing surprising in that. You were -the only man on earth who knew my story—who had the truth—who -could understand—and I knew you understood a good bit of the forces -involved—the spiritual forces, that is. So, when I needed certain -information which I couldn't gain save in the flesh, I knew you were -the man to help me gain it—the one man to whom I could appeal with a -chance of success. But in order to reach you I had to limit my choice -of earthly bodies. That's how I came to choose this thing at which -you're looking—"</p> - -<p>"But—but—" I interrupted. "Good Heavens, Croft! I never dreamed of -your reversing the process. I—"</p> - -<p>He shook his head. "It's a poor rule that won't work both ways, isn't -it, Murray?" he said.</p> - -<p>I nodded. "Yes—of course. And you've really done it—come back—like -this?"</p> - -<p>I asked the question as I would have asked a similar one of Croft, -because now I was convinced that I was speaking to the man himself—his -intelligence, that is.</p> - -<p>And he answered me without the least hesitation: "Yes. And it's your -job to keep me alive until I can gain what I came for—to help me, if -you will. Earth possesses knowledge I need on Palos for my work—you -can help me gain it just as well here as anywhere else. 'Stone walls -do not a prison make,' Murray or 'iron bars a cage.' Man, it's your -cooperation for the advancement of a wonderful people I've come -a-seeking. I want you to prescribe a certain course of study as a part -of my treatment and discuss the things I'm after with me. Do you catch -my plan?"</p> - -<p>Oh, yes, I caught it. I began to understand. Bizarre, wonderful, beyond -anything imaginable as it seemed, I felt that I appreciated the whole -concept of his scheme. And I was flattered—I confess that I thrilled -at his words—that he should have come to me for such aid as he felt I -would give. All at once I had the feeling that a wonderful privilege -was placed in my hands—-that I was to have a part in this remarkable -adventure between two worlds which Croft had made his. I made an effort -to rally my staggering senses, and, as one will at such a time, I made -a casual rather than a pertinent remark:</p> - -<p>"Just how is the Princess Naia?" I asked.</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. He seemed to find acceptance of my part in my question. -"The Princess Naia is very much all right."</p> - -<p>And then I remembered what he had told me before he went to Palos for -what I had thought a definite stay. And it struck me that it was rather -odd to be speaking of the Palosian girl as one would of a neighbor next -door, but I amended my reference to her none the less: "Or perhaps I -should have asked for Mrs. Croft—you said that you expected to be -married immediately upon your return to Palos."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> - -<h3>EXPLANATIONS</h3> - - -<p>Croft frowned. "What one expects and what one meets are not always -one and the same, friend Murray," he rejoined. "As a matter of fact, -I returned to Palos after my conversation with you, to encounter a -situation of which I had never thought."</p> - -<p>"You mean that it interfered with your marriage to the princess?" I -exclaimed.</p> - -<p>He made a grimace. "I mean exactly that, both on the part of Naia -herself and because of something else. You remember Zud, the high -priest of Zitra, the imperial city of which I told you—who sponsored -me with Tamhys before the Zollarian war. And you recall no doubt that -I mentioned the fact that I left the body of Jasor of Nodhur, which I -had made my own, in Zud's apartments in the pyramid of Zitra when I -came back here for the last time, and that Naia was quartered during -my absence in the rooms set apart for the Gayana—the Vestals of Ga -the Virgin in the pyramid, too. Murray, when I got back there, fully -expecting to take things up where I had left them, I found that Zud had -proclaimed me the Mouthpiece of Zitu himself."</p> - -<p>"The Mouthpiece of Zitu!" I drew a chair close to the bed and sat down. -The thing affected me oddly.</p> - -<p>I cast back in my mind for what Croft had told me concerning the -religion of Tamarizia, which was the nation in whose affairs he had -taken an active part on the distant star. Zitu was God in their belief. -Ga was the woman—a virgin. Azil was her son—known as the Giver of -Life. And if Croft had been proclaimed by the high priest of the -central state of the empire, the head of the clerical college, as the -Mouthpiece of Zitu I began to sense dimly the position in which he must -have found himself on his return—just what it might have meant.</p> - -<p>If Zud had proclaimed Croft anything of the sort, it was just about the -same as naming him the representative of the Divinity in the flesh—and -from what Croft had told me of his claiming while in Tamarizia to do -all that he did by the grace of Zitu—-which was, of course, no more -than the truth in a sense—I could see how his very words might have -laid the foundation for the high priest's act.</p> - -<p>Yet, Croft at our former conversation had said that he had induced the -Tamarizians to adopt a republican way of government rather than their -system of allied principalities, and had declared that when he went -back he expected to be elected president. All that flashed through my -mind, and then, "Rather changed your plans, I suppose," I said.</p> - -<p>"Changed them?" he returned, with an almost whimsical expression. -"Murray, it almost wrecked them at the start—the most important part -of them, that is. Remember why I did what I did do really—that all I -had done up until that time was in order to win the woman who meant -more to me than anything else in life—and then picture if you can my -mental condition when I found myself trapped, as it were, by my own -acts."</p> - -<p>"Your own?" I queried.</p> - -<p>He nodded. "Oh, certainly yes—my own, of course—my acts and -my overthought—my failing to take into account what a terrible -impression I had managed to make on the high priest. I—hang it all, -Murray—I knew so entirely what I was up to that I didn't give proper -consideration to the effect of my words and acts must have on less -well-informed minds. I failed to put myself in the place of Zud, and -Magur, the head of the church in Aphur, whom I first enlisted in my aid -at Himyra, as I told you before.</p> - -<p>"You remember the old saying, 'Whom the gods wish to destroy they first -make mad,' and one equally as true, that 'Pride goeth before a fall'? -Well, my friend, I was a bit like that, I think, toward the last of -the Zollarian war. Things came my way too fast. The completeness of -the Tamarizian victory, and her father's pledge of the girl to me, -backed up by the sanction of Jadgor, the Aphurian king, made me feel -altogether secure.</p> - -<p>"It seemed to me that there could be no question but I carried the -destiny of myself and Naia and all Tamarizia in my hands. I had only to -speak to see my commands fulfilled.</p> - -<p>"Honestly, Murray, in those days I couldn't have been more absolute -if I had been the Mouthpiece of Zitu indeed. Perhaps if I'd stayed -there and rushed things through, everything would have been all right. -But, as you know, I returned for a final visit to close up all matters -pertaining to my earthly life before I snapped the astral chord which -until then had kept my original body alive. And there was where I made -my mistake.</p> - -<p>"As I've told you, I left my Palosian body in Zud's quarters, rather -magnificently placed. Zud saw to that. I suppose now he was turning the -elements of what he fancied the truth in his old brain. My form was -stretched out on a golden couch, covered with a sheet of orange-colored -silk, in the apartment set apart for my use. And I'd been planning, -as you know, many things I wanted to do. I'd drawn plans—designs for -things common enough on earth, but never before dreamed of on Palos. -And I left the drawing I had made in that room in a golden chest. You -remember I told you gold was as plentiful on Palos as iron on earth and -used as freely in the metal working arts.</p> - -<p>"Night and day a guard was kept in the chamber where I lay in what they -believed was my knowledge-gaining sleep. But—the guard was a priest. -He would do anything Zud said, of course. I never thought of that. I -was anxious only to get back here and close things up and return and -claim Naia as my wife.</p> - -<p>"So you see I fell into the error of not considering old Zud's thoughts -or his interpretation of my claim that everything I did was by Zitu's -grace. Of course that was plain enough, however, after I got back and -found that he had all along placed a literal interpretation on my -remarks and considered my sleeps as no more than a period of spiritual -communion with Zitu himself. Then it became very forcibly clear to me -that I should have taken Zud more fully into the truth of the facts. -And because I hadn't I found myself in a most embarrassing case.</p> - -<p>"The high priest had got into that golden box. He had examined my -working charts. He had dimly sensed them as designs for things I meant -to make—and his wonder knew no bounds. And after that he played the -deuce, though I am convinced the old man only thought he was doing what -was absolutely right, according to his rights."</p> - -<p>"And Naia?" I asked. "How did she view your elevation to such a lofty -state?"</p> - -<p>Croft gave me a glance. "I told you Zud messed everything up," he -replied. "But—it's a long story. Murray, this ramshackle carcass I've -seized won't last out a great many days. The weakling soul who once -possessed it broke it down by every sort of abuse, including drugs. -But, I've got to learn certain things before I abandon its use.</p> - -<p>"Suppose you send me up the latest works you have on internal medicine -and surgery and therapeutics, and drop in tonight. If you're willing to -sacrifice a few hours' sleep, I'll spin you the whole yarn."</p> - -<p>"All right," I agreed as I rose. "I don't think I was ever more -startled in my life, but I'll send up the books, and I'll be right here -after nine myself."</p> - -<p>"Right," he accepted. "My physicians wouldn't let me have tobacco, -though this body craves it. Bring some cigars when you come, and we'll -have a good long talk."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Before, however, I enter upon Croft's actual story, I think it better -perhaps to briefly describe, in some part at least, those details of -the Palosian world with which he had put me in touch on the occasion of -our former meeting to which I have already referred.</p> - -<p>And toward a fuller understanding of that world itself, I think it best -to take up the geography of that part of Palos Croft visited first. -Mainly that which has to do with the Tamarizian nation—a series of -allied principalities surrounding the shores of a vast inland sea, with -the exception of a central state—the seat of the imperial capital, -embracing the island of Hiranur, located in the sea itself, and the -kingdom of Nodhur to the west and south.</p> - -<p>From the central sea a narrow strait led west toward an outer ocean -beyond the continent on which the several principalities found place. -To the north of this strait, known as the Gateway, was Cathur, a -mountainous country and the seat of the national university at its -capital city Scira. East of Cathur was Mazhur, known at the time of -Croft's arrival as the Lost State, since in a former war it had been -wrested from the original Tamarizian group by the Zollarians, a hostile -nation lying still farther north.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> - -<p>Croft, by defeating Zollaria, after his entertainment of physical life -on Palos, had brought Mazhur back. In fact, he had just completed that -bit of work at the time of our former conversation, thereby raising -himself to a very high position of influence and power, as I have -sought to indicate, and winning from Naia's father, Prince Lakkon of -Aphur, the promise of his daughter's hand, as well as the consent of -Jadgor, King of Aphur, and Naia's uncle, that the union should take -place.</p> - -<p>On Croft's advent Scythys—a man old to dotage—had been king of -Cathur, with Kyphallos the crown prince, a profligate of the worst -type, for a son. Yet Jadgor of Aphur, scenting a danger unless it was -checked in advance in Kyphallos's ascent of the Cathurian throne, had -sought to bind the northern prince to the Tamarizian fealty more surely -by offering him Naia, his sister's child, to wife.</p> - -<p>Kyphallos had, however, sunk under the enchantments of Kalamita, a -Zollarian adventuress of great beauty, until he had reached the stage -of plotted treason, planning to surrender Cathur to Zollaria in return -for being given the throne of Tamarizia with Kalamita at his side.</p> - -<p>To win Naia for himself, and overthrow Zollaria's designs against -the southern nation had been Croft's main work, toward which he -strained every nerve. Besides his development of the motor on Palos he -introduced firearms as well, placed them in the hands of the Tamarizian -soldiery until then armed with spears, swords, bows and arrows and -shields, and defeated the flower of the Zollarian hosts on a couple of -bloody fields. The victory complete and Zollaria not only defeated but -forced to cede Mazhur after a tenure of fifty years, and it being the -end of the Emperor Tamhys's reign, he had prevailed upon the nation to -adopt a democratic form.</p> - -<p>And now a word as to the Tamarizians themselves. They were a white and -well-formed race. In their social structure women held an equal place -with men. I have hinted at their religion. They believed in the spirit -and a future life and the resurrection of the dead. In the sciences and -arts they had made considerable progress.</p> - -<p>The clothing of the women consisted of a single garment, falling to the -knees or just below them, cinctured about the body, caught over one -shoulder by a metal or jeweled boss, and leaving the other shoulder -and arm exposed. To this was added sandals of leather, metal, or wood, -held to the foot by a toe-and-instep band and lacings running well up -the calves. Men of wealth and caste and soldiers and nobles, instead of -these sandals, generally wore metal casings, which amounted to a sandal -and leg piece jointed to allow the ankle full play and reaching nearly -to the knees.</p> - -<p>The men of caste also wore a soft shirt or chemise beneath a metal -cuirass or an embroidered tunic, as the case might be. Save on formal -occasions, the serving classes, men and women, wore either a narrow -cincture about the loins, supporting a small phallary or apron, or went -nude about their tasks.</p> - -<p>Agriculture was highly developed, and as a people they had advanced far -in architecture, painting, sculpture, and similar arts. They lavished -much time and expense in beautifying their houses—making of each a -small palace, if the owner were rich. The highways along which the -sarpelca caravans and the gnuppa-drawn carriages and chariots passed -were models of engineering.</p> - -<p>[The gnuppa is a creature seemingly half deer and half horse. The -sarpelca is not unlike some weird Silurian lizard, twice the size of -an elephant, with a pointed tail, a scale-armored back, a long neck -somewhat resembling that of a camel, and the head of a marine serpent -having a series of fleshy tentacles about the mouth. They are driven -by reins affixed to these latter appendages, and stream across the -Palosian deserts bearing merchandise upon their enormous backs.]</p> - -<p>All these things I knew from Croft's previous talks. He had told me he -could go to Palos as quickly as I could think of it myself, and here I -was anticipating a resumption that night of his story concerning beings -I had never seen, with an eagerness amounting to impatience of the -dragging hours.</p> - -<p>Here was I thinking of Naia—the golden-haired, purple-eyed beauty -of Aphur; of Lakkon, her father; of Jadgor, her uncle; of Robur, her -cousin, the Aphurian crown prince and Croft's loyal co-worker and -friend; of the sweet and matronly Gaya, his wife; of Magur, Zud's -deputy in Himyra; of Zud himself and others, as one thinks of people -well known—actually visualizing them before my mental eye according to -Croft's description—portraying their thoughts and acts and feelings to -myself, as I might with any man or woman on earth.</p> - -<p>And to me in that moment Naia—glorious in her purity and youth, -waiting for her mate in the quarters of Ga—the virgin—where burned -the never-dying fires of life, on the altar before Ga's feet—was far -more clear in her seeming than a million mundane women, despite the -billions of miles between her and my present physical estate.</p> - -<p>Billions of miles. My mind bridged it in thought.</p> - -<p>And Croft had bridged it in spirit at first, until at last he had -learned how to cross the bridge and gain a life in the flesh—because -the lure of the woman had nerved him to that test. The thing thrilled -me, fired every element within me capable of responding to the stimulus -of romance. Sane or insane, true or untrue, I wanted to hear the rest -of the story.</p> - -<p>Only remember—that if it wasn't Croft, his spirit—indwelling in -the new patient's miserable wreck of a body—how would he have known -the elements of the former story he had already mentioned—been able -to pick it up where he left it off, and preface what he had promised -to tell me, with his account of the actions of the Tamarizian high -priest? That argument alone seemed enough to remove the last shreds of -unbelief. Consequently I felt that when I entered my patient's room -that evening, it would be to hear not so much a story as a narrative of -life.</p> - -<p>And at that I was to be amazed by what had happened to Jason Croft.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> - -<h3>HARNESSED TO HEAVEN</h3> - - -<p>Meanwhile I sent him the books he had said he wanted, together with -a box of good cigars. And along about eight forty-five, when I had -finished my evening round of patients, I went up myself.</p> - -<p>I lighted up a cigar and took a chair, tacitly preparing for a stay -of some considerable time, and then as Croft continued to smoke in an -almost meditative silence, I opened the matter myself:</p> - -<p>"Even supposing that Zud did get at your plans, I hardly see why he -should have taken the step he did before your return."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. "It wasn't only the plans," he said. "You must recall -Abbu, the priest of the pyramid at Scira—the one who was present when -I entered Jasor's body and made it my own—who administered the last -rites of his church to the dying Jasor, and with whom I talked after I -had succeeded in compelling the Nodhurian's form to obey my will.</p> - -<p>"I told you that to Abbu I had acknowledged that my spirit was not -Jasor's, but that what I was about to do was for Tamarizia's good, -thereby enlisting his aid in my undertakings—also how he acted as an -instrument in saving Naia from becoming a victim of the plan Cathur's -crown prince and his Zollarian coplotters had so cunningly laid.</p> - -<p>"At the time I swore him to secrecy, of course, and I honestly believe -that up until the time I left Jasor's body for the purpose of making -a final trip to earth, he was the only man who knew that the spirit -within it was not the same as the one it had held at birth. But"—a -smile flicked across his lips—"just as on my first excursion to Palos -I made an error and nearly precipitated myself into the fiery heart of -Sirius, so I seem to have overlooked the human equation which holds on -Palos no less than earth—and I overlooked also the fact that Zud was -the high priest.</p> - -<p>"Abbu, after the war with Zollaria, had been brought to Zitra and -raised to a higher rank, because of his part in first assisting -me. Naturally Zud was acquainted with all such facts, and one can -hardly blame him for wanting to know more in view of what I can -well understand were the tremendous changes I had brought about in -Tamarizia's affairs.</p> - -<p>"To me motors and firearms were nothing save things of every-day -experience, and what I had made on Palos seemed but as crude devices at -the best. But to Zud and all others they appeared little short of the -miraculous, upsetting all former conceptions of their lives. Take that -into consideration and then picture the impression on his mind likely -to be made by the fact that by my own admission I was not the same -Jasor of Nodhur who, according to the physician attending him in Scira, -had there died."</p> - -<p>I began to understand what must have happened.</p> - -<p>"He pumped Abbu?" I exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Exactly." Croft smiled dryly again. "He absolved him from his oath and -learned all the facts with which Abbu was acquainted. You can easily -understand the rest. Jasor of Nodhur dies. His body comes back to life. -Its lips speak to Abbu, the priest. He hears that a new spirit inhabits -Jasor's body. Immediately after strange things—but things aimed wholly -for Tamarizia's good—begin to happen.</p> - -<p>"Shall the dead live again, save by divine intervention? Shall -undreamed of things appear save by Zitu's grace? And if in addition the -revivified body shall fall into strange sleeps at times and upon waking -seem possessed of a supernatural knowledge, what more natural to the -priest—unendowed with a full understanding of what was taking place, -unaware that the things that excited his unlimited amazement were but -copies of things existing on another planet—than to consider that -those things he witnessed were the result of divine ordination and to -regard the individual who brought them about as the mouthpiece of his -god in the flesh? Oh, frankly, Murray, I don't blame that puzzled old -man in the least. As a matter of fact, I blame myself for not having -foreseen the effect of all that had happened on his brain."</p> - -<p>Croft put out a hand and selected a fresh cigar. He set it alight and -got it to going nicely while, as it seemed to me, he marshaled his -thoughts. And then—all at once he began speaking again, and this is -the story he told.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The Palosian day—or "sun"—is twenty-seven hours long. Dawn was on the -verge of breaking when Croft, having severed the astral link with his -earthly body, opened Jasor of Nodhur's physical eyes in the room of -the Zitran pyramid. And because now he had taken the last step which so -nearly as possible must make him a Palosian indeed, and nothing held -him longer on any other sphere, he opened his eyes in a flash.</p> - -<p>One moment the body he had taken when Jasor laid it down was stretched -an inanimate object on the golden couch beneath its smooth coverlet of -orange silk. The next moment it was the living, breathing figure of a -perfectly proportioned man, blinking its newly opened eyes.</p> - -<p>A slightly unsteady radiance of a yellow color filled the room. It came -from the blazing wicks in oil-filled sconces fixed about the walls, as -Croft knew. He lay and sensed it briefly, while the tide of awakening -life flowed in a tingling stream through his powerful body and limbs. -And then he turned his head.</p> - -<p>His glance fell upon one of the lay brothers of the priesthood, clad -in a brown robe, from which peeped his toe-splayed, naked feet. He sat -on a stool of molded copper, with down-bent head. He appeared to be -asleep. But suddenly as though aroused by Croft's slight movement, he -jerked to attention and encountered the sleeper's eyes. Instantly he -sprang erect, approaching with a soft, quick shuffle and pausing by the -golden bed.</p> - -<p>"My lord—my lord!" he stammered in little more than a husky whisper, -and sank upon his knees. His back bent, his head inclined until its -face was hidden. His arms rose, and as Croft watched he made the sign -of the Tamarizian priesthood—a horizontal cross.</p> - -<p>Croft lifted himself to a sitting posture on the couch, shoving the -coverings back until his shoulders and torso gleamed white with a -ripple of muscles beneath the yellow light. Frankly he was perplexed. -Knighthood he had gained. He was a <i>Hupor</i> or Prince of Aphur by -Jadgor's accolade. It was well enough for the brother to call him -"lord." He was a powerful man in all the nation, but—never had he -before encountered the bent knee of a priest—and since the guardian of -his chamber must have known what to expect, he hardly thought the man's -act attributable to fright.</p> - -<p>"Come! What's the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Since you were placed -to attend my awaking, why do you kneel?"</p> - -<p>The man lifted his face—it was white—even beyond the priestly -pallor—and his eyes were wide.</p> - -<p>"Because," he said slowly, in almost timorous fashion, "all men bend -the knee to the Mouthpiece of Zitu—even Zud himself."</p> - -<p>The whole thing burst on Croft just like that, without warning, -without any premonitory sign to prepare him for his changed estate. -And then, with a wildly whirling brain as he realized the far-reaching -consequences hinted at by the priest's announcement, he found himself -forced to accept the conclusion that the Mouthpiece of Zitu could be -none other than himself. At first the thought startled him, disturbed -him, appalled, and in swift succession it excited an almost resentful -rage.</p> - -<p>Those things were instinctive wholly, then as the brain, once more in -the grasp of his will, began to functionate more fully, he decided that -something unforeseen must have transpired while he lay here entranced, -and resolved in a flash that the first step essential to a fuller -information lay in an interview with Zud at once.</p> - -<p>"Get up," he said to the priest.</p> - -<p>"Yes, lord."</p> - -<p>The brother rose.</p> - -<p>"Give me my garments." Croft kicked the silken sheet completely off and -stood upon his feet.</p> - -<p>"At once." The brother shuffled toward a chest in a corner of the -apartment, lifted the lid and produced a robe. Blue it was—the color -of the highest order of the priesthood—embroidered on the breast -in stones like drops of transparent gold. The brother brought it -back, outspread across his forearms, and Croft caught sight of the -design—the wings of Azil, flaring out from the stem of a cross, looped -in its upper segment—the cross ansata—the Palosian symbol of immortal -life. Then as the brother once more sank to his knees, holding the -garment toward him, he controlled his surprise and asked a question:</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this?"</p> - -<p>When he had called for his garments he had expected his leg-casings -of gold, gem studded, his shirt of soft fiber, and his metal -cuirass whereon blazed Aphur's sign of the sun, his sword with its -jewel-incrusted hilt and belt, and his helmet with its orange plumes.</p> - -<p>But the kneeling brother answered: "It is as Zud hath decreed."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Zud—Zud—Zud. It seemed to Croft that Zud had, all unknown to him, -been taking a very large part in his affairs. For an instant he had -the distinct sensation of having in some way, he hardly knew how, been -trapped. But it only hardened his determination to see the high priest -at once and learn what had been going on in Zitra during the past two -weeks. He took the robe from the brother's extended arms and slipped it -on, fastening the shoulder boss, and seated himself while his companion -laced a pair of blue-and-gold leather sandals on his feet.</p> - -<p>"Go now," he directed, once the latter task was completed. "Say to Zud -that with him I would have speech."</p> - -<p>"I go. It was ordered that I report thy awakening, O Mouth—" the -priest began as he backed toward the door.</p> - -<p>Croft cut him short almost sharply. He lifted an arm in a sudden -pointing gesture: "Go!"</p> - -<p>The Mouthpiece of Zitu! He sat almost tensely on the edge of the couch. -What in the name of Zitu did the brother mean, and what had Zud been up -to? Why was he tricked out in this priestly robe with the wings of the -Angel of Life, the loop of the Cross of Life on his breast? And what -would be the effect of the thing on all he had planned himself?</p> - -<p>Naia! The thought stabbed him like a knife. He lifted his eyes toward -the ceiling of the room. Up there—high above him—in the quarters -of the Gayana, the vestals—where burned in the shrine of Ga the -never-dying fire of life—up there she was waiting for him to come -back—waiting to become his bride—his mate—his complement and -counterpart—for the fulfilment of their mutual love—that love which, -like a lodestone, had drawn him here in the first place—to win which -he had done all else.</p> - -<p>What would be the effect of whatever it was Zud had done in his -absence, on the maid herself?</p> - -<p>It behooved him to master his startled nerves and get himself into a -proper mind to dominate the coming interview with Zud. By deliberate -effort, then, he forced himself back to a state of mental control. -He decided to watch the high priest closely and learn, if he might, -whether the man were sincere in the motives for his action or had been -actuated thereto by personal or political desires. He relaxed the -tension of his body and waited for Zud to appear, as he presently did.</p> - -<p>He came in, an old man with graying hair, clad in an azure-blue robe -with the cross ansata embroidered in flame-colored jewels upon the -breast. He advanced directly toward Croft as the latter rose, and some -three paces before him sank slowly to his knees.</p> - -<p>"Thou hast called, and thy servant appears, O Mouthpiece of Zitu," he -said slowly in a tone of what might be reverence. "Long were we in -recognizing the truth, yet was the fault not entirely our own, since -only to Abbu of Scira had you voiced it, and not since Azil himself -descended to teach the sons of mortals has such a thing occurred, nor -in Zitu's wisdom was thy coming revealed."</p> - -<p>In a flash Croft began to understand. The mention of Abbu's name was -enough to give him the clue. He recalled his first conversation on -Palos with the Cathurian priest, and the tangle began to clear.</p> - -<p>"Thou thinkest me the Mouthpiece of Zitu, then, indeed?" he questioned -the high priest, and watched him closely.</p> - -<p>"Aye, by Zitu! the one source of life and knowledge," Zud replied. -"Did not Abbu state that you told him thy spirit was not that of Jasor -of Nodhur, who was dead, yet whose body having died, became once more -alive, and hast thou not said that all you did was by Zitu's grace? -Didst not tell me that those things you commanded to be made for -Tamarizia's good were shown to you in your sleeps? Canst the spirit of -a mortal enter and leave the body at will—the spirit of one such as -Jasor was—and"—seemingly Zud was forgetful of all discretion in this -meeting—"have I not seen the paintings of the things you plan yet to -bring to Tamarizia in yonder casket?" He turned his eyes toward the -golden box where Croft had left his designs.</p> - -<p>Croft considered swiftly. Sincerity rang in the man's tones, and more -and more, as he ran on, Croft understood. He decided quickly on another -test. Zud had raised his eyes as he finished his answer, and Croft -looked steadily into his face.</p> - -<p>"You opened the casket?" he demanded in a louder, an accusatory voice. -"You dared much, priest of Zitu. What things are to be will be in the -time of Zitu's choosing. It is a brave man dares to know all things in -advance."</p> - -<p>Zud's expression changed. Before it had been one of an almost wide-eyed -respect. Now it became an ashen thing of horror, of unmistakable -dismay. "My lord—my lord," he faltered, "I but sought to learn the -truth. I swear by Zitu that my heart was clean in what I have done -and—said."</p> - -<p>There was an odd break in his utterance just before the final word. It -was as though the man were appalled at the palpable displeasure of the -one before whom he knelt, yet, despite of any consequences to himself, -were determined to confess.</p> - -<p>And Croft noted his manner of speaking, and caught up that last word: -"Said? You have said what, Zud?"</p> - -<p>"That thou wert the Mouthpiece of Zitu—sent into the flesh for -Tamarizia's good."</p> - -<p>"To whom have these things been spoken?" Croft queried with a caught-in -breath, sensing the calamity which had overtaken his own plans as great -as it possibly could be, if things were as they now appeared.</p> - -<p>"To all Tamarizia have I, as high priest, proclaimed it," said Zud. -"Zitra but waits your awakening, that it may behold and proclaim you in -the body you have chosen as your servant, and give ear to your words."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> - -<h3>MAN OR MOUTH?</h3> - - -<p>The thing was cut and dried. Even a public appearance was, it would -seem, arranged. The church of the nation had given him forth as a -spirit divinely sent as a teacher, gaining physical expression through -the body of Jasor of Nodhur. And—what was Croft to do? To disclaim—to -compel Zud to retract—would strike, as he knew, not only at his own -powers of future accomplishment, discredit him as it were, but would -aim a blow at the very foundation of the social structure, if Zud -were shown to have made so terrible an error as he had. And yet—and -yet—to accept—to go on—to pose as what he was not. The thought was -distasteful, and worse, since to go on might mean the loss of Naia, as -well as that position he had expected to hold in the newly organized -republic of Tamarizian states.</p> - -<p>For the political end of the matter he cared very little to tell the -truth, but even the thought of Naia sent a quiver throughout his -body—caused a sudden dizzy whirling of his brain. Once more he felt -baffled, trapped, enraged. And so far as any escape from the situation -he confronted was concerned, he could see no possible way out. For a -moment a wild impulse to seize the kneeling man at his feet, lift him -up and shake him, hurl against him a scorching torrent of passion-urged -words for his curious meddling, assailed him. But he choked it and -stood as one who considers, and when he spoke his words were once more -calm:</p> - -<p>"Enough. What things Zitu wills, those things shall be done. Yet have I -a body, as thou seest, that has lain unnourished full long. Rise, Zud -of Zitra. Command me food. I would eat while we talk."</p> - -<p>"Even now it waits." Zud rose and went backward toward the door. He set -it open. As Croft seated himself once more on his couch there filed -in a group of brothers, the foremost bearing a short-legged table of -molded copper, the others dishes and flagons in their hands.</p> - -<p>The dishes were of gold and silver. There were goblets of glass which -the Tamarizians made of magnificent quality and design. One of the -latter was placed before Croft and filled with a mild and blood-red -wine. Their service ended the lay brothers bent in genuflexion and -retired. Zud remained standing in watchful silence until Croft bade him -be seated, when he drew up a stool and sat down.</p> - -<p>While he ate Croft plunged into a series of questions concerning -affairs in the Tamarizian states.</p> - -<p>"The reign of Tamhys will terminate in fourteen suns (days)?"</p> - -<p>"Aye."</p> - -<p>"Thereafter we shall adopt the new government as it was decided, the -elections being held as in the choice of the former assemblies in each -kingdom—each decktaron to elect a representative, by whose vote shall -be the choice of president?"</p> - -<p>"Aye." Zud inclined his head. "So has it been proclaimed."</p> - -<p>"What candidates have been selected?"</p> - -<p>"Jadgor of Aphur, and Tammon, Tamhys's son."</p> - -<p>Croft considered the names as he sipped his wine. Jadgor, he knew, had, -before the Zollarian war, had an eye on the Zitran throne—had hoped to -mount it, and strengthen the entire nation by a change of that policy -of pacifism which, by its continuation for something like fifty years, -made Tamarizia weak, despite the wonderful resources in wealth and -men which were hers—which would seemingly have led to her overthrow -through Zollaria's arms and Cathur's defection, had not Croft appeared.</p> - -<p>So it was not at all surprising, in view of his popularity not only in -Aphur, but in Nodhur and Milidhur as well, and because of his prominent -part in the war, that he should have been chosen as a candidate for the -nation's first president. Nor for that matter was it to be questioned -that the retiring occupant of the throne should have put up his eldest -son. Of course, Croft had expected to enter the field himself, but now -he brushed the point aside.</p> - -<p>"It is well," he gave his decision and set down his glass. "And the -governors of the states?"</p> - -<p>Zud mentioned a list of names covering each former kingdom. "In Aphur -Robur, Jadgor's son alone. There is no other, because of his part -with you in all that has been done. In Cathur, Mutlos, a man of the -people, and Koryphon, Scythys's second son, who ascended the throne, as -you know, after Kyphallos fled and destroyed himself in Berla before -Kalamita's eyes. As your directions were understood before the time of -your recent sleeping, in Hiranur the president controls also the state -affairs."</p> - -<p>"Aye," Croft agreed. His heart had warmed at the announcement that -Robur stood for election in Aphur alone. Of all its people he had -known, save Naia only, he had come to love Robur best, had found him -a true friend, a man of broad and intelligent mind, under each and -every test. By Jadgor's own edict Robur had been his main assistant and -lieutenant in all that he had done. He felt very much toward him as he -might toward a younger brother. He had even discussed those periods -when his body lay unconscious with the Aphurian crown prince in so far -as he could, and there had been a time when the only confidante of -his love for Naia had been Gaya, Robur's wife. Suddenly he felt that -in these two he might find once more true friends and allies in the -situation in which he found himself.</p> - -<p>"And where is Robur?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"In Zitra, lord. He and Lakkon and Jadgor desire speech with thee so -soon as thou shalt have waked."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A quiver of comprehension stirred in Croft's breast. The desire of -Lakkon and Jadgor for an interview with himself he could understand. -The former it was who had pledged his daughter to the Hupor Jasor, as -he was then known, as wife. And Jadgor had approved of the pact. It -was but natural that now they should wish some explanation at least, -some understanding as to the girl's position, in view of Zud's most -extraordinary proclamation. He threw up his head and stared the high -priest in the eyes, and found them a trifle uncertain, his whole -expression more or less puzzled, even somewhat abashed.</p> - -<p>"What troubles you, Zud?" he inquired with the feeling that the man -knew what it was really that Lakkon and Jadgor desired.</p> - -<p>And for a moment Zud made no answer; for a moment he seemed to study -Croft's face before he began in apologetic fashion: "What I have done -I have done for the best, as I now call Zitu to witness; yet are there -some things I do not understand."</p> - -<p>"You refer to the maiden Naia, who by your permission was taken into -the quarters of the Gayana?" An opening—an advantage appeared to -Croft's mind in a flash.</p> - -<p>And plainly his question disturbed Zud more than a little.</p> - -<p>"Aye," he said scarcely above a whisper at length and inclined his head.</p> - -<p>"To whom ere I slept, by consent of her father and Jadgor, I was -pledged?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, lord. Jadgor and Lakkon also ask themselves—"</p> - -<p>"Why the Mouthpiece of Zitu should seek a union in the flesh?"</p> - -<p>Zud clasped his hands before him. He sat with eyes downcast. By an -effort, at length he once more lifted his face. "Thou hast spoken, -lord," he said.</p> - -<p>Croft held him with a level regard. "And what says Zud, the high -priest?"</p> - -<p>"That the ways of Zitu are beyond mortal understanding," Zud responded -slowly.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft took him up sharply. "Zud, the high priest, endeavored to -understand—toward which end, though Abbu of Scira had sworn by Zitu to -keep silent, he induced him to talk."</p> - -<p>"I—I—lord, I absolved him of the oath of silence," Zud faltered, and -began a nervous twisting of his interlacing fingers.</p> - -<p>"And since when may even the high priest rescind that which Zitu has -recorded?"</p> - -<p>A tremor shook the priest. A twitching seized his face. He shrank back -and sat staring, staring at the strange individual before him, with -whose affairs he had dared to interfere, who now arraigned him with a -face and manner gone well-nigh impersonally cold. One could no longer -doubt that he had been sincere in what he had done, at least—what he -had proclaimed of Croft, he himself believed. Of so much Croft felt -convinced as he once more spoke:</p> - -<p>"High priest of Zitu, in what words was your proclamation to Tamarizia -concerning him until now known as the Hupor Jasor made?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Zud wet his lips and made answer. "It was said that Zitu had sent us -a teacher—one who should reveal to all men his will, through whom he -revealed his pleasure—one who was his mouthpiece indeed."</p> - -<p>"And this you believed?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, lord." Zud moved. He left the stool on which he was sitting. He -would have knelt had not Croft stayed him:</p> - -<p>"<i>Hilka!</i> Hold!"</p> - -<p>"Aye, lord." Zud stood erect. His knees seemed knocking together, and -he swayed. Something like pity stirred in Croft's breast. The man was -overwrought, keyed to a vast tension, troubled in his mind, well-nigh -dismayed. His confidence, born of years of unquestioned authority, -was shaken; he appeared beaten down and crushed. And Croft was minded -to maintain his advantage toward his individual ends. He spoke again: -"Think you that as Zitu's Mouthpiece I shall find it easy to take -my place as heretofore in the Himyra or Ladhra shops, where the -instruments designed for Tamarizia's use shall be brought forth? Do men -work best with one such as you would name me, or with another man, O -Zud?"</p> - -<p>"Lord, lord!" Zud bowed his head.</p> - -<p>"Or think you that were I the mouthpiece of Zitu, I would have pledged -myself to this maid save by his will? Yet today even Zud bends the -knee in my presence since his proclamation. Is this thing known to the -Gayana as well as to the priests?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is known," Zud told him slowly.</p> - -<p>"The maid is still there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"She has heard the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Yes." Zud flung up his head. Croft's last word seemed to give him -courage. "She knows—the truth," he said. "She requested an audience -after she had heard, and I went to her. I told her those things Abbu -said."</p> - -<p>"That my spirit was not Jasor's?" The words burst from Croft's lips in -an instinctive exclamation. For an instant he felt his control once -more slipping. Naia knew—that the body of the man to whom she was -promised was the body of one who had died—that its life was due not -to the presence of Jasor's spirit, but another. Zud had told her. He -had told her the truth. Croft had meant to tell her before the marriage -in so different a way from that in which the high priest must have -explained. And—what must have been the effect of such an announcement -upon her—what must she, could she think?</p> - -<p>"Yes." Zud's answer but served to accentuate and confirm the dilemma -his meddling had produced.</p> - -<p>"And what said she?" Croft forced himself to ask.</p> - -<p>"She is a maiden of spirit," said Zud in the tone of one who palliates -an offense. "She is unused to restraint. She refused to give credence -to Abbu's story or accept its truth save from your own lips."</p> - -<p>Croft thrilled. Here was fidelity and trust—the absolute confidence -which should exist between true mates. If Naia of Aphur had dared to -refuse acceptance to the words of the high priest, she would dare much. -Things might not turn out so badly as he had feared. There would seem -to be time still for the true explanation he had meant to make to the -girl herself. The purpose fired him to immediate determination.</p> - -<p>"She remains with the Gayana?"</p> - -<p>"Aye—until such time as you awaken."</p> - -<p>"I will see her. Send one to guide me to her at once."</p> - -<p>"Lord!" Zud's tone was aghast.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" Croft cut short his incipient protest. "Would question my -demands?"</p> - -<p>"But the Gayana—" Zud began a faltering explanation.</p> - -<p>His companion took a single step toward him. His jaw thrust out in an -almost menacing manner, indicative of a will to brook no opposition: -"May be entered by him who wears the wings of the Angel of Life as well -as the high priest."</p> - -<p>For a long, breathless instant the glances of the two men met and -crossed, engaging the one with the other. And then Zud was beaten down. -He yielded.</p> - -<p>"Permit that I show you," he said, and led the way.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> - -<h3>BEHIND THE SILVER DOOR</h3> - - -<p>They passed from the room and along a corridor in which the oil sconces -had now been extinguished, faintly illuminated by the light of the new -day. Before a massive door Zud paused and set his hand to a slender -cord. His action was followed by the muffled clanging of a brazen -gong. He slid the door open and revealed the shadow-wrapped throat of -a shaft, up which a platform presently trembled into view. It was a -primitive form of elevator operated, as Croft knew, by a Mazzerian crew -in the foundations of the pyramid itself, lifting and lowering it on -signal, by winding its cable on and off a revolving drum.</p> - -<p>With Zud, he stepped aboard. The platform mounted slowly up the shaft. -The high priest, with a hand on an inner cord, observed its progress, -and presently once more the gong far below clanged out. The platform -stopped.</p> - -<p>They stepped into a very short corridor between masonry walls of a cut -and polished stone not unlike marble, save that it held a strange, -translucent quality in its substance and was wholly white. The main -staircase of the pyramid mounted before them and ran on toward the top, -with its crowning Temple of Zitu, and just beyond it, at the far end of -the corridor, was a door. Silver it was, the most precious of Palosian -metals, tooled and carved into the design of a full-sized woman's -figure, in whose hand was the looped cross of immortal life.</p> - -<p>Croft thrilled as they paused before it. This was the entrance to the -quarters of the Gayana. Here it was that Naia had waited for him when -he plunged into the venture of the Zollarian war. Then briefly he had -held her in his arms, and she had told him that none should claim her -ever save himself, or, failing that, she would remain forever virgin -in the sanctuary of Ga beyond this door outside which now he stood so -very, very differently from what he had once thought that he should.</p> - -<p>And suddenly the knowledge of what Zud had told her—of the shock -of revelation that must have come upon her, the torment to her -every finer sensibility and feeling—caused an actual sensation of -constriction in Croft's chest. He stood with tight-set lips and flaring -nostrils as Zud put up a hand and pressed against the left breast of -the woman on the door.</p> - -<p>There was a tiny click, and the door slid to one side, disappearing -into a socket in the wall and flooding the corridor with light. No -gloomy abode was that in which the vestals dwelt. High up on the -pyramid, but one flight beneath the crowning temple on the truncated -apex, it caught the first of Sirius's rays, and the last, through deep -embrasures set with slanting glass in the structure's walls. As the -door slipped aside a scene was presented to Croft's eyes, brilliant -with light and life.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" he said as Zud would have entered and stepped past him on one -side.</p> - -<p>"Wait me below in your own apartments, man of Zitu. Consider meanwhile -those words we have spoken before you brought me here. Peace be with -you, priest of Zitu. Go!"</p> - -<p>Then, as Zud turned to do his bidding and regained the platform in the -shaft, he stepped through the aperture of the door to the other side -and paused, a trifle abashed.</p> - -<p>He had come at a stride to a region of youth and beauty. It surrounded -him on every side. Feminine forms in diaphanous fabrics were grouped -about the room. The chatter of their voices filled the place. Directly -before him a group of maidens already at work about an immense basket -of flowers, forming the garlands and sprays which at the noontide hour -of prayer they would fling at the feet of the statue of Tamarizia's -god, paused and stood staring as Croft appeared.</p> - -<p>Their hair, unrestrained save for a metal filet or cincture, fell in -masses down their graceful backs. The flesh of their shoulders and -arms and sandalless feet, glowed warm and pinkly white. Their lips -grew parted, and their eyes, unaccustomed to masculine presence, save -possibly that of old Zud, grew wide. For Croft was no ancient as he -stood there in his azure robe, with the cross and the wings in gold -upon his breast and his yellow hair in a tawny mass upon his head. More -he was like some young and comely god himself, with his bold, strong -features, his hint of latent strength.</p> - -<p>So for a moment they stood staring until, as though her attention -was arrested by their postures and the direction of their glances, an -older woman appeared, coming directly toward where Croft stood, to -pause before him and bend in a genuflection, and inquire with a voice -leveled, as it seemed, by repression: "What does my lord of Zitu seek?"</p> - -<p>"Speech with the maiden Naia, priestess of Ga." Croft met her glance -directly.</p> - -<p>"So be it," said the woman. "Come with me."</p> - -<p>He followed—across a hugely pillared room where others of the vestals -sat on cushions or divans, engaged in simple tasks—toward a mighty -figure of a woman, carved from the strangely beautiful translucent -stone the Tamarizians used mainly in their sculpture—the figure of -a woman seated, brooding with a face of divinely maternal affection -above the form of a babe stretched prone across her knees. Mighty, -magnificent in her womanhood, beautiful in her maternity, she sat -there, back of a silver altar on which leaped from an oil-fed sconce -the eternal flame of life which never died.</p> - -<p>And this he thought was Ga, to whom Naia of Aphur had prayed that she -might be spared the unclean ordeal of a marriage with Cathur's prince. -This was the eternal woman, the eternal mother, the eternal source—the -Tamarizian virgin who had given birth to Azil, the Angel of Life. -Ga—the virgin, the madonna. This was the woman and—her child—woman -the shrine of the fire eternal, watching it, guarding it, replenishing -it against extinction through the eons of ages within and from herself.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A sudden passionate desire to do her and the members of her sex -some form of honor seized him in an impulse which sent him without -premeditation to his knees, bending before her majestic presence, -forming the sign of the cross horizontal, beneath her brooding -features; glancing up then, and then only, to meet the eyes of his -guide—and find them less frigid, in a subtle manner pleased.</p> - -<p>But she made no comment as Croft rose slowly and once more followed her -lead toward the door of a room, which she unlatched and pushed aside.</p> - -<p>Through the opening Croft's eyes leaped, to fall upon the figure of a -woman, her hair as golden as the sunshine falling in a rippling, silken -mass to the couch of wine-red wood on which she sat, her head bent -above a frame in which her tapering fingers were embroidering a pattern -in small, pierced jewels on a fabric of sheerest gauze.</p> - -<p>All that in a flash. Then, as though attracted by the opening of the -door, the woman glanced up, lifting a pair of pansy-purple eyes.</p> - -<p>"Naia!" Croft's lips framed the word rather than spoke it. He stepped -swiftly toward her through the door. It clicked shut behind him as the -vestal closed it.</p> - -<p>Naia, of Aphur, rose. The last vestige of color seemed drained from her -face, leaving her eyes very dark in its pallor, their pupils stretched -wondrously wide. So for a moment, she stood staring straight before -her at him she had known as Jasor of Nodhur, before her body took on -a sudden panting, so that the tissues or the temple garment she was -wearing became no more than a creamy ripple above her firmly rounded -busts. And then while Croft waited, choked by his own emotions, drunk -in his innermost being with her beauty, she moved and sank down on her -slender, supple knees.</p> - -<p>"Beloved!" Croft went one swift pace toward her. He stretched out his -hands. "Naia—mine own—arise."</p> - -<p>She glanced up. A quiver shook the perfect curve of her mouth. And then -for the first time her lips writhed open. "How speaks the Mouthpiece of -Zitu in a lover's guise?"</p> - -<p>"Arise," repeated Croft, and waiting until she had once more regained -her feet before he went on: "Were I to answer your question, beloved, -would any hear?"</p> - -<p>She regarded him strangely. It was almost as though she sensed some -new, some unsuspected meaning in his words, some hint of something of -which she had not dreamed, yet which, now that her intuition gave it -seeming, she desired to have made plain. "No," she made answer slowly. -"This is my own apartment—set aside for my use for such time as I -remain with the Gayana. What things may be said within it shall remain -unknown."</p> - -<p>"Then—" In a single stride Croft approached her. He swept her into -his arms. They closed about her with an almost yearning gesture. He -drew her to him, held her against his breast. The warmth of her, the -glorious litheness, the pliant softness of her figure, struck against -his own. He gloried in it, thrilled in every cell to the sudden -contact—to the quick, instinctive tremor which shook her form. -"Hark ye, beloved," he cried softly into the shell-pink ear beneath -his lips. "Hark ye—mark well my answer. The Mouthpiece of Zitu is no -supernatural being, but a man and a lover—thy lover in very truth."</p> - -<p>And on the word the supple body of the woman went tense inside his -arms. It struggled, it writhed. It struck its hands against his -breast and pushed back her torso, straining, bending it against his -restraining hold from the hips. Its face became convulsed, a panting, -lip-parted, eye-wide mask of horror. With a final effort Naia tore -herself free. Hot words poured from her mouth as she choked and gasped -for breath.</p> - -<p>"Then—in the name of Zitu—-what do you here—with that—that"—she -lifted a naked arm and pointed—"with the wings of Azil—the looped -cross of Ga—upon your breast?"</p> - -<p>"Is not Zud a man—and wears he not the cross at least—and comes he -not among the Gayana at will?" stammered Croft, more disturbed than he -cared to admit at her manner and words.</p> - -<p>And as he paused she blazed out in a fashion of almost scathing -contempt. "A man, yes, is Zud—one in whom the flame of life burns low, -who comes thither only when the work of him he serves demands it; who -speaks, when he comes, naught but what to him seems truth."</p> - -<p>Croft instinctively flinched. Her allusion to what he felt she -considered his own deceit in regard to himself flicked him despite -his own knowledge of his own sincerity in all that he had done. The -sensation which gripped him was due to no sense of guilt, but was more -a poignant regret that she should have been led to consider him in any -way false to the holiest emotions of his life.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"What <i>seems</i> truth, aye," he rejoined, therefore quickly holding -Naia's eyes, from which flashed what seemed a purple fire, with his -own. "Yet what man shall know the mind of Zitu, save as by his own -interpretation, or be free from error in his words at times, even -though years should have taught him discretion in his tongue?"</p> - -<p>Naia's lip curled. As Zud had said, hers was a haughty spirit—one -not prone to break or yield as a weaker might have done. And now she -refused to give ground in her position even with this man to whom she -had given her love in the past—had stood ready to yield herself in -every way the word implied. "At least," said she, "Zud makes no claim -of being any other than he is."</p> - -<p>"Nor do I." Croft drew himself up. He seized what appeared to him an -opportunity for arresting her sense of justice, which past experience -had taught him was true and fair if once it were reached. "Have I -claimed ever to be aught save a man who loved thee? Was it I or Zud -who named me Mouthpiece of Zitu while I slept, or by whose orders, -when I asked for clothing, was given me this priestly dress? Has Jasor -of Nodhur ever in the past sought any greater exaltation in rank or -fame or power than that alone which would bring him to your side? -Have his spirit, his lips sought ever to call out to any other save -to thee alone? Have not his arms fought ever those enemies who were -thine because of his love for Naia of Aphur—to keep her country safe, -herself from the pollution of other arms less clean?"</p> - -<p>And now for the first time it seemed that the Princess Naia faltered. -Some of the tension went out of her graceful figure. Doubt crept into -her eyes. "You—you," she asked a broken question, "would have me -believe the Mouthpiece of Zitu, a—man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes—as he is—a man who loves you as none ever loved you before." -Croft threw out his arms. "Seem I not a man to you, Naia of Aphur—maid -of gold—who have willingly lain in my arms, yielded me your -lips—before this—who stand here now in the quarters of the Gayana, -pledged to me by Lakkon—as well as by yourself. Is a man any less a -man because he wears the garments of a priest?"</p> - -<p>"Hold, in Zitu's name!" Abruptly a tremor, a shudder shook the slender, -half-veiled form he watched. "Man, though he be a priest, is sworn to -chastity in Zitu's sight. Yet you, whom Zud names the Mouthpiece of -Zitu—"</p> - -<p>"Am sworn to love you, beloved," Croft cut her protest short.</p> - -<p>"Love?" Terror woke in Naia's face. She drew back. "Would seek to -compel me with your newly acknowledged power? So long as Zud named -you a spirit, I was ready to bend before you. But now that you name -yourself a man, would seek to lead me into sin, even were I minded to -give heed to your plea?"</p> - -<p>"Nay," said Croft in a softer voice. "Nay, Naia, woman of my soul—whom -Zitu himself decreed in the beginning to be my mate. For love such -as mine is no sin, but the law of Zitu himself—the cause of all -living—all life. Yet, save you yield yourself to me of your own will, -those things my spirit cries for shall not be. And—can I not convince -you that, despite the words of Zud, which were ill advised, I am no -more than him to whom you gave your promise—than are you—free?"</p> - -<p>He broke off and for the first time bowed his head. Something like -despair seized upon him—a sick wave of discouraged purpose, as he -realized how fully the leaven of the high priest's revelations had been -at work—as he sensed that the very union she had confessed to him in -the past she herself desired, had come to appear now a breaking of the -law—a union unnatural—unsanctioned by the God of her religion—a -sacrilegious thing.</p> - -<p>And as he stood there a change came over the girl who watched. For the -first time in her knowledge of him Jasor of Nodhur bent his unflinching -crest; for the first time a hopeless something weakened the lines of -his strongly commanding face. And only one who knows the hearts of -women may tell what things stirred that moment in her breast. She -moved. Step by step she approached him where he stood. In an almost -timid fashion she lifted a bared arm and laid her hand against his -chest.</p> - -<p>"But," she faltered, "Abbu said—"</p> - -<p>"What?" Croft did not alter his position.</p> - -<p>"Those things which sent my spirit down to the dark world of Zitemku, -ruler of the lost souls, in surprised dismay—that made me tremble -as with cold—that sent me to kneel before Ga for hours that, being -a woman and knowing women, she might help me to understand—that the -spirit which dwelt in Jasor of Nodhur's body was not his own, but -another's—sent by Zitu to possess it—when Jasor—died." The last was -a quivering whisper, no more than a sibilant breath.</p> - -<p>"And if what Abbu said were truth?" Croft lifted his somber visage and -looked down into her darkly tragic eyes. Twin pools of mental agony, -they seemed, very close beneath his face—and Naia of Aphur's flesh on -cheek and throat and scarce-veiled bosom gleamed bloodless, pallid. -Even her parted lips were white.</p> - -<p>"If?" they questioned as he paused. "Think you that, right or wrong in -Zitu's sight, I myself could mate with you were it the truth—couldst -give myself to the embrace of a body filled by another than that spirit -Zitu breathed into it at birth; think you my flesh would not shrink -in very horror from the contact, my spirit rebel, nor force my flesh -to yield? And were Abbu's tale true, then, too, were the high priest -right. For how might such a thing transpire save by the will of Zitu -himself—how else the body of a man who had given up the spirit return -to life?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"I have told you," said Croft, "that those things I did were done by -Zitu's grace. But I have not explained my full meaning. That I had -reserved for another time, and for your ears alone. Yet I swear now by -Zitu and Ga and Azil that I meant in my heart to tell you all things -before I claimed you as my wife—make all things plain."</p> - -<p>"Then—" Once more Naia's figure stiffened. One hand crept up and -lay pressed in above her heart. "Abbu said truth—your spirit is not -Jasor's, but another's?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft, dully refusing further evasion, "Abbu said the -truth. Yet not all the truth, and Zud overshot the mark in his -interpretation." He paused.</p> - -<p>For the figure before him had risen, stretching upward on the balls of -its rosy feet, lifting its arms in a high-flung gesture with fingers -outstretched, extending, as it seemed, in every line of its slender, -rounded length, with head back-tilted until its golden hair hung -half-way down its tapering thighs in a shimmering cascade, its face -raised, its lips parted, its eyes half closed. So sudden was the -change that the girl's form seemed to have flung itself into that -strange posture of abandonment to woe, as a stricken creature leaps in -its death throes when struck by the hunter's shaft. And as Croft broke -off, arrested by that tragic and yet still beautiful pose, a scream -came out from the round, soft pillar of Naia of Aphur's throat.</p> - -<p>"Zitu! Ga! Befriend me!"</p> - -<p>All life went out of her glorious body. It sank down, seemed to shrink, -to bend and sway before him like a tempest-riven reed.</p> - -<p>Croft caught it as it fell and lifted it in his arms—lifted it and -held it, the dearest burden they had ever known—held it and bent above -it with sick despair in his heart, despair for her whom he held, whose -pliant glory now lay impotently unconscious, upborne, saved from the -injury of its fall by his strong and reverent hands—despair for her -and for himself—for them both—victims of Zud's curious meddling in -their affairs.</p> - -<p>Zud! He ground his teeth together. He was not done with Tamarizia's -high priest. Zud—or another—or ten thousand others—must pay for -this. Something like a sob caught in his throat as he gazed at the -down-dropped lids above those pansy-purple eyes in which Zud's -interference had waked the look of horror they had held before they -closed.</p> - -<p>The sound of a muffled groan escaped his lips. How different was this -meeting from the one he had planned as taking place. Then, too, he had -thought to hold her in his arms, but that she would lie there willing, -gladly, responsive in her inmost being to his presence, not like -this. And suddenly moved again by a strange impulse, because Zitu or -God—what mattered it as to name, since, by any name whatever, there -was for life but one source?—he lifted that splendid form and held -it stretched prone and motionless before him, extended face uppermost -across his powerful arms. And—</p> - -<p>"Ga befriend her. Zitu befriend me. Azil have compassion upon us both!" -he cried before he laid her on the couch of wine-red wood.</p> - -<p>For a long moment after he had straightened, he stood gazing down upon -her. The sun streaming into the room through the glass of an embrasure -struck out the golden design of the wings and cross upon his breast. -It sparkled, shimmered, as it rose and fell with his breathing. But -it was no more golden, no more shimmering than the flood of golden -hair about Naia of Aphur's head. Nor was Croft's robe more blue in -its jewel-wrought folds than the limpid eyes beneath her fallen, -long-lashed lids.</p> - -<p>Of a sudden Croft's own eyes fired with purpose. He drew a sharp, -deep breath. Naia of Aphur was his no longer. But—as Mouthpiece of -Zitu—all men must obey his mandates; there would be no exception; not -even the high priest himself, and—if he were to be cheated of the -major object for which he had labored, to attain which he had finally -broken the last bond between himself and earth—then let all men -beware. He turned away to go in search of Zud.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> - -<h3>CROFT DECIDES</h3> - - -<p>And, now, despite all these things, despite the scene in the room -of the Gayana, the shock of surprise attendant upon his waking—the -first startled comprehension of what had happened wearing off ever so -slightly, Croft's future course became to him more clear.</p> - -<p>Since the commanding part remained to him yet, it was his to command, -not to question or advise. He stalked across the sunlighted vastness -of the region of the Gayanas where the chatter of the maidens sank to -silence as he passed, bade the vestal who had taken him to Naia send -some of the women to attend her and passed through the silver door.</p> - -<p>Stern of lip, utterly composed in outward seeming once more, giving no -outward sign of the tempest of black despair, of heart-sick and baffled -yearning which raged within him, he made his way down three of the -angling flights of the pyramid stairs and flung back into its masonry -sockets the high priest's door.</p> - -<p>Never perhaps in the history of the nation has so unceremonious an -entrance of those chambers in the sacred structure been made. Yet Croft -had deliberately planned on the effect and a quiver of satisfaction -filled him, as Zud, seated at a table of the wine-red wood so much used -for furnishings in Tamarizia, refreshing himself with some cakes of -beaten grain and wine, and fruit, glanced up sharply with an expression -of surprised resentment and then started to his feet.</p> - -<p>"Sit, man of Zitu," he directed bruskly, and watched the high priest -comply as he himself advanced and occupied a richly upholstered couch -close to where Zud sat. Then as the priest dipped his hands into a -crystal bowl of water and dried them on a square of cloth reserved for -the purpose, he went on. "It were well to consider the form of this -proclamation concerning the Mouthpiece of Zitu, I think."</p> - -<p>Zud eyed him. Plainly the high priest was ill at ease. Croft's whole -manner had altered strangely since he had left him at the door of the -Gayana, and he must have sensed it. The thing was in his intonation, -the settled lines of his face, his eyes. "I—give ear, lord," he began, -after a momentary pause. "What suggestions are there—"</p> - -<p>"Suggestions?" The Mouthpiece of Zitu caught the last word from his -mouth. "Think you that I shall offer suggestions, priest of Zitu? Does -Zitu suggest when he speaks?"</p> - -<p>"Nay." Zud's expression grew troubled. "Hold not my words against me, -lord. I seek not thy displeasure. Yours is the speaking, mine it is -to—obey."</p> - -<p>"That is well," said Croft in a milder voice. "Listen then, Zud. It is -my will that neither you, nor the brothers of the priesthood, nor any -other man in Tamarizia, bend the knee to me again. Render unto Zitu -that obeisance as heretofore—to Ga and Azil—not to me. Those things -are of the spirit, Zud, not of the flesh. In Tamarizia after fourteen -days men walk equal in Zitu's sight. Let thy word go forth to this -effect."</p> - -<p>A tremor shook the high priest's hand as he stretched it forth. "I hear -and obey, O lord; yet was it to thy spirit the knee was bent, not to -Jasor of Nodhur's flesh."</p> - -<p>"My spirit is what Zitu by his grace has made it," Croft returned. -"What I am lies between me and Zitu himself."</p> - -<p>"Yet how then shall the Mouthpiece of Zitu be proclaimed?" Zud -quavered. Suddenly, despite his priestly trappings, the sumptuous -quarters in which he sat, he seemed no more than a shaken old man.</p> - -<p>"It is of that I would give you counsel," Croft replied. "Were I minded -I could forbid this proclamation altogether, Zud, and compel you to -hang your head, admitting that you had meddled to bring about those -things Zitu had not ordained. Think you he needs any man's assistance -in working out his plan? Yet because I have watched closely since I -awakened, and find your act inspired by no evil intent, but by lack -of understanding, because to discredit your words were to strike not -only thee, but at the very foundation itself of each man's belief, I am -minded to let what you have decreed take place.</p> - -<p>"You shall proclaim me thus. Not as a spirit, but as a man, a teacher, -one to whom Zitu permits certain things to be known; one by whom the -welfare of the nation is considered, through whom shall be given to -Tamarizia's people much for their own good; through whom those things -Zitu permits for them shall be transmitted to them, and in so much -Zitu's mouthpiece still." Abruptly he broke off as a sudden conception -seized him. For a time he considered a startlingly daring plan before -he spoke again in a tone of musing: "Zud—Zud, if you only knew the -truth."</p> - -<p>"The truth, O lord!" said the high priest slowly. "Have I not sought it -all my life?"</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. "Aye, priest of Zitu, I think you have. Wouldst hear the -truth of those things Abbu told you from my mouth?"</p> - -<p>Zud leaned forward somewhat quickly. For an instant an eager light -gleamed in his eyes before they met Croft's steadily watching, and then -wavered.</p> - -<p>"Lord!" he faltered, "lord!"</p> - -<p>Croft told him the tale.</p> - -<p>For that was the plan which had filled his mind—to tell it; to narrate -to Zud the truth; to explain those things which had been done, and the -how of each act so fully as he could inside the other's comprehension, -to convince him by word of mouth if he might, or, failing that, to win -his consent to a practical test.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>While he talked time dragged on, and by degrees Zud relaxed his pose, -of something like overborne embarrassment.</p> - -<p>His attitude now became that of an amazed and eager attention. His eyes -lighted and his breathing quickened, and now and then he moistened his -lips with his tongue. By degrees his excitement increased, until he was -gripping the arms of his chair and leaning toward Croft, in a posture -which seemed no more than physical reflex of his mental determination -to miss no single word.</p> - -<p>"Thou—thou sayest a man may leave his body at will?" he stammered as -Croft paused.</p> - -<p>"Yes, if he knows the method of controlling his spirit to affect his -object," Croft replied.</p> - -<p>"May go to other places while his body remains where he leaves it—and -see and know, and return again?" Zud said. His eagerness struck Croft -as almost pathetic. It was like that of a child.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he repeated again.</p> - -<p>"It is hard to believe," said Zud.</p> - -<p>"Would you like to have proof?" Croft decided to convince the high -priest now and at once.</p> - -<p>"Proof?" Zud queried.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Would you like to leave this body of yours, Zud of Zitra, under -my direction, learn I have spoken the truth?"</p> - -<p>His words were followed by a widening of the high priest's eyes. In -them waked something like a startled desire, combined with a cautious -hesitation. His whole expression was that of one who falters on the -brink of the unknown, longing to dare it yet deterred by the very fact -that it <i>is</i> the unknown.</p> - -<p>"Thou canst bring that about?" he questioned at length.</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you obey me wholly." Croft held him with a steady regard. To -him that which he meant to do was no more than play. To cast this old -man into a cataleptic sleep by his own consent and project his astral -consciousness, whither he willed, was naught for one who by his own -volition had spanned the gap of interstellar space. Yet to Zud the -venture seemed to appear very vast, and he hesitated yet a moment -briefly before:</p> - -<p>"My obedience is yours, O lord," he gasped.</p> - -<p>"Then," said Croft, summoning all the powers of his trained will to his -aid, "fasten thy eyes on me, O man of Zitu, and fix thy mind on sleep, -for this leaving of the body begins indeed with a something approaching -sleep in its nature. Think therefore of sleep, O Zud—of sleep, of only -sleep!"</p> - -<p>Fastening his gaze upon him in complete attention, until by degrees his -lids, at first wide, began to droop above his eyes, Zud obeyed.</p> - -<p>"So then," Croft droned on as he noted the change, "your eyes are -closing, Zud; the lids grow heavy; sleep creeps now upon thee; sleep, -a deep sleep. Zud, thou art asleep, yet sleeping thou canst hear my -voice. Speak I not the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Aye"—a muffled murmur from the high priest's mouth.</p> - -<p>"And hearing me, Zud, even in your sleep you will render obedience to -my words. Hence, listen closely and obey. Do you know where Lakkon and -Jadgor and Robur lodge?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," quavered the high priest.</p> - -<p>"Then shall you go there, Zud, on my command. In the name of Zitu I -command you to leave your body—now."</p> - -<p>For a moment he gave over speaking and waited while the form of the -high priest relaxed and sagged down in the chair of ruddy wood. Then -abruptly he resumed:</p> - -<p>"Have you obeyed me, Zud?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," no more than a whisper from the lips of the body in the chair.</p> - -<p>"What do you see?" Croft demanded.</p> - -<p>"A strange sight, indeed. My own form, as in a reflecting water-pool, -seated with downcast head, as wrapped in sleep."</p> - -<p>"'Tis well," Croft spoke in answer and direction. "Await my company, -Zud." He threw himself prone upon the couch and freed his own astral -shell from Jasor's body by the effort of his will. An instant later -he floated midway between the floor and ceiling at Zud's side. Below -them, sat and reclined each body. There stood the table, still bearing -food for the material body midway between couch and chair. Croft turned -to his companion. And now all communication was on the astral plane, -without sound, yet by a none less evident diffusion of conscious -vibration.</p> - -<p>"Thou seest?" he queried with a smile.</p> - -<p>"Aye," the answer came to him from Zud's wraith—that strange replica -of his earthly form, implacable, invisible to any save Croft's and his -own eyes, which hung there between the floor of the apartment and the -burnished roof, weaving to and fro, in each intangible current of the -air, swaying and billowing, like a wind-stirred effigy in smoke. "Aye, -lord, I see, and am filled with amazement."</p> - -<p>"Thou seest but the first step as yet," Croft told him. "Come!"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>There was an open embrasure in the pyramid wall. Through it Croft -willed himself, and seizing the thin arm of the weird form beside him, -dragged it along. They shot out and up through a sun-filled air—out -and up and up. The pyramid lay beneath them, the snow-white temple of -Zitu glinting in dazzling fashion on its top. East, west, north and -south Zitra lay spread to their sight, with its houses, its palaces -and hovels, the ringing circumference of its mighty walls. Its harbor -studded with sails was all asparkle in the sunlight, and beyond that -the bosom of the central ocean rose and fell slowly like the breast of -a woman asleep.</p> - -<p>"Lord! Lord!" Croft sensed that the high priest gasped again in his -emotions at least.</p> - -<p>"Behold!" Croft returned and swept an arm in the gesture of a circle. -"Priest of Zitu, behold! And, now, in which direction do the men I -mentioned lodge?"</p> - -<p>"In the palace of Tamhys himself, as his guests," Zud replied, and -pointed with a spectral arm.</p> - -<p>"Will thyself to their presence, even as you were in the flesh. Think -only that you desire immediate nearness to them. So shall you come upon -them, Zud."</p> - -<p>"Aye, lord," Zud knit his astral brows as though in mental effort.</p> - -<p>The sunlight vanished in a flash. With it went out the far-flung view -of the Tamarizian landscape—the city, the waves of the central sea. -Suddenly vast walls appeared on every hand—a tessellated floor inlaid -in white and gold and silver, stretched out beneath a roof of silver -inlaid beams, supporting frames containing varicolored glass.</p> - -<p>This was the interior court of the Zitran palace as Croft knew. It -swept past quickly. He had the impression of the balcony surrounding -it on all four sides in Tamarizian style, of the supporting arches, of -the groups of statuary between them, of the ascending stairways, and -then they vanished, too, and he found himself in a smaller apartment, -its sliding doorway covered by a scarlet curtain, its floor in part -concealed by gorgeous rugs, its windows draped with other scarlet -tissues through which the outer light shone redly—a room equipped with -couches and chairs and tables, adorned between the doors and windows -with frescoes and groups of sculpture done in the customary translucent -stone, and supported on pedestals of copper, silver and gold. So much -he saw at a glance before he fastened his attention on the figures of -three men grouped about a table in front of a scarlet-curtained window -in the outer end of the room.</p> - -<p>These men he knew, had met and known and conversed with before this in -the flesh. Jadgor, of Aphur, heavy set, dark of eyes and complexion, -grizzled of hair, his nose high and somewhat bent in the middle, his -whole appearance that of a man of driving purpose, sat there now clad -in leg-cases, shirt and metal cuirass, with Aphur's rayed sun on his -breast. And close beside him on the table reposed his helmet with its -nodding scarlet plumes.</p> - -<p>Opposite him sat Lakkon, noble of Aphur and adviser to the king, -heavy set like his brother-in-law, strong of feature, with iron-gray -poll, dressed like to Jadgor in every essential detail, though in a -fashion less royal. By the end of the table stood Robur, Jadgor's son, -clean-limbed, strong-featured, with well-formed jaw and mouth, about -which lurked often a hint of humor, as Croft knew. In a fleeting glance -he recognized its absence now. The face of the crown prince was set -into almost stubborn lines, its cheeks a trifle flushed.</p> - -<p>And even as Croft perceived the attitude and expression of the several -occupants of the apartment, Jadgor hit the table with one fist a -resounding crash, whose vibration eddied out and set Zud to drunkenly -rocking in their whorl close by Croft's side.</p> - -<p>"By Zitu, and by Zitu!" He swore a double oath. "I like not this -delay in an understanding. Thrice in as many days have we visited the -pyramid, and Zud has said he sleeps. Much has he done for Tamarizia, -as I shall last deny; nor did he tell us to remain in Zitra at the -last. Yet if Zud be right, as he should, being high priest, my brother, -Lakkon, finds himself in difficult case."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Lakkon's visage darkened. "Yet was the pledge given of his seeking," he -broke out in querulous fashion. "Jadgor knows that Jasor, be he spirit, -as Zud saith, or man, sought it of me ere he entered the armored car -to lead into the conflict wherein Helmor, of Zollaria, was overthrown. -And Jadgor himself did sponsor my words wherein Naia, my daughter, -was promised him to wife. Wherefore, she hath permitted his arms, and -yielded him her mouth, as none save an unclean woman doth to any save -the men of her own family or him to whom she is betrothed."</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Jadgor, frowning. "Yet shall a spirit mate with the flesh. -Continence is no less a vow of the priesthood than of the Gayana. -Were a spirit sent by Zitu to do his work, even though to that end he -employs the body of one whom Azil has recalled, is he to be considered -as man or priest?"</p> - -<p>"Think you Zitu wouldst choose a rebellious spirit for his -mouthpiece?" Robur broke in with considerable heat. "Jadgor, my father, -who are we to judge?"</p> - -<p>"Robur seems minded to attempt it," Jadgor rejoined with a sarcasm he -plainly did not wish to conceal.</p> - -<p>"Aye." The color deepened in the crown prince's cheeks. "For by -Jadgor's command I labored beside this Jasor, of Nodhur, as he then -was known, for the better part of a cycle, toward the end of making -Tamarizia safe against what Helmor did intend, and in nothing did I -find him other save steadfast and just. Man he was in every seeming, -save that his knowledge surpassed the knowledge of all other men, and -for these sleeps such as holds him now. We became as brothers in our -common purpose, whereby Jadgor now bids fair to attain his ends."</p> - -<p>Croft's heart warmed swiftly to Robur's defense, though it was no -more than from his knowledge of the crown prince he had felt he might -expect. As Robur said the bond between them in their year of mutual -endeavor in the shops of Himyra and Ladhra, where the motors and rifles -used in the war were made, had become exceedingly close. Indeed, so -intimate had they grown that he had addressed Robur as "Rob."</p> - -<p>They had been as brothers, indeed, and he felt new confidence now, -knowing Gaya would reflect the attitude of her husband rather than -any one else. And Gaya in the past had been at one time the means -of communication between Naia and himself, when Lakkon had felt -himself bound by a pledge to Cathur, to discourage Croft's suit. Now, -therefore, he waited eagerly to see what response Jadgor might make to -his son's final sentence which was no more than an allusion to those -plans of mounting the Zitran throne that had held Jadgor's mind when -Croft came to Palos first, toward which, by a marriage with Cathur's -profligate prince, Naia was to aid.</p> - -<p>And that Jadgor sensed the half-veiled rebuke, he saw at once, since -the Aphurian's frown but deepened before he spoke. "Man in seeming -is he, I admit, yet to Abbu he confessed that he was not Jasor but -another. This thing I do not understand, nor doth Zud. Yet were he an -agent of Zitu, then were the end of which you speak of Zitu's willing -for Tamarizia's good, which, as my son knows, lies nearest Jadgor's -heart. Zud, as you know also, I have questioned, and he holds that -none save a mortal may know a woman, save only by Zitu's will, as Azil -was conceived of Ga."</p> - -<p>"Then why question Zitu's will, as expressed by Zitu's Mouthpiece?" -said Robur quickly, and paused with a gasp.</p> - -<p>"What mean you?" Jadgor half rose from his seat.</p> - -<p>"Nay—" Suddenly Robur faltered, he seemed disturbed, abashed. He -lowered his eyes. "Nay, my father, I spoke in haste. What says the -maiden herself? Did not my uncle speak with her the prior sun?"</p> - -<p>"She holds to her promise as she has held since the beginning," Jadgor -replied. "She refuses to leave the Gayana until she has speech with the -sleeper himself."</p> - -<p>"Nor will she leave ever, should Abbu's words and Zud's judgment -prove true," Lakkon said with a twitching face. "Virgin is she in all -save the love she has given to him she knew as Jasor. Failing its -consummation, she becomes Gayana herself."</p> - -<p>"Nay, by Zitu!" Robur cried a savage protest. "My father and uncle, of -this thing there lies some explanation. He who I, too, knew as Jasor, -won not the full love of my cousin for any such sterile fate. Himself, -he told me that all he did was by Zitu's grace; and of <i>all</i> that he -did was not this too a part?"</p> - -<p>A part—rather the all—the motive, the object of what he had done, -thought Croft, as he once more thrilled to the sturdy, unyielding -quality of Robur's partizanship.</p> - -<p>Then as Jadgor made no immediate answer, and Lakkon sat with troubled -countenance, lost as it appeared in the prospective fate of the -daughter whom he loved with an almost adoring devotion, and now saw -embrace the life of a vestal as escape from what, by Tamarizian -custom, must otherwise amount to a technical disgrace, Robur went on. -"Wherefore, as said before, who are we to judge the Hupor Jasor or -the Mouthpiece of Zitu, be he what he may, ere he awakes? Like to my -cousin, Naia, I would ask him to speak for himself."</p> - -<p>Jadgor gave him a glance. "For that waking we have waited many suns."</p> - -<p>"Yet, perhaps he wakes even now," Lakkon suggested quickly, his manner -that of a man who grasps at straws.</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Jadgor, "perhaps. And—since we are met for the purpose, -rather than useless discussion, let us seek the pyramid at once. He -rose, a commanding figure in his glistening cuirass and moved toward -the curtained door.</p> - -<p>"Back!" Croft commanded Zud. "Desire the return to thy body."</p> - -<p>He suited his own act to the word, and an instant later opened his -physical eyes to find Zud sitting tensely erect, regarding him out of -staring, startled eyes.</p> - -<p>He sat up. "You saw, O Zud," he questioned. "You heard?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Zud a trifle hoarsely. "This passes understanding."</p> - -<p>"Only until understood," Croft told him. "Art any less yourself for -having left your flesh?"</p> - -<p>Zud dropped his eyes. "Nay, not so," he said at last.</p> - -<p>"And had you entered this body upon the couch, rather than that in the -chair?" Croft pressed him closely. "Think you, Zud, you would have been -any less yourself, any less Zud, the—priest of Zitu, and—a <i>man</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Zud breathed sharply. Plainly he caught Croft's drift. "In such -a fashion then you have visited other places, even to the stars, and -seen strange things, and brought back what you deemed good?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Croft with a smile. "In the spirit, Zud, you have seen your -body lie sleeping, even as in the flesh you have seen my body lie. Yet -are you Zud in the spirit or in the flesh; for with each man it is the -spirit commands the flesh; that acts, and the spirit, Zud of Zitra, is -of Zitu, breathed from his nostrils, into the flesh, to give the body -life."</p> - -<p>"Man then is a spirit?" Zud began slowly. He seemed shaken, yet in some -subtle way exalted, despite the fact that he was pallid to the lips.</p> - -<p>"Aye, Zud, priest of Zitu. There were no man else."</p> - -<p>A rap fell on the door of the apartment. It slid back, revealing a lay -brother in bare feet and cord-belted robe. He advanced, bending before -Zud from the waist, his arms extended in the sign of the horizontal -cross.</p> - -<p>"Jadgor of Aphur, and Lakkon, and Robur, son of Jadgor, await audience -with Zud of Zitra," he announced.</p> - -<p>"Admit them," Zud glanced at Croft as the brother withdrew. "Thou art -as thou hast said, a teacher not only of all men, but of Zitu's priest. -I would speak with thee more of this."</p> - -<p>For the second time the door slid back. Jadgor, Lakkon, and Robur filed -in.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> - -<h3>FATHER AND SON</h3> - - -<p>"Greeting, priest of Zitu," Jadgor began, catching sight of the other -occupant of the room, and paused briefly before he went on:</p> - -<p>"<i>Hai</i>, Hupor, so you are awake again at last."</p> - -<p>"As Jadgor sees," said Croft without rising, while Lakkon stared -and Robur took a quick step forward, flushed deeply and checked his -instinctive motion, as one who hesitates in a decision.</p> - -<p>Toward him Croft put out a hand, and as Robur caught it with a sudden -gesture, he smiled. "Zud tells me you stand without opposition in -Aphur, Rob," he resumed as he gripped the Tamarizian's fingers. "Of -such things I am glad."</p> - -<p>"It was to inquire of you, we have intruded upon the priest of Zitra," -Jadgor spoke again before Robur could do more than return Croft's grip. -"Concerning thee a proclamation has gone forth. Mouthpiece of Zitu, -thou art acclaimed. How then shall we salute thee in the future?" His -tone was haughty, harmonizing with the attitude of mind Croft had -sensed in the room in Tamhys's palace. But he paid it the tribute of -small notice.</p> - -<p>"Salute me," he said almost coldly, "as Zud has ordained."</p> - -<p>"Thou art from Zitu then?" Jadgor lost a modicum of his aplomb. Man -of action, accustomed to command though he was, yet, like most of his -nation, he stood in awe of his nation's god—and Croft's answer gave -him pause.</p> - -<p>"All men are of Zitu, Jadgor of Aphur," Croft replied, meaning in his -response to do the presidential candidate small good.</p> - -<p>But as he paused: "Truth is being spoken," Robur cut quickly in. "All -men are of Zitu through Azil and Ga, until Zitu himself sends Zilla, -with his sucking lips to take his life away."</p> - -<p>Once more Croft smiled into the eyes of his friend. "Then gentle -Gaya—she is happy at your popularity, Rob?" he inquired as Jadgor -stood and stared.</p> - -<p>"She waits me at Himyra," Robur returned, inclining his head. -"But—there were reasons why I desired more to remain in Zitra until -such time as should find you awakened from your sleep."</p> - -<p>"Oh, aye—such reasons as Jadgor's doubt, and Lakkon's questions -concerning Zud's proclamation." Croft yawned as he spoke. "But Robur -forgets not so quickly his friends."</p> - -<p>"By Zitu! How say you?" Jadgor broke out in a roar, flicked as it -seemed to dare the question by Croft's manner and words. "Are you -spirit or man?"</p> - -<p>Croft eyed him for what seemed a long time before he answered. "A -man—in the way you mean it, O Jadgor—a man as thou art."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" In a fashion Jadgor seemed surprised. "Then how the -Mouthpiece—" he began.</p> - -<p>Croft rose. The cross and the wings of Azil glowed yellow in a ray of -sunlight on his breast. His tone was that of a teacher to a child. -"Jadgor of Aphur," he spoke with deliberation, each accent falling -slowly, "the Mouthpiece is that which speaks from knowledge to him -who has less—hence is the teacher a mouthpiece of knowledge to the -student. Those things which are difficult to one of little knowledge -may appear but simple to the mind of one who understands."</p> - -<p>Color crept into Jadgor's dark face. One would have said Croft's -speech had lashed his haughty spirit like a whip to a gnuppa's flank. -His eyes came up and he measured glances with the man before him. -"And," said he a trifle quickly, "as Mouthpiece of Zitu, you claim the -greater knowledge for yourself? Perchance it were but a short step -in your belief between the greater knowledge and the greater power. -But—Tamarizia is not yet within the full grasp of your hand, and Aphur -still is Aphur, and with Nodhur and Milidhur, strong."</p> - -<p>"My father!" Robur's tone was one of consternation. He took a quick -step in Jadgor's direction.</p> - -<p>"Hold, Rob!" Croft lifted a restraining hand. It came into his mind -that the greater power of which Jadgor spoke was after all the main -point that was troubling the Aphurian king—that he feared a loss of -that prestige even as president, which all his life he had known—was -alarmed lest Croft with the backing of the priesthood gain the upper -hand, and Zud step into the position of sponsor for the stranger which -until now he himself had held with great honor to himself and his son. -He let an icy smile grow slowly on his lips. "Aye, Milidhur and Nodhur -and Aphur are strong. Aphur's king, through me. Also, is Tamarizia yet -an empire. Wherefore the change of government is by Tamhys' decree. Let -Jadgor beware lest success and quick attainment of his wishes may turn -his head."</p> - -<p>"<i>Hai!</i> You would threaten!" Jadgor exclaimed, drawing himself up to -his full height.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" commanded Zud, breaking in for the first time. "Jadgor of -Himyra, you forget yourself, and the obedience all men owe to Zitu—and -the victory granted Tamarizia by his grace. What is the strength of -Aphur or Nodhur or Milidhur, to his designs? And think you that any or -all of those states will follow you against the word of Zitu's priest?"</p> - -<p>"Or," Croft caught up the subject, well pleased by Zud's stand in the -matter, "think you that I who gave the strength of which you boast, -have not greater strength to give, or should the need arise to use -against that already given? If so, ask Zud, who has seen somewhat of my -plans."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>But Jadgor was stubborn, and years of authority had made it hard for -one of his type to yield. "Strength you may have," he retorted shortly, -"yet where shall it be produced in time to avail against Aphur's -strength? And if not in time, where produced at all, were Tamarizia -still an empire with Jadgor on the throne?" His eyes flashed sharply -and he laid a hand on the gem-studded hilt of his sword.</p> - -<p>"Hold!" cried Zud once more, while Robur paled and Lakkon drew -instinctively back from his king. "Thy words approach treason, Jadgor, -should they come to Tamhys's ears. As priest of Zitu I command you -to yield obedience to the Mouthpiece of Zitu—to aid, not oppose his -intent."</p> - -<p>Jadgor was heated beyond all cool judgment. He flung back his head. -"Mouthpiece of Zitu—or of Zitemku, the foul one—or man as he himself -alleges, Jadgor yields authority to no one!" he roared.</p> - -<p>"Nor hesitated to offer his sister's child to a profligate prince, -turned traitor to his land in order to increase it," said Croft as the -Aphurian paused.</p> - -<p>"The point is well taken," Jadgor returned, breathing deeply inside his -metal cuirass, "since the maid was almost asked by the Mouthpiece of -Zitu himself as a price."</p> - -<p>"No," Croft denied with a greater show of emotion than he had exhibited -as yet. "I asked but your consent and that of her father to win her for -my wife if I could."</p> - -<p>"He speaks truth, my father," Robur declared. "And—I myself know that -Naia, my cousin, loved Jasor of Nodhur as no other."</p> - -<p>"Jasor," Lakkon spoke for the first time. "But Naia herself has told me -that Abbu of Scira said—"</p> - -<p>"That Jasor's spirit was drawn from his lips by Zilla," Jadgor -interrupted. "How say you, Robur—think you your cousin desires -marriage with a body whose spirit has fled?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Croft, speaking before Robur could find any answer. "Naia of -Aphur is free from any claim of mine, save as she herself decides when -she learns the truth."</p> - -<p>"Thou hast—seen her?" Lakkon faltered, his face beginning to work.</p> - -<p>"Yes—and told her the truth as I meant to tell it to her, save that -Abbu spoke to Zud in the time of my sleep and Zud spoke to the maid -without a full understanding of all the truth embraced."</p> - -<p>"The truth—what is it? Is it true that your spirit is not Jasor's?" -Jadgor once more broke forth.</p> - -<p>"Aye—my spirit is not Jasor's," Croft returned. "To Zud I have -explained it. Yet is my spirit the spirit of a man born of a woman as -any other though not on Palos nor into Jasor's flesh."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Jadgor was plainly startled. "Can a man's spirit forsake his -body and enter another, and yet possess mortal life?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Zud, whose single experience, as Croft had meant, seemed to -have filled him with complete conviction. "I myself have left my flesh -and returned into it again, so that while I was absent it lay sleeping. -Zitu has granted this to me through his Mouthpiece, that I might more -fully understand."</p> - -<p>"Thou?" Jadgor eyed him, as though in doubt as to how to take his words.</p> - -<p>"I, Jadgor, yes," Zud said. "In the spirit was I present in the palace -of Tamhys when you spoke with Lakkon and Robur concerning this same -thing, and Robur defended his friend as since coming here he has done. -And though I was not seen of you, yet heard I what was said. Hence I -believe that the spirit of Zitu hath sent to guide us to a greater -knowledge is, as he himself says, the spirit of a man of earth."</p> - -<p>"Earth?" Jadgor frowned at the unaccustomed word.</p> - -<p>"Aye—a world ruled over by a different sun than ours," Zud rejoined.</p> - -<p>"Jasor—since that is the name by which I have known you, and learned -to love you," Robur began again, "is this the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Robur my brother, Zud speaks truly," Croft replied.</p> - -<p>"You came from—earth?" The crown prince stammered slightly over the -planet's name.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Robur—I came from earth."</p> - -<p>Robur nodded. "I remember now that Sinon of Milidhur mentioned the fact -that his son's appearance since his illness had changed, along with his -bearing and his knowledge. Jadgor, my father, I believe this truth. -Friend of the Crown Prince of Aphur, what was your name on earth?"</p> - -<p>"Jason," said Croft.</p> - -<p>"Zitu! 'tis well-nigh the same."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft regarded the crown prince, smiling. "And—Robur my friend, -it is the spirit which molds the flesh. Hence Jasor's body, after I -possessed it, altered in its appearance to some extent. Think back, -Prince of Aphur; seems it the same to you now, as in those days when by -you it was first known, or has it undergone some still further change?"</p> - -<p>"It has changed," Robur replied quickly, his eyes lighting. "Now by -Azil himself, I begin to comprehend your meaning, Jason, if I may call -you by that name."</p> - -<p>"Call me as you will, Rob," Croft returned. "Since I know you are my -friend."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Lakkon plucked at Jadgor's arm. "I—would see my daughter, O Jadgor," -he said in a lowered voice. "Since she has seen this Jason, I would -speak to her of many things."</p> - -<p>"Shortly," Jadgor replied. "Say to her that so soon as Jason is -proclaimed Mouthpiece of Zitu, we return to Himyra—"</p> - -<p>"But should she desire to remain with the Gayana," Lakkon interrupted.</p> - -<p>"By Zitu!" Jadgor gave him a frowning glance. "I speak to you and to -her through you as her king. Surely I hold place above the children of -Aphur yet. Are there not Gayana in Himyra's pyramid as well as here -should she decide to give herself to Ga? Repeat to her my words and see -that she obeys. Or—hold! I will see the maid myself." He turned back -to Croft and Zud. "These things I confess I do not understand, and in -truth to me they pass all understanding. Man of Zitu, yet is it clear -to my mind that an understanding lies between this other and yourself. -Wherefore I must ponder the matter well, and seek to determine whether -the palace or the pyramid of Zitra shall rule Tamarizia in the future. -To thee for the present, Zud—peace. Be pleased to direct that the -maiden Naia be brought to an audience chamber for speech with her -father and her <i>king</i>."</p> - -<p>"Jadgor's request is granted." Zud lifted a small hammer from the table -and struck against a metal gong.</p> - -<p>The door slid back and a lay brother appeared.</p> - -<p>Zud spoke to him, directing him to lead Jadgor and Lakkon to an -apartment, and command Naia's presence there.</p> - -<p>"Peace to you, Zud," Jadgor said again as he turned away.</p> - -<p>"And to thee peace," responded Zitu's priest.</p> - -<p>"Rob," Croft arrested Aphur's prince as he moved to follow his father, -"are you party to this interview with your cousin?"</p> - -<p>"No." Robur paused. "I return now to the palace."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. "Presently then. Come now. I would speak with you alone."</p> - -<p>For all his controlled demeanor, Croft was none the less disturbed as, -leaving Zud, he led Jadgor's son to the room in which for two weeks -his body had lain entranced. Jadgor's stand he could understand well -enough, as well as his veiled taunt that were it to come to a test of -strength between them, Croft might not be able to arm the rest of the -nation against Milidhur, Nodhur, and Aphur, for the simple reason that -before he would create anything with which to resist the weapons he -himself had placed in the hands of Jadgor's men and his allies, he must -create shops. Those plants he had thus far brought into being were in -Nodhur and Aphur alone—one at Himyra, Jadgor's city, and the other at -Ladhra, capital of Nodhur, where lived Sinon and Mellia, the parents of -Jasor whose body Croft had made his own—that Sinon and Mellia, whom -Jadgor had raised from the merchant caste to the nobility because of -the wonders worked by their supposed son.</p> - -<p>Nor did Croft like the thought that because of him or anything he had -done, Tamarizia should by any chance be torn by internal conflict, or -his plans for a republic be overthrown. And yet in Jadgor's words he -had read a hint of civil war between the south and western states and -the rest of the nation, where Jadgor declined to accept any authority -higher than his own. As he had said to the man not half an hour before, -the easy victory over Helmor of Zollaria and the acclaim resulting to -himself as nominal commander of the Tamarizian army, seemed to have -gone to Jadgor's head. And in addition he appeared to feel sincerely -that through Croft a possible disgrace had been brought upon his family -through Naia, and therefore upon himself.</p> - -<p>Also Jadgor had thrown out an intimation that with enough power behind -him he would be minded to curtail Croft's activities in so far as he -could, once he were on the Zitran throne. Nor did Croft doubt that even -were a civil war avoided, Jadgor would be elected president of the -republic if let alone. Aphur would vote for him, as would Nodhur unless -very quick action was taken. Milidhur could be counted on for support -since Robur's wife was the daughter of that state's present king. -Cathur, freed from the treason which had weakened it once, would surely -favor Jadgor, who had saved it from being overrun and meeting Mazhur's -fate of fifty years before. Mazhur might be expected to support the man -who had freed her from the slavery she had endured for fifty years. -Bithur and Hiranur alone, then were not sure. Of the two, Hiranur would -almost certainly support Tammon, the emperor's son, and Bithur might -well be expected to split his vote, with the odds on Jadgor again, -because of that boasted strength Croft's labors in Aphur had brought—a -strength Bithur might feel needed in defense, since Mazzer adjoined -her entire eastern frontier and Zollaria, beaten but not crushed, yet -threatened dangerously on the north.</p> - -<p>All in all he felt that in what he did and said he would tread on -delicate ground, as he saw Robur seated and approached the golden -casket Zud had opened to inspect the drawings it contained.</p> - -<p>But he said nothing of what was seething in his brain as he took out -the plans and carried them back to spread them out before Robur's eyes -on his couch.</p> - -<p>One of them was for a dynamo, water-driven, and nothing else. There -were many streams in Tamarizia's mountains, and he had planned to -harness their power for the generation of electric force. This then he -took up first.</p> - -<p>"Look, Rob," he began as he held it before his companion's eyes. "Can -you remember a night in Himyra when Jadgor named me Hupor, and I said -the scene would have been more brilliant were light obtained from many -lamps of glass inside which a luminous filament glowed?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, I remember it well." Robur inclined his head. His face was -serious and he seemed ill at ease, as well as somewhat surprised that -Croft had turned to the plans rather than taking up a discussion of -other things.</p> - -<p>But Croft had a purpose in so doing; a hope that by showing Robur the -things he planned to accomplish, he might reach Jadgor's ear in a less -direct, though no less effective fashion, since doubtless Robur would -speak concerning them to the king. "This," he said when assured that -the prince recalled his former remark, "is a device to provide such -light, and many other things."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For an hour thereafter he talked, displaying plan after plan, each one -of which he explained, until at the end, Robur's face was flushed with -excitement, his eyes glowing in anticipation of beholding undreamed of -things.</p> - -<p>"Jasor or Jason," he exclaimed at length. "Mouthpiece of Zitu must you -be indeed to devise such objects, to have knowledge of them—to draw -their designs."</p> - -<p>"No—" Croft considered swiftly. Robur was husband to Gaya, and Gaya -had stood his friend in his effort to win Naia before. He decided to -tell Robur the literal truth. "No, Robur—these things are not mine -own. Of Zitu they are—by him permitted for man's use—yet are they -things known, and employed daily in the life of men on that star from -which I come."</p> - -<p>"Earth," said Robur quickly. "These things are known on earth, and the -motors, the rifles—"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft nodded slightly. "And a thousand other things." He took up -a final plan. "Rob, what do you think of a device which can lift a man -into the air, as a bird rises on its wings?"</p> - -<p>"Zitu! Would you fly, Jason of earth!" Robur caught a slightly unsteady -breath.</p> - -<p>"Aye," Croft spread out the parchment. He had drawn it in a moment -of daring impulse, and now he explained to Robur how it was driven -by a "motur"—the name he had given to his engines, modified to fit -Tamarizian speech, and the action of the planes.</p> - -<p>For a time Jadgor's son sat seemingly lost in a silent contemplation of -this to him most wonderful fruit of his companion's hand and brain. And -then he flung up his head and looked him full in the eyes. "Jason, tell -me the truth, in Zitu's name!" he burst into an impassioned query. "Why -came you from earth to Palos—what strange force led you to seek life -with us?"</p> - -<p>And Croft answered that heart-sincere appeal without visible -hesitation. "The strongest force in all the sum of Zitu's forces, -Robur—that force which men call—love."</p> - -<p>"Love?" repeated Robur, staring. "Of a woman, you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Of a woman, yes," said Croft, returning his regard directly. "You know -well the maid."</p> - -<p>"Naia, by Zitu!" Robur sprang to his feet. "You have dared all for her?"</p> - -<p>"All," said Croft. "Listen Rob, my true friend to whom I may open my -heart: To Palos and Tamarizia I came first, seeking knowledge, having -learned how a man may leave his body in the spirit, even as I have -proved a man may. Yet knew I not why I chose Palos, until I came to -Himyra and saw Naia of Aphur first. But having seen her even in the -spirit, I loved her, as a man may love but one woman, in either the -spirit or flesh; and because of that love—because to me she meant all -and more than any other thing in life, and because I possessed the -knowledge and the power, I dared death itself in taking Jasor's body -when he laid it down, in order that I might save her from the marriage -to Cathur, Jadgor planned, and win her for myself. Jadgor's son knows -the rest."</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur said. "And he knows that were the truth understood by -Jadgor he would command the maid to your arms, and make sure that these -strange instruments, the designs of which you have shown me, should be -made in the Himyra and Ladhra shops."</p> - -<p>"Hold!" exclaimed Jason. "Stop—once have I saved Naia of Aphur from -paying the score of Jadgor's ambitions, nor will I permit it again. If -the maiden comes to me at all, Rob, it must be of her own choice—from -her own wish, not by the command of Jadgor or another, as my willing -mate—not as a price."</p> - -<p>Robur nodded. "<i>Hai</i>, Jason!" he cried. "Now can I understand you, and -find you the man I have felt you in my heart." He approached Croft, -seized his hand and placed it on his shoulder, laid his own on that of -his companion in the posture of greeting used by Tamarizian friends. -So for a moment the two men stood eye to eye before Robur went on: -"Thy love is a true love—of the heart as well as of the body. Claim -me thy friend in this, O Jason—I and Gaya, the woman I won in similar -fashion, though I journeyed no farther than to Milidhur to find her. -You have seen the maid since your awakening. Tell me; said you to her -so much?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft told him, "save that she came to me willingly—herself she -was free."</p> - -<p>"And what said Naia my cousin? O Jason, my heart goes out to you as -ever since we have known each other. Robur may find a way to assist a -friend."</p> - -<p>Once more Croft felt his whole being warm to Aphur's prince. "'Tis -the matter of Jasor's body and Jason's spirit, that disturbs her," he -explained. "Concerning that I meant to tell her, as only I could tell -it, so that she might understand. That would I have done at a time of -my own selecting before she became my wife, save that Abbu of Scira to -whom I confessed that my spirit was not Jasor's but one which meant -to Tamarizia only good—Abbu, whom I swore to silence in Zitu's name, -was by Zud absolved from his oath and spoke. And Zud gaining part of -the truth only, yet carried what he had learned to Naia's ears. Zud, -startled by what he had learned, named me to her a spirit sent by Zitu. -Naia looks upon herself as one deceived, well-nigh betrayed."</p> - -<p>"But," said Robur quickly, "when you told her of yourself—"</p> - -<p>"Nay," Croft replied. "Naia of Aphur is not one to weep, nor ask for -explanations."</p> - -<p>Robur nodded in comprehension of all Croft's words implied. "So that -she knows not as yet of this love that drew you from another world to -win her, even as with us a man might go from one kingdom to another. -Yet to me it seems that a maid might marvel at a love so great."</p> - -<p>Croft's eyes lighted at the suggestion. "As I had hoped she would when -I told it in the way I meant to tell it, Rob. See you not that this -title proclaimed by Zud is something thrust upon me, rather than sought -by myself? For though I meant to be to Tamarizia a teacher in many -things, and in so far a mouthpiece in very truth, showing to her people -those things known to others, but drawn first from Zitu's mind as all -things created must be; yet had I no intent, or wish to greatly exalt -myself. In Himyra I sought the rank of Hupor merely because it raised -me to her caste. And Zud himself will tell you that in proclaiming -me to the people, I have forbidden him to name me other than a -teacher—more than a man like themselves."</p> - -<p>"<i>Hai!</i>" said Robur. "You have done this, Jason! Did Jadgor know, it -would change his stand I think. My father's attitude in this matter -grieves me. Let me be <i>your</i> mouthpiece in this to bring understanding -to his mind."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft considered. In so far as he could see, it could do no possible -harm for the Aphurian king to realize that he was seeking no material -glory beyond the life with Naia he had planned. That, he felt, was -glory enough to pay for all he had done or might do in the future, -if it could be attained. He nodded. "Speak, Rob, if you like," he -answered. "I am, I confess, more or less disturbed by your father's -manner and his words, not for myself so much as for Tamarizia. I -would see no split in the nation. I would see her stand proud in her -strength, yet guilty of no aggression—ready to defend herself, yet -not wishing to attack unless assaulted first, broadening in wisdom and -knowledge rather than in lands gained by the conquest of the sword. -Speak if you will, Rob, if thereby we may turn Jadgor from what seems -to me a dream of personal power, back to that wish for the strength of -<i>all</i> Tamarizia, which held place in his heart, when I knew him first."</p> - -<p>Robur sighed. "Teacher you may well be called, Jason," he said in a -tone of accord with Croft's remarks. "Jadgor's name on every lip has -been to Jadgor's spirit like wine to a strong man's flesh—nor do I -myself think Zud has any wish to interfere with the affairs of state -through proclaiming you Mouthpiece of Zitu, even though my father -appears to fear some such thing himself. Wherefore I shall tell him of -what you have said, if I may. And of this other matter also I shall -speak. In that Naia has yielded you her mouth, has felt your arms about -her, who are not of her blood; to Jadgor's mind, there lies a disgrace."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded again. "Yet would he have given her to Kyphallos, the -play-thing of Zollaria's unclean woman—the master of dancing girls, -my friend." His tone grew heavy, as he recalled the inconsistency of -Jadgor's course.</p> - -<p>"I know—I know," Robur replied. "But that would have been in marriage."</p> - -<p>For a moment it was in Croft's mind to retort quickly that the -degradation of a loveless union could not be legalized in the sight of -Zitu by any words of a priest. But he checked the impulse. "There can -be no marriage between Naia and myself until it is brought about by her -as well as my wish."</p> - -<p>"Failing which she will become Gayana," Robur said and looked full into -Jason's eyes.</p> - -<p>"Which you do not like yourself," Croft responded, recalling the words -Zud and he had heard the man before him speak in the palace room. -"Which, should it happen would deprive me of all I have labored in -sincere purpose to gain—that which I think Zitu himself is inclined to -permit—since he has permitted also that I dwell in the spirit inside -Jasor of Nodhur's flesh."</p> - -<p>"Aye, by Zitu, I see it!" Robur exclaimed. "Were it said to her, by one -to whom she would scarce fail to give ear—then—perhaps she would see -it too. Jason—Gaya, my wife, has before this had a hand in this affair -of your love. Could she prevail upon my cousin to listen—"</p> - -<p>"Rob!" Croft caught an almost quivering breath as he spoke the word. He -rose and began a slow pacing of the floor. But presently he paused and -once more faced the crown prince.</p> - -<p>"At least," he said, "she returns by Jadgor's command to Himyra. Let -Gaya speak with her, friend of my heart, to whom my heart is shown, and -prevail upon her to remain outside the pyramid until she has taken time -to think. Myself, I told her I could explain if the chance were mine. -Rob, you and Gaya your wife will do this?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur declared, rising also. "Be not cast down in your heart. -Inside fourteen suns I shall be governor in Aphur—and I shall see to -it that Jadgor understands much which now he does not understand—also, -that Naia does not go to the pyramid in Himyra. I shall speak with -Magur himself. Speak of this with Zud, Jason. Have him give tablets -into my hands to Magur from himself, advising against an immediate -action. Then once I am in the palace, Jason, my friend, we shall reopen -the Himyra shops, and set the melting furnaces flaring, and make -many things for Tamarizia's welfare—even to this machine which flies -without moving its wings." His face lighted, and his nostrils flared at -the pictures in his brain.</p> - -<p>"With you, my brother, and with Zitu it rests, then," Croft said, and -the two men struck palms as once on the day of their first meeting they -had struck in friendship's pledge.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> - -<h3>SCARLET BLOSSOMS</h3> - - -<p>All Zitra was <i>en fête</i>. All morning men and women in gala attire, rich -and poor and middle class, even the blue men and women of Mazzerian -extraction, the serving class of Tamarizia where their parents had been -slaves, had been thronging into that immense central square of the -island city, whose pavement was a tessellated expanse of rock crystal -white and gold.</p> - -<p>Always Croft had marveled at the beauty of the imperial capitol since -first he saw it. Himyra—the red-walled queen of Aphur, brooding on the -banks of the yellow Na, he had thought a dream of Babylonian splendor -when first he came to Palos. Himyra he would always love, because it -was there he had first seen Naia outside its gates. But Zitra surpassed -it in the point of artistic magnificence. Himyra was a city of red and -white, of palaces, parks and terraces along the river, studded with -shrubs and trees. Zitra was a city of white and silver and crystal and -gold—a thing undreamable unless once seen—and even so more like the -city of a dream.</p> - -<p>About the square, where, on the morning of the third day after Croft -had awakened from what he considered his final trip to earth, a huge -platform had risen overnight, the populace ranged themselves, close -packed. The scene was brilliant in a degree. From the tops of the -structures facing the square, built mainly of the predominating white -stone used in constructing the city, and even its walls, canopies and -streamers of azure blue and scarlet had been stretched as a protection -against the sun and its midday heat. They made of the square a -temporary auditorium of enormous size, into which the people jostled -with a babel of voices, a soft yet vast shuffling of feet. Only at one -point was an opening in the billowing covering of the canopies left. -There at high noon a ray of the sun would strike through and lie on the -platform in the center of the square.</p> - -<p>Soldiers of the Imperial Guard, in metal greaves, short-skirted tunics, -and breast-plates, armed as in former days, not with rifles, but with -short swords, spears, and shields, since this was a formal occasion, -were stationed at the end of each street which entered the square, and -admitted the crowds in orderly fashion, assigning each arriving group -to their proper place in the vast temporary enclosure according to -their caste.</p> - -<p>By degrees the audience came to seem a thing divided into particolored -segments, each composed of the caste for which it had been set aside. -There were the blue packed masses of the Mazzerians, with their almost -indigo skins scantily covered, a jostling sea of swarming, whispering -flesh. There were the laborers in their tawny smocks, their hair -cinctured by a golden or copper band, supporting the draped cloth which -protected their necks in labor from the sun. And beyond them were the -tradesmen with their women, taking on a still more brilliant appearance -according to the dictates of taste which had clad them in various -shades and colors.</p> - -<p>And again, nearest the dais was a rippling band of color marking the -noble caste—men and women of station and wealth. And here gorgeous -might describe the play of colors, the flash and glint of jewels and -costly metals, the stately waving of plumes, the flicker of stalwart -limbs, of white arms and snowy breasts and shoulders, the iridescent -shimmer of diaphanous gauze scarfs. These were the select of the Zitran -population. Each gnuppa-drawn carriage that whirled up to the end of -the streets disgorged its recumbent passengers from the couchlike seats -on which they reclined as they rode, and then retired.</p> - -<p>By degrees the square became utterly packed save for a space about the -platform maintained by more of the Imperial Guard, and an alley running -toward the mouth of a single street. The hour crept on. Through the -canopy the sun blazed dimly. Water-bearers with bottles made from the -hide of the tabur—an animal widely raised, with the fleece of a sheep -and the general shape of a hog—passed through the square, sprinkling -the pavement to cool the air, doubly heated by the outer temperature -and the multitude of bodies packed into so close a space. Never had -there been a greater concourse or a more brilliant in the history of -the state. Indeed, in all the annals of the nation, no more auspicious -date would appear.</p> - -<p>This day marked what might be regarded as a new era in national -affairs. The Zollarian war was done. Tamarizia was stronger than ever -before in the memory of man, and a new and more liberal government than -any they had known was to be adopted within the next few days. And as -though that were not enough, it was common knowledge that Zitu had sent -the nation a teacher for their welfare; to greet and acclaim him they -were gathered here.</p> - -<p>Well might the crowd be in holiday attire and humor. Well, as it -waited, might its blended voices rise in a cheerful fashion, a -ceaseless diapason of sound, changing as there came a blast of brazen -trumpets, and Tamhys appeared in magnificent silver harness, to a cheer.</p> - -<p>Silver studded with diamonds were the casings upon his calves; silver -was the cuirass upon his breast, whereon in azure-colored stones in the -circle enclosing an equilateral cross, sign of Hiranur, was blazoned -forth. Silver was his helmet, and white as purity itself his tossing -plumes. Even the hair upon his head, mark of his years, was silver, as -he came down the alley left open, between his guards, and mounted the -dais and seated himself upon a silver chair.</p> - -<p>Then from without, as the cheering subsided, there came a sound of -harps, and in the mouth of the alley down which Tamhys had passed, the -head of a procession appeared.</p> - -<p>First came the harpers themselves, white clad, marching in ranks of -fours. And back of them appeared a litter borne by the brown-clad lay -brothers of the Zitran pyramid. Of burnished copper was the litter, -inlaid with a silver filigree, and curtained with fluttering draperies -of an azure, silklike fabric. From within it, as it advanced behind the -harpers, Zud's old eyes peered.</p> - -<p>At the foot of the dais it was placed, and the high priest of Zitu -emerged, mounting the steps, while a sudden silence fell across the -multitude assembled, a reverend figure in his azure robes with the -scarlet cross ansata on his breast. He saluted Tamhys and took a second -silver chair, leaving a vacant seat between the emperor and himself.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>And now, as the harpers ranged themselves and struck the strings of -their instruments in perfect unison, and Zud's litter was swept aside, -a second litter appeared.</p> - -<p>It was of silver, and its bearers, giant blue men of Mazzer, well-nigh -staggered beneath its weight. A sigh, almost a gasp, ran through the -assemblage. Zud had been borne by priests, but—the Mouthpiece of Zitu -was carried by men—the serving class of the Tamarizian state. Always a -people quick to recognize the involved symbolism of an occurrence, few -of those present failed to understand Jason's intent in the manner of -his appearance—that thereby he implied that he came to them, not as a -spiritual teacher, but as a teacher of men.</p> - -<p>And then silence came down once more as the litter was placed before -the steps of the dais and Zitu's Mouthpiece appeared, and the harps -died, and the figure in its azure draperies, whereon flared both the -cross and the wings of Azil, mounted slowly to that vacant seat between -Tamhys and Zud, the high priest.</p> - -<p>The crowd jostled, straining forward to see the better, and then -settled themselves once more to attention as Zud rose.</p> - -<p>He lifted a hand, commanding silence. In his other hand he carried a -long silver stave topped with the looped cross. He began speaking at -once in the simple fashion which characterized most of the Tamarizian -ceremonials:</p> - -<p>"Men and women of Zitra and of all Tamarizia, give ear to Zud the high -priest's voice, through which it is given to announce to you one who -comes among you as teacher, endowed with a wisdom passing the knowledge -of Zud or any other among you, by Zitu's grace.</p> - -<p>"Jason, as he is named, cometh to instruct the people on whom Zitu -smiles, as a sign that his pleasure is in his people, and shall remain -while they are obedient to his laws.</p> - -<p>"Mouthpiece of Zitu is Jason, and shall be so known while he shall -remain among us, and afterward, when the spirit within his body shall -have been withdrawn. Exalted he is by the knowledge which Zitu hath -seen fit to instil into his mind. Worthy of honor is he from all -true men. Yet is he man as thou art, and to him shall no knee bend. -Obedience and respect alone are his due. I, Zud, the high priest, have -said it. Let all men regard the Mouthpiece of Zitu as his brother as -well as his friend."</p> - -<p>As Zud paused a second ripple ran through the crowd, a sibilance of -whispers. Croft looked down into the nearest rows of uplifted faces and -encountered Jadgor's own.</p> - -<p>The Aphurian king sat with arms folded, staring directly toward him, -his dark face distorted by a frown. The glances of the two men met and -held for the merest instant. Croft's was steady. Jadgor's repellent, -a voiceless challenge more than anything else. Croft turned his own -glance deliberately away, sensing that in whatever he might attempt -in the near future he would meet antagonism from Aphur's king. His -eyes fell on Lakkon with his countenance somber, and on Robur, just -beyond. The crown prince met his regard fully and shook his head. In -the gesture, and the expression of his strong face, there was all the -poignancy of a groan. It came over Croft that in whatever he may have -said to his father since their conversation three days before, Robur -had failed.</p> - -<p>But he gave over such considerations as once more the harps rang -out. He became aware of a spot of sunlight on the platform directly -before the chair whereon he sat—almost, indeed, at his feet. Even as -he watched it seemed creeping closer—and the harps were thrumming, -thrumming sweetly—and the buzz of the vast assembly was once more -falling still.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the blended voices of a female chorus rang out, rising and -falling in rhythmic fashion in perfect time to the harps. Down the -alley came a group of vestals bearing flowers in their hands. Clad -all in white were they, save for a cincture of golden tissue that ran -about the neck, down between the breasts, and fastened in front like a -sash with pendant ends, hanging in a golden fringe to the edge of the -knee-length skirt. Their hair fell about their rosy faces and bared -left arms and shoulders, wholly unrestrained save for a silver cincture -about the head. Singing, they came on with a swing and flash of their -bared and tinted feet and dimpled knees.</p> - -<p>And as they came there flashed into Croft's mind a recollection of the -first ceremonial of the noontide hour of contemplation and prayer he -had witnessed, not in Zitra, but in Himyra, the first day he had been -on Palos.</p> - -<p>In a way this was like it, save that then the vestals had sung and -danced before the statue of Zitu himself—the statue of a man with -a face divinely firm and strong, with purity and compassion written -large in its every line. That figure had been portrayed as seated on a -throne. And the rays of the noontide sun had shone through an aperture -in the roof upon it, bathing it in pure light. With an inward gasp -Croft began to understand—his own position, the nearness of the spot -of sunlight before him, the position of the chair in which he sat. -Zitu was the God of Tamarizia—and he was Zitu's Mouthpiece—and the -sunlight was over his knees now. He felt its warmth.</p> - -<p>"Behold the Mouthpiece of Zitu!" Zud's voice.</p> - -<p>Croft sensed rather than saw the congregation rising—the vestals -deployed to right and left in front of the dais, kneeling, holding -their floral sprays toward him in extended hands. He became conscious -that the spot of sunlight had moved again, was bathing him from head to -foot now in its golden rays, was shimmering from a thousand facets of -the jewels that etched the cross and the wings of Azil on his breast.</p> - -<p>The Gayana burst into a triumphal song:</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Hail, Mouthpiece of the Omnipotent One,</div> - <div class="verse">Of Him from Whom nothing is hidden,</div> - <div class="verse">To Whom all things are known.</div> - <div class="verse">Hail, Mouthpiece of Zitu;</div> - <div class="verse">Hail, Dispenser of Knowledge;</div> - <div class="verse">Hail, all hail, teacher,</div> - <div class="verse">To whom those things permitted of</div> - <div class="verse">Zitu, are known!"</div> -</div></div> - -<p>The chant ended. The singers rose. In a scented shower the floral -sprays rained at the feet of him who sat on the silver chair with the -sunlight on his face.</p> - -<p>Croft's senses reeled. The vast concourse faded from his vision. The -flowers fell about him unheeded. The graceful forms of the Gayana who -showered them toward him grew into a blur. His vision seemed to narrow, -contract, focus upon a single point, shutting out all else, making all -else as though it were not, leaving him staring, staring at one single -gold-framed face.</p> - -<p>Naia. She was there before him—her blue eyes meeting his own in an -almost angry blaze. Naia—clad as a vestal, in white, bearing a spray -of flowers in her hands.</p> - -<p>Then, as their glances met, and Croft's breath caught in his throat, -she lifted the cluster of blossoms and threw it—threw it, not tossed -it, so that it struck full against his breast, rather than fell at his -feet—struck, not as a floral offering might strike were the distance -of its throwing misjudged, but with a positive, definite force that -hinted of some weighty object concealed within its crimson mass, and -fell to the dais with a petal-muffled thud, leaving a tiny spot on -Croft's flesh that tingled as though the scarlet flowers had been -the fingers of a licking flame—as though their touch had seared him -through the fabric of his robe.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>By an effort he sat unmoved, unchanged in his position, giving no sign, -holding his eyes on the haughty face of the white-clad woman before -him, reading upon her smiling lips not the placid expression of the -ceremonial that held her retreating sisters as they drew back to either -side of the dais, but the curl of scorn, of contempt; so that the -contact of the cluster of red blossoms came to seem to him as a slap in -the face—a deliberately planned and executed blow. Nor to his whirling -senses was that the worst.</p> - -<p>His chest heaved in a well-nigh stifled effort at control as he -contemplated the full meaning of her presence in the Gayana's dress. -Naia a vestal—Naia—given to Ga! The thought slowed his heart for a -moment and sent it racing into a wild, ungoverned, suffocating series -of madly protesting beats.</p> - -<p>Naia become Gayana—Naia forming a part of the chorus which acclaimed -his new-found rank—Naia hurling these scarlet blooms, as red as her -heart's blood, or his, against him as a farewell act, a sign, a tacit -message that, in so far as he was concerned, it might as well be her -blood which lay red on the dais at his feet; that she might as well -have died; that to him, from now on, she was lost. The thought sickened -him, appalled, blotted out everything save itself so that for a moment, -despite the sunlight which fell upon him, he had the sensation of an -enveloping darkness that threatened to rise up and engulf him. He began -to tremble. Tremor after tremor of emotion seized and shook him. And -then Zud touched him on the arm. The ordeal was over. A strange babble -of voices assailed his ears. He realized that the vast assemblage was -cheering him, and in quite automatic fashion he bowed.</p> - -<p>The action roused him to some extent. Once more he caught Jadgor's eye, -dark, piercing, filled with menace, as the Aphurian turned away in a -haughty fashion and, followed by Lakkon and his son, began to edge his -way through the departing throng.</p> - -<p>"Thy litter awaits thee." Zud's voice was in his ear.</p> - -<p>He saw that the blue men of Mazzer had indeed brought the great silver -palanquin into position opposite the dais steps. But even so he took -time for one word with Zud.</p> - -<p>"The maiden—she has become Gayana?"</p> - -<p>"Nay!" He met Zud's eyes and found within them comprehension. "She but -asked a part in their ranks, and, being virgin, it was granted."</p> - -<p>Not Gayana—not yet—not yet. Croft's heart leaped again into freer -action. But why had she asked to be given a place in the ranks of the -vestals who had hailed him Mouthpiece of Zitu? He stiffened. Why save -to cast that bunch of scarlet blossoms, which had stung his flesh, -against him? He recalled now that it had stung him when it struck—had -stung his flesh even as Naia's expression had stung his spirit. Why -had it struck with such unerring certainty the wings of Azil, on his -breast? What had it contained save the crimson flowers of which it -seemed to consist? What was it had directed its course—weighted it -until its blow was a blow indeed, delivered sure and straight?</p> - -<p>He glanced down. The thing still lay there, a brilliant spot of color -among all the floral tributes at his feet. On impulse he stooped and -caught it up and carried it with him, a flame-colored thing against his -blue robes, as he descended the steps.</p> - -<p>He reached the litter, and paused again as his ear was assailed by a -single, quickly caught-in breath. His head turned. Once more his gaze -encountered a pair of fixed pansy-purple eyes. The vestals waited in -double ranks, one on each side of the dais. Naia of Aphur stood among -them, one white hand lifted and pressed against her body, to the left -of the golden cord that ran down and cinctured her garment between her -breasts. And it seemed, in that instant, to Jason Croft that her eyes -dwelt not so much upon himself as on the flowers in his hand.</p> - -<p>He gave no sign, however, as he entered the litter and felt it lifted -into tilting, swaying motion. He took with him that final vision of -Naia, caught in a startled posture, of her parted lips, of a something -like anguish in her eyes. Like the flowers in his gripping fingers, -that picture was caught in his brain.</p> - -<p>Swiftly the Mazzerians bore him out of the square and into a street -toward the bulk of the pyramid. The streaming crowds gave way before -them and stood waiting while they passed. Then, and then only, did -Croft seek to learn the mystery of the flowers Naia had thrown. Then -and then only did he thrust his fingers into their blood-red mass and -grope amid their stems for something he knew was hidden there—though -he knew not what.</p> - -<p>His search was rewarded almost at once. His fingers encountered a hard -object buried among the stalks of the flowers, and he drew it forth. It -was a silver medallion, bearing a raised figure of Azil, the angel of -life, and surrounded by blood-red stones, such as Tamarizian men gave -to the women to whom they were betrothed.</p> - -<p>Croft recognized it at a glance. He took it and laid it on his palm, -and sat staring at it as the litter swung along. He had ordered it -especially made, and given it to Naia himself at the end of the -Zollarian war. Like the maids of her nation, she had worn it on her -girdle as a sign that to one man, and one alone, Azil had set his seal -upon her. And today she had flung it from her, against the wings of -Azil himself, which Croft wore on his breast.</p> - -<p>There was no mistaking the action. It was repudiation. It was the same -as though her lips had uttered the declaration that henceforth she -would no longer guard for him that shrine of mortal life which was -herself.</p> - -<p>Croft's lips writhed into a strange smile. He recalled how the thing -had pained when it struck above his heart.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> - -<h3>ROBUR'S INVITATION</h3> - - -<p>Jadgor was elected over Tammon by an overwhelming majority. Robur -became governor of Aphur as a matter of course. In Cathur, Mutlos -gained the lead largely because the populace still remembered the -treason intended by Kyphallos of Scythys's house, and refused to vote -for the dead king's younger son. This was the major result of the -elections, so far as Croft was concerned.</p> - -<p>Before it was held, however, several things had occurred. Naia and her -father, Jadgor and his son, left Zitra the day of Jason's proclaiming, -in a motor-driven galley. Robur contrived an interview with Croft -before he left.</p> - -<p>Croft in the meantime had seen Zud as soon as he returned to the -pyramid, and showed him the jeweled medallion, and narrated to him the -manner in which it had been returned. At the end he requested a letter -to Magur such as Robur and he had discussed, asking the Himyra priest -to advise delay, provided Naia sought admission to the vestal ranks.</p> - -<p>The tablets of wax whereon Zud wrote his commands Croft gave to Robur, -and the two friends gripped hands.</p> - -<p>"Jadgor had turned his face from you," Robur said. "Always has he been -of stubborn mind. But, by Zitu, once I am in Himyra's palace, there -will be a place for you, my friend, wherein we will work out your -strange designs!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft replied, sensing readily enough that Robur's interest -in the construction of new implements of commercial and industrial -progress was intense, and intending fully to carry out his plans in -regard to Tamarizia in so far as he might with or without Jadgor's -favor. And then he changed to the subject nearest his own heart. "Your -cousin goes with you, Rob?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur declared. "She yields to Jadgor's command, saying one -may forget herself no less in Himyra than in Zitra's pyramid. Yet -strengthen your heart, man of earth. These tablets I have from Zud to -Magur, and in Himyra is Gaya, to whom, I believe, my cousin will open -her heart. At present the maid is overwrought, and Jadgor's attitude -toward you does not strengthen your case."</p> - -<p>"You spoke with him concerning those things we discussed three suns -ago?" Croft questioned.</p> - -<p>"Aye, and to small avail." Robur frowned. "His stand is, you should -have told them to him, rather than to Zud, at first. You will remember -how Zud swayed Tamhys before the Zollarian war in your favor. Jadgor -refused to accept it other than that there is an understanding between -the high priest and yourself."</p> - -<p>"Then must our works convince him since our words fail," said Croft. -"Robur, my friend, a safe and pleasant journey. May Kronhur, ruler -of the oceans, provide you a peaceful path to Himyra's gate. Make my -salutations to the gentle Gaya, whom I trust I may ere long greet. In -her hands and yours, Robur, is carried Jason's fate."</p> - -<p>"It shall be carefully carried, by Zitu!" Robur promised. "Robur -strikes not his hand in friendship lightly. Soon in Himyra shall he -greet you, and we shall work. And"—suddenly he smiled—"see you not -that Naia herself will be in Himyra—wherefore once you are come again -to Aphur, the same red walls shall encircle you both?"</p> - -<p>"Hai!" Croft's eyes lighted at the mere suggestion, and he gave vent -to a somewhat nervous laugh. And then he sobered. "But hold! Jadgor -elected, will not Lakkon and his daughter come to Zitra?"</p> - -<p>"Scarcely." Robur looked full into his companion's eyes. "I think she -will not look with favor on life in Zitra in her present mind."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded in comprehension. "Zitu spare you, Rob," he said, "for I -need you in my work."</p> - -<p>And Robur, always quick in his appreciation of humor, laughed.</p> - -<p>Yet, though Croft had spoken lightly at the last, he watched the -Aphurian depart with a mind which was deeply troubled, not only by -Naia's attitude toward himself and her return of the betrothal jewel, -but as well by the defection of Jadgor, on whose major support he had -counted much for success in his future plans. Indeed, just then it -seemed to Croft that those plans were of little account and his entire -future happiness marred.</p> - -<p>Like many men of large mind, he suffered the pang of realization -that lesser minds, because of their limitations, must fail to follow -his own, that small natures must fall short of a full appreciation -of a greater, simply because of an inability to measure the broader -character by any standard of their own. He was meeting for the first -time in a degree that thing known as the ingratitude of men, which -every leader of men or nations must meet at times. And the taste was -bitter in his mouth.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>He took out the jewel and sat looking at it, holding it displayed or -shut up in a clenched palm for hours, until the sun sank and twilight -crept into the embrasure of the room, and a lay brother, slipping in to -light the oil sconces on the wall, brought word that Zud desired speech -with him alone.</p> - -<p>Whereupon Croft rose and watched the wicks flare forth, and suddenly -threw up his head and took a long breath. His mind went back to his -talk with Robur three days before. They had spoken of electric lights. -Why not? Work—work—that was the antidote for mental pain—to work—to -throw one's self into a very frenzy of stubborn endeavor and drown -the mental woe in a physical weariness, an actual tire of the brain. -Work! He stretched forth his arms. He would work, work—he would show -Tamarizia wonders such as she had never known. He would show Jadgor. -He would bring the haughty Aphurian to his knees by force of sheer -knowledge and what it wrought. He would compel him, force him to seek -his, Croft's, favor, because he could ill afford to do anything else. -And—he smiled grimly—he would do it with the aid of Jadgor's son—so -soon as the elections were over and he might go to Himyra, where Robur -had said there would be "a place." His eyes lighted and his lips grew -firm. He made his resolve. His moment of first mental travail was past. -He put the jewel away inside his robes and waited for Zud's coming with -an expression of fresh resolve.</p> - -<p>For four days thereafter he remained in constant company with Zud. Two -things occupied his time—the instruction of the high priest in the -mysteries of astral control, at first compelling the projections by -his own will. Later Zud gained a minor success for himself, a thing he -accomplished quickly because of his great desire to learn, and Croft -took up certain social reforms he had long had in mind.</p> - -<p>A more general education was the first of these. At Scira in Cathur, -Tamarizia had maintained a national school. This, however, was for the -patronage of the rich. Among the masses little education was known. -Croft decided at once to alter this. To Zud he outlined a scheme -for a general system of schools. Assisted by the high priest, he -drafted a provisional alphabet, to which the hieroglyphic characters -not unlike those of the Maya inscriptions in Central America lent -itself with little change. Already in Himyra he had constructed a -form of printing press for large character work. Now he took up the -subject of perfecting and elaborating this to the wonder of Zud, -whose enthusiastic approbation he instantly gained. He thought the -matter of the schools might be easily arranged. The national school -was under the patronage of the church. Most of the priests were -educated in it. Teachers could be drawn from their ranks; and if the -matter were carefully broached, both Jason and Zud felt inclined to -believe that the move would meet with little opposition from Jadgor at -first—especially if the suggestion came from some such one as Mutlos, -governor of Cathur, whom Zud would see was properly approached by the -faculty of the national school, rather than by Zud or Croft.</p> - -<p>Late on the afternoon of the fourth day, however, Croft went to his own -quarters, loosened his clothing, and laid himself down on the golden -couch. There had been time for Jadgor's galley to have reached Himyra, -as he knew—time for Naia to have gone either to her own home or the -palace, as Jadgor and her father had elected. Closing his eyes and -fixing his mind on the red-walled city of Aphur, he brought all his -will to bear upon his one desire, and projected his astral entity to -Himyra in a flash.</p> - -<p>It lay beneath him as he had seen it the first day he came to Palos, a -far-flung circuit of walls—the farther lost in a heat haze until it -appeared no more than a ruddy shadow through a shimmering veil—spread -out on either side of the river Na, inside its banks of cut stone, its -quays, whereon at night the fire-urns flared red at the foot of the -terraces and shone redly on the yellow waves. Magur's pyramid—red with -its ringing band of white, to mark the quarters of the Gayana—with its -white temple of Zitu, jutted up across the river from the vast white -pile of the palace, and on either side as far as the eye could reach -along the crest of the river terrace stretched the palatial homes of -the noble or rich.</p> - -<p>There was almost a sense of homecoming in the sight, and Croft -experienced a thrill as he willed himself swiftly toward a huge red -palace set well back from the street—the city home of Lakkon, advisor -to the king.</p> - -<p>Today the doors stood open, and he passed into the major court, where -flowers, shrubs, and even small trees grew between the divisions of -a pavement of transparent rock crystal, cut into geometrical blocks, -beneath a roof of movable sections of glass.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The court itself was two stories in height in the prevailing custom, -with a staircase ascending to the surrounding balcony at either end. -These were of a lemon-yellow stone like onyx, save that it was not -veined. The pillars of the balcony and the rest of the interior was -in white. A low-growing hedge enclosed the central portion of the -crystal floor, whereon Baska, the Mazzerian majordomo, who had startled -Croft the first time he saw his blue skin, was once more exhibiting -his magnificent form and peculiar pigmentary endowments with amazing -frankness while he trimmed the hedge. Maia—Naia's own personal -maid—in an equal state of unabashed nature, was sprawled, watching on -a red wood couch.</p> - -<p>So much Croft saw at a glance before he turned away, judging, from -the very nature of the servants' careless manner, that Lakkon and his -daughter had not yet arrived.</p> - -<p>The palace, then. He willed himself toward it, entered it through the -main gates between the huge carved figures of the winged dog-like -creatures set up on either side, their front legs supporting webbed -membranes from body to paw. He passed into a vast, red-paved court, -where naked Mazzerian porters passed to and fro with metal sprinkling -tanks strapped to their shoulders, and gnuppas, harnessed to flashing -chariots, champed on their bits and pawed.</p> - -<p>To Croft, it was all an old story. He had lived in it once. He gave a -single embracing glance to the white walls of the various government -departments surrounding the huge red court, each with its guardian -sentries at the doors, and fixed his mind on gaining the presence of -Gaya, Robur's wife.</p> - -<p>For here he felt Naia would have gone had she come to the palace, as he -believed seeking the company and companionship of a woman rather than -any one else.</p> - -<p>In this his judgment proved right, as he found so soon as he reached -the wing of the palace in which he had formerly lived. Here, in the -portion given over to Robur and his wife, was a court containing a -private bath, set in the center, surrounded on all sides by growing -shrubs and flowers, the tessellated pavements about it dotted with -chairs and couches of the wine-red wood and silklike canopies to offer -shade against the Palosian sun. It was a favorite resting-place of Gaya -in the afternoons, when, attended by her servants, she either bathed in -the limpid, sun-warmed water or received such guests as might elect to -pay a social call.</p> - -<p>On two of the red couches he found the women he had come in search of. -They reclined beneath a yellow awning supported by standards, with a -low table between them, holding small cakes, fruit conserves such as -the women of Tamarizia affected, and crystal glasses, scarcely larger -than a thimble, filled with an amber-colored wine.</p> - -<p>But it was to Naia Croft gave his major attention once he had reached -the palace. She lay pale, her eyes shadowed by darkened circles beneath -their lids, her features weary, drawn with what he recognized at a -glance as a dangerous tension of the nerves. Her figure was draped in -a robe of exquisite green, across the upper part of which a strand of -her fair hair made a sheen of gold. To Croft she had never seemed more -appealing than now, in this mood of acute distress. He glanced at Gaya, -and found her eyes fixed in an anxious inspection of her companion's -face.</p> - -<p>Abruptly Naia's breast swelled sharply and she spoke: "I shall become -Gayana. There is nothing else."</p> - -<p>"Nay! Nay, daughter of Lakkon—you are overwrought. Robur thinks not -so, nor Jadgor, his father. To Lakkon there is none other, since your -mother died, save yourself. Would you leave him to finish his life -alone?"</p> - -<p>Naia sat up upon the couch. "That was true," she returned in a tone -gone bitter, "until this trouble came upon me. Now Lakkon holds me -disgraced—in that I have yielded my lips to Zitu's Mouthpiece, against -all the laws of custom for a woman of my caste. Yet, in Zitu's name, -wherein was I to blame, who loved as never a woman loved before—who -was asked in marriage by the one she loved, by one who had sworn, -aye, and done many deeds to win her? In what did I wrong? How could I -foresee that he was not—what—what he appeared?"</p> - -<p>"Nay," Gaya said, while Croft's soul quivered at this confession from -the lips of the woman he loved above all else. "Say not that in any way -were you to blame, Naia, fairest of Aphur's maids. For have you and I -not spoken concerning your love ere this, and did you not first to me -confess it, when you stood pledge to Cathur's heir, from whom this man -of Zitu saved you?"</p> - -<p>"Man," Naia caught her up, interrupting quickly. "Say you that he is a -man—Gaya, my friend—or is the word but used as a means of expressions -since you know not what to call him save as he seems?"</p> - -<p>"Nay, I mean man, child," Gaya returned. "Man he appears, and man he -claims to be, and man he is. You know Robur for his friend. Much to -Robur has he explained since he wakened from the last of his strange -sleeps. Yet is he such a man as never was seen on Palos before; and -though of mortal birth, as we are, yet was he not born on Palos, but of -a woman on earth."</p> - -<p>"Earth?" Naia's eyes widened swiftly.</p> - -<p>"Aye—a different star from ours," Gaya replied.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Robur told you this?" An introspective expression crossed Naia's face.</p> - -<p>"Aye—ere he brought you to me."</p> - -<p>"And he told Robur?"</p> - -<p>"Aye. He swore it by Zitu himself."</p> - -<p>Suddenly Naia struck herself upon the breast. "He told it to Robur—to -your husband—to Jadgor's son! Why not to me?" she cried.</p> - -<p>"To Robur he swore he had meant to tell you ere you became his mate," -Gaya rejoined. "Save that Zud learned these things from Abbu of Scira -and spoke to you during his sleep, I feel assured he had done it at a -proper time."</p> - -<p>She paused, and Naia turned her head. She sat staring, staring across -the sun-kissed surface of the sunken bath. "Now I remember that he said -to me after he awakened, when he came to me in the quarters of the -Gayana, that he had somewhat to explain. What said he else?"</p> - -<p>"Strange things—things to madden the heart of a woman, as it seems to -me," Gaya returned; "things to waken strange dreams in her soul, if -true. To Robur he swore that to Palos he came because of you, because -in you he knew the mate to whom his spirit cried out—that he remained -on Palos to save you from Cathur and win you for himself, and to that -end that he might claim you wholly, used Jasor's body when his spirit -was drawn from his flesh."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" The word came from Naia's lips as a strangled exclamation. She -drew herself up on the couch until she sat tense in every quivering -fiber of her being. "Now you have touched on the part of the matter I -may not tolerate or understand. Granting that he says truth—that a -spirit may enter the body of another and possess it, and cause it to -live and breathe, and move as its own—can a maid consider a lover in -such guise, surrendering to his embrace?"</p> - -<p>"Yet consider," said Gaya softly, with a widening of her eyes as though -the spell of the subject were upon her fully; "try to measure if you -can, my princess, a love so vast that it draws its mate across the -space between the stars. Consider what this man's love must be that he -forsakes that life to which he was born and comes in search of you—the -one woman who fills his soul with longing; and consider, also, that -after he entered Jasor's form it changed—that even Sinon declared he -no longer resembled Jasor greatly. Seems it not to you that Jason's -spirit has altered the elements that were Jasor's until they are as his -own?"</p> - -<p>"Jason?" Naia faltered.</p> - -<p>"Aye. That was his name on earth. Also says he that it is the spirit -within us which dwells in and makes us of the flesh. He says, and Zud -supports him in saying that to the spirit the flesh is no more than to -man is a house—a something he inhabits, makes use of, and finally lays -aside."</p> - -<p>"Stop!" Naia stayed her. "Why—why were these things not said to me -before—before—" She broke off, clasped her hands and crushed them -together, struck them down against her sides. "Nay—it might have -been," she went on, more to herself than to Gaya, "had I given the -chance. He came to me, and I berated him with words. I was filled with -pain; my spirit was blinded with horror and despair. I thought only -that I had been led to my own undoing—I knew not the truth.</p> - -<p>"Zud's words had well-nigh unsettled my mind. Wherefore I prayed to -Ga and Azil, and there was no answer. And then I prayed to Zilla, and -even the angel of death turned away his face. Gaya, I am like one -fallen into a pit from which there is no escape. Him I knew as Jasor—I -loved with a glory of the spirit and a madness of the flesh. He was my -master. His word was my law. My heart beat like a caged bird in his -presence. My spirit faltered when he spoke to me. My flesh was as clay -in the potter's hands to his touch. I was a slave, and my glory was in -the slavery of my love. Save only Zitu, beyond him there was for me no -god!"</p> - -<p>Once more she paused and sat panting, her bosom rising and falling, her -nostrils aquiver, her lips compressed, while Croft yearned to her and -this voicing of a love no less, as it seemed to him, than his love for -herself.</p> - -<p>"Canst wonder, then," she went on after a moment, "with what gladness I -gave him my pledge; with what joy in my thoughts of the future I wore -upon my girdle the badge of Azil he placed within my hands as sign that -I was his—that badge which, on the day of his proclaiming Mouthpiece -of Zitu, I placed in a spray of flowers and hurled against his breast!"</p> - -<p>"Naia! Child!" Gaya half started up at the climax of her companion's -words. "You did that—did he—understand?"</p> - -<p>Naia nodded slightly. "I think so. He—from the dais he carried the -flowers I flung against him to his litter in his hand. Oh, Gaya—my -soul died within me at that sight—would Zitu—the rest of me had died. -I am alone, Gaya—alone. Alone, alone—the word tunes my every breath. -Jadgor opposes my seeking the Gayana. My father looks on his name as -through me disgraced. And I am tired, Gaya—tired—so very tired. And -there is no rest. If only Zilla would hear me when I call him—"</p> - -<p>"Aye, you are tired, poor child." Gaya rose, crossed to the other -couch, and took the girl's golden head inside her arms. "Come, talk -no more at present. I shall call Bela, my own maid, who shall attend -you. You shall bathe, and afterward she shall anoint your flesh with -sweet-smelling oils, and you will sleep and awaken refreshed. She has a -soothing touch beyond any I have ever found. She shall wait upon you." -She reached out to the table and struck a small metal gong.</p> - -<p>"Refreshed," said Naia slowly. Once more her eyes were fastened on the -sun-kissed water. "Aye, I shall bathe, gentle Gaya. I shall find rest -in your pool."</p> - -<p>She rose slowly. Her eyes were wide; her face was very white. Turning, -she walked to the edge of the sunken basin. For a moment she stood -there in the attitude of one who listens.</p> - -<p>Her lips moved. "Zilla," she whispered and smiled.</p> - -<p>And then her voice raised, rang out sharply: "Zilla, I hear thy answer!"</p> - -<p>Her arms lifted, stretched upward. She plunged face downward into the -pool and sank without a struggle into its transparent depths.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> - -<h3>ASTRAL UNDERSTANDING</h3> - - -<p>And now began one of the most amazing parts of Croft's whole tale.</p> - -<p>He saw Naia sink. He knew the meaning of her words, her act. Her cry to -Zilla, the Angel of Death, showed him clearly that she saw in the water -the way of death for herself—read a new meaning into her words to -Gaya, that here in the pool she would find rest. He saw the water close -about her, saw her well-loved form sink down, down, cradled in the -limpid water; down, down, a slender figure, as beautiful as a Tanagra -statuette in its green robe, as it sank. He knew that indeed Zilla -hovered close above her—knew she was drowning—that the element in -which her figure was engulfed would, like the figurative lips of Zilla, -soon suffocate her breath.</p> - -<p>And he was powerless, impotent, to do anything save watch what went -on before his eyes. He could see, and know, and understand. He could -suffer the most terrible agony of conscious comprehension, and—in his -astral presence he could do nothing else. In his soul he writhed, cried -out in a torment in which, like the despairing mind of the girl, he -would have welcomed dissolution as a relief. But aside from that he -was chained to a passive watching, was unable to make one single move -toward the rescue of her expiring flesh.</p> - -<p>Not so Gaya, however. Nor did Robur's wife lose her head. Her -comprehension of her companion's act was instant, and she cried aloud -to the Mazzerian girl, who now appeared in answer to the summons of the -gong. Then, without waiting for even the servant to reach her side, -Gaya flung her own form into the pool in a cleanly executed dive. Bela -followed her mistress a moment later, her blue figure cutting the -liquid surface with hardly a splash. Both women were entirely at home -in the water, and by the time Gaya had reached and seized Naia, who -began instantly to struggle, Bela was at her side.</p> - -<p>The fight below the surface was brief. Croft saw Naia open her mouth. -Her bosom expanded as though she gasped. And then she relaxed, and -Robur's wife and the Mazzerian maid bore her quickly upward, supporting -her head between them, and swimming with her toward a submerged flight -of steps by which the pool was customarily entered. Reaching it, they -lifted the limp body in its trailing robe, which clung to trunk and -rounded limb more like a shroud of vegetation, a crinkled kelp born of -the water itself, than a garment, and staggered with it from the pool -to lay it on the pavement of the court.</p> - -<p>"Quickly!" Gaya cried as she knelt beside it. "Seek out Jadgor's -physician and command his presence." Unmindful of her own soaked -condition, she seized Naia's form and rolled her upon her face. Placing -her hands on either side of the body close to where the ribs joined -the spine, she threw her weight forward on extended arms, held so for -the space of a long breath, and lifted herself once more upon her own -flexed thighs.</p> - -<p>It was a form of artificial respiration she was practising, and Croft -uttered a prayer for her success in his heart. And then—he forgot -temporarily her continued efforts in the wonder of something else.</p> - -<p>Naia of Aphur was about to die. Croft knew it as certainly as he had -ever known anything in his life. Because he saw her soul come forth as -he had seen Zud's astral body after he had bidden it leave its fleshy -habitation on the day he awakened from his sleep. Slowly, as Gaya -lifted herself and sat back, it emerged from the figure on the ground. -And as wonderful as was the form of Naia, so wonderful was its astral -counterpart. Like an image of her beauty in every detail, it swam and -hovered above her, still chained for the span of a breath by an almost -invisible bond that wavered and tensed and threatened to break.</p> - -<p>And that breaking—the snapping of that soul cord—the counterpart of -the union between the maternal substance and the body of the child in -physical birth—spelled physical death. With its severance, as Croft -knew, Naia would pass from the mortal plane to a wholly astral life. -But more than that he knew that now it was within his province to take -definite steps to preserve once more the woman he so wholly loved—that -now at last he could act.</p> - -<p>Toward the lovely floating shape he compelled his own astral form until -he floated with it face to face. "Naia—Naia—thou other part of me," -he thought rather than cried to her; "Naia—my beloved—hold. Return -again to thy body. Go back."</p> - -<p>And he knew that she received the potent vibration his own soul gave -out. For slowly the head of the floating figure, the dream shape which -swung and glowed like an iridescent mist in the sunlight, turned -its head toward him—seemed to regard him strangely with wide open, -startled eyes.</p> - -<p>"Naia!" He sent his appeal to her again. "Naia, it is that Jason whom -you knew as Jasor who commands that you return again to your flesh. In -Zitu's name, beloved."</p> - -<p>The rainbow figure writhed. It seemed to quiver, to hesitate and sink -slightly back toward the unconscious body beside which Gaya kept up her -work, with darkly troubled eyes; so that there was some relaxing of -that binding cord.</p> - -<p>"Jason!" Croft felt the thought impinge against him.</p> - -<p>"Jason, who loves you—who claims you—who shall claim you yet," he -returned, driving each word into her perception with the full force of -his will.</p> - -<p>"What do you here?"</p> - -<p>It was a question, a wondering interrogation. He answered it truly. -"You know of my sleeps. In them my spirit leaves the body. It visits -many places. Now sleeps my body in the Zitran pyramid, yet is my spirit -present to watch over you and guard you. It was not Zilla called you -into the pool, but your own troubled spirit, beloved. Go back into your -body—in the name of the love you confessed to Gaya; go back."</p> - -<p>"But—why—am I not myself?" a second question faltered to his -perception.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are yourself always," he returned. "Yet this is the real you -which speaks to the real me, beloved. Look beneath you, and tell me -what you see."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For a moment nothing was said ... as the form beside him turned down -its eyes. And then a startled response: "Gaya—she bends and works -beside a form—to—to which I seem in some way connected. It—Zitu! -Azil! It is the form of one like myself!"</p> - -<p>"It is your own form, Naia," Croft told her; "the body in which -all your life you have dwelt—the beautiful habitation of your -spirit—which you cast into the pool in an effort to gain rest."</p> - -<p>"But—I—I—" The diaphanous soul form began once more to tremble.</p> - -<p>"You are you—even as I am I," said Croft. "That body over which Gaya -works is but the servant which has done your bidding, which, save you -obey me, you condemn to death. Return to it before it is too late. -I, Jason, who have met you midway between the body Azil gave you and -Zilla's domain, command it. Between you and Zilla himself I stand as a -barrier. Return to the form below you and give it breath."</p> - -<p>"How—how shall I return?" Again a question.</p> - -<p>"Wish it," said Croft. "Wish it as I desire to hold it in my arms and -claim its love and yours."</p> - -<p>"I—I shall return." It was a promise.</p> - -<p>Croft thrilled at the victory he had won. "Yet hold!" He stayed her -as slowly she began to sink closer to the form beneath them. "Again -shall you leave it if I call you—leave it as now—to meet me as now -you meet me, and return." For the thought had come to him that in this -guise might he seek out her spirit and converse with it and teach it -many things—seek it and hold it until such a time as events should -straighten out the tangle in their affairs, and thereby watch over and -guard her.</p> - -<p>"Now go, beloved. See with what a frenzy of hopeful endeavor Gaya -works."</p> - -<p>From beside him that figure as fair as the play of sunlight through the -prism of a fine mist vanished.</p> - -<p>Into his ears there stabbed the cry of a physical voice, upraised in -triumph. It was Gaya speaking. "She lives! Thanks be to Zitu, she -lives!"</p> - -<p>She bent and lifted the body, which rewarded her efforts with a gasping -breath, and laid it on one of the red wood couches, caught up one of -the tiny glasses of wine from the table, and forced its contents into -Naia's mouth.</p> - -<p>Naia gasped. Her throat contracted sharply. She swallowed. Again and -again her full chest swelled beneath her clinging robe. Some of the -waxen pallor went out of throat and cheeks. Bela appeared running, -with the physician behind her. He hurried to the couch and dropped his -fingers to the patient's pulse.</p> - -<p>And now came Robur across the court toward the group beneath the -yellow awning. He reached it and slipped his arm about Gaya's shaking -shoulders, placing himself at her side. For now that the need of her -presence of mind was lacking, she seemed completely exhausted and on -the brink of tears.</p> - -<p>"She—she cried on Zilla and cast herself into the pool," she half -spoke, half sobbed. "Beloved, she—she was dead to all seeming—but—I -cried on Zitu, and worked above her, and now—she lives."</p> - -<p>The physician bowed. "The Princess Gaya has in truth done a most -admirable piece of work."</p> - -<p>Naia's lips moved. "Jason," she whispered, "I—I have obeyed."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" Robur started. His eyes darted swiftly from the girl to his -wife, and back to the physician. "What said she?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"She dreams, doubtless," the physician made answer.</p> - -<p>But Croft knew she did not, and Robur frowned slightly as one perplexed.</p> - -<p>Naia opened her eyes. They stared up blankly at the yellow canopy -overhead.</p> - -<p>Gaya bent above her.</p> - -<p>"Gaya!" she cried and lifted her slender arms and laid hold upon her. -"Oh, Gaya, I—I dreamt that I—had died. I—"</p> - -<p>And suddenly she broke—broke utterly—and clung fast to the drenched -form of the woman beside her, shaken by a storm of sobs.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>From the blended group Robur turned to Bela and the physician. "This is -forgotten as though it had not been, man of healing," his voice came -thickly. "By you and by Bela, it is as if it were not. I myself shall -see that it reaches Lakkon's ears." He reached into a purse at his belt -and extracted some pieces of silver, extending them to the doctor. -"Your fee. What needs she else?"</p> - -<p>"Rest—quiet for perhaps a sun; no more." The physician accepted his -payment with a second bow of respect.</p> - -<p>"See to it." Robur turned to Bela. "Go—and return with women to bear -her to her apartment without delay."</p> - -<p>Then, as Bela ran once more from the court, he approached Naia and his -wife.</p> - -<p>"Peace, Naia, my cousin," he said gently, yet with a narrowing of the -eyes. "Know you not that Robur is friend to you and—Jason?" He paused -for the barest space before the final word.</p> - -<p>The face he watched flushed slightly despite the sluggish return of the -blood to her stagnant veins. For a single instant a strange expression -burned in her purple eyes. "You say that you dreamed, my cousin," Robur -went on. "Praise be to Zitu, it was but a dream. Yet"—and now again he -watched her very closely—"in waking you spoke Jason's name."</p> - -<p>"He—he sent me back," Naia of Aphur faltered. "In—in my dream I -met him, and he showed me my body, with Gaya working beside it, and -compelled me to return. It—was all—very strange."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Robur started. "A—strange dream indeed, my cousin," he said, -with an equally strange expression on his face. To Croft it appeared -that without fully understanding, his friend half suspected the truth.</p> - -<p>Bela and three other Mazzerian women now reappeared. They lifted the -couch upon which Naia was lying, and bore it from the court into -the palace and to a sumptuous apartment on the second floor. Walls, -windows, and doors were hung in yellow draperies. A huge purple rug was -on the floor. A copper couch, studded with amber jewels, stood ready to -receive the patient. Caskets for clothing, tables and chairs and stools -completed the appointments. Plainly, it was a room designed for women, -as Croft knew at a glance, since in the center of the floor was one of -the mirrorlike pools of shallow water, close to which stood a pedestal -of silver, bearing the figure of Azil with extended wings.</p> - -<p>By a strange chance, as Naia was borne in, one of the Mazzerians struck -against the beautifully carved figure. It tottered, swayed drunkenly on -its standard, and fell into the pool.</p> - -<p>Naia cried out at the sight, and covered her eyes.</p> - -<p>Robur sprang forward and lifted the statue, setting it back on its -base. "Fear not!" he exclaimed. "It is wholly uninjured. 'Tis a good -augury, my cousin, I think. Life fell into the pool, and life comes -forth unmarred." He smiled.</p> - -<p>Naia relaxed from her tension. Her eyes met his. "You are quick to read -signs, my cousin," she faltered. "Perchance—you are right."</p> - -<p>The bearers set down her couch, and Gaya took charge. "Disrobe her," -she commanded. "Bring sweet oils and massage her body and limbs. Cover -her lightly, and do you, Bela, sit beside her, to supply her wants. Yet -if sleep comes, permit her to rest. When I have changed my own garments -I shall return."</p> - -<p>She left the apartment with Robur at her side. Croft followed, filled -with a wonderful exaltation, since now at least he had come in contact -with Naia's spirit as never before, and in a way which assured a -repetition of the meeting on that plane when he desired. True, she -regarded the experience now as no more than an exceedingly strange -dream, but the mere fact that she remembered was proof sufficient to -Croft that the effect he desired had been gained. To himself he made -a promise that from now on, when conditions were suitable for the -experience, she should dream again.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>As for Robur, he was of the opinion that the Aphurian prince was not -sure that Naia had dreamed at all. And the first words of his friend, -once he was outside the door of the apartment where the serving maids -ministered to his cousin, confirmed Croft's thought.</p> - -<p>"Thus," he began to Gaya as she turned to her own room, "does Jason -prove his sayings truth."</p> - -<p>"What mean you?" Gaya paused.</p> - -<p>"That he stood between her and Zilla, to whom she called, before she -flung herself into the pool," Robur said. "Heard you not her words that -he sent her back—that she beheld her body beside which you knelt? And -do you not recall that I told you he had explained to me that in his -sleeps he left his own body even so, and gained knowledge by visiting -other places in the spirit? By Zitu's grace, Jason was here when this -occurred."</p> - -<p>"Here?" Gaya turned her eyes about her in an almost ludicrous fashion, -and Robur smiled.</p> - -<p>"Aye—his spirit. In Zitra his body lies asleep. Yet here has spirit -met spirit and his conversed with hers. By Zitu, but I had a fright! -I had been to Magur with tablets from Zud which Jason gave me, and, -returning, I heard Bela cry to another of the maidens that one had -fallen into the pool. Gaya"—of a sudden he swept her into his -arms—"my heart died, and I ran to find that my fears were vain."</p> - -<p>"As you might have known," said Gaya, smiling into his down-bent eyes. -"Know you not that I learned to swim as a child?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur admitted; "yet strange things happen, and never more on -Palos than now. By Zitu, I must carry this to Lakkon's ears. He takes -not the right stand with this troubled daughter of his. Go now and -change your dress, my Gaya." He released her and went stalking off, his -forehead furrowed with thought.</p> - -<p>And he sought out Lakkon.</p> - -<p>"My lord," he accosted him without other introduction, "have you -thought of the meaning to you of Naia's loss?"</p> - -<p>"What mean you?"</p> - -<p>Lakkon turned in a flash. His face darkened, and a quick, instinctive -expression of pain leaped into his eyes. "Would you question my love -for my daughter, Prince of Aphur? Know you not that in her very glance, -her every movement, I see her mother as I knew and loved her first? -And"—his voice gruff at first, grew unsteady—"know you not that I -loved her aunt, my wife? What need of your question, then, Robur, son -of Jadgor, since—should she go to the Gayana, shall she not to me be -lost?"</p> - -<p>"She shall go not to the Gayana, I think," said Robur slowly. "Magur -will advise against it."</p> - -<p>"How know you?" Lakkon asked.</p> - -<p>"He himself told me." Robur met his uncle's questioning gaze with a -level glance.</p> - -<p>"You?" Plainly Lakkon was surprised. "You spoke with him about it?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur made answer. "He told me he would advise against it at -the present. Listen, Lakkon, my uncle." He went on and told him what -had occurred. And, as he spoke, Lakkon's face took on a twitching, his -breathing became heavy.</p> - -<p>"But she lives—she lives—Robur—she has passed this danger?" he -questioned brokenly at the last.</p> - -<p>"Aye. And were her father to appear before her—were he to smile upon -her," said Robur with evident meaning, "she were less apt to cry to -Zilla again in the future, I think."</p> - -<p>"Aye." A quiver sat on Lakkon's mouth. For the moment he was wholly the -father, no more the noble or the courtier. For the time his thought -was of his child, her life and nothing else. "Aye, Robur—I have been -remiss, and praise to Zitu that his lesson is by example and nothing -worse. I—I shall go to her. I—I shall try to comfort her in this."</p> - -<p>"As you should." Robur inclined his head. "Go, and Zitu frame the -wisdom of your speech."</p> - -<p>Lakkon went. He crept into the room where Bela sat and Naia lay relaxed -on her couch. He went quite to it and sank on his knees beside it, and -looked with misted eyes into her weary face.</p> - -<p>"Child of my loins," he quavered to her. "Child of thy mother, seek not -to leave me again. Be thou the spring-time to my old age, the starlight -for my eyes."</p> - -<p>"My father." Naia lifted a hand and laid it on his head. "That I sought -to leave you was that it seemed to me best—that—that I was tired in -body and spirit—that for me there seemed no place."</p> - -<p>"Thy place is in my heart," said Lakkon with a heavy, rasping sob.</p> - -<p>Slowly Naia drew the grizzled head toward her till it lay upon her -shoulder. "I would go to our home in the mountains," she said, "and -dwell there in quietude—and—rest."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> - -<h3>BLUE AND GOLD</h3> - - -<p>Followed now for Croft the weirdest wooing mortal ever dreamed, a sort -of astral courtship, wherein what might perhaps be best described as -the sublimated essence of Naia's being—that astral shell containing -her conscious spirit, met and communed with his.</p> - -<p>To the man this period became a strange source of encouragement mixed -with intervals of an ineffable delight. And the fact that to Naia -herself, the hours so spent seemed as dreams rather than a thing of -actual occurrence, disturbed him not in the least. He was content to -let the truth develop in her soul by degrees, until it should at last -be known as truth.</p> - -<p>On the second day after her despairing attempt against herself in the -pool at the Himyra palace, and so soon as her own buoyant vitality had -made her well-nigh her physical self, Naia departed for Lakkon's palace -in the mountains of Aphur, across the desert from Himyra to the west. -Renewed understanding with her father, plus an interview with Magur, in -which the priest advised against her joining the Gayana, helped her in -the resolve to withdraw for a time to that seclusion, a wish for which -she had already expressed.</p> - -<p>She made the trip in the motor Croft had caused to be fashioned for her -when the things were new on Palos, and had driven out to her mountain -home himself. And with Maia, her maid, and Mitlos the Mazzerian -majordomo, left always in charge of the palace, together with the great -dog-like creature, Hupor, as her body-guard, she took up the course of -restful days.</p> - -<p>Sometimes she lay for hours on a couch in the central court—sometimes -she bathed in the sun-warmed water of a pool behind the palace—a thing -constructed of a lemon-yellow stone in sides and bottom, and screened -by a wall of white, overgrown with trailing vines. Sometimes she rode -in the motor, driving it herself along the splendid Aphurian roads—as -perfectly built as the roads of the ancient Romans—which on his -first sight of them, had excited the admiration of Croft—roads that -stretched throughout the nation; over which the huge sarpelca caravans -passed.</p> - -<p>Sometimes, endowed with a splendid strength for all her slender grace, -she climbed with Hupor at her side, among the hills. And many, many -nights she sat in the sunken gardens, wherein the bathing-pool was -placed, watching the three moons of Palos wheel across the sky, and -thinking her own thoughts. It was Croft's purpose at this time to see -that in the latter he lacked no part.</p> - -<p>Hence, on the night following her arrival, he visited her first, -purposely choosing a late hour, since he wished her to be asleep and -preferred to have his own action unknown just then, in the Zitran -pyramid.</p> - -<p>And as he hoped, when he stole into her apartments, making ingress -through an open window, he found her indeed asleep. The moonlight -through a half-drawn curtain showed her to him, stretched on a metal -couch with the cloud of her loosened hair about her face. Coverings of -silken fineness lay above her. Azil, with outstretched wings, seemed -like some white guardian of her slumber on his pedestal beside the -mirror pool.</p> - -<p>Naia of Aphur! The woman of his soul. She lay here before him. Croft -thrilled to the thought that she was his in spirit at least, as he was -hers. He recalled her impassioned avowal of the love she had felt for -him before old Zud's clumsy priestly blunder. And then he let the cry -of his spirit steal forth.</p> - -<p>"Naia! It is Jason calling. Naia, my beloved—appear!"</p> - -<p>"Jason—I hear!"</p> - -<p>Like a wraith of dreams, it seemed that she stood before him—a form, a -figure pure as a blade of silver, emitting a faint auric play of blue -and gold. Man and woman they confronted one another, and the moonlight -striking upon that divine something he had called from its lovely -mansion, set it aquiver and struck through it in a million tiny points -of scintillating fire.</p> - -<p>"Beloved." Croft stretched forth a dim hand.</p> - -<p>It floated toward him.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said again, and caught her hand in his, and led her out -through the window, where he had entered, under the moon and the stars.</p> - -<p>Out, out he led her. They were free as the winds on which it seemed -they rode. Like a sheet of molten silver the pool in the garden lay -beneath them. About them and beyond them spread the wide panorama of -the wooded mountains, marked here and there by the bone-white windings -of the road. Beneath them swam the wide expanse of the desert. Far off -to the east and south, in a ruddy glow, the fire-urns of Himyra flared.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft turned his face to that of the shape beside him, and found it -the face of a sleeper who sees visions, and knew that though the soul -of Naia obeyed him, it was still asleep. "Art afraid?" he questioned -gently.</p> - -<p>"Nay, Jason, I am not afraid."</p> - -<p>Some way the words afforded him a great pleasure, for he knew he would -not have had fear in any circumstance whatever, in the spirit he -regarded as the complement of his.</p> - -<p>"Thy father—would see him?" he questioned once more, deciding upon a -further stretching of the astral cord.</p> - -<p>"Aye." Naia smiled.</p> - -<p>"Behold then!" said Croft, and willed himself toward Himyra, still -keeping his companion's hand.</p> - -<p>The city glowed beneath them, its fire-urns burning up and down the -Na in double ranks. The place was white before them. Then—Lakkon lay -stretched in slumber on a couch.</p> - -<p>"My father!" Naia left Croft's side and seemed to hover all blue and -white and gold above him, until as though subconsciously he felt her -presence, Lakkon's lips moved and he muttered: "Naia," in his sleep.</p> - -<p>"Come," said Croft again, and led her back, since he did not deem it -well to risk too long a first excursion.</p> - -<p>"Return now to your body as before," he directed when they stood beside -it. "Yet remember this when you wake."</p> - -<p>For the first time she asked a question of her own volition. -"You—are—really Jason?"</p> - -<p>"Aye."</p> - -<p>"And—your body?"</p> - -<p>"Lies in the Zitran pyramid as yours lies here before you. Return into -yours, beloved, and I return to mine."</p> - -<p>"Aye," she assented. "I return, but—I shall remember—-the -moonlight—Himyra—my father—and you."</p> - -<p>She ceased and suddenly Croft found himself alone. Gone was the -radiant form with its aura of gold and purple, its dancing points of -fire, which, as he knew, were no more than the never-ceasing, vibrant -oscillation of the Pranic sparks—the fires of life—gone, and he stood -in the room where Azil spread his wings in a wide-flung benediction and -Naia of Aphur lay asleep.</p> - -<p>Yet Croft was satisfied if not content, and he felt assured as he -willed himself back to Zitra that when she waked in the morning she -would recall this first experience as a vivid dream at least.</p> - -<p>Indeed as the days went by his major trouble was to curb his own -impatience in setting her astral consciousness awake, in refraining -from an attempt to progress too fast, in keeping the development he was -seeking to produce within her, inside the limits of a well-nigh natural -awakening of the greater powers of the soul, in avoiding anything which -could in any way resemble a forced growth. Hence, as a sort of brake -to his own desire to return too frequently to her, he took up the -instruction of Zud, initiating the amazed old man more and more into -the mysteries of what he, in his own experience, had proved to be the -truth.</p> - -<p>Once more, however, he visited Naia, before the elections were held, -choosing an afternoon when Zud was engaged in temple duties.</p> - -<p>He found her in the vast red-and-yellow paved court of the mountain -palace, with Maia beside her, very much as on a former day when he had -first visited her in the flesh and spoken to her of love. She lay as -then on a wine-red couch, in the sort of diaphanous house-robes women -of her class affected, with Maia waving a huge feather fan above her.</p> - -<p>Croft smiled as he called her forth, thinking how amazed the blue girl -of Mazzer would be if she knew that her arms swayed the fan above an -empty tenement of clay, and saying as much to Naia, so that she, too, -smiled.</p> - -<p>And that day they wandered far over valley and hill, flitting above -wooded slopes, loitering sometimes in sun-filled hollows, where flowers -of tropic brilliance nodded in the grasses or flaunted their beauty -from swaying trailing vines. And from there to the higher places, -up, up, hand in hand, to where the eternal snows lay gripped in the -clutches of dark peaks and crags.</p> - -<p>Until then their communion had been silent save at the first, but the -sight of the sparkling snows beneath the sunlight seemed to stir some -recollection within Naia's soul.</p> - -<p>"It—was here I sent for snows to chill the wines for the banquet to -Kyphallos, the time he came from Cathur, by Jadgor's plan," she said.</p> - -<p>"That Kyphallos to whom Jadgor would have wed you?" Croft replied.</p> - -<p>She nodded. "Except that I was saved from marriage to a profligate and -traitor by"—she paused and appeared to hesitate and went on in a way -less certain—"by Jasor of Nodhur."</p> - -<p>"Jasor of Nodhur has gone to Zitu," Croft corrected quickly. "You were -saved from that fate by me, after Jasor's body became the servant of my -spirit, as is your body the servant of your spirit, and changed it to -my purpose, made it mine, because your spirit had called me to you as -today I called you to me."</p> - -<p>"Yet I knew you not then as Jason, but as Jasor," Naia faltered. "How -then could I call your spirit?"</p> - -<p>"Nay," said Croft, "you knew me not, yet felt you never in those days a -yearning for some one you had as yet seen never—felt you not yourself -already to answer that some one's call, as a woman ripened must answer -to her lover?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," said his companion slowly. "Ga the eternal spoke to me more than -once in such fashion, yet none came to sound the call I should answer -until Jasor of Nodhur appeared. Were it your spirit in Jasor's body, -you know how the call was answered afterward."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Am I not like him?" Croft questioned, thrilling at the recollection -her words invoked.</p> - -<p>"Aye," she confessed. "And when I am with you, it seems that you -are he—that you call me to you in spirit, even as he called in the -flesh—that I come to you gladly as a maiden to a tryst with him to -whom Ga sends her. Yet, when I return to the body beside which even now -Maia stands watch, all is confusion when I wake."</p> - -<p>"Were you to remember then that in or out of the flesh, it is the -spirit calls to the spirit, it were perchance more plain," Croft said.</p> - -<p>"Love then is of the spirit only?" She looked into his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Yes." Croft nodded. "Love is of the spirit—passion alone of the -flesh. Know you not then that it was love called me to you from the -earth?"</p> - -<p>"Earth?" she repeated. "Aye—Gaya told me somewhat concerning that."</p> - -<p>"Come then," said Croft, determining of sudden impulse on a -demonstration and seized her by the hand.</p> - -<p>Up, up he carried her across the void. The landscape dwindled swiftly -away beneath them. Its details faded, became but a sun-smeared blur -until Palos whirled on its mighty ball, bedded in a mass of woolly -cloud. Up, up. Croft glanced at his companion and found her face -wide-eyed. Up, up, as she floated beside him, her slender shape in the -void of darkness beyond the atmosphere of Palos beginning to flash and -glow with its contained fire. For Croft had willed himself to that one -of the moons on which he had first come down from his daring journey -from the earth. And now it swung above them. Together they swam toward -it, and came to it finding its barren and lifeless crags and plains -aglare in the light of Sirius, partly steeped in impenetrable gloom. -Across the lighted region Croft led Naia swiftly. They passed from the -light.</p> - -<p>"Look!" he cried, and pointed to the void of the eternal heavens beyond -them, where sparkled the pin-points of a million worlds. "Behold, -Palos!" He directed her vision to where the planet rolled, its clouds -now turned into what seemed golden fire. "We stand now on one of the -moons that light your world at night, beloved. We gaze at your world -from its moon, as from earth we gaze at a star—as we gaze at earth -as a star from here. By the will of the spirit have we come. By the -spirit's will shall we return."</p> - -<p>And on his words it was as though Palos rose to meet them, and once -more they were back on the crags beside the snows.</p> - -<p>"Zitu, may this be permitted?" Naia panted as one shaken by amazement.</p> - -<p>"Much," said Croft in answer, "may be permitted to the spirit which -seeks truth and dares."</p> - -<p>And after that they wandered on, finding a good-sized stream leaping -down the side of the mountain not far from Naia's home. Croft seized -upon its presence with acclaim. A glance had told him that here was -power he could harness to perfect his scheme for generating artificial -light, and he sought to explain it to his companion, outlining how by -the construction of a series of giant penstocks he would divert the -plunging water against wheels to use its force in turning other wheels.</p> - -<p>She listened closely and suddenly she laughed. "Now are you as Jasor!" -she exclaimed. "It was so he talked concerning his devices before the -Zollarian war against which he planned."</p> - -<p>"Always have I been as I am now," Jason told her. "Even as Naia of -Aphur has always been the same."</p> - -<p>"Always?" she questioned and turned searching eyes upon him.</p> - -<p>"Aye, always, and ever will be," he answered, "until Jason and Naia -shall be one."</p> - -<p>She quivered. Her astral body glowed. Its fires leaped and flamed -before him, white and purple and gold. Croft knew that he himself was -swayed by a similar emotion and sought to check it lest he overtax her -as yet not fully awakened understanding. "Come," he said again, "come," -and led her south along the western mountains, exploring them, pointing -out their beauties as they passed along.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>It was thus he found an outcropping barrier of coal. He spied it and -sank upon it, and bent to assure himself that he was not mistaken, -and straightened with a radiant face. Here was energy stored for the -furnaces he meant to raise across the land ere long. Until now charcoal -had been used mainly in the metal trades. But—here—he had a vision of -vast smelters once this coal was mined. And the Tamarizians were miners -experienced for generations in the handling of ores.</p> - -<p>He pointed to his find and explained to Naia that here was fuel.</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" she cried in wondering half comprehension. "Would Jason burn a -stone!"</p> - -<p>"Nay," he said, and made plain the nature of the substance they -discussed.</p> - -<p>At the end she nodded. "I am convinced," she said. "Him I knew as Jasor -was Jason indeed. Your words, your plans are the same. Thanks be to Ga -and Azil, I am happy. You, Jason, are he whom I—"</p> - -<p>"Love," Croft supplied as once more she faltered.</p> - -<p>"Aye, love." For the second time her astral figure glowed with its -auric fires. "With you I am happy—free thus and alone, with a strange -new happiness—such as I have never known. Canst not hold me thus -beside you? Must I return again to the prison of the body? Canst not -claim me now, and keep me wholly thine own?"</p> - -<p>"No—not yet," Croft stammered, shaken as never before by her words -and taking alarm at the mood which was upon her. "Yet, some time I -shall claim you mine before all men. Come now, for the present we must -return."</p> - -<p>Across a twilight sky they flitted back, drifting into the red and -yellow paved court where the red-and-yellow steps ran up at either end -to the yellow balcony supported on its carved pillars of red, and the -giant figure of a straining man, did battle with a beast not unlike a -tiger, to protect a crouching woman from its fangs.</p> - -<p>"See!" said Croft. "So shall I fight for you—protect you—guard you, -wage warfare against all else for you, until indeed you are mine."</p> - -<p>She smiled upon him. "So shall I wait for thee," she began, and broke -off sharply: "Behold!"</p> - -<p>Croft turned his eyes. Maia knelt the length of her azure form crouched -in a posture of woe beside the couch on which Naia's body still -reclined. Her arms were thrown out across her mistress's breasts, her -face buried from sight between them. Beside her stood Mitlos, gazing on -blue girl and white, his entire posture and expression indicative of -distress.</p> - -<p>"Woe, woe!" Maia wailed in choked accents. "Cursed be Zilla who came -upon her in her sleep! She moved not, neither did she speak. Yet when -I sought to wake her at the hour for her bath, she answered not to my -voice. Again and again I cried to her, 'Naia, my mistress,' yet she did -not wake. Mitlos—Mitlos, we are undone. This is not of our doing, yet -will Lakkon seek our lives."</p> - -<p>"Go," said Croft to the lovely presence beside him. "Spare her alarm. I -thought not of your bathing. I have kept you overlong."</p> - -<p>And Naia, nodding, lingered for a final question. "Yet—will you come -to me again?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft and watched her vanish, watched Naia of Aphur's eyes -open, and the bosom beneath Maia's outstretched arms swell slowly, so -that the Mazzer girl felt and sprang up, startled, staring, with a -starting gaze.</p> - -<p>And then he went back to Himyra and sat up on his golden couch and -smiled. He had done a good day's work.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> - -<h3>ON THE WINGS OF AZIL</h3> - - -<p>The end of the month following the election found Croft beginning -to carry out his material plans. Robur coming to Zitra for the -inauguration of Jadgor, bringing Gaya and Naia with him—the latter at -Lakkon's request—found time to insist that Jason return to Himyra at -once, and institute the work they had before discussed.</p> - -<p>Nor to tell the truth was Croft in any way loath. Indeed work was what -he craved, rather than a life such as for the past two weeks he had -found himself compelled to live in the Zitran pyramid. In addition -he felt that the atmosphere of Zitra would be subtly changed once -Jadgor was upon the ground, while in Aphur with Robur, his friend -and collaborator in his endeavors, the course of his plans would be -cleared. Then, too, he was thrilled by the thought of contriving a -material meeting with Naia, even more than by anything else. That -thought it was which set him to work on the development of electric -power first.</p> - -<p>Before that, however, he took Zud and journeyed to Scira in a galley, -its hull gilded, its sails of azure-blue, with a blue canopy above its -after deck, driven by a motor, rather than the oars which had formerly -projected from its waist. And at Scira he interviewed Koryphu, the -head of the university, regarding the establishment of schools. It -was arranged that he should induce Mutlos to take the matter up with -Jadgor, and Croft and the high priest sailed south to the mouth of the -Na and up its yellow flood.</p> - -<p>Then once more Himyra's forges flared as they had flared for the -greater part of that strange year before. Robur, democratic despite his -royal birth, went with Croft to the shops. In them was posted a notice -printed from Jason's original alphabetical blocks, announcing that past -the command of the Mouthpiece of Zitu there was no further word. In all -things pertaining to the development of the things he had planned Croft -found himself supreme. He directed and designed, while at the same time -he cultivated the friendship of his superintending captains and their -men.</p> - -<p>One of his first steps was to set about developing the vein of coal he -had discovered. He organized a band of miners and a motor transport -train. It was a strange sight when the latter for the first time rolled -forth. Robur and he went with it, and saw to the starting of the work. -Save for his faith in Jason the new governor of Aphur would have -doubted. Laughing, Croft gave him and the staring bands of miners and -captains a demonstration, and allayed their doubts. On the second day, -after the strippers were uncovering the vein and others of the men were -erecting cabins to house the workers, Robur and he drove back.</p> - -<p>Copper wire and rubber, or a substitute, were what he next required. -The first was easily gained. For generations the Tamarizians had -worked in metal, as shown by their couches, their molded doors, their -carriages and chariots and their tempered swords and spears. Croft -set hundreds of the workers to the task of making wire. The second -requirement was far less readily gained. But he did not despair. -Aphur's climate was tropical in the main. He believed he might find -some vegetable product such as he needed for the insulation of his -wires and set about an extensive questioning of the city's learned men. -So in the end he learned of a tree which exuded a milk-like sap, in -the forests south along the Na. Thither he and Robur went straightway -in a motor-driven galley, and the thing was done in theory at least, -depending for its practical working out on the efforts of an army of -local natives, whom the two set to gathering sap.</p> - -<p>Back again in Himyra, save at night, Croft gave himself little rest. -And even at night since, on Robur's insistence, he had taken up -residence at the palace rather than in the Himyran pyramid, Robur and -he discussed their plans, unless the governor was called by his duties -somewhere else. Occasionally when this happened, Croft talked with Gaya -instead.</p> - -<p>In this way he succeeded in winning her sympathetic understanding of -his position, even as concerning his love for Naia he had won it once -before. And Gaya, whose nature was characterized by a sweet simplicity, -questioned him frankly concerning the episode of Naia's attempted -suicide in the pool:</p> - -<p>"Robur swore by Zitu, he believed you present, in the same guise in -which you have told me, you move when your body sleeps."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Robur was right," Croft told her and described step by step what -had occurred.</p> - -<p>The princess nodded. "Now that Lakkon remains with Jadgor at Zitra, -the maid grows lonely," she declared. "She has asked me to visit her. -May I speak with her concerning these things if she mentions to me her -dreams?"</p> - -<p>Croft smiled. On Palos, or on earth, woman he thought was the same. -And Gaya, happy beyond question in the arms of the man of her choice, -stood ready to lead or drive Naia, a sister-woman to a mating if she -could. And, smiling, he nodded assent, but added a caution. "Yet speak -not of it save as of a dream—wife of my true friend. For the growth of -the soul must be as the growth of a flower, which the light of truth -expands."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>His wire being made, his rubber gathered, Croft turned next to the -harnessing of the mountain stream. He chose copper for his penstocks -instead of wood, furnishing specifications to the molders for the -sections of the pipe and designing the model of the turbines to be -mounted in the pits.</p> - -<p>In all things Robur rendered him such assistance as he could, while he -never ceased to marvel at the very things he planned. "Mouthpiece of -Zitu you are indeed!" he exclaimed again and again, with flashing eyes -as some new detail was unfolded to his mind. "Let Jadgor be president -at his leisure. Thou and I, my Jason, shall take Tamarizia yet and make -it a new world."</p> - -<p>And with such a lieutenant Croft found his work advance. Wire was -being made in miles, rubber was being delivered in enormous chunks -from the commercial galleys down the Na, loaded onto trucks along -the quays, drawn by the dog-like creatures harnessed to them through -the merchandise tunnels beneath the streets and stored in the huge -warehouses against future use. Indeed all Himyra, all Aphur hummed at -the end of the month, and the founders were beginning to turn out the -sections of the giant penstock pipes.</p> - -<p>Thereupon Croft collected another train of motors and, organizing a -party of road-builders and masons, made his way into the hills to -select the site of his power station on the mountain stream.</p> - -<p>At the camp he established beside the mountain torrent he lost no time. -Long since he had cast aside Zud's choice of temple dress, for the -metal leg-cases, the short-skirted tunic of a military captain, falling -half-way down the thighs, and belted at the waist—a costume affording -the utmost freedom of movement while he directed the beginning of -each task. Habited thus he sat one day on the hillside, watching his -laborers digging trenches for the mighty penstocks, preparing the pits -for the turbines when, with a crash, through some near-by bushes was -thrust a huge animal face.</p> - -<p>Open it was, gaping, with a lolling red tongue, and yellow fang-like -teeth. For a moment it stared at him panting and then with a bound -the whole lithe creature advanced, and flung itself against him as he -scrambled to his feet.</p> - -<p>"Hai, Hupor!" he cried, recognizing the huge houndlike beast which had -fawned upon him once before in Lakkon's mountain house, and excited -Naia's comment by the act.</p> - -<p>Then as the creature dropped down beside him and turned its eyes, he -followed their direction with his own, and found his heart begin a -gladdened leaping. A trifle further up the hillside, Naia of Aphur -stood between two trees.</p> - -<p>Soft climbing sandals of gnuppa hide were on her feet and embraced her -tapering calves to just below the knees. Brown was her garment above -them, embroidered simply in green. And on her golden hair was a band of -brown, supporting a shimmering drape against the heat of the afternoon, -and a curling plume green as the leaves above it. In that first glance -it seemed to Croft that seen so, she was more beautiful than she had -ever been.</p> - -<p>He went toward her, his pulses hammering in his ears, the giant beast -trailing at his heels.</p> - -<p>"Greeting, maid of Aphur!" he said when he stood before her, and bowed -deeply from the hips, in formal fashion.</p> - -<p>"Hail, Mouthpiece of Zitu!" Naia inclined her head. "Did Hupor break -upon your meditations or distract your attention from the work in hand?"</p> - -<p>"Hupor and I," said Croft with a glance at the beast, "are friends. Nor -is my work a thing requiring such haste, that I may not spare time to -admire the fairest work of Zitu's hands."</p> - -<p>A swift color mounted into Naia's cheeks. Her glance shifted. "I walk -frequently with Hupor," she began a somewhat confused explanation. "The -temptation came upon me to inspect the work which I have watched from -my father's home for the past three suns, since it began. Hupor, I -think, was more surprised to see you than was I."</p> - -<p>"You expected to find me?" Croft caught her words up quickly.</p> - -<p>"Why not?" she rejoined with an upward flash of her eyes. "Is not the -work of Zitu's Mouthpiece under his direction?" Her manner changed, -became charged with covert meaning. "And more I dreamed."</p> - -<p>"Dreamed?" Croft repeated, striving to still a rising tumult in his -breast, at what seemed a challenging of his spirit by hers.</p> - -<p>"Nay, I know not," she said almost faintly, while her white lids -quivered above each purple iris. "But it was as though one told me this -stream was to be used to bring new light to Himyra—that such was a -part of your plans."</p> - -<p>"Yes," he said, "it is—to Himyra, and to Lakkon, thy father's house, -if so you desire, and to all of Aphur, all of Tamarizia in time. If so -you saw it, it would appear as a vision rather than a dream, maid of -Aphur. Come and I will show you its beginning and explain."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For an hour after that she wandered with him, and watching her now and -then, Croft surprised a puzzled expression on her face. Yet he said -no definite word, since he knew that the leaven of his past acts was -working in her, was slowly rising up until at last it should wake her -fully to the truth.</p> - -<p>"It were hardly fitting, were Lakkon's daughter not to offer to Zitu's -mouthpiece the freedom of Lakkon's house," she said at the last, when -Croft had escorted her back to the mountain valley wherein the palace -was placed. And her tone was vaguely wistful—there was something in -her eyes that cried out to him, wholly unlike that blue fire of scorn -they had held, when she flung the betrothal seal of Azil against his -breast.</p> - -<p>"Jason, the Mouthpiece, shall do himself the honor of Lakkon's house, -when Lakkon is within it," he replied with meaning, as he bowed and -turned and left her, and heard her catch her breath.</p> - -<p>Yet he took with him a song in his heart because of the invitation -which had faltered from her lips; because as he knew now the cry of -spirit to spirit was beginning to actuate the flesh. And he walked more -as a god indeed than a man as he made his way back to his workmen, -threading his way on springing feet, glorying in the strength of his -free-limbed stride on the wooded slopes, holding in his heart the -knowledge that it was because she had felt he would be present—because -of an urge to be near him, to speak with him as man and woman, that she -had come to view the new work.</p> - -<p>But he did not attempt to approach her again in the astral condition -during the week longer that he remained at the site of the power-plant. -Nor did Naia venture to it any more. And so soon as he was satisfied -that his subordinates understood the exact scope of their duties, he -returned to set about the actual construction of the dynamo that, water -driven, should light Himyra with a myriad of glowing lamps.</p> - -<p>But that night, after he had received Robur's report of progress, and -they had talked over the dynamo plans, he sought his own apartment and -stretched himself upon his couch. And then he went seeking the two -women who in all his life he had known the best, because he thought -that it would be on this first night, with Gaya, that Naia would -unburden herself.</p> - -<p>Failing to find them in the palace, he sought and found them in the -garden, seated on a carved bench of stone, inside the vine-grown walls -of the pool. Naia's eyes were fixed upon its surface, silvered by the -light of Palos's moons. Very wide and dark they seemed beneath the -shadow of her hair. Her lips moved.</p> - -<p>"Whether these be dreams, induced by those things of which you told me, -or whether too much thinking has tired my mind until it makes of vain -imaginings the seeming of other thought, I know not," she said in a -musing voice. "Yet even as you said, he had told my cousin Robur that -he left his body, so has it seemed to me that I left my flesh, when -he called me to him—that hand in hand we wandered forth together, to -Himyra—over the mountains, and once that we leaped all space, as he -says his spirit leaped from earth to Palos and stood upon the larger of -the moons up yonder, whose light sparkles here on the pool."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Zitu!" Gaya's tones were a trifle unsteady—filled with a certain awe, -as Croft waited her answer. "But—Naia, sweet maid, may not dreams -embody truth?"</p> - -<p>"If dreams they be, I think it may be so," her companion rejoined. "For -on that time we went to Himyra as it seemed, I saw my father asleep, -and he whispered my name, and the next time he came to me he spoke to -me about it; said that he saw me standing beside him and had called me.</p> - -<p>"And,"—abruptly her soft voice took on the speaking semblance of a -child—"Gaya—the night was the same—on which I had my dream. And -again on an afternoon when it seemed he called me, and we wandered over -hill and valley, where flowers bloomed, and up to the everlasting -snows, it seemed also that on returning Maia thought that I had died, -and he bade me back into my body, promising to come to me again. And -when I woke, Maia and Mitlos stood beside me, in tears and terror, -thinking my spirit flown. Gaya—how explain such things as these?"</p> - -<p>"I may not tell you," Gaya faltered. "In these days since Zitu's -mouthpiece came among us, Aphur and all Tamarizia have witnessed -wondrous sights, have dreamed of undreamed truths."</p> - -<p>"Mouthpiece of Zitu," Naia repeated, turning to face her companion. "I -like not the name. Jason, he calls himself to me in my dreams, and as -Jason I prefer to think of him—as Jason, a man, and—and—my lover. -Ah, Gaya, should I blush for such a thought?"</p> - -<p>"Nay—thou art a woman, ripe for loving," Gaya reassured her quickly. -"And to women, be they fit, I think that Ga herself sends dreams."</p> - -<p>"Dreams!" Abruptly Naia clenched a fist and struck the tapered outline -of her thigh. "Dreams—aye, dreams they must be, Gaya—for to me he -came no more again. Only when I thought not of his coming did it -happen, and since, when I have called him, sought once more to sleep -and find him, it is vain. Yet if I be shameless, let me speak the same. -Greater happiness have I never known since I tore the seal of Azil from -my girdle, than when in my sleep he called me to him, and I answered -and saw him standing before me in my chamber, fair as Azil himself, -with his form shot through by the soft light of the moon. Or, when I -slept and Maia fanned me, and he came and led me into the outer world, -where we wandered in far places, he and I alone."</p> - -<p>"You saw him while he was in the mountains?" Gaya asked as her -companion paused, causing Croft to smile as he saw her intent to learn -what he himself had not told.</p> - -<p>"Yes—what am I saying? Gaya, I forget myself, even as that day I -forgot myself and bade him to my father's house." Suddenly she broke -off to throw her arms about Gaya's neck and bury her face, gone white -in the silver moonlight, against her breast.</p> - -<p>"And—" the arms of the older woman crept about her.</p> - -<p>"He replied he would enter it when Lakkon was within it," Naia told her -in a smothered voice.</p> - -<p>"As he would were he careful of your honor." Gaya held her close. -"Child, when my visit is ended, you must return with me to Himyra, nor -longer spend your time in dreams and thoughts."</p> - -<p>"But—" Naia sat up abruptly. Her question came with a sweetly feminine -inconsistency. "Would he not think I sought his presence, were I to -accompany you to the palace?"</p> - -<p>"Are you not Robur's cousin?" Gaya answered. "Can he expect you to -remain forever in your father's house?"</p> - -<p>Croft's smile was very tender as he turned away. Time and those -"dreams" of hers were fighting his battle for him in Naia's soul. And -had he need of other assistance in winning the one woman he desired in -a million worlds or years, Gaya was his lieutenant. He blessed her as -he returned to Himyra, for that propinquity of Naia and himself in the -future, that feminine endeavor at match-making, for which he now knew -that she schemed.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> - -<h3>NEW MARVELS</h3> - - -<p>That Zitran, too, ran past. During it word came from Zitra that Jadgor -had approved and recommended for acceptance by the national assembly -that scheme for a chain of schools among the masses, Mutlos of Cathur -had introduced. Thereupon Croft and Jadgor selected several expert -metal molders and set them to work at making type, and Jason choosing -some of the skilled workmen whom he had trained to exact methods in -making the motors, months before, directed them now in the building of -a rather simple set of presses in which the type should be used.</p> - -<p>Also looking to the future he commanded others of the motor mechanics -to begin the construction of a half dozen engines of a somewhat -different design. Questioned by Robur as to his purpose, he explained -that these were destined to finish the lifting power for the first -Tamarizian airplanes.</p> - -<p>"Zitu! Zitu!" exclaimed the governor of Aphur, flashing his perfect -teeth; "I doubt you not, Jason, but my wonder does not cease. Recall -you the morning when you drove the first motor through the streets of -Himyra and well-nigh frightened the civic guards to death?" He smiled, -and Jason laughed. And then he sobered.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied. "And I recall also how the same morning, Chythron, -Lakkon's driver, lost control of the gnuppas and they bolted, and I -spoke with Naia, thy fair cousin, first."</p> - -<p>Robur nodded. He laid a hand on his companion's arm. "Fear not," he -admonished in sympathetic understanding. "Though the maid repel you -because of a lack of understanding, yet shall she come to you at -length."</p> - -<p>"Aye," Croft looked the other man full in the eyes with meaning. "Once -more shall I place Azil's sign upon Naia of Aphur's girdle."</p> - -<p>Yet to all outward seeming he appeared immersed in his work, and even -as the dynamo and the turbines took shape, he sent men into the vast -plain that stretched between Himyra and the mountains of Aphur, to a -spot of his selection, and bade them build there a huge shed to house -his airplane fleet. Still others he set on the fashioning of ribs for -the wings of the planes themselves, to building the fuselage bodies out -of sheets of copper, and after a consultation with the local caste of -weavers, he picked on a fabric for the wings.</p> - -<p>And with all his ceaseless activities he still found time in a -whimsical mood to inaugurate among his workmen a series of recreation -and games lest under the driving of Robur and himself the sweating -laborers grow stale. Indeed, he introduced a sort of competitive spirit -in the various shops, organizing from the members of each a separate -club and matching them one against the other in their sports. And of -all the games on which he might have picked, Jason Croft, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, and virtual commander of the remaking of a nation, chose baseball!</p> - -<p>In this he gave his at times bizarre fancy full rein. The balls were -fashioned from well-turned gnuppa hide, about a rubber core, with a -covering of string. The bats, were of tough resilient wood, which the -new devotees of the pastime swung with might and main.</p> - -<p>Then for the first time on Palos were heard the crack of the batsman -lining out a clean drive, and the cry of the umpire, Croft himself at -first: "Ball four—take a free pass! Strike—one!"</p> - -<p>And because even the most serious mind must find relaxation at times, -Croft found he enjoyed the matches between teams immensely, while -Robur entered with almost animal spirits into the rivalry of the -games, and nearly pestered the life out of Jason, trying to master the -intricacies and comprehend the casual principles involved in curves, in -and outshoots, drops and breaks, after he had seen them first. Indeed -Jason had more than one laugh after he discovered Robur in the bathing -court of the palace one morning, hurling a ball against a backstop he -had arranged, and trying to learn to throw it around a corner, as he -somewhat naively explained.</p> - -<p>But if Robur did not accomplish his purpose, several of the pitchers -eventually did to some extent, and Robur got a laugh of his own, when -one of them whom he had secretly had Jason coach in the copper foundry -team, was produced. The batter who happened to be up swung sharply -at what looked like a slow and easy delivery, and Aphur's governor -chuckled for days because the fellow very nearly broke his neck when -his bat failed to find the ball where he thought it was.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft's main satisfaction, however, in the success of the innovation -lay in the fact that from rivalry in the game it was but a step to -rivalry between the various corps of laborers in the shops. He took -that step and introduced a system of bonuses and holidays for increased -production or extra-efficient work. And because the Tamarizians were a -pleasure-loving people, the plan was a success from the first. Working -three shifts, as he had before the Zollarian war, Croft found his plans -progress. Five weeks—the length of a Zitran—after his return from -the mountains, found his turbines finished, his dynamo ready to be -transported and assembled in its appointed place.</p> - -<p>That place was ready to receive it as Croft knew from several trips he -had taken to it, in one of his swiftest motors. A stone power-house -had been erected, the penstocks were in place. Diverting gates were -prepared to turn the stream into them at the proper moment, and send -it roaring through the turbines in the pits. Telling Robur to send men -into the mountains to cut poles, and giving him a model of insulators -to be made of glass, Jason loaded the sections of his dynamo upon his -fleet of transports and set forth again on his journey to the hills.</p> - -<p>Thereafter for two weeks he toiled and sweated, thankful at least for -the fact that in Tamarizia labor was plentiful, and regulated by -government control in regard to wages, carefully estimated on a living -scale, so that the dissatisfaction and continual strikes of earth were -unknown. The condition enabled him to command what workmen needed, and -rest assured of a steady advance in the projects he undertook.</p> - -<p>More than once in that long, hot fourteen suns, Robur drove out to -inspect the progress made and marvel, and report the insulators being -turned out in satisfactory shape, and the poles coming down from the -hills on creaking motor trucks. Croft gave him drawings to guide him in -setting up a line of power poles across the desert from Himyra toward -the mountains, and at night, when his weary workmen were sleeping, -plunged into the task of devising Tamarizia's first electric lights. -At first he confined his plans to small-sized arcs, intending to give -public demonstration before he went on with the attempt to devise -incandescents for inside use.</p> - -<p>Coal was coming down from the vein he had discovered by now in quantity -sufficient to use in the copper smelters, and he decided to gain his -carbons, from this, converted into coke. After several nights of -intensive working, he pushed aside his finished plans and drew a long -breath of relief. The thing was done.</p> - -<p>Croft's eyes flashed. This enlightenment of a people and a nation was -becoming well-nigh an obsessing delight in his brain. It partook almost -of the nature of creation despite the fact that he knew those things he -was producing were but crude copies of familiar things he had formerly -known as concomitants of life. For, as he had said to Robur, and to -Zud, and to Naia herself, he was a man—was human in all his impulses -and feelings regardless of the marvelous control of the spirit he had -learned, and he thrilled with a personal satisfaction in the success of -each new endeavor, the wonder each new product of his scheming excited -in other brains.</p> - -<p>From Robur he learned that Gaya had returned to the palace, bringing -Naia with her for an indefinite stay. That, indeed, was in accordance -with his plans. For so soon as he had realized that Gaya meant to throw -the girl and himself into a closer association, as he did after the -conversation he had heard between the two women, he had purposely meant -to be absent from Himyra himself when the woman he loved arrived.</p> - -<p>Croft would not have been either where or what he was had he been -devoid of a vast psychological knowledge. And deep as were his own -emotions, strong as was his own impulse to indulge a desire for -Naia's closer presence, yet in all he did at that time he followed a -deliberately mapped-out course for the accomplishment of his purpose.</p> - -<p>During those days, as her words to Gaya had shown him very clearly, -Naia of Aphur's mental condition was one of vague unrest. And the -principle cause of that unrest was, as Croft knew, himself.</p> - -<p>The new estrangement between them, her act in returning his betrothal -jewel in so dramatic a manner, those subsequent excursions into the -unknown world of the astral plane which he had brought about, and which -she was as yet unable to consider other than as vagaries of a sleeping -brain, had induced within her a state of introspection which, even more -than his immediate presence, he felt sure must serve his purpose best.</p> - -<p>She had cried out in a sympathy seeking confusion to the wife of his -friend, that she had sought him that day in the mountains, as a sort -of test—a means of convincing herself if her visioning were false or -real. She had admitted that, even despite her former reluctance to -consider a possible mundane love between Croft in his present body -and herself, he had appealed to her that day in his physical form and -strength. And she had complained that he had not kept the promise given -by his astral form to hers, to return to her so again; had confessed -that she had sought for a renewal of those two former meetings, had -tried to repeat her "dreams."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Jason Croft, erecting his dynamo, harnessing it to his turbines with -heavy beltings of gnuppa hide, felt that the very desire he had wakened -in Naia's soul, would do its work better while it remained unsatisfied, -would gain in strength as the days passed into weeks, would receive an -added poignancy when she arrived at Himyra and found him gone again -to the hills, engaged without any seeming distraction attributable to -herself, on his work.</p> - -<p>For Croft knew very, very well that one of the great laws of all mating -consists in this—that until mating itself is accomplished, one element -retreats, while the other as constantly seeks, before desire itself in -the one awakens desire in the other, and thereby bringing both elements -together, strikes out of them life's fire.</p> - -<p>Yet, night after night, his work finished, stretched on a rough couch, -Croft yearned for this woman of all the worlds to his soul. Night after -night he lay picturing her as he had known her, revealing their every -association together, from his first sight of her in her father's -carriage, to those two weird astral meetings which had occurred. He -Pictured her beauty of face and form—the supple strength of the -latter, its litheness, its wonderful grace. He saw it in his mind's eye -as he had seen it time and again in life.</p> - -<p>And there were times when he quivered, and stretched out his arms which -throbbed with a strange, numb aching, remembering as it seemed in their -very substance, the soft, warm pressure of her flesh, the glory of -her former surrender to the caress of their embrace. There were times -when his lips writhed as he recalled their first meeting with her -mouth—that quick, spontaneous giving and taking of a kiss, before she -had cried out that now—now—he must win her, or else by the customs of -her country, she stood a maid disgraced—had cried it, and yet before -she left him on that same occasion, had crept to him, inviting a second -kiss.</p> - -<p>And though at such things Croft thrilled as may any man thrill, at the -thought of the one woman who can drive him to madness as a man, yet -unlike the ordinary mortal he thrilled still more at the beauty of her -soul. For unlike the customary lover, Croft had seen it—and because -of his knowledge of such matters, because he knew the meanings in a -spiritual sense of certain vibrations—because he could interpret the -meaning involved in auric colors—he knew that only a chastely pure -spirit possessed an aura of blue and gold. Wherefore great as was his -glory in his recollections of her physical beauty and charm, greater -still was his exaltation recalling how even like her golden hair and -purple eyes, that glorious image of her being he had twice called from -it, glowed.</p> - -<p>Glorious was she in body, beautiful in soul. And Croft lying while the -night wrapped the mountain, and the stream, plunging over the rocks in -its bed, sent its murmur to his ears, renewed once more his purpose, -and swore by all the highest forces in his conception, that ere this -thing was finished, that glory and beauty should be his. But in his -own way—the true way—the way in which two chemical atoms might come -together—gladly—almost unconsciously because of compelling force, -affinity, desire—let the word used be what it might since in the great -law of Zitu or God, they were the same. And it was so Croft meant to -claim that woman, body and soul, whom he felt was his true twin—that -glorious complement of his entire nature—that lode star of his being -who had drawn him to her—across the empty void between the stars.</p> - -<p>On the fourteenth day Robur came up from Himyra at Croft's request. -Jason met him as he descended from his motor and led him into the -newly constructed power-house. There, on a masonry and copper base, -insulated by a heavy plate of glass, stood what was as yet Tamarizia's -most wonderful device. Bolted and belted to the driving-gear of the -turbine it stood, waiting but the driving force of the waters through a -penstock to wake it into life.</p> - -<p>Croft's eyes blazed with something of excitement as he gestured toward -it. "Behold, Rob," he said, "with this shall we harness the lightnings -and bid them do our will. With this shall we light the streets of -Himyra and the fire-urns along the Na, and the palace, the houses of -all men in Himyra first, in all Aphur at the last. With this shall we -ere we are done, drive the wheels in many shops, which now are turned -by men and beasts in treadmills or upon the windlass bars. So shall it -come at last that by the mere pressure of a hand upon a lever those -wheels shall move. These things I promise you, Rob—behold." He waved -a hand to a captain standing by the door of the house. And he in turn -signaled to a workman not far off. And he, who had been waiting, lifted -a trumpet to his lips and blew a blast. It was the sign on which Croft -had agreed for the men high up on the mountain to open a penstock gate.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Yet for a moment there was nothing to mark the effect, until with a -whisper, rising to a roar, the huge pipe filled and discharged its -plunging contents against the waiting wheel. Then, as the wheel turned -and the belt of gnuppa hide revolved, there crept through the new rock -house a strange and droning hum. Louder and louder it rose, as faster -and faster the shining armature which Croft and Robur watched spun -round. Faster and faster, louder and louder—blue sparks began to shine -and quiver under the copper brushes. And suddenly, with a blinding -scintillation, a hissing crash, a giant spark leaped the gap between -the terminals of two wires Croft had arranged to test the ascending -charge.</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Above the crackling discharge the captain in the door cried -out: "Fly—we are undone, man of Zitu—fly!" He staggered back and -paused and stood staring, vaguely reassured at the smile of triumph on -Croft's face.</p> - -<p>"Fear not," Jason told him quickly, as he struck up a lever, released -the tension of the belt, and caused the first dynamo on Palos to sink -from a dizzy whirling toward rest. "This moment speaks success for all -our toil of weeks. Go tell the men on the pipes to close the gates."</p> - -<p>Robur's face, too, was pale, well-nigh as that of the captain's, though -he had held his place. His lips were close pressed, however, and his -nostrils slightly pinched. Then, as Croft so easily chained the fiery -breathing of the monster he had produced, his eyes began to flash.</p> - -<p>"By Zitu, and by Zitu!" he swore the Tamarizian oath of wonder. "Jason, -you have indeed harnessed His own lightning, as you have said. For a -moment I feared that His wrath were excited by your daring, and He had -sent a bolt of His fire to destroy us, with the house." He broke off -with an almost shamefaced laugh.</p> - -<p>"Yet now it gentles like a wild gnuppa under its master's hand," he -went on again as the dynamo stopped and naught remained save the -dwindling rush of the waters through the waste pipes from the turbine -beneath their feet. "Zitu, my friend, but all men shall marvel yet as I -do now at this! What plan you next?"</p> - -<p>"Light!" said Croft. "Light, first, and after that to make use in all -the ways I mentioned of this force—to turn the wheels in shops, to run -the presses I have made to print from type and so supply the schools -Jadgor has favored with the means of broadening men's minds—to print -for them and their children, and so to spread the truth."</p> - -<p>"Thou wilt build a city here to do these things?" Robur questioned, as -yet unable to fully sense quite all Croft's words embraced.</p> - -<p>"No," Jason told him. "This power shall flow from here to Himyra, Rob, -across the line of poles your men are building, along the wires."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" The governor of Aphur stared.</p> - -<p>Croft smiled. "Tomorrow," he went on, "I return to Himyra to arrange -for the making of lights, and a demonstration of their working when -the time is ripe." And suddenly his whole face lighted at an inward -thought. "Naia—Rob. Tell me of her." For suddenly at the mention of -his return her picture had leaped before him; the certainty had come -upon him that in Himyra he should meet her, speak to her, dwell beneath -the roof of the same house. And the accomplishment at which Robur, of -Himyra, was staring in awestruck wonder—the great dynamo, successful -in its primary test, and all it stood for—sank into nothingness before -the thought. Naia of Aphur's face, the hinted perfume of her presence, -blotted it out.</p> - -<p>"Thou wilt see her," said Robur—"of course." It was as though he read -Croft's thought. "And could you see her now as each sun I see her, -perchance you would feel as do I, that she will be glad of your coming -now at last. Like one without purpose she moves, Jason, my strange -friend, whom I love as no other man, yet do not understand. There is -the look of one who waits for one who comes not in her eyes. In their -purple depths they hold a question ever that makes them doubly dark. -Yet if at times I say I am driving forth to meet you, I have seen her -lay a white hand over Ga's snowy fountain beneath her robe. I have -seen her lips part as though to speak or question concerning thee, and -having returned, I have known that her ears were like thirsty lips to -drink in what reports I made regarding the progress of your work. Yet -in such mood is she sweeter, more desirable as it seems to me, than -ever in her life."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. "Not more desirable to me," he said, "than the first sun -whereon I saw her. Today I place a guard and send the workmen back to -Himyra. Tomorrow I shall come."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> - -<h3>BEATING WINGS</h3> - - -<p>Naia of Aphur—Naia! He was now to meet her again in the flesh. The -thought held Croft as he drove toward Himyra the next day. He was to -meet her, as at Zitra, not as in the mountains beside the stream he had -harnessed to his and Tamarizia's purpose, but in Robur's palace, where, -like himself, she was a guest—under conditions where the conventions -of social life, not so far unlike those of earth, since human nature -is, after all, very much the same, would compel a certain courtesy in -their association at least.</p> - -<p>Toward that meeting he went more like an ardent lover than anything -else. Once in the palace, he sent for a barber and had his hair -carefully trimmed. For an hour after that he lay while a Mazzerian -masseur rubbed softening oils into his skin. And then he dressed in a -costume he had ordered made when he returned from Zitra first, unlike -old Zud's robes, and of his own designing—a costume of golden leg -cases studded with sapphire-hued stones—an undervest of gossamer -tissue—a short skirt of a heavier material, white in color, with a -silken sheen, and a cuirass of gold and silver, with the wings of -Azil and the cross ansata, inlaid on the breast-plate in more of the -sapphire-like gems. Of gold and silver was his helmet topped with a -crest of azure plumes. Robur came in upon him, having barely returned -from the shops, as he put it on.</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" he exclaimed, pausing to stare at his friend, and went on: -"Jason, thou art a sight—"</p> - -<p>"A sight, yes—" Croft cut him short with a heightened color. He -laughed. "Rob—there are times when your tongue reminds me of speech -on earth. Were I there at this moment, they would name me a <i>sight</i> -indeed."</p> - -<p>A smile twitched Robur's lip as he caught the unaccustomed meaning. -"And at times I find a strange application of meaning in thy words, -Jason," he replied. "It is so in the manner of speech you use -concerning the games of baseball when the contest waxes warm. 'Tear -its hide off! Lay on that pill! Lean on it! Lean on it!'—the word -'charley-horse' which you sometimes employ, and the naming of an arm a -'wing.' None the less thou art a sight to gladden a maiden's eyes, my -friend, and even now a maid and a matron await thee beside the bathing -pool. So—get thee gone! Thou art beautiful enough."</p> - -<p>With another laugh Croft took him at his word, descending to the court -where the swimming pool sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight, -and advancing in a considerable blaze of material glory to where, on -couches beneath a shimmering awning, Gaya and Naia reclined.</p> - -<p>"Hai, Jason!" Robur's wife exclaimed, extending a hand as she saw him. -"Welcome, thou tamer of the lightning, as my lord has said thou art. -Wilt pardon a matron's indolence, or should I greet thee on my feet?"</p> - -<p>"Nay." Croft took her hand and bent above it. "I like thee less, wife -of Robur, in the formal mood. Retain the charm of thy ease." Then -deliberately he turned his eyes and met those of Naia. "Greeting to -thee, maid of Aphur," he said.</p> - -<p>"And to thee, Mouthpiece of Zitu," she returned with her pansy-purple -eyes fixed on the flashing symbol on his breast.</p> - -<p>Croft noted the glance, the slight tensing of the lines about her mouth -as he sat down. He had meant from the first to note its effect. Indeed, -he had worn it to this meeting of a purpose. It was his intent that, in -spite of it, and all it stood for, or had stood for at one time in her -mind, her surrender should be gained.</p> - -<p>"As to the harnessing of Zitu's fire, 'tis no more than a following -out of Zitu's law when understood," he turned to Gaya to explain. "The -generation of 'elektricity,' as it is called, is no more in this case -than the changing of one force into another, a transfer of energy -from—-"</p> - -<p>"Ah, Ga, I am a woman, unversed in such matters!" Gaya exclaimed with -a dancing in her eyes. "I fear I am too old to learn. Naia is of a -younger generation, her mind of softer substance; grave thy meaning on -its tablet with the stylus of thy tongue. I would see Robur before the -evening meal. It were time he had returned."</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Croft, smiling and rising to assist her to her feet. "Even -now he is within the palace. We spoke before I came forth."</p> - -<p>He watched while she hurried importantly away, still smiling inwardly -at her palpable subterfuge for leaving Naia and him alone; then turned -to where Lakkon's daughter still reclined, and resumed his seat.</p> - -<p>"You have heard from Zitra?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"Aye," she said, and went on with the information: "Lakkon, my father, -and Jadgor are blessed by Zitu with good health. My cousin's wife -informs me Jadgor has given sanction to thy plans for schools."</p> - -<p>"My plans?" Jason countered the indirect accusation. "Was not the -matter presented by Mutlos of Cathur?"</p> - -<p>"Aye." The pansy-purple eyes grew somewhat narrow. "Mutlos—a man of -the people, who writes not his own name upon the tablets, suggests -that the people be taught to read the characters heretofore known -to few save the nobles and the priests. And Koryphu of Scira joins -hands with Mutlos to support the project. Thus inside a few Zitrans -after a thousand cycles in Tamarizia—" The ivory shoulder above her -left breast twitched in something like a shrug of her own words of -rejection. "Thus, on its face, the thing appears. Also, Robur last -night came with a marvelous tale of your latest success. Zitu—one -succeeds where another only dreams."</p> - -<p>"Success," said Croft, looking directly at her, "consists very largely, -Princess Naia, in refusing to be denied."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For a moment she endured his steady contemplation, and then her lids -drooped, she picked at a fold of her garment. "And you succeed? You -refuse to be—denied?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, by Zitu!" her companion told her quickly. "I refuse to question -the possibility of aught which Zitu permits or ordains."</p> - -<p>And suddenly Naia of Aphur threw up her head in an almost haughty -gesture. "As were fitting, being Mouthpiece of Zitu," she made answer, -"speak further. Tell me of your plans."</p> - -<p>Womanlike, she had touched him on a soft spot. Croft blazoned forth. -And though now in all things mortal he was Tamarizian indeed—still -he was a man—and because of the peculiar circumstances leading up to -his present position, he still clung to many of the habits in thought -of earth. Furthermore he had planned at some length the night before -concerning the manner of his demonstration of electricity to Himyra. -And in those plans he had put all his eggs in one basket, more or less. -He had planned to make it what on earth he might have called "some -time."</p> - -<p>Hence he ignored Naia's evasion of what had been growing into more -or less a tense situation, fell in with her suggestion, and began a -delineation of his designs. And despite herself, as he went on, Naia, -being a typical Aphurian and, like her people, one of a pleasure-loving -race, found her interest quicken, her somewhat formal pose forgotten, -her brain filled with pictures never beheld before; so that long before -he had finished her eyes began to shine.</p> - -<p>"Himyra shall see sights such as she has never witnessed," Croft -declared. "I shall make lights. Already for them the plans are drawn. -Lamps they shall be of glass and metal, which, when the new force shall -pass through them, shall glow, yet without emitting any smoke or flame. -These first I shall show at a public celebration, in small numbers. -Later they shall flare from one end of Aphur to the other. Yet before I -present them to the people, I shall have completed yet another device -which shall be for a part of the celebration—a machine which, like the -motors across the desert, shall fly through the air."</p> - -<p>He went on, lost in the joy of portraying his intentions to her, and -described the airplane, drawing in graphic words a verbal outline of -each part, from the metal fuselage to the wings.</p> - -<p>It was then for the first time that Naia interrupted. And not as an -interruption, but in their nature her words were surprising in a way. -Gradually as Croft described the airplane he meant to build, her whole -expression had changed, had grown wide-eyed and parted of lip, a thing -of rapt attention, until as he paused, with the promise of himself -riding the air at the coming celebration, she exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Thou wouldst be as a bird in thy daring, and the birds I have often -yearned to follow! To rise like them, singing in broad circles against -the sun, or with beating wings to breast some cloudy storm. Zitu -permitting"—she lifted herself on her couch, and her whole form seemed -to expand with the thrill of the conception—"I myself would delight to -fly with these thy wings."</p> - -<p>"Thou?" Croft found that her wish both upset and thrilled him. The -spontaneous flare of daring it mirrored forth, the flash of the lovely -eyes that accompanied its expression, the light of its thought on her -face, all woke a quick admiration. But—the following consideration -of her glorious life exposed to the perils of the undertaking roused -something like consternation in him.</p> - -<p>And as the thought clouded his face and he stammered forth his -interrogatory exclamation, Naia relaxed the tension of her figure, -reclining again on the couch. "Nay," she said, "if it fills you with -displeasure, forget my overquick speech. There shall be new light in -Himyra, and Zitu's Mouthpiece shall ride above all men's heads, on -the wings of his devising, that they may behold him and wonder at his -wisdom. What else?"</p> - -<p>Mentally, Croft winced at the subtle turn of her words. Almost it -seemed to him that she purposely misunderstood his hesitation, seeking -thereby to mask the temporary loss of her own pose, the well-nigh -forward interest she had displayed. But, aside from an inward emotion, -he gave no sign that he noted the personal bias of her rejoinder.</p> - -<p>"In the afternoon there will be a ball game," he said. "Robur and I -will select the teams."</p> - -<p>"Base-ball?" Suddenly Naia laughed. Her arms rose, and she clasped her -hands behind her head. Her whole figure, clad in white, embroidered -over the breasts and about the hem in scarlet, blue, and green, with -small gems to produce something like a Persian effect, stretched its -supple length in an almost indolent fashion. She began toying with the -ends of its fringed girdle. "Robur tells me 'tis a game you brought -with you from—earth."</p> - -<p>Abruptly Croft became aware of the scrutiny of her eyes, for the space -of a heartbeat, then they were again inspecting her girdle's fringe.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he answered, sensing that once more she was groping for some -sign in his words or manner. "Have you witnessed a game?"</p> - -<p>Naia nodded, without looking up. "Robur insisted, after he had -contrived to throw a ball through my chamber window and drop it into -the mirror pool with a most surprising splash, to say nothing of waking -me with the water in my face."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft smiled. He suspected Rob had been continuing his experiments with -the intricacies of curves.</p> - -<p>"Since then," Naia went on, "I have been seeking to aid him in the -mornings with something he desires to learn. It seems that he declares -a ball may be thrown so that it changes its direction in the air, and -I confess that, watching one of the team pitchers whom he pointed out -at a game, it appeared that it was done. We have risen and worked for -several mornings together; but, besides breaking two windows and some -flower urns, we have little to show for our pains. Gaya declares he -will destroy the palace unless you teach him the trick on your return."</p> - -<p>"I shall join you in the morning," said Jason, laughing, as her red -lips smiled.</p> - -<p>Naia regarded the arches of her pink feet, bared save for sandals of -scarlet gnuppa leather, caught about her slender ankles by silver -bands, to which were linked chains of silver running up on either side -of the heel and between the toes. "Then," said she, "shall I let you -take the ball when he throws it. I confess it burns my hands. As to -this new light—what does it burn, since it neither smokes nor flames?"</p> - -<p>"A substance," said Croft, "made from koal." And now as he spoke he -watched his companion in turn. And suddenly he met her eyes in a glance -that thrilled—a glance that spoke of recollection, that seemed for an -instant to flash him a voiceless question, yet one whose meaning to him -was plain. And for a moment it seemed that an actual question trembled -on the lips of the perfect mouth he watched, before Naia spoke in an -almost breathless fashion.</p> - -<p>"Koal—the strange, black stone you have set men to digging in the -region to the west? Jason—how knew you where to find what, before your -coming, in all Aphur was unknown?"</p> - -<p>Croft's heart leaped, both at what he felt was the animus back of the -query, and the fact that now, for the first time to him in the unity of -soul and body, she had used his name. And suddenly daring the issue, -he let his eyes sweep from her golden head to pink-nailed toes, in a -glance that was subtly like a caress, before he answered slowly: "I -came upon its locality on a day when my body lay sleeping and my spirit -wandered as you have heard that it does. Some might say that Zitu -showed it to me—in a dream."</p> - -<p>Naia of Aphur went pale. Her color faded. One of her hands crept up and -lay above her heart. For a moment she plainly struggled for control, -and then she faltered. "A dream, say you—a dream?"</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. "Yes. Did you not speak to me yourself of one such, in -which you had learned of my intent concerning the use of water to bring -new light to Himyra? Said you not as much the afternoon of that sun on -which you and Hupor came upon me by the stream?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, aye—oh, aye, indeed." Naia's tone was listless, weary. "Yet am I -not Mouthpiece of Zitu. Who am I to dream?"</p> - -<p>And suddenly Jason Croft caught a breath deep into his lungs. Close to -the borderland between spirit and body were they in that moment, and -he knew it—close, very close. A little more thought, a little more -pondering and questioning of itself, and this girl's spirit must spread -the wings of the soul in conscious understanding of the truth. His eyes -lighted at the recognition of that fact. His nostrils tensed a trifle -about the angle at thought of all it must mean.</p> - -<p>"No, Mouthpiece of Zitu are you not called," he said. "Nor is there any -mouthpiece of Zitu, save through the soul of man. Yet are you daughter -of Ga, and a woman, through whom man's soul must pass before man be man -indeed. Thou art the door between man and Zitu, and in so much nearer -than man to him."</p> - -<p>Then for a moment he paused and sat with a fear beginning to stir -within him lest he had dared too much. For she said nothing, nor moved. -Nor did she look at him, or, as he fancied, at any objective thing. -She lay reclining, her body rising and falling to a long, slow rhythm -of breathing, her gaze directed off across the shimmering ripple of -the pool. But as he watched, her expression softened, became rapt—as -though the purple eyes beneath her long-fringed lashes were beholding -what save to herself was an invisible thing. Her lips moved without -sound. But Croft, reading their motion, knew that they framed two of -his own words: "The Door."</p> - -<p>"Yes—the door—above which Azil spreads his wings," Croft repeated -softly.</p> - -<p>Once more he broke off and sat waiting. Because his words had been -almost an allusion to the betrothal gift of Tamarizian men to their -women—that seal of Azil she had torn from her girdle and returned in -scorn to him. And that she would understand it, considering how largely -symbolism entered into Tamarizian speech, he felt assured.</p> - -<p>Nor was he kept long in suspense. Naia's steady breathing broke -its rhythm. With a lithe movement she first sat up on the couch, -then lifted herself to her feet. Her eyes turned toward him. The -introspective light was gone from their blue depths. They blazed with a -purple fire. "Enough!" she panted as she faced him. "Friend thou art of -my cousin, and friend art thou to his wife. Mouthpiece of Zitu art thou -to my nation, and as such I yield you my respect. Yet speak not any -more to me such words as these, and let us have understanding. Daughter -of Ga am I, and a woman as thou knowest; but one for whom not—any more -does Azil spread his wings."</p> - -<p>She paused and stood before him, head back-tilted on the round, white -pillar of her throat, arms straightened beside her a trifle extended, -drawn a trifle back, tense as a tightened cord in all her slender -length; staring wide-eyed into his eyes, until abruptly she lifted a -hand and struck herself sharply on the breast and turned from him, -crossing the court to disappear from sight.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Beside the pool Croft remained more than a little disturbed by the -feeling that, urged on by the propinquity for which he had thirsted -through weeks, he had on this first meeting risked too much. Nor was -his mood lightened by the fact that Naia failed to appear at the -evening meal, and the questioning expression in Gaya's glance, which -she turned upon him from time to time. As a matter of fact, the girl's -close presence had gone to his head, and he had literally sought to -gain from her some sign—to speak not so much to her physical mind as -to her soul. But as he sought his chamber that night, it appeared that, -instead of rousing an answering flash from her spirit, he had struck a -note which in some way disharmonized.</p> - -<p>And because of that he sought her out, safe once again in the -undertaking, since should he call her to him in the astral body now, -she might well think that she dreamed once more—a dream inspired by -his presence in Robur's house.</p> - -<p>He willed himself to her. Long practice had made it easy. With him -now, such things occurred in a flash. It was his intent to summon her -forth, speak to her such things as he dared not speak yet in the flesh. -But once in that yellow-draped room of Robur's dwelling where he had -thought to find her stretched on the amber-jeweled copper couch, he -paused—paused and stood waiting and watching, because—</p> - -<p>Naia knelt, a slender white shape in the dusk of her apartment, before -the figure of Azil, beside the mirror pool. And as once before, when -she had cried out to this same Angel of Life against the barter of her -body to a profligate traitor, for the saving of her nation, so now once -more Croft bent his head while she prayed:</p> - -<p>"Oh, Azil, who carry life from Zitu to all the daughters of Ga, by his -command—thou whose sign I have torn from my girdle and flung at the -feet of him who gave it, have pity upon me. For truly am I a daughter -of Ga. And though thy sign I hurled against him, even against the -symbol of thy widespread wings, yet was my action prompted by an agony -of spirit, rather than by any wish or intent to show disrespect to -thee. And were I wrong, set me aright.</p> - -<p>"Spread over me again thy shadow wings—let me once more be altogether -daughter of Ga, thy mother—not barren, but a fruitful thing. Or were -my impious act too great to be forgotten—if against me thy wings are -folded—if woman's birthright I may not hold, nor mirror the life of -him, as this pool mirrors thy form within it—if I may not be that Door -of Life he called me—have pity, Azil; Zitu have pity; have pity Ga, -and teach me a new strength."</p> - -<p>She rose. Her arms lifted. For a moment she stood so before the carved -figure. Then her lips moved. "Jason," they faltered. Her breath caught -in a sob. She turned and threw herself upon her couch.</p> - -<p>"Beloved!" Croft let the cry of his thrilling soul steal forth. -"Beloved you have called me. Beloved, I am here."</p> - -<p>Naia of Aphur stiffened in every soft line and curve. She lifted her -head as one who listens. She lifted her slender body on her rounded -arms. Then slowly, in a wide-eyed wondering fashion, since Croft -had not waited for sleep to claim her on this night of nights when -he had heard the confession of her love in the sacred shrine of her -night-wrapped chamber, she sat up.</p> - -<p>And now the borderland between objective and sub-conscious knowledge -was narrow—very, very narrow indeed—the consciousness of soul and -body was divided by no more than a breath, a hair. Croft felt that it -quivered as the woman sat there, rapt of expression.</p> - -<p>"Jason," she whispered again at last.</p> - -<p>"Beloved—come forth!" Close by the form of Azil, Croft took his -station, moved by the sudden impulse that for this girl who prayed to -be made once more all woman he was as Azil himself.</p> - -<p>The form of Naia swayed. It bent. Slowly it sagged down and lay relaxed -upon the couch. And between it and Croft where he waited, there -appeared the diaphanous, swaying, scintillating outline of her astral -shape.</p> - -<p>"Jason!" And now for the third time she cried it gladly with her -quivering, flaming lips. "Jason—Azil!" She stretched out yearning -hands. "Thou hast come to me again."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft, opening his own embrace and drawing her inside its -circle. "Yes, I have come—to tell you your prayer is answered—to tell -you that of all laws of Zitu, the greatest of all is love—that love -in which Ga brought Azil forth before he came to Palos to teach men -the way of life. Wherefore for Azil himself I speak when I say, as I -have said before, that for me—for me, and for me alone, you guard the -shrine of life—that some day, once more I shall place upon thy girdle -that sign that in Zitra you flung against my breast."</p> - -<p>"Thou hast it?" The contained fire of her substance glowed.</p> - -<p>"Yes." Croft smiled. "And some day the fleshly hands of Jason shall pin -it fast."</p> - -<p>"I was mad, mad!" his companion panted. "Much thinking, the shock of -learning thee other than I had thought, had made my heart sick, my -mind unsettled—too much I thought of the man, and not enough of the -spirit—the real you that is here with me now, as with you the real me -is here. Ah, Jason, Jason—one time in Lakkon's palace we stood thus -together in the body, and I—I yielded you—my mouth."</p> - -<p>"As once more you yield it." Croft lowered his lips to the strange, -lambent outline of hers beneath them. He kissed her in a strange kiss -such as he had never dreamed of—a thing all inexpressible softness, -seeming to hold in its contact a something that tingled like fire. And -as though that fire were a strange, cosmic solvent, for an instant as -short as a breath, as long as eternity, it was as though their two -individualities dissolved and flowed together, blended into one.</p> - -<p>Croft tore away his mouth. The thing had been too real. It left a -weird, staggering sensation quivering through him, and the form within -his strong arms quivered. Its auric fires of white and gold and purple -were more radiant than they had ever been. Naia's hands clung to him. -Her eyes were uplifted. "Go—go!" she panted. "Send me back to my body. -Yet wait not so long to come to me again."</p> - -<p>"In the morning I shall see you with Robur," said Croft as he released -her. For now he felt assured that she was very, very close to a -conscious understanding of the nature of their love—its wonder—its -glory—its truth.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> - -<h3>THE KING'S MESSENGER</h3> - - -<p>And that she stood very near indeed to the threshold of understanding, -the weeks that followed their third astral meeting showed.</p> - -<p>It showed in a changed demeanor of their meeting the next day. Croft -waked with the sound of her voice in his ears, and lay for an instant -startled in the half world between waking and slumber before he -realized that it drifted from the bathing court of the palace.</p> - -<p>Instantly he sprang up, recalling her words of the day before -concerning Robur's daily practice at throwing curves with a baseball. -He glanced out. Already Naia and her cousin were at work. Croft had -overslept, as it seemed, but now his pulses quickened at the picture -Naia made.</p> - -<p>As he reached the window Robur threw the ball, and the princess ran to -retrieve it. All in white she was—a single fluttering garment, its -skirt tucked up and caught together for greater freedom of movement, -revealing a flashing play of speeding limbs. Bare on the tiles of the -tessellated pavement were her pink-arched flying feet, and bare her -outstretched reaching arms. And her hair, free, was a cloud of flying -gold about her face. An old-time story flashed into Jason's mind. So -he thought might Atalanta have appeared, free-limbed, glorious, and -unrestrained, as she ran her race. He turned away, tearing his eyes -from her youth and grace and beauty, and hastened to dress.</p> - -<p>As he came forth five minutes later, she flung the ball with a truly -feminine overhead gesture to where her cousin stood. "Zitu, my cousin!" -she teased with a flash of milk-white teeth between the twin crimson -portals of her mouth. "You throw wider of the mark, and still more -wide. To me it seems that you lack that which you speak of in Jason's -words as 'control.' Thy ambition to be a pitcher stands in sorry case."</p> - -<p>And then she caught sight of Jason himself and broke off, while across -her lovely face there stole a flush as soft as the dawning Sirian -light—a flush as beautiful as that on the bosom of rising Aurora, -Croft thought. She was panting somewhat, perhaps from her exertions, -perhaps from an inward emotion as she turned toward him and held out a -tapering hand. "Hai, Jason!" Her red lips changed the object of their -speaking, and her blue eyes met his fully. "It is morning—and—I see -you again."</p> - -<p>"And I thee," said Croft as he touched her fingers—"fairer, more -beautiful and altogether lovelier than the dawn itself. Thy voice -awaked me and told me I was late for our play with the ball."</p> - -<p>But his blood was singing, his pulses pounding. The thrust of his heart -was a visible beating at the base of his stalwart throat. For her words -had been but a paraphrase of that promise he had spoken to the soul of -her he had held the past night in his arms. And more than any others -she might have spoken, they told him that at last, as a waking woman, -she began to understand.</p> - -<p>Yet he gave no further sign, and Naia herself seemed contented with -that one brief interchange. "Aye, teach him, instruct him, and thou -canst. He is willing, but he accomplishes little with a vast amount of -work to himself and my feet and hands."</p> - -<p>And Jason laughed with a wonderful exultation coursing through him as -he took the ball from Robur, who had approached.</p> - -<p>Thereafter for a half-hour he instructed, and Naia retrieved the -Aphurian's wild heaves and pitches, until by degrees Robur gained the -partial mastery of a simple inward curve; and Naia, her face dewed -with a fine moisture from her part of the practice, protested against -any more that morning, declaring instead for a bath, and moving toward -the pool, loosening her garment on the shoulder as she walked.</p> - -<p>It fell from her, leaving her in the Tamarizian costume employed by her -sex when both men and women bathed—a sort of harness about the back -and shoulders—thin, glinting chains of metal supporting gem-incrusted -shields above the breast—a girdle at the waist to fasten about her -hips, a gold and purple covering, not unlike a pair of trunks. Croft -was acquainted with the fashion, but never before had he seen Naia so -revealed. He caught his breath with an audible inhalation, and became -aware that Robur smiled.</p> - -<p>"Go," he suggested as he moved to join Naia in the sun-kissed water. -"Tell Bela to ask Gaya for a garment, and join us in the pool."</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. He hastened away. He found Gaya's maid, and once with -the trunklike article she produced, lost no time in putting it on and -returning to the court where Naia and Robur were now contesting in -the water, with choking word and laugh. In a clean dive, he cut its -surface, shot across the full width of the pool, and came up at Naia's -side.</p> - -<p>Her hand crept out and lay against him. Almost it seemed to him that -she sought the contact. "You are strong, O Jason. You should be at home -in the water, even as an Acquor," she said with a quick-drawn breath.</p> - -<p>There was a hint of witchery in her smile, however, as Croft knew. The -Acquor was a gaudy aquatic creature, colored something like a pheasant, -with the head of a goose, red legs, and blue, webbed feet. Consequently -he laughed as he replied: "Work in the mountains has reddened my skin, -it is true, O little fish of gold and purple and silver—yet have a -care, since the Acquor eats little fish that it catches in the water."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Naia exclaimed, as very much like a silver fish, indeed, she -dived.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Thereafter Croft forgot all else save her new mood and her presence, -until Robur announced that it was growing late, and that he had many -things that he must discuss with Croft.</p> - -<p>In such fashion, however, did he enter upon the multitudinous energies -that marked the following Himyran days. He plunged into them and -their endeavors with a song in his heart. Indeed, it was as though the -absence which until now he had actually courted had worked its effect -on them both—as though that propinquity which followed brought now a -sort of reflex attitude into their bearing toward one another, swung -them from one extreme to the other more than anything else.</p> - -<p>That first day Croft started work on the ovens to produce his coke. -With Robur he talked over all his plans. He drove out to the site of -his hangars and inspected the rising sheds. He returned to the shops -of the carpenter caste, and set in motion the work of assembling -the airplane wings. He inspected the bodies, found fault and made -corrections, looked into the motor plant, and ordered the captains -there to speed up their work. He drove to the glass plant from there, -and gave orders for the making of his arc-lamp bodies. He seemed -inspired with a ceaseless energy, which finally drove Robur into -comment:</p> - -<p>"Zitu—Jason, my friend, where is the need for such haste?"</p> - -<p>Then, and then only, did he realize with what a restless energy, what a -tireless thrill of driving force, he had moved from place to place.</p> - -<p>"None, Rob," he said with a quick-caught inhalation; "save that today -the fire of life burns high within me, and my spirit seeks action, not -rest." He broke off and lifted his own hand to the spot where Naia's -fingers had lain that morning on his flesh.</p> - -<p>And, as so often, Robur seemed in a measure to catch his thought. "Is -she not beautiful as a shaft of Zitu's own light?" he inquired, and -looked into Jason's eyes. "Gaya is beautiful, too, and I love her; yet -I think thy belief that she is the other half of thy soul is true. For -Mouthpiece of Zitu are ye, and wiser than all other men of Palos, and -Naia of Aphur, my cousin, is divine."</p> - -<p>"Thou hast said it. Her beauty drives me as the whip against the -gnuppa's flank. It quickens my endeavor, forces me to fresh effort—" -Croft began, and broke off as a captain, followed by a servant from the -palace, appeared in the door of the room wherein they stood.</p> - -<p>"Hai, Robur!" the captain exclaimed, advancing with uplifted hand. -"Here is one who seeks thee, as he says it, by command."</p> - -<p>"Speak," said Robur, turning to the other—one of a number of -Mazzerian runners who as messengers were kept always at hand.</p> - -<p>The blue man saluted in formal fashion. "One from Zitra awaits thee at -the palace. Even now others seek you from place to place."</p> - -<p>"Go. Say that I come." Robur dismissed him and turned to Croft. A -pucker of thought lay between his eyes. "This may be from my father. -I know not the nature of his message, but—my friend, accompany me in -this."</p> - -<p>Jason nodded. His heart warmed again, as so often, to this man. No -matter what word Jadgor might have sent, Robur, the son of Jadgor, -was his friend. David and Jonathan—the comparison flashed in his -mind as they left the glass-blowers' shop and entered the motor to -drive swiftly back to the palace at once. David and Jonathan! It had -been something like that between them from the first. He sensed the -subtle way in which, in the present instance, the Aphurian was giving -demonstration, that whatever stand Jadgor might have taken toward -Croft, his son would follow the dictates of love and honor in his stand.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>In the huge, red-paved court they left the motor and, passing between -the portal guards, made their way swiftly, side by side, to the -audience-hall where once Croft had seen Kyphallos of Cathur received -by Jadgor, Aphur's king. A man with the circle and cross on his -breast—Jadgor's emissary—was waiting there for their coming now. As -the two friends appeared, he rose.</p> - -<p>"Greeting to Robur, governor of Aphur and son of Jadgor, who sends me -to him," he began, producing a ring that Croft himself had often seen -on Jadgor's finger and pressed it into Robur's hand.</p> - -<p>Robur glanced at it and nodded. "Say on," he replied.</p> - -<p>"On Bithur, Mazzer makes war."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Robur started and turned his eyes to Croft.</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. Beyond a narrowing of his eyes, he gave no sign of the -quiver of surprise that shook him. "Let us sit down and hear the rest -of it," he advised.</p> - -<p>Robur waved his father's emissary to a seat and found one of his own. -"And now thy story, and quickly," he urged, while Croft found a place -by his side.</p> - -<p>"As thou knowest who led an army into Bithur when Zollaria made war," -the Zitran resumed; "there was promised to Mazzer, for her help of the -children of Zitemku to the north—whom Zilla take to himself—certain -of the expected spoils. And as thou knowest, in all that was -contemplated, both Zollaria and Mazzer failed. Yet was Mazzer promised -a free highway down Bithur's principal river to the Central Sea. -Mazzer, encouraged thereto as thy father thinks by Zollaria perchance, -now presses this demand. Bithur, being not as Aphur and Nodhur and even -Milidhur, supplied with the new weapons they used against Helmor's -armies, is weak. Already have there been clashes between the blue men, -better armed than ever before, and the men of Bithur along the border.</p> - -<p>"Towns have been burned—fields laid waste—women carried into the -forests, and men and children slain. Wherefore Jadgor commands you -this. Send to Bithur the armored moturs, and a thousand men with the -new weapon that shoots metal and fire with the death-dealing bolts of -metal they discharge. For since all Tamarizia is one nation, it is -fitting and just that the weak should cry for aid in their need to the -strong, and that the strong should hear. Jadgor, who sits on Hiranur's -throne as head of Tamarizia, has spoken. Let Robur of Aphur give ear to -his words and obey."</p> - -<p>"Aphur hears." Robur inclined his head. "Say to Hiranur that Aphur -obeys. The moturs, the men, and the weapons go to Bithur at once. Man -of Zitra, you will refresh yourself ere your return."</p> - -<p>"Nay." Already the other was on his feet. "This matter gives no rest. -I return so soon as Aphur's obedience is assured. Zitu speed the -fulfilment of your promise." As Croft and Robur rose he bowed and left -the room.</p> - -<p>Robur turned toward Croft. "Revenge," he said. "A war of revenge, my -friend. Zollaria, cheated of her foul designs, would harass Bithur's -borders. Hai!" His eyes flashed. "So be it. We shirk not what Zitu -sends. Jason, go with me. Help me to send what is needed forth."</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft nodded, and for the rest of that long day the drive of -energy within him found full vent. Runners were despatched to notify -the captains of the civic guard, and a sufficient number of the -veterans of Croft's riflemen in the Zollarian war. Cases of cartridges -were loaded into the motor galleys along the quays. Six of the armored -motors Croft had designed and used against Helmor's legions went -roaring through the streets and snorted their ungainly way aboard the -waiting ships. What Aphur had been called upon to furnish, she set -about providing without delay.</p> - -<p>And yet, though in no way was he glad of this fresh need of armed force -on Palos; there was no satisfaction in his soul at the thought of dead -men, and women carried captive into the Mazzerian towns. Now and then -as he worked, superintending that transshipment of men and munitions, -Croft smiled. And his smile was strange as he found himself wondering -just how Jadgor would meet this flank attack—this guerrilla warfare -hurled against his most poorly prepared state by that beaten nation to -the north, which Jadgor seemed inclined to take credit to himself for -having defeated in war.</p> - -<p>And that night, because there were things he wanted to know, he decided -to learn them in the same way he had learned many, many things to his -own and Tamarizia's advantage before. He willed himself to Zitra, -to the palace and the presence of the man who had boasted to Zitu's -Mouthpiece of his strength.</p> - -<p>Zitra lay, all crystal and white and silver, under the triple moons. -And then he was in a room with Jadgor and Lakkon and another—a -stranger, whom he learned from the following conversation was a man of -Bithur, Parthys by name.</p> - -<p>The latter was speaking as Croft came in.</p> - -<p>"By Zitu!" he exclaimed. "These bands are led by men of Zollaria, -beyond any question. Some there are who have been killed in the -fighting, and—they have stained blue their skins and dyed red their -fair hair.</p> - -<p>"Beaten in fair fight, she sends her captains to lead these barbarians -against us—to outrage our women, and dash out the brains of sucklings -and destroy our men. Jadgor, this was planned. Even among the men of -Mazzer among us have there been whispers, so that blue men have slain -the Bithurians in whose homes they were employed, and information -has been transmitted from among us to our foes. This is Zollaria's -vengeance she sends another to fulfil. Like a blue swarm of stinging -insects, they swarm against us. Ten towns lie in ashes. Medai, our -governor, is gathering our people for defense so quickly as may be. -Yet, and aid be not sent us quickly, Zitu himself knows what may be -endured."</p> - -<p>Jadgor's dark face grew darker still at this report. He struck the -table by which he sat a characteristic blow with his fist. "By Zitemku, -the fiend whose spawn they are, they shall pay double price for what -they have undertaken," he declared. "For aid I have sent already to -Aphur. By now a swift galley should have arrived at Himyra, bearing my -agent to the governor, my son. Once has Jadgor, when of Aphur, saved -Tamarizia from Zollaria's designs. Fear not, Parthys of Bithur, that -with the same means Helmor was vanquished, we shall punish this blue -horde."</p> - -<p>"Yet were it not better"—Lakkon put out a hand and touched the corded -forearm of his brother-in-law, still tensed as it held his sinewy -fingers doubled into an almost hammerlike fist—"were it not wiser, -Jadgor, to ask the advice of him to whom much of our success against -Zollaria, and the return of Mazhur to the nation, is due?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"This Mouthpiece of Zitu?" Jadgor turned his eyes. "By Zitemku, Lakkon, -where are thy wits? Must Zitu, even through his Mouthpiece, teach us -our lessons twice? Have we not the weapons that carried death into -Helmor's ranks by the thousands of souls? Know we not how to use them? -Know we not that a thousand men so armed are the match for five, yes, -for ten thousand equipped with sword and shield? And a thousand of -such men I have asked from Robur, with a number of the moturs which -ground Helmor's guard in the last battle beneath their crushing wheels. -Enough! In four suns I myself shall go to Bithra, with our noble -Parthys, to confer with Medai. When the Aphurian galleys arrive I -myself shall take the field. Thou, as my agent, shall stay here till I -return. Small need to question Zitu's Mouthpiece in a matter such as -this."</p> - -<p>Parthys nodded. "Your words strengthen the heart, O Jadgor," he -resumed. "In four suns we shall depart? That is well. As yet it appears -that only Bithur is attacked. Were it not wise to send word into -Milidhur, lest along her borders these blue men forget the barter of -hides and dried meats and cheese, and turn to war?"</p> - -<p>"Aye." Jadgor nodded. "He who is warned is best prepared. Lakkon in the -morn see to it. Let Milidhur be watchful for the slightest hostile sign -along her borders. Then shall we teach this spawn of Zitemku to pluck -Zollaria's vengeance for her; and should we capture some of these -seeming men of Mazzer who have dyed themselves to play a part, I swear -they shall wear their false tintings ever."</p> - -<p>At least it was clear that Jadgor realized the nature of the trouble -along the eastern border. How completely he would be able to meet it -was a question which time alone would show. On the face of things, he -was acting promptly and in a calmly thought out way. Had there been -one single thing in his whole course open to objection, it would have -been his over-confidence of the final issue which Croft would have -criticised. But as he flitted back to Himyra he was fully aware that -Jadgor was one of the few men in all Tamarizia versed in the art of -war—was a good general in so far as Palosian methods of warfare went. -And it appeared that, with Bithur's man-power organized and augmented -by the thousand rifles, the six armored moturs from Himyra, Jadgor, -even as he himself had declared, was very apt to make short work of -Mazzer's naked horde.</p> - -<p>Hence, as much because he wished to so believe as for any other reason, -it was with the feeling that the affair along the Bithur borders was no -more than a tempest in a teapot that he opened the eyes of his body and -turned himself on his couch. Let Jadgor handle it in his own fashion, -since he felt fully able, as no doubt he was, with the aid he had asked -from Aphur, even now going rapidly into the galleys where Himyra's -fire-urns flared along the quays, and the little cars trundled down the -merchandise tunnels, bearing cartridges and rifles. As for himself, -Croft smiled. He had plenty to do in Himyra, and—Naia of Aphur had -gleamed like a blade of silver that morning as she cut her slender -way through the waters of the pool. Only he had called her a little -silver fish, and she had cried out and dived. He rose and lighted an -oil sconce, and found the silver medallion, with its embossed figure of -Azil and its circle of blood-red stones. Placing it in his palm, he sat -staring at this amulet that had once proclaimed her his.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> - -<h3>BETWEEN HIMYRA AND THE SUN</h3> - - -<p>In the weeks that followed, many things transpired. The line of poles -stretched its length from the power station to Himyra, and men were -stringing wires. Croft made coke, ground it into powder, mixed it -with a cohesive substance, and molded it into carbon cores, to serve -his growing arcs. Also, he began experimenting in the construction -of batteries, both moist and dry cells. He succeeded with the former -from the first. And for these experiments he demanded of Robur, and -obtained, the use of an unused room in the palace, where he often -worked at nights.</p> - -<p>Chemistry, as an exact science, was unknown on Palos, but through -consultations with the local caste of physicians Croft managed to -collect a certain number of crudely refined salts which they commonly -used as drugs. The room where Croft delved into the simpler mysteries -of nature became an apartment of wonder to Robur, who came to it first -himself, and later brought Gaya and Naia.</p> - -<p>And on the night of their first coming, Croft explained the laws of -chemical affinity as best he could to the three, comparing the force -that drew the ions together with love, and caught a comprehending flash -from Naia's blue eyes.</p> - -<p>Thereafter she came as she willed when he worked, and watched while he -struggled with his far from satisfactory equipment, and asked a hundred -questions, until he suggested that she assist him, whereupon she -accepted with a readiness that filled him with surprise. Night after -night thereafter she donned a coarse smock and labored at his side, -finding a new world open before her with the wide-eyed interest of a -child; beholding for the first time the deliberate manipulation of the -hidden forces of nature, beginning at length to understand man's right -and power to use them to his advantage, direct them and command, to -look upon them not as some supernatural manifestation, but as a wholly -natural thing.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile in the motur shops, Croft's by now expert force were -assembling the first two airplanes. And in the same place, since he -could work there as well as anywhere else, and supervise their work at -the same time, he and Robur spent a part of each day constructing a -resistance coil and a temporary switch on a slab of the marble white -stone so much in evidence on Palos, against the day when the new light -should be shown to Himyra first.</p> - -<p>At the end of two weeks, however, he moved the now finished wings -and bodies in which the moturs had been installed to the hangars -and installed a force of men with them there to complete the work. -Meanwhile at night he kept up his search for a satisfactory dry cell, -telling Naia that the success of the flying machine depended upon it; -so that when at last he succeeded, and she felt the current tingle -through her fingers for the first time, she cried out in delight.</p> - -<p>And in those two weeks, as Gaya had planned, as Croft had known must -happen, constant association and education had its effect. As they -played ball in the mornings, and bathed, and worked, and sought for -strange, new results such as the woman had never dreamed in all her -existence, they drew closer and closer together in their aims, their -every interest, their understanding, than they had ever been. In his -own way and by his own methods, Croft was rapidly raising the woman, -whom as a woman he worshiped, toward his own mental plane. Thus in the -end she came to a realization that those things which had once seemed -as much a miracle to her as to any of her people, might very well be -manifestation of natural law within the grasp of man.</p> - -<p>His dry cells perfected, the success of his engine ignition -assured—several arcs nearing the finished stage of their construction, -Croft had a new thought. He decided that after his demonstration of -the airplanes at Himyra, he might wish to exhibit them at Zitra, and -altered his plans somewhat as a result, and equipped each plane with a -set of buoyant pontoons, thereby converting them to the type of flying -fish more nearly than anything else. He explained his reason for this -to Naia, with whom he was now talking everything over fully, and she -smiled.</p> - -<p>"On the water they will run as well as through the air," she said, when -he had finished. "Jason—you must teach me to fly as well as everything -else."</p> - -<p>And as on the first afternoon of his coming to Himyra from the -mountains, Jason frowned. "I like not the thought. There is danger in -this flying."</p> - -<p>"Danger?" Naia of Aphur arched her brows. "Think you I have any fear?"</p> - -<p>"No," he hastened to assure her. "It is Jason who for thee would be -afraid."</p> - -<p>For an instant she colored and then went a trifle pale. "And what of -Naia of Aphur, think you, when Jason dares this danger, my friend?"</p> - -<p>"It is a matter of knowledge," Croft said quickly, thrilled by her -hinted meaning. "I have driven them before."</p> - -<p>"On earth?" Naia's pupils widened swiftly, making almost black pools of -her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Yes, on earth, where they use them also in the battles of their wars."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" cried Naia sharply, with a quiver of her finely chiseled -nostrils as she caught the picture his words conveyed. "To rise and -wheel and fight—to struggle like great birds in the air. This earth of -which you speak must be a wonderful place."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft, as he went on and told her many things, describing -among others the aviator's dress.</p> - -<p>"And what will Jason wear on Palos?" she asked.</p> - -<p>Croft laughed. "I had not given it any attention. I must consider the -matter. Perhaps a garment fashioned out of gnuppa hide."</p> - -<p>Naia nodded. Suddenly her scarlet lips were smiling. "In my mind I see -as in a painting these leather-clad men of earth. Leave the matter of -your apparel to Naia, and you will, O Jason," she replied.</p> - -<p>And Croft assented, filled with both pleasure and surprise.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Then came a night to Aphur very much like that before the first motur -was finished—a night when a very few hours would see the first pair -of airplanes done. And that night Croft remained at the hangars, -examining, tuning, testing and testing again the motur he meant to -demonstrate to Robur and the gaping workmen, with the dawn. Over and -over he turned on the spark and sent the giant-voiced engine spinning -with an ever-steadying hum. Under the flare of oil slushes burning -about him, he looked into the face of the captain in charge of the -hangar crew and found his bronzed skin pale.</p> - -<p>"Thou wilt dare it, Mouthpiece of Zitu?" the fellow said in a tone of -awed deference, meeting Croft's glance. "Thou wilt attempt in this -device to mount the air? Brave men have there been in Tamarizia, aye -and brave women, yet none like to thee before."</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" said Jason, and laughed with a catch in his breath. For -indeed he was thrilling with a vast sense of accomplished purpose as -the motur roared. "With the sun I shall be a thousand vestrons over -your head," he declared, meaning thereby approximately three thousand -feet. And he laughed again, more in sheer nervous tension than from -any humor as the captain instinctively tipped back his head and stared -at the hangar roof.</p> - -<p>Satisfied at length that everything was ready, he threw himself on -a pallet, from which he rose at dawn. To his rousing cry came the -captain and his men. The doors of the hangar were opened, and the first -airplane on which Sirius had ever shone was trundled out, rolling on -wheels affixed to the bottoms of each pontoon.</p> - -<p>And even as it appeared, a motur flashed from the blurring shadow of -Himyra's red walls and dashed toward it along the road. It was Robur -coming to witness his friend's latest venture, driving in a smother -of dust and impatience. Leaning against a vane, Croft watched his -progress, and so received a surprise. Robur was not alone.</p> - -<p>At first Croft noted the fact with wonder, and then with a leaping -heart. Naia was with him—Naia of Aphur. He was to make his first -attempt to scale the air of Palos before her purple eyes. He caught a -deep breath, and his own eyes flashed as the motur approached, and he -went toward it, and Robur sprang out.</p> - -<p>"Hail, Jason, Tamarizia's first man-bird!" he exclaimed, glancing from -Croft to the huge machine. "Zitu, I can scarce believe that so large a -thing can rise and take to wing."</p> - -<p>"Bird-man, not man-bird, Rob," said Croft, giving Naia a hand to assist -her from the motur, and becoming aware that she carried a package -across her knees.</p> - -<p>"Thy garment," she explained, extending it to him. "Go into the cote -where you house your bird and put it on."</p> - -<p>"My thanks for it, and your presence," Croft accepted and helped her -from the car. "Hai, Rob—don't fool with the engine, will you, while I -don my new attire?" He turned away and disappeared through the hangar -doors.</p> - -<p>And there he opened the bundle with unsteady hands and lifted what it -contained. Trousers, or rather breeches, they seemed of leather as -soft as the finest earthly ooze grain—a tunic—a helmet—leg-cases -fashioned to strap on. And Naia of Aphur had designed them, had planned -them, directed their making, had brought them to him this morning. -Croft's hand actually fumbled the buckles as he put them on. Yet in the -end the thing was done, and he stepped forth clothed from toe to head -in russet brown, save for the front of the helmet, through which shone -his face.</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" cried Rob, and Naia's eyes were shining as he advanced toward -them followed by the hangar's crew, and mounted into his seat.</p> - -<p>Over the fuselage edge he looked down directly into their blue depths. -And suddenly they lost their glint of pleasure, grew dark and a trifle -strained in the white oval of her face. "Take places!"</p> - -<p>The hangar crew ran to the stations Croft had already assigned.</p> - -<p>"Ready!" Two of the men laid hold of the propeller and sent it around.</p> - -<p>With a roar the engine caught on. A cloud of backdriven dust half -veiled the men who steadied the huge plane against the drag of the -motur holding it, checking it as it strained and quivered like a hound -against the leash.</p> - -<p>"Let go!"</p> - -<p>The men fell back. The plane quivered, moved slowly in advance. Out -across that same desert where once Jason had driven the first motur in -a mad, reckless dash to save Naia of Aphur's life, he now shot forward -in the first quickening dash of Aphur's first airplane. Forward—faster -and faster—faster and faster—then up. Obedient to his shifting of -the controls, the huge machine tilted, seemed to rear on its haunches, -lifting its nose, its wheels, rising, rising—free of the ground at -last—free and rising, higher and higher, up! up!</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Up, up! A spear-point of the rising sun caught it and set it aglisten -as it rose. Up, up, its well-tuned motur roaring out the song of a -marvel's birth. Up and up against the pink and blue of morning. Up and -up, smaller and smaller to them who watched it from beside the hangar. -Then, as they watched, it turned. It turned and flew back above them, -five hundred feet in air. It began to spiral, ever rising higher above -the ground. And suddenly, though Croft did not know it at the time, and -Robur, lost in amazement, did not sense it, Naia of Aphur ran swiftly -to the motur and, carrying something crushed to her bosom, from there -to the doors of the hangar, and disappeared.</p> - -<p>Over the fuselage Croft looked down. The hangar was a little shed -beneath him. The cluster of watchers were a group of ants. A vast -elation filled his breast. Once more his efforts were crowned with -complete success. With no more than some minor changes, he felt that -his mastery of the Palosian atmosphere was assured. He altered the -inclination of his vanes and began sliding swiftly down, gliding -gracefully back to a rolling stop at the end.</p> - -<p>"My friend!" cried Robur, running up. He caught Jason's hand as Croft -climbed out, and stood clinging to it.</p> - -<p>And though an hour before Croft would have been well satisfied with -such recognition, he became aware now of hunger for something else. -Naia—it was her praise, her congratulations, he wished. He turned his -head, seeking her presence, and found it, and gasped.</p> - -<p>For Naia of Aphur had changed since he left. No more was she a glowing -girl in her fluttering garments, waiting to see him essay human flight -with bated breath. Gone were the filmy draperies that had swathed her; -and instead, she stood before him, habited like himself, in a smaller -suit of brown, which clung to her graceful limbs and supple torso like -a loosely fitted skin. Gone even were the masses of her golden hair, -veiled under a helmet of brown.</p> - -<p>But as he met them, her blue eyes were the same. And they were fired -with a light of excited anticipation. "Again!" she cried. "Again—and -this time I shall go with you, Jason—I would fly!"</p> - -<p>"Naia! My cousin!" Robur started forward a pace in instinctive protest.</p> - -<p>"Nay." She wheeled upon him, stamping a small foot incased in the soft, -brown leather. "Nay, Robur, I shall be the first woman in all Tamarizia -to fly." She stretched out slender, appealing arms. "Jason—is there -not place between your wings for me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes." There was something almost a veiled suggestion of wider meaning -in her words, and Croft caught it as he gave her his hand. The thing -was madness—but—it thrilled him—excited his admiration afresh as he -realized that the whole thing was no matter of the instant, no impulse, -but something she had thought out, planned—for which she had caused -her costume to be made at the same time as his own. And he had not the -heart to deny her, in the flush of his recent success.</p> - -<p>"Come," he said instead as Robur fell back, and caught her under the -arms, lifting her lightly up, until her foot gained a supporting hold -and she climbed to her place in the pit of the fuselage.</p> - -<p>And then, settling himself once more in position, Croft cried to -his men, and once more the engine roared. Briefly he glimpsed his -companion's face. It was eager, expectant, in the morning light. Her -breast rose and fell in a barely quickened rhythm under its covering of -brown.</p> - -<p>"Let go!"</p> - -<p>Once more the plane advanced, jolting, tipping a little, swaying to the -slight irregularities of the ground it ran ahead. Croft moved a lever. -The obedient monster answered. The desert fell away beneath. Up, up, -Jason of earth and Naia of Aphur, daughter of Ga, and child of Palos, -swam toward a brightening sky of pink and gold. Up and up. Once more he -stole a sidelong glance at his companion's face. It was lifted, tilted -a little back—its blue eyes closed.</p> - -<p>"Naia!" Croft spoke to her above the motor's roar.</p> - -<p>She lifted her lids, met his somewhat anxious regard, and smiled. -And from him she let her gaze wander over the whole vast panorama of -desert and mountain and the Central Ocean, blue and green and black -and gold, with a froth on the nearer waves like a fringe of white to -their shadowed flanks as it caught the light, and Himyra—the red city -beginning to glow as Sirius shot his shafts against its ruddy walls, -and like a dull chain, supporting the red jewel of the city on the -breast of Aphur, the yellow Na, outlined as far as the eye could reach -by a band of shimmering green.</p> - -<p>And suddenly her breast lifted, her lips parted, and she began to -sing—to sing as she had once cried to Croft that the birds she envied -sang as they rose against the morning—gladly—clearly—freely as a -bird itself might sing.</p> - -<p>So sang Naia of Aphur, between Himyra and the sun.</p> - -<p>After that Croft taught her how to fly. Having once yielded, he could -not well again refuse. And Naia had her way with him, as she had -meant to do ever since she first was taken with the notion of herself -controlling one of the new machines that he had made.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>But the promise to teach her she exacted that same morning after they -had returned to the palace. Robur ran off to tell Gaya concerning the -success of the trial flight, and Naia dared Croft to bathe. Afterward -he was half inclined to think she adopted the time and place to a -gaining of her point. Woman she would not have been had she not -realized her beauty and its appeal. But at the time he gave the matter -no thought.</p> - -<p>"You will surely teach me to fly?" she said almost as soon as they -floated side by side.</p> - -<p>"No," he denied in a somewhat uncertain fashion. "This morning I -yielded because of your great desire to be the first woman of Palos to -take to the air. In that I was not altogether wise. Again I would not -dare."</p> - -<p>"Yet and you yielded to my desire in the matter of this morning, -your excuse should be the same in yielding to me again, no less. Ah, -Jason"—her hand crept out and lay upon his arm—"now know I the -feeling of a bird when it rises and sings from pure joy, for the first -time in my life, and the knowledge thrills me; I would know it again, -because—" She broke off with a little, gasping breath.</p> - -<p>"Because of what?" Croft turned his head and looked into her -pansy-purple eyes.</p> - -<p>"Because," said she very slowly, "it is to me as though I was no longer -mortal—as though I had in some way left the body—cast off all the -weight of the flesh."</p> - -<p>"Naia!" Croft stammered. "Thou knowest?" and paused, strangely shaken -at the knowledge her words showed.</p> - -<p>"Aye—since the last time you called me to you. Come and I shall show -you, Jason." She turned and dived.</p> - -<p>Croft followed. Down, down, he followed her gleaming form through the -clear water. Down, down, until he swam beside it. And then lost, buried -deep in its liquid embrace, screened from all observation by the play -of the sun upon its surface, she turned still closer to him, and for -the first time since old Zud's blunder had brought misunderstanding she -offered him her scarlet mouth.</p> - -<p>From that kiss man and woman came up gasping almost as to a new birth. -Misunderstanding, all barriers of restraint, seemed to have been washed -away in the shimmering pool's soft flood. "Ah, Acquor, Acquor," Naia -panted, "thou has caught thy little fish at last."</p> - -<p>"Fear not, little fish," said Croft in a voice which quivered, "I shall -not eat you, but—this time I shall surely hold you fast."</p> - -<p>"And you will teach me to fly?" There was witchery in Naia's words -and in her smile; witchery, whimsy, almost a conscious knowledge that -now—now—she could not be denied.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft in open surrender. "And Zitu pity me if aught befall -thee."</p> - -<p>"Nay, I will be careful," Naia sobered. "And—and—"</p> - -<p>"And what—is there something more, beloved?" Croft questioned softly.</p> - -<p>"Nay." She lowered her eyes. "I must go fasten my girdle about me lest -we be late for the morning's meal." She swam toward the sunken steps.</p> - -<p>And suddenly Croft knew—the thought that had stirred her soul, and -it set his own soul glowing. In one swift stroke he overtook her. -"Beloved, beloved," he whispered to her, "on the day the new light -comes to Himyra I shall once more fasten thy girdle with Azil's seal."</p> - -<p>"The new light—" The fires in her blue eyes quickened. "Aye, Jason, -I would wear it in the new light," she said as, side by side, they -clambered from the pool. "Once in these waters I sought the mouth of -Zilla, and in them today I found Azil's, beloved, in the touch of -yours."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Croft met Gaya, and she stopped him. "Wise man, and -one of great wisdom, are you, Jason, as Robur, my husband, tells me, -saying, accompanied by Naia, you have conquered the air." She put out -her hand.</p> - -<p>Croft took it. He bent toward her. "Hark you, Gaya, my sweet friend," -he said, speaking softly. "The air is nothing. I have conquered -something else."</p> - -<p>"What mean you?" Gaya questioned.</p> - -<p>"That Naia of Aphur, on the day the new light comes, will wear my -seal," Croft told her.</p> - -<p>"Zitu," she exclaimed, smiling, "you have spoken, then, at last. Wise -man I have confessed you, yet to me you have seemed most blind in this -as most men are with women. Glad though am I for you both. But now she -was in my chamber, and radiant as Ga. She declared you would teach her -to fly, and easily deceived as I was, I thought it that."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>After that two causes hastened Croft's arrangements for the celebration -of the coming of the light. One was the renewal of his formal betrothal -with Naia, of course. The other was of a wholly different sort.</p> - -<p>As for Naia, save for the hours he spent in the shops, he was with -her the greater part of the time, either teaching her the control of -a plane, which she mastered quickly both on land and water, or in the -laboratory, or, in the evening, sometimes speaking with her alone, -sometimes with Robur and his wife. And in the laboratory, one evening -shortly after the day of their first flight together, Croft spoke to -her of love as he had spoken once before but with a different meaning. -Taking two salts in solution, he poured them together.</p> - -<p>"Behold," said he, as he mixed them and formed a substance compounded -of their blending which fell slowly to the bottom of the glass, -"behold, beloved, the chemistry of love—how each atom draws the other -atom to it, until they blend and are no more, but lose themselves each -one within the other to form a definite something which was not before!</p> - -<p>"Behold—for even so, beloved, it is with the souls of men and -women—each drawing the other to it; each blending with the other, -until in the will of Zitu, and they are truly mated, they melt into -perfect union, and a perfect spirit is born!" It was one way of -portraying the doctrine of twin souls, the "marriage of the lamb," -the birth into angelhood, dependent on the union of the two original -spiritual halves, and Naia nodded with a widening of her eyes.</p> - -<p>"Each draws the other to it," she said, coming close beside him. "Ah, -Jason, did I draw you to me really from the earth?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, by Zitu," he swore, and slipped an arm about her.</p> - -<p>"Thy need of me brought you unto Palos, even as thou hast called my -spirit from my flesh."</p> - -<p>"Aye," Croft said in a voice gone husky with emotion. It was the first -time she had mentioned those astral meetings in a fashion so direct.</p> - -<p>She eyed the new-formed substance in the glass before them. And -suddenly she smiled. Face, eyes and lips, her whole fair being glowed. -"They meet and mingle, melt into one another," she went on softly, and -lifted his other arm and drew it about her form to meet the other. "Ah, -Jason, thou messenger of Azil to me—that first night you lay in the -palace, yet came and bade the presence of my spirit, and held me even -so as you are holding me now; it was as though I forgot all else and -knew thee only; as though I was not, save as a part of thee truly, save -that I felt the strong fire of thy mouth."</p> - -<p>And, again, on a night when the sky was cloudless and the triple moons -had turned all the Palosian world to a dreamland of silvered plain -and sea and mountain, Croft spoke to her of love. That night he drove -her to the hangars, and they entered a machine. Up, up they whirled -through an air aquiver with moonbeams; up, up to a land of dreams. And -there between the heavens and the far-flung landscape they swam in a -dream world of their own making, while the plane wheeled in wide spun -circles, like some huge, dark bat against the skies.</p> - -<p>"Behold Palos!" Croft cried to her above the roar of the whirling -propeller, heard as it swept them forward, yet not seen. "Is it not -lovely, is it not fair—this one of all the millions of stars on which -we live? And yet why is it; for what purpose; why was it brought into -existence, even as you and I, beloved, and sent spinning through the -void from Zitu's hand, save for love; save that a million million men -and women might find a spot whereon their spirits, the real they, -should be given substance, in order that they should live and meet, -and know one another, and—love. Wherefore is the body of man no more -than the servant to give to love expression, since this is Zitu's plan: -that no man's spirit is complete without the woman's, that no woman's -spirit is complete without the man's; so that in his wisdom, each ever -seeks the other to make it whole and satisfy its longing. Thus then is -love assured, and life inspired."</p> - -<p>He shut off the engine and began a long, slanting, coasting down a -moonlighted, sloping path.</p> - -<p>"Love," said the girl beside him, "love so great that it spans the -space between the stars. And did I call you to me, without knowing, -yet now it seems to me, beloved, that I should know and find some means -to answer, no matter where you were."</p> - -<p>In a long sweep Croft brought the plane back to the ground. And then -without any verbal reply, he lifted her from her seat and bore her back -to the motur in his arms.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> - -<h3>IN THE GRIP OF WAR</h3> - - -<p>As for the other matter which speeded his preparations, it had nothing -whatever to do with love—was the exact antithesis of it, dealt wholly -with human passion, human strife.</p> - -<p>It was now over five weeks since the relief expedition had sailed to -Bithur from Himyra, and no word had come from Zitra since.</p> - -<p>Mentally, Croft had allowed at least two weeks for the galleys to reach -Bithra, the capital of the northeastern state, and unload their moturs -and men. Another week, he figured, should bring them well into contact -with the Mazzerian forces, if Jadgor moved as quickly as he felt -assured he would. And drunk as he was with love, busy as he was with -his own endeavors, Croft forgot not entirely affairs of state.</p> - -<p>As a result he chose a night some weeks after he felt sure the -Bithurian army and its reinforcements should have reached the Bithurian -borders, and willed himself to Jadgor's tent.</p> - -<p>A strange sight met his eyes. He swam above what at first appeared -to him as an enormous grassy plain; and beyond it was a forest, dark -in its own shadows beneath the moonlight, and beyond that again was -a flare of fires. Toward these he propelled himself without knowing -whither exactly he was going, yet arriving to find them the flaring -remains of burning houses, spread out on yet another open space beside -a river, a mere village, such as the peasant classes were accustomed to -inhabit, rather than one of the larger walled towns.</p> - -<p>And around it, through it, their bodies picked out by the moonlight and -the leaping of the flames, were hundreds—not of Bithur's soldiers, but -of leaping, howling, spear-shaking, blood and lust gloated Mazzerian -men. And beyond it as he saw now, overcoming his first surprise, lay -one of the armored moturs, ringed with intermingled Bithurian and -Mazzerian corpses and tipped upon its side.</p> - -<p>Disaster! For the first time Croft suspected a Bithurian route. In a -flash he returned to his original purpose and once more demanded that -Jadgor's position be revealed.</p> - -<p>And now a walled town appeared before him, not so large as Himyra, but -decidedly greater than Zitra, to judge from the circuit of its walls -inside which countless fire-urns flared. And within those walls, as he -sped above them, Croft beheld a beaten army's wrack—two of the moturs, -parked close inside a gate: weary men showing the marks of conflict, -stretched out beside them in a sodden bivouac.</p> - -<p>Then into a palace, built of what seemed a brown sandstone, with a -huge inner court paved in green, where fire-urns flared and guardsmen -stood before a door through which men in armor, with stern, drawn faces -passed in and out. Croft followed the progress of the latter and so -came at last to the presence of the man he desired.</p> - -<p>Jadgor, of Tamarizia—Jadgor, of Aphur—president of a nation, once -a haughty king. Jadgor, of Aphur, wounded slightly, with a binding -bandage wound about his grizzled head, with his armor dust-stained and -smeared with the grime of conflict, Jadgor scowling like some savage -creature overborne, driven into a corner, with the sinewy hand of a -muscular arm fingering in nervous fashion at his sword.</p> - -<p>And about him a cluster of drawn-browed, armored men, one of whom Croft -judged to be Medai, governor of Bithur, since his armor was jeweled -with the sign of the state, a green medallion halved by a bar of -iridescent crystals, to symbolize the mighty river Bith, which crossed -it with its flood.</p> - -<p>"Mazzer," said Jadgor, "has loosed upon us her whole horde. Armed are -they by Zollaria, led by Zollaria's men. By sheer weight of numbers -were we overborne—the wings of our army cut so that the center was -engulfed. Two of the moturs broke down, and those in charge of them -knew not the secret of the one device which causes them to run, because -he who constructed them first held the knowledge to himself.</p> - -<p>"The men with the rifles within them were cut off when their supply -of bullets was gone. Those others so armed, killed so long as their -bullets held out, when they also fell back before these blue fiends as -well. The fault is not with the weapons, but with the first seeming of -the matter. Men of Bithur, we face no barbarian border raiding. This -the principal city of your eastern lands shall soon be assailed. Men -of Bithur, this is war. For fresh aid I have sent—for more men and -weapons. Thrice on as many fields have we met them, and thrice have -we been driven back by press of numbers. They swarm like blue vermin, -and where one dies two take his place. Yet though crushed, we are not -vanquished. Wherefore we fall back on Atla as a strong place for our -defense."</p> - -<p>"Strong walls has Atla," Medai replied. "And Jadgor speaks strong words -from a strong heart. Yet if this be war indeed inspired and sent -upon us, not Bithur alone, but all Tamarizia may be affected thereby, -if Bithur fall. And since he who made these new weapons knows surely -best their use, were it not well also to send one asking him as Zitu's -Mouthpiece, to give us aid?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For a single moment Jadgor winced, and then he inclined his head. "Aye, -Medai of Bithur, so have I done. In the mouth of him who departed for -Zitra and Himyra, for speech with Zud the high priest, and Robur, my -son, have I placed words to that effect. For, as you have said, this -matter affects not one man or another, or even yet one state. The peril -lies now to our welfare as a nation. Were Jadgor to avail himself not -of all means to combat it Jadgor were wrong, and, by Zitu, I swear that -above all other things in life, it is Tamarizia that Jadgor loves."</p> - -<p>Croft thrilled to those words. Here spoke the old-time Jadgor, patriot -again. Even as the first time he had watched the man and listened, -as now, to his words, in those days when he sought to strengthen his -nation through the sacrifice of Naia, hoping so to block Zollaria's -plans, so now the <i>generalissimo</i> of Tamarizia's forces seemed thinking -of his country first. Wherefore Croft felt shaken in his soul, so -that a responsive emotion toward Robur's father waked within him and -glowed. And he vowed that such aid as was asked he would give, both -as Mouthpiece of Zitu, and as a man to whom Tamarizia's welfare, both -present and future, was identical with his.</p> - -<p>Swiftly he made calculation. At the best it would take eight days for -the messenger Jadgor had despatched to arrive. He willed himself back -to his own apartments in a flash and sat up on his couch. Much might be -done in a week he thought, and there was much to be done. Jadgor had -failed largely because the drivers of the moturs understood not the -nature of the magnetos which Croft had kept secret in their making, -and the ammunition for the rifles had given out. Well, for the first -part, he had dry cells now to insure ignition, aside from the more -complicated device. Moturs must be equipped with them without delay -and the arsenal Robur and he had equipped many Zitrans before, set -working—much ammunition, many cartridges and grenades turned out.</p> - -<p>He rose and called a guard and sent him for Robur at once. And when -he came to him, his face somewhat puzzled by this summons from his -slumbers, he told him all that he had learned, and how.</p> - -<p>And from past experience Robur believed without question. "Zitu!" he -cried, springing up and standing before Croft with eyes that were -flashing. "They are driven back on Atla, shut up inside her walls, two -of the moturs destroyed, their bullets well-nigh exhausted. They send -for fresh aid. Hai! Mouthpiece of Zitu, how do you advise?"</p> - -<p>Croft told him. "Start all men working on more bullets and the bombs -we throw by hand. Send men to call the assembly together against the -time Jadgor's messenger comes, yet state not why, save that Robur -commands. Order all captains of decktarons to hold those men we trained -in readiness for a possible call to arms. Give these orders merely; say -naught as yet of war."</p> - -<p>"Aye," Robur nodded, "it shall be done."</p> - -<p>"Speed also," Croft went on, "the completion of the other airplanes. -In the morning I begin training men to fly them when they are done. -Also"—his eyes narrowed with a sudden thought—"Rob—we shall remove -the dynamo, and transport it to Atla, after we have shown Himyra this -new light."</p> - -<p>"Thou wilt do that still—in the face of this?" Robur stammered.</p> - -<p>Croft nodded. Before his mind's eye floated Naia of Aphur's face—Naia -who was to pin the seal of Azil on her girdle the day the light he had -promised to Himyra was born. Come weal or woe, come war or peace, Croft -swore naught should interfere with that occasion.</p> - -<p>"Aye," he said, "on the seventh sun from this."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Yet despite Croft's interdiction on the spreading of the word abroad, -Naia and Gaya were told—the latter as Robur's wife, the former as -Croft's assistant in his work. For from now on she became fully that. -Day after day, from the hour of the morning bath until late at night, -she toiled in the laboratory he had equipped in the palace, preparing -the chemicals for the dry cells, aiding him with a tight-lipped, yet -unfaltering purpose while the cells were packed, taking full charge in -the daytime while he was engaged elsewhere on other work.</p> - -<p>Clad in a coarse smock, acid stained and scorched, her hands soiled -by the manipulation of reagents, she yet had never to Jason presented -a fairer, braver sight. She worked. She neither complained nor cried -out. She gave her service to her country and to him, in the depths of -her purple eyes an almost Spartan light. And Gaya helped. Day after day -she labored beside her, under her direction, learning in turn from Naia -what she had learned from Croft.</p> - -<p>"Are you not glad you have taught me to fly?" Naia questioned one night -as they worked. "See you not Zitu's hand in this, beloved, since when -you are gone to this spawn of Mazzer's undoing I may continue your -work?"</p> - -<p>"You?" Croft faltered, sickened at the picture of her meaning. "You -must not. As I have told you, there is danger."</p> - -<p>"Ah, but"—her smile was very gentle—"is there not danger to thee as -well? Think not my heart is like a frightened bird, did it speak in -place of my mind. Know you not that to me the loss of you blots out the -world?"</p> - -<p>"No," Croft cried, and swept her into his arms. "Tis a brave, brave -heart, beloved!" He caught and held her fingers. "O brave, brave heart!"</p> - -<p>For a moment she lay against him. He felt her shake. Then it was over, -and she straightened up again. "In three suns," she said, "your seal -shall glow again on my girdle. Tell me, beloved, for I hunger for -the knowledge, how may this separation of the spirit from the body, -which you have thrice brought about within my knowledge, be by oneself -attained?"</p> - -<p>"By desire," said Croft. "By a focusing of all the yearning of the soul -on that one thing—without doubt, without fear—by centering the mind -on its attaining and on the object whereat in that state you wish to -arrive; for indeed, beloved, it is the desire of the spirit in life -that accomplishes all things."</p> - -<p>"Desire," she repeated softly, "desire. Aye, now I see. One must forget -all, save only it, alone to attain it. It must be so great that nothing -else save only it remains—as great as the love you have wakened in -me—as your desire for me. Ah, beloved, when first Gaya told me of -your seeking me from earth, I thought it madness, though even then the -thought itself set me aflame. And then"—she threw out her arms and -stood before him glorious in her soul's surrender—"then you come to -me, in what at first I called—a dream."</p> - -<p>"Naia!" Croft stammered, lost in the glory of her. "Naia, what have you -in your mind?"</p> - -<p>She came closer. "Am I not your mate, who am about to lose you? Yet -were this power mine, perchance I, too, might visit you—in dreams."</p> - -<p>And now Croft saw her meaning, and like her quivered as once more he -held her in his arms.</p> - -<p>Then came to Himyra light! Croft smiled in singular fashion on the day -it came. Aphur's red city was in carnival attire. Its pavements swarmed -with life. Open refreshment booths did a thriving business, jugglers -plied their skill on woven mats stretched out in open squares. Jostling -crowds swarmed about them, filling the air with jest and good-natured -cries. The whole place hummed with a myriad life.</p> - -<p>And yet to Jason the whole scene was unreal—a mask, a carnival domino -spread as it was above a grinning skull. To him driving in his motor -with Naia in purple and gold, above which her snowy left shoulder and -throat made a band of ivory, the whole vast assemblage seemed no more -than the shifting fantasmagoria of a dream—a gorgeous play of color -through the mind of a sleeper not as yet awake. For Himyra made merry -in her ignorance of the catastrophe striking against the national -borders to the east. Jadgor's messenger had not as yet arrived.</p> - -<p>And though Himyra dreamed a dream of splendor, in which none had a -thought of care, though the crowds moved in indolent leisure through -street and public square, though copper-bodied motors roared and panted -over pavements laid in bitumen as smooth in their surface as a floor; -though plumed gnuppas pranced with a clatter of slender feet, and -bright-eyed, softly shrouded and perfumed women rode within them to the -games of the afternoon—the beginning of the celebration of what all -thought a new era in the life of Tamarizia and Aphur, still beneath the -surface seeming, because of Croft's knowledge, and the words he had -spoken to Robur, and Robur's orders, the inner soul of Himyra and all -Aphur prepared on this day for war.</p> - -<p>In a way the aspect of the city reminded Jason of the condition of the -woman at his side in those past days when the soul of her had been his -as always, and only the objective mind had failed as yet to wake.</p> - -<p>Today she had come to the game with him alone at his own request. -Outside the vast stadium where formerly all public games had been -held—a huge thing of red stone, that always reminded Croft of the -Colosseum of Rome—he helped her down. Through bowing crowds they -gained the entrance giving on what had once been the royal box, now -reserved for the governor of Aphur's suite. He led her in through a -gilded and frescoed passage, and conducted her to where a scarlet -canopy was spread above a tier of seats. She sank down, inclining her -head in salutation to a hundred greetings from neighboring boxes, until -the purple plume, rising from the cincture in her golden hair, was set -a-nodding above her lovely face.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Robur came with Gaya a few moments later. The vast assemblage rose and -the games began. First was a chariot race, entered by six chariots -drawn each by a team of four plumed gnuppas, driven at top speed. -Marthos, a young noble, won handily, amid acclaim from the thousands -ranged about the immense amphitheater, and was awarded a metal garland, -standing flushed with triumph before Robur's box.</p> - -<p>Followed various athletic contests, javelin throwing, foot racing, -shooting with bows and arrows at a herd of wild taburs driven into -the arena from pens beneath the tiers of seats, wrestling matches and -other sports, in which both men and women took part. In a way, as he -sat at Naia's side, the scene reminded Croft of a reproduction of a -public ceremonial of ancient Greece. For as in Greece and in Tamarizia, -for generations untold, the contestants threw off all their clothing -as they came to their stations and worked frankly nude until they had -ended their exhibition of skill or strength, when once more their -garments were donned.</p> - -<p>The minor events ended, there came a pause. Then from the far end of -the arena suddenly there dashed a chariot drawn by four pure-white -gnuppas, orange plumed. Straight for Robur's box they plunged and came -to a rearing halt as Marthos, to whom had been awarded this further -honor, drew them to a stand.</p> - -<p>Croft rose. He descended from the box and entered the car. Clad in -brown he was, in the suit Naia had designed and had made for him as -once more the gnuppas traversed the arena's length and stopped near to -where the men from the hangars had trundled the great plane into sight. -In a leap he was aboard. The attendants ran to their places. Two men -turned the engine over. It caught!</p> - -<p>Above the whispers of the multitude its roar rang out. The great plane -trembled. Its attendants released it. It trundled forward over the hard -packed floor of yellow sand. Straight as a die it surged toward Robur's -box until suddenly Croft changed his vanes. And then it rose. It shot -up at what looked like a forty-five degree slant. Up and up and up, -until it swam above the vast concourse of back-tilted faces. Like the -hum of a giant beetle, the sound of its whirring engine came down from -a cloudless sky to a myriad ears. Once, twice, Croft made the circuit -of the arena, and then began to settle, finishing with a graceful -volplane, which left him within a few feet of his start.</p> - -<p>"Hai! Hai! Hail to the Mouthpiece of Zitu! Hail to Jason, teacher -of all Tamarizia! Hail to him whose mind Zitu has enlightened above -all others!" the cry of the multitude rang out. Croft once more in -Marthos's chariot pushed back his leather helmet and bowed. Bowing to -right and left, acclaimed as a conqueror might have been, he rode back -toward Robur's box, and left the chariot and ascended to his seat, and -looked into Naia's face, finding it somewhat white, but smiling, and -bowing again before the tempest of acclamation began to subside.</p> - -<p>Then came the game of ball, on a diamond arena attendants were -beginning already to mark out, between the men from the foundries and -the team from the airplane shop. Robur himself rose and, taking a ball -from an ornate box extended to him by a guardsman, cast it out. Then, -as it was passed snappily to the pitcher of the foundry's team which -had won the inning and elected to send the airplane aggregation to bat: -"Play ball!" he cried.</p> - -<p>And suddenly as the first batter fanned and flung his bat away and -walked to the bench, very much like any disgruntled batsman of earth, -Croft smiled. It was unbelievable, of course. It was a fantasmagoria -of the brain. The thing couldn't be, and yet—there was the pitcher of -the founders, in a short-skirted tunic, below which his lean thighs -showed above his leg-cases of leather, cradling the ball, and cuddling -it in his palm. And there was the catcher, squatted down back of the -plate in breast-plate and mask, twiddling the signaling fingers of a -huge labor-browned hand, and—whir—snap! There was the ball thudding -against his mitt.</p> - -<p>"Strike on-n-n-e!" That was the umpire's voice.</p> - -<p><i>Cr-a-a-a-a-a-c-k!</i> That was the sound of a ball met fairly and lined -swiftly out. And there it went, a clean drive between first and second -base, into the right outfield.</p> - -<p>"Run, run—go on—go on!" That was Robur yelling in ungovernorlike -excitement.</p> - -<p>"Run—go on—run—oh, run—run!" That was the voice of Naia—of the -woman by his side.</p> - -<p>Croft turned to her and found her leaning forward, straining her -slender length from the hips, lips parted, her eager blue eyes wide.</p> - -<p>"Hold it!" That was the airplane's captain coaching the runner.</p> - -<p>Thud! The right outfield had slammed the ball into the second baseman's -glove.</p> - -<p>Croft smiled again. It couldn't be a baseball game on Palos, but—it -was.</p> - -<p>And as it went on the assembled multitude went wild. They cheered, they -jeered, they urged and encouraged, and cat-called and howled. They -stamped on the tiers of seats with leather and bare and metal-shod -feet. They waved hands and arms. State assemblymen already gathered by -Robur's orders, and guests of the occasion forgot dignity and joined in -the rising roars that greeted the different plays. And Naia of Aphur -was beating against Croft's thigh and yelling—yes, yelling, as the -founder's first baseman romped home on a far-reaching drive. "Come -on—come on," she was urging the runner. "Come on—atta boy—come home!"</p> - -<p>Croft prisoned her beating little fist and held it. The runner scored. -She looked into Jason's face and smiled. Croft thrilled. She was all -woman—-all glorious, lovely woman. He knew it, had seen it proved in -the last week when she worked stern-lipped for the good of her nation. -But today in this new-found pastime she had forgotten for the moment -and become a child.</p> - -<p>The game ended for the Founders, three to one, bringing with its -termination an intermission, since not until dusk would the lights be -turned on.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Blue men of Mazzer with torches began moving about the vast circuit -of the arena, lighting hundreds of oil flares. Blue girls with skins -of tabur hide on their naked backs and shoulders, and metal cups in -their hands, began threading the tiers of seats selling a mild, light -wine. Vendors of fruits and conserves for the women, and baked meats -and wheaten cakes plied an active trade. In the rear of Robur's box -was spread a table, and a meal was served. And before its beginning -Magur, high priest of Aphur, arrived. To him Croft and Naia rose side -by side and bowed. And suddenly Naia was once more all woman, as she -looked into her companion's face and flushed from throat to eyes. -Magur's coming meant she was to pledge herself to Croft before all the -assembled men and women of Aphur, once the new light came on.</p> - -<p>And in such fashion was it done. Two heralds with silver trumpets -appeared in scarlet livery, the color of Robur's house. From the front -of Robur's box they blew a blast.</p> - -<p>And on that signal the arena attendants began running to and fro -extinguishing all lights. Over the arena night came down as one by one -the oil flares died.</p> - -<p>Croft gave a final glance to the woman at his side—to her face, her -form, to her dress of purple and gold. He had asked her to put it on. -It was the garment she had worn on the first formal occasion in which -he had ever seen her take part. And its colors were the same as the -auric colors of that astral form of hers which he had seen and found -divine. Taking her hand he led her quite to the front of the box. There -on either side had been placed one of Tamarizia's first two arcs. And -in the back of the box was the controlling switch. And miles away in -the mountains men were waiting for the signal of a flare on Himyra's -walls to release the power. Already one had gone to see that the flare -was lit. And a captain was without to carry word when it shone forth.</p> - -<p>Now suddenly he appeared.</p> - -<p>Croft closed the switch.</p> - -<p>A click—a hiss—the crackling ignition of incandescent carbon—a -rising glow in the darkness—then—light—clear, radiant light!</p> - -<p>Light that flared up and wavered and steadied and shone on Naia of -Aphur, sheathed in purple and gold.</p> - -<p>A babble of sound, a cheer of acclaim.</p> - -<p>The trumpets of the heralds rang out.</p> - -<p>Jason stepped forward and took his place close by Naia's side.</p> - -<p>Magur, the high priest, arose, robed in his vestments of azure, -accompanied by two temple boys. Each bore a silver goblet on a tray of -the same metal that sparkled under the light.</p> - -<p>Magur lifted a silver stave crowned with the cross ansata. "Who cries -to Magur?" his voice rang out.</p> - -<p>"A maid who would pledge herself and her life to the man of her -choosing, O Prince of Zitu," Robur replied.</p> - -<p>"The man is present?" Magur went on in ritualistic form.</p> - -<p>"Aye, he stands beside her," Robur declared.</p> - -<p>"Who sponsors this woman?" Magur inquired.</p> - -<p>"I, Robur of Aphur, her cousin—child of the sister of her who gave her -life."</p> - -<p>"Come then in the name of Zitu," Magur said, and advanced to face the -arena, back of Naia and Croft.</p> - -<p>"Naia of Aphur—thou woman, and being woman, sister of Ga, and hence -priestess of that shrine of life which is eternal, the guardian of the -fire of life which is eternal—is it thine intent to pledge thyself to -this man, who stands now at thy side?"</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Naia of Aphur clearly, and looked not at Magur as she -answered, but into Jason's eyes.</p> - -<p>"And thou, Jason, known as the Mouthpiece of Zitu, whom Zitu has -inspired with his wisdom, even as no other man, do thou accept this -pledge, and with it the woman herself, to make her in the fulness of -time thy bride, to cherish her and cause her to live as a glory to the -name of woman, to whom all men may justly give respect?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, so I pledge, by Zitu, and Azil, giver of life," said Jason, -gazing on the woman as he spoke the words.</p> - -<p>"Then take this, maid of Aphur." Magur drew from his robe a looped -silver cross and placed it in her hands. "Hold it and guard it, look -upon it as a symbol of that life eternal that you shall be kept -eternal, and which, taken from the hands of Azil the angel, shall be -transmuted within thee into the life of men."</p> - -<p>Turning, he took the two goblets from their bearers and poured wine -from one to the other and back. One he extended to Naia and one to -Croft.</p> - -<p>"Drink," he said. "Let these symbolize thy two bodies, the life of -which shall be united from this time in purpose. Drink and may Zitu -bless thee in that union which comes into existence by his intent."</p> - -<p>Jason raised his goblet. "I drink of thee deeply," he spoke to the -lovely chalice of mortal life standing there.</p> - -<p>Naia set her goblet to her lips. "And I of thee."</p> - -<p>Then, and then only, Croft took that medallion of silver ringed with -red stones, which Zitra had burned against his breast. And lifting the -golden girdle which cinctured Naia's body above the hips he pinned it -once more upon it, so that it flashed like a scarlet eye, beneath the -newborn light.</p> - -<p>Magur lifted his stave. "Azil's seal has he set upon her. Let it speak -to all men's sight."</p> - -<p>"Hail! Hail! Mouthpiece of Zitu. Hail! Hail! Hail! Naia, maid of -Aphur!" From the vast arena a roar of acknowledgment and approbation -tore its way upward in the night.</p> - -<p>So as it seemed ended Himyra's greatest holiday; so for Croft and Naia -began a new phase of life. Yet though she had never seemed nearer, -dearer to him, the Mouthpiece of Zitu was vaguely disturbed as they -rode back to the palace through the still pleasure-making crowds. -Everything seemed very peaceful, very auspicious. But he could not rid -his mind of the picture which had troubled him for a week—the picture -of a burning village—of blue men leaping in savage exultation of a -beaten army's rout.</p> - -<p>Hence it was with no pleasure that an hour after their return from the -arena, while yet the city flared and rang with the carnival life of -the people, a palace guard brought word to him from Robur, asking his -presence at once.</p> - -<p>Nor when he had followed to the audience chamber of the palace was he -surprised to meet a man with drawn face, and eyes a trifle haggard—a -man wearing Bithur's green and silver circle, who rose now and saluted -him with flat palm forward, and burst into hurried, excited speech.</p> - -<p>"Mouthpiece of Zitu, Bithur is sore assailed—her armies beaten, the -aid Aphur sent her largely destroyed; wherefore in the name of Bithur -and of Tamarizia, Jadgor, president of the nation, now at Atla, sends -me to you and to Robur of Aphur, his son, to speak what is in his -heart."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> - -<h3>THE MAN OF THE HOUR</h3> - - -<p>Jason went to Bithur. Naia remained behind. In the week before the -celebration of their former betrothal they had so planned. Now, with -the red and silver seal of Azil once more glowing in her girdle, Naia -did not object. She was a woman. Croft knew she suffered. It was in -her eyes, the touch of her hand. But—as he had seen her prove once -before—she was a Tamarizian first.</p> - -<p>In the night Jadgor's messenger arrived, the assembly of Aphur was -called together. To it the Bithurian explained. Faces darkened and eyes -flashed as the startled statesmen learned that once more the integrity -of the nation was threatened. But, as a man, in firm determination they -empowered Robur and Croft to respond to Jadgor's plea, and accepted the -challenge to war.</p> - -<p>At daylight, with the airplane he had flown from the first and a supply -of grenades and fuel, together with the additional armored motors -aboard a swift galley, Jason left for Bithur and the battle-front, -taking Jadgor's messenger along. With him also he took a supply of dry -cells to insure the better performance of the motors already on the -ground.</p> - -<p>To Naia and Robur and the trained captains he left all the rest—the -assembling of troops, the lading of galleys with all sorts of supplies, -the forwarding of other completed airplanes with the men he started to -train in their use, whose training Naia of Aphur declared she would -complete.</p> - -<p>Only at the last did he hold her in his arms and lower his lips to the -low burning flame of her mouth. For Naia of Aphur's lips were pale -as they lifted to his farewell caress, and her slender body quivered -inside his arms and her purple eyes were dark with her soul's distress.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she said, clinging to him briefly, "you will come to me again. -Swear it to me by Azil, whose sign you have placed upon me—swear!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, by Zitu and Azil, I will return to you, woman of all women," -Croft declared, as he held her and once more pressed her lips.</p> - -<p>Then gripping the hands of Gaya and Robur, he left the palace, and Naia -herself drove him down to the quays.</p> - -<p>Seven days later he entered Bithra, the capital of Bithur, and left -it inside an hour, heading east along the Bith between banks where a -tropic vegetation came down to the water's edge, and the mighty flood -of waters swept in a turgid current between banks of trees.</p> - -<p>Morning brought him close to Atla, as the pilot taken on at Bithra -declared. Also it brought attack of a sort. From the banks as they -advanced the galley was suddenly greeted by a flight of slithering -shafts. Most of them, thanks to the range, fell into the water, but -one or two reached the deck. Croft lined a company of riflemen he had -hastily mobilized and brought with him on either side of the galley -replied with a crashing volley as the galley advanced. So after that, -meeting flights of arrows with bullets, he progressed, reaching a bend -from which the gates in the city wall spanned the river's flood and -flinging the flag of Aphur into view before the sentries on the walls.</p> - -<p>The gates swung open. The galley ran through. The gates were closed -again. The galley tied to a quay below the brown palace Croft had -visited in his astral presence; he marched off with his men. A -procession was debouching from the palace gate. It came toward him -quickly. He recognized Jadgor and Medai in the van. He halted his -company and waited. The others came on. Five paces before him they -halted.</p> - -<p>"Hai! Mouthpiece of Zitu," Jadgor spoke in greeting. "Thy coming is -welcome. What word from Aphur and my son?"</p> - -<p>"Aphur sends men and weapons to Bithur," Jason responded. "As for -Robur, son of Jadgor, he remains in Himyra to speed the departure for -Bithur of all that may be required."</p> - -<p>"It is well," said Jadgor. "Return with us to the palace where all -things may be explained. Medai of Bithur greets you in Bithur's name."</p> - -<p>Medai bowed deeply. The guards behind him and Jadgor turned. Followed -by Croft's company they retraced their steps until the palace was -gained.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>And there in the room, Croft, Medai and Jadgor sat down. The latter -eyed his former adviser and friend. "You are looking wondrous well," he -said.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft nodded. "In all things have my efforts by success been -crowned."</p> - -<p>"In all things?" Jadgor gave him a piercing glance.</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft again inclined his head. "Thanks largely to Robur, -Jadgor's son. But more of that later, Jadgor. Inform me how matters -stand."</p> - -<p>Jadgor shrugged. "It would appear to go not so well with the things -in my hands as with your plans. From the first was the extent of this -matter with Mazzer misjudged; and in addition there is a fault in these -motors of yours, when not controlled by the builder's mind. Wherefore -they failed when most needed at times, and were by sheer force of -numbers overborne. As a result the blue flood of Mazzer laps even now -against Atla's walls on all sides."</p> - -<p>"Yet breaks against them," said Jason.</p> - -<p>"Aye as yet," Jadgor replied.</p> - -<p>"And shall break utterly," Croft went on. "Of this defect in the motors -already I had learned, in the same way in which I have learned other -things in the past, as Jadgor knows. Wherefore his messenger came not -to Himyra as a surprise, and for seven suns before his coming, Robur, -Jadgor's son and I prepared." He broke off and watched the Aphurian -closely.</p> - -<p>But Jadgor merely nodded as he responded: "Say on."</p> - -<p>"Among those things which have been completed since my return to -Himyra," Croft resumed, "is one which flies in the air. Riding upon it -a man may cast down such bombs as were used at the taking of Niera in -the Zollarian war."</p> - -<p>And now Jadgor started and narrowed his eyes, and Medai half rising -from his seat exclaimed: "Zitu! Is this the truth?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft. "One came with me aboard the galley. Between decks -are the bombs. Today shall it be set up and tomorrow shall these blue -men meet with a surprise. Also have I brought devices to make the -performance of the motors more assured. From the ground and from the -air shall we smite the Mazzerians at once."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" Medai roared. "Jadgor—to fly above them and rain death on their -heads. Never was such a thing heard of. You believe?"</p> - -<p>"Aye." Jadgor of Tamarizia rose. "Zitu's Mouthpiece is a man who speaks -not in idle fashion, O Medai. He speaks true words. One does well to -give credence to his speaking." His hand snapped back and drew his -short sword from its scabbard. He presented it hilt forward. "Man whom -Zitu has sent to Tamarizia's strengthening, to thee I yield."</p> - -<p>"No." Croft waved the sword aside. He looked into Jadgor's face and -found it working. "Mouthpiece of Zitu have I been called, in that at -times I have been given the power to direct or to advise. In Jadgor's -heart and mine must Tamarizia find first place always. Let Jadgor wear -the sword."</p> - -<p>And suddenly Jadgor's lips set together. He sent the blade back into -the sheath with a rasping clash. "You and I together for Tamarizia -then," he said with abrupt decision, and thrust out his palm. "Accept -Jadgor's hand at least."</p> - -<p>The two men gripped and the Aphurian resumed: "Speak, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, what do you advise?"</p> - -<p>"What men have you at your disposal?"</p> - -<p>Jadgor and Medai explained, and Croft decided upon a tour of the walls. -The trio set forth. And as they went Jadgor explained further that -three times within the past ten days had the Mazzerians attacked them.</p> - -<p>Indeed, Croft gained evidence of that when the top of the wall was -reached. It came to him first as an almost insufferable stench. Jadgor -noted the twitching of his nostrils and burst into a savage exultation.</p> - -<p>"Aye, by Zitu! they stink to the skies, these dead litter of an unclean -birth. The trenches about Atla's defenses are filled with their -corpses. They lie in heaps. They carpet the ground with a blue carpet, -even more foul in death than in their life. By the thousands have we -slain them, yet by the tens of thousands have their following spawn -arrived. Their souls have we hurled to Zitemku and their bodies to -the ditch." He swept his arm toward the outer parapet in a wide arc. -"Behold!"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft looked out of an embrasure and down. An arrow rattled against -the stones beside him, and he drew back. But the one glance had been -enough. This was grim reality he faced. In heaps and rows the rotting -bodies of uncounted dead lay jumbled in dissolution beyond Atla's -walls. He began to think it would be no mean undertaking to defeat the -men of an army who fought like that.</p> - -<p>"Back!" he said. "Back to my galley, Jadgor! Let us put together the -flying device I have brought. Tomorrow I swear we shall give them new -death from the skies."</p> - -<p>And for the rest of that day Croft sweated and worked, assembling the -airplane on Atla's broadest street, which, like Himyra's, faced the -river—a splendid concourse, above a terrace, offering him a spot -for starting, two hundred feet in width. What of the armored motors -remained he had also driven up, and under their metal bodies he -installed his batteries, wiring them to the ignition system—explaining -to their drivers, how, should the former supply of power be thrown out -of service, this auxiliary source might be employed.</p> - -<p>Toward evening, however, he altered his plans. To his mind it appeared -that the more unseen the destruction which came upon them, the greater -on superstitious minds the effect might be. And as he knew even from -his association with the Mazzerian serving-caste in the nation he had -literally adopted, the Mazzerians were superstitious to a degree.</p> - -<p>About twilight he loaded the plane with a good supply of bombs. -Ascending from the broad thoroughfare, and returning to it, outlined -as it would be by the fire-urns, which, as at Himyra, marked the banks -of the Bith along the quays, would be no more than child's play. As -a result, he decided to make his first bombing expedition beyond the -walls so soon as night came down, carry what consternation he could -to the Mazzerian forces. This decision he definitely reached after a -conference with Jadgor, who announced that for a great distance before -the walls the Mazzerian camps were nightly marked by the flares of many -fires.</p> - -<p>Jadgor, Medai, the major captains of their armies, and many of -the citizens of Atla stood to witness Croft's start. Wearing his -flying-suit which he had brought for the purpose, Jason climbed aboard. -Then at his instruction two frightened-looking soldiers seized the -blades of the propeller and turned the engine round. They let go and -scampered well out of the way as it roared. The plane quivered, moved. -It darted forward along the perfect pavement, tilted and took the air. -In a moment it soared high above the walls. Croft shouted once and then -forgot all else in the sight beneath his eyes.</p> - -<p>As far as he could see before him, and to either side, the night was -dotted with fires. In a wide semicircle they blinked and winked and -flared. They outlined the main position of the Mazzerian army. His -heart leaped into his breast, as a rising stench told him he was -passing those rotting bodies stretched out among a mass of broken -weapons at the foot of Atla's walls.</p> - -<p>Then the walls were passed, and with the breath of a clean night in his -nostrils, the roar of the engine in his ears, he swept toward the line -of fires.</p> - -<p>Far, far out he swung. It was his intention to circuit the back areas -of the Mazzerian line—to come upon them not from in front, but from -the rear—to make his coming appear that of some huge, undreamed -monster of superstitious seeming, to traverse their main body from one -end to the other, dropping bombs which, under the conditions, he felt -could hardly fail of a telling effect.</p> - -<p>Far, far out he swam on the new wings he had built for himself—and for -Naia. Naia? He smiled. In Himyra she was perhaps flying by day even as -he was flying now—flying as he had taught her to fly in body and soul; -teaching others to fly for the strength of her nation, as he was flying -for her nation and his, to make it strong and secure. For a moment the -thought gripped him, and he flew on in a sort of waking dream, until -the flare of a hundred leaping fires directly beneath him brought him -back to the matter in hand. He passed the first line of the Mazzerian -bivouac and darted above a wood and came above a great savanna—a -tree-dotted plain, where the camp-fires were flashing again.</p> - -<p>Then, and then only, for the first time he reached down and took up a -bomb, and sailing high above that plain where the camp-fires looked -like a myriad of fireflies far beneath him, he let it fall.</p> - -<p>A flash, a ruddy, great mushroom of golden, raying light—a splash of -rending destruction in the night. The explosion came up to him long -after he saw it, on the lagging vibrations of sound. Again and again he -hurled a second and third as he swam from left to right.</p> - -<p>Faint, far away, oddly detached, he thought he heard a distant -shouting, though it was hard to be sure above the motor's roar. But the -light of other fires showed him the silhouette of many figures running, -of arms uplifted, as though those who swarmed like a hill of angry -ants driven into panic were pointing into the air. Where that cluster -of pointing forms seemed thickest he soared on swift, sure wings and -let go another bomb. It fell beyond his vision. It burst. The blur of -bodies into which it descended was no more.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>And now a strange mood seized Croft in its grip. It was unlike anything -he had ever known. It was in reality a sort of air intoxication one -may suppose. But suddenly it was as though he were a superman indeed, -above all things mundane, so far above the puny mortals who crawled on -the ground beneath him, who writhed under the force of his bombs, that -he moved in a world detached from them, or any one, or anything save -himself.</p> - -<p>It was as though he rode on destiny's wings rather than upborne by -those of the roaring airplane. He tilted his vanes from no sane -purpose, with nothing to gain. Up, up he shot; up, up, until he -could see the whole night-wrapped region about him, the forest, the -fire-studded camp of Mazzer's army—Atla, a ruddy glow behind her -walls, where shortly he must return.</p> - -<p>But not yet—not yet. For a time it was enough to chase this new found -exultation, to swim here in the void between earth and heaven, alone -with the thing he had made, on which he rode; alone with it, with his -spirit, and his thoughts of Naia of Aphur, of the time when these blue -spawn, driven back to their lairs in the hinterland of Palos, he should -return to claim her. It was enough to ride thus the winds of eternity, -as it were, sweeping on and on in the wheel of a mighty circle beneath -the stars.</p> - -<p>A sputter, a cough from the motor. Croft came back from his dreams to -the present in a flash. The engine was missing. Apprehension touched -him with a breath-arresting recognition of the fact. And hardly had he -taken it into account when the motor missed again. And having coughed -for the second time, it died.</p> - -<p>He was falling—falling! The bombs! Oddly enough he thought of them -rather than of being dashed to death. He reached down and found the -remaining four he had brought. He hurled them over the side of the -fuselage, tossing them wide. Then he began a frantic effort to once -more start the engine—in vain.</p> - -<p>Below him four ruddy flashes told him the bombs had struck. In a -rushing whirlwind the air of night was driving past the plane. Doomed -as it seemed, still the will to live, to struggle, to overcome danger -and death itself remained within him. He began an effort to straighten -out the dead plane's course, to catch and use to his own advantage that -wind that was whistling past him now. To catch it, to ride once more -upon it, if only as a kite may sink back to the earth, and so alight, -little damaged rather than broken, splintered by a giddy fall.</p> - -<p>So in the end he did straighten out at last and slid swiftly, where -before he had eddied and whirled.</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" he breathed a prayer of thanksgiving. "God!" For an instant the -face of Naia swam before his mental vision, so clear, so bright, so -seemingly herself, that it was almost as though he beheld her in the -flesh.</p> - -<p>Then—the fire-dotted plain was very close. And the airplane was -shooting down toward it, even though no longer falling, and there was -little chance to choose a course. With a crash the pontoons beneath it -struck through the top of a tree, and the whole machine swerved. In mid -air it staggered, checked, lunged ahead again like a restive living -creature, tipped, slid off sidewise, and crashed down on a crumpling -wing.</p> - -<p>Unable to maintain himself in his shaken condition, Croft gave vent to -an inarticulate cry of anguish. The entire bulk of Palos seemed to rise -and hit him, as catapulted from the fuselage by the ruinous landing, he -struck and lay in a dark and senseless huddle on the ground.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> - -<h3>A TAWNY VAMPIRE</h3> - - -<p>Hours afterward, as it seemed, Croft opened his eyes, and blinked at a -flare of light and closed his lids again, while he sought to collect -his shaken senses.</p> - -<p>He remembered by degrees.</p> - -<p>The plane had fallen. There was nothing after that. But he had fallen -upon a night-wrapped plain, studded with the fires of a camp. Now, -instead of stars above him, there was what looked like the bellied top -of a tent. Slowly he spread the fringes of his lashes and sought to -verify the impression he had gained.</p> - -<p>He was correct. He lay in a tent, seemingly of skins joined to form -the sloping top and walls. The interior was lighted dimly by a couple -of flaring torches. But the light was sufficient to show Croft piles of -military gear, rugs of native skin, on one of the latter of which he -seemed to be lying, and some crude stools scattered about.</p> - -<p>He lay with head half turned as he had been thrown down, and now -he became aware of other life in the tent as his senses more fully -returned. There was a sound of voices. He opened his eyes widely and -stared about. And inwardly at least he gasped.</p> - -<p>This was the headquarters of the army he had sought to bomb, past any -doubt. Blue men—a dozen, a score were clustered about a huge chair -to one side, in which another blue man sat. And yet—in the latter -Croft detected something familiar in a flash, and immediately after he -understood. He had heard it alleged that certain Zollarian captains -had stained their bodies and shaved their heads and dyed the remaining -scalp lock of their light hair to match the Mazzerian red.</p> - -<p>And—and—this was Bandhor of Zollaria—brother of Kalamita—that tawny -female magnet with which the northern nation had sought to bind the -profligate Prince of Cathur to her cause. This was Bandhor, his massive -body stained blue in its every ungainly line, seated upon this chair -before which the other blue men stood. And inspecting the latter more -closely, marking their features well in the murky light, Croft decided -that most of them were men of Zollaria tinted and shaved and dyed like -Bandhor himself.</p> - -<p>Here then was proof of Zollaria's hand in the Mazzerian invasion, proof -that Croft lay in the spot which was the brain center of the Mazzerian -army in the field. Croft's head was splitting, but he sought to focus -his attention on what was being said.</p> - -<p>"Sayest thou that this man fell out of the skies?" Bandhor roared, -turning his eyes toward where Croft lay on the farther side of the tent.</p> - -<p>"Aye," said one of the captains, whom Jason felt positive was a -Zollarian for all his naked blue length. "Aye, Bandhor, he fell from a -device like to a pair of wings. Before that had strange weapons fallen -upon my men from the skies in a rain of death. Then suddenly came this -man."</p> - -<p>"Tamarizian devil," Bandhor swore with savage force. "This newest -method of their fighting would seem to be like their last, when they -struck Zollaria's army with a blast of fire. Go see if still he -breathes."</p> - -<p>Two of the men turned and approached Croft. They bent above him. He -stared straight into their faces.</p> - -<p>"Aye, Bandhor of Zollaria," reported one. "He has opened his eyes."</p> - -<p>"Bring him here."</p> - -<p>Croft rose. Without waiting the touch of a captor's hand he staggered -up and faced Bandhor's chair. "Stand back," he hissed to men beside -him. "I would walk alone." He took a step forward, swaying; whereupon -the others seized him and hurried him to Bandhor's place.</p> - -<p>"Spawn of Tamarizia," Bandhor began, "what is thy name?"</p> - -<p>"Thou hast said it, Bandhor," Croft retorted, determined to give no -information.</p> - -<p>"Came you from Atla?" Bandhor roared.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"How many men inside her walls can Jadgor and Medai claim?"</p> - -<p>"Enough," said Croft. "Enough blue-dyed men of Zollaria to pile other -thousands of your naked dupes before them. There are not men enough in -all Mazzer to scale at Zollaria's command Atla of Bithur's walls."</p> - -<p>"Hai! By Bel of Zollaria thy fall has not broken thy tongue at least!" -Bandhor exclaimed. "But thy man-made wings are broken, and thy insolent -spirit may be broken also. Hai—bring a brazier and a spear head. -Since this Tamarizian fights with fire we shall give him a taste of it -himself, and learn perchance what within Atla transpires."</p> - -<p>"Hold!" Suddenly the wall of the tent behind Bandhor's chair swept -back, revealing a small private tent beyond it, and a tawny woman -appeared.</p> - -<p>White she was in the murky light as a ray of moonlight in the -dusk—white, and splendidly formed in every supple line of sensuous -body and limb. Jeweled cups covered her breasts, and a scarf of -shimmering tissue was twisted about her sinuous loins and fell half -down her thighs. With the grace of a stalking panther she advanced, -accompanied by another blue-stained Zollarian captain, and took her -stand beside her brother. In the flare of the torches she gleamed among -those blue-tinted bodies like a silver wand.</p> - -<p>"Bethink you my brother," she continued as Croft recognized in -her that Kalamita, that feminine magnet of flesh, who had tempted -Cathur's Prince Kyphallos through the spell of her unclean charms, her -unhallowed embrace, "would destroy or even mar the weapon in your hand?"</p> - -<p>"Hai, by Bel," began Bandhor.</p> - -<p>"Aye," his sister went on. "Where are Bandhor's eyes? Call on Bel -and you will, yet have you not sacrificed to him enough of blood to -glut his heart, without adding this? See you not this is a man of -importance—and one to me before this described? Mark you not the -closeness of the hair upon his head, his stature? Know you not that -before you stands the Mouthpiece of Zitu of whom Tamarizia boasts—him -to whom Zollaria must mark the score of her defeat, her loss of Mazhur? -Rather than for gaining information can Bandhor not think of a better -way in which such a one may be used?"</p> - -<p>"Hai—you mean a ransom, Kalamita my sister?" Bandhor burst out as she -paused.</p> - -<p>"Aye." The eyes of a tigress looked into Croft's as she answered, -studied his every expression, marked the effects of her words. "Aye, -Bandhor, and you and other captains—and the ransom—should be—large. -Much should Tamarizia be asked in payment for her Mouthpiece of Zitu, -who tumbles from the skies."</p> - -<p>And suddenly she smiled as she broke off her flippant taunt—smiled and -looked steadily into Croft's staring eyes.</p> - -<p>"By Bel!" once more Bandhor roared. "The words of Kalamita are of -wisdom. Go—Mamai. Take portions of the device from which he fell. See -they are carried to Atla. Say that this man fell among us with them. -Demand a parley, at which terms for his return shall be named."</p> - -<p>"Aye, Bandhor!" One of the captains saluted and left the tent.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Inwardly Croft writhed. Here was a pretty pickle, indeed, since by -his own blunder he had become to Tamarizia a weakness rather than a -strength—since because of it, Tamarizia would seem to be confronted -with the choice of leaving him to fate or paying Mazzer's and -Zollaria's price. And—he had caught all the meaning in the tawny -depths of the Zollarian courtezan's eyes. That price would indeed be -large.</p> - -<p>And now she bent and whispered into Bandhor's ear and he nodded. "Bind -him," he said, and pointed to Croft. "Lift him and bear him into my -sister's tent. Place a guard about us when it is finished. That is all, -my captains. We wait for word from Atla. Go!"</p> - -<p>To resist was useless. Croft did not try. He stood passively while -his hands and feet were trussed. Even then he was trying to think, to -scheme some way out of the mess into which he had brought himself. -And—a vague question roused as to Kalamita's object in having him -carried into her own tent. Object he was sure there was, but it baffled -him for the moment. Then he was lifted and borne beyond the flapping -door through which she had entered, and laid on a pallet of skins -beside a copper couch.</p> - -<p>The woman followed, remained standing until his bearers had left, then -approached and reclined on the couch from whence she could watch his -eyes.</p> - -<p>"Mouthpiece of Zitu," she began after a moment of contemplation, -"Mouthpiece of Zitu, who tumbles from the skies."</p> - -<p>Croft made no answer, and suddenly she left the couch and knelt beside -him. "You are a handsome man, Mouthpiece of Zitu; am I not beautiful -myself?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Croft, since in a purely physical way she was no less than -a creature to drive most men mad, and he knew that she knew it, and -because of the knowledge, left none of her charms concealed.</p> - -<p>"And"—she bent above him, closer, closer, until her reddened mouth -seemed about to touch him, until her breath played softly against his -cheek—"wisdom and beauty may accomplish much together, Mouthpiece of -Zitu, think you not?"</p> - -<p>So that was it—wisdom and beauty together. A sudden loathing—an -impulse to put more space between that gleaming body, that blood-red -mouth so very close above him, gripped Croft and shook him. But he kept -it out of his voice and out of his eyes as he replied. "What mean you, -Kalamita of Zollaria, you magnet of the flesh?"</p> - -<p>She laughed—laughed with a note of exultation in the sound as though -his words were a tribute to the power she knew was her own. "Why think -you Kalamita saved you from the fire?"</p> - -<p>Croft quibbled. "Said she not the reason in words?"</p> - -<p>The woman frowned. "Think you Jadgor of Tamarizia will pay the price -for you that Mazzer will ask?"</p> - -<p>Croft knew that his heart leaped. He had been afraid—afraid—yet now -he recalled Jadgor as he knew him—Jadgor who had bowed his haughty -crest on the day just passed for Tamarizia, but never for himself. -Turning the thought in his brain he forget to answer.</p> - -<p>"You know he will not." Almost Kalamita hissed. "And if not, is death -preferable to life, power—love? Wouldst prefer to lie in the ground, -wise man of Tamarizia, or in Kalamita's arms? Wouldst prefer to give of -your strength to Zollaria and her, or to the worms?"</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>More and more Croft sickened at her words. For this he had been brought -into her private tent. There alone with this shameless woman he was -to be intrigued, turned traitor, in spirit and body seduced. Almost -instinctively he turned away his eyes. Her beauty had become a deadly -menace—the perfume of her tinted flesh had become a stench. To him she -was offering what to Cathur's prince had been given, which had made of -the man's name a synonym for treason in his nation. And now once more -she was speaking.</p> - -<p>"Behold, we are alone. I can unbind you, and—Kalamita's couch -is—wide."</p> - -<p>"Aye, too wide, by Zitu!" suddenly Croft roared. "The need was too -patent in its making to have foreseen the fact that width would be -required. Sister of Bandhor, beautiful as the dream of a soul in the -realms of Zitemku you may be, but—Jason of Tamarizia barters not the -welfare of his nation for a moment's lust."</p> - -<p>"So!" Kalamita rose and stood above him. Cruel was her red lips' smile, -and cruel was the light that flashed from her oval, tawny eyes. "So, -then, we know your name at last. Hark ye, Jason—for Kalamita's favor -prouder heads than thine have bended down in the dust. Nor is her favor -a thing to be lightly brushed aside. Wherefore and Jadgor pays not the -price we ask, then the Mouthpiece of Zitu dies."</p> - -<p>A space of time dragged past and Croft had not replied.</p> - -<p>Suddenly Kalamita was again beside him. "Or, perhaps," she said in a -softer fashion, "it is because of that maid of Aphur, of whom one has -told me—that Jason turns aside. If so, forget her—and remember only -that Kalamita also is a woman."</p> - -<p>"Nay—by Zitu, and Azil and Ga, the pure woman," Croft flamed. "Jason -forgets not the virgin to whom he is plighted for one who has lain in -Kyphallos of Cathur's or another's arms."</p> - -<p>"By Bel." Once more Kalamita rose. A tremor shook her tightened figure -and quivered in her tones. "By Bel, who delights in slaughter, you -shall die by torture. Tested by fire shall you be, and staked out for -the insects to devour. The carrion birds of Mazzer shall pluck out your -beauty-blinded eyes. The beasts of the forest shall tear thy entrails -from thee for thy words to me." She turned and went swiftly toward the -flaplike door and flung it open. "Bandhor, O ay Bandhor!" she cried.</p> - -<p>Her blue-stained brother appeared. They conferred together. Bandhor -turned away.</p> - -<p>But only for a moment longer were Croft and the woman alone. Then -came Mazzerian soldiers, and lifting the trussed figure, bore it -swiftly into the night through Bandhor's tent and to another, smaller, -unlighted as to its interior, with naught for a floor save the -grass-grown ground. And there they flung him down.</p> - -<p>But Jason smiled. That quiet dark, the sweet, pure kiss of the grass -beneath him was better than the atmosphere he had left. He stretched -out his limbs so far as his bonds would let him and breathed a sigh of -relief.</p> - -<p>And after a long time, as it seemed to his troubled senses, all his -planning focused on Zud and Naia—dwindled down to those two words. -Lying here, bound, practically doomed to die, he could yet communicate -with them in the astral state. To Zud, whom he had taught to recognize -his coming, he could go then, and even though thereby he made his own -death practically certain, he would still serve best the Tamarizian -states. And Naia—-he quivered at the thought. Naia—as he knew her, -would like himself, consider him unworthy if he did less than that. -Therefore he took a deep breath; he would go to Zud.</p> - -<p>And swiftly as the thing was always accomplished when he so desired -it, he was bending over the high priest's body, asleep in the Zitran -pyramid.</p> - -<p>"Zud," his spirit was calling. "The Mouthpiece of Zitu commands you. -Come forth."</p> - -<p>And Zud appeared. "Aye, Jason of Zitu," he quavered. "Zud is here."</p> - -<p>"List ye, Priest of Zitu," Croft replied, and told him what had -occurred. "Wherefore give ear further to my words. Go to Lakkon, and -bid him, in Zitu's name, to send to Jadgor at Atla, advising him to -hold out and seek for delay until the aid from Himyra arrives. Let it -be said to him that Zollaria inspires all things which Mazzer requires. -Let him know that through the power of the spirit which is mine, I -shall inspire Naia of Aphur to cause Robur, his son, to come swiftly -to Atla in person, to direct the use of the weapons that together with -myself he understands, and that through you and Naia of Aphur, I shall -keep him informed of all that transpires while yet my body survives."</p> - -<p>"And thou—thou?" Zud faltered in distraught fashion, clasping his -shadowy hands.</p> - -<p>"I? I know not," said Jason. "My fortune is in Zitu's hands. To you I -give this mission. Say that you understand."</p> - -<p>"Zud hears, and Zud obeys."</p> - -<p>Croft left him. His work was finished. He sought Himyra and Robur's -palace, and Naia—-his other self. And this part of his plan he felt -would be the hardest, since in order to make her comprehend fully he -must tell a painful truth—must confess that through his own daring -was Jason at last undone—that his body lay prisoner to Mazzer, -condemned if what he meant to attempt were accomplished, to what seemed -inevitable death.</p> - -<p>And suddenly, as he gained her chamber, Croft had the odd sensation -that he stood before a tomb. Why it was he did not know at the moment, -but it was as though he faced a ravished or an empty shrine. So -strongly had he willed himself to this spot that the very concentration -of his purpose had blotted out all else, and only now, when he reached -it, did there come upon him the feeling that his coming here was vain.</p> - -<p>Yet he crept inside. He moved swiftly toward her couch. In the dusk her -form lay stretched upon it. But—it was motionless, with no stirring -of the coverlet stretched above it, no evidence of breath. Pale as a -lovely image it lay before him, in the semblance of what might be death.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Fear—sheer, stark fear gripped Croft and held him through the span of -a startled instant. And then he knew the truth. Because as he stood -there it seemed to him that Naia of Aphur was calling—not from the -form on the couch, but from somewhere else. "Jason—Jason—O Jason, my -beloved!" that subtle cry rang out.</p> - -<p>And it drew him. It compelled him. It was the voice of love—the voice -of the affinity of the ages, soundless, as the spinning of the planets -down the grooveless tracks of time—a blind thing, a mad thing, beyond -all thinking in its sweetness—the voice of atom to atom—of the soft -wind to the pollen—the voice of the bird to its mate—of the maiden to -her lover—the ceaseless song of creation—the voice of God to man.</p> - -<p>"Jason—O my beloved!"</p> - -<p>It filled Croft's being. It engulfed him. It caught him up and carried -him he cared not whither on the tide of a swift irresistible flood. It -made of his astral substance no more than a straw swept up and off and -about in an eddy of compelling force. It was more like that ceaseless -urge which had drawn him from the Dog Star always while yet he dwelt on -earth.</p> - -<p>It carried Croft out of the palace and across the Central Sea. It swept -him across Bithur, with its plains and night-wrapped woods. It drew him -above the camp of the Mazzerian army, and inside that tent where his -body lay stretched out upon the ground.</p> - -<p>And then Croft understood—that Naia had accomplished for herself, what -heretofore had been by him induced—that her spirit's love—her desire -for knowledge, had enabled her soul to break the body's bonds. That as -she suggested she might, in a former conversation, she had found the -way to visit him in dreams.</p> - -<p>Yes, Croft knew all this in a blinding flash of comprehension. -Because—there in the little tent, its auric fires paling and glowing, -its soft arms twined about his unconscious body, lay Naia's astral form.</p> - -<p>She had come to find him. Suddenly it seemed to Croft that he might -have known. And all at once he was glad, with a great unreasoning -gladness that when she came, she had found him here alone, like this -rather than in Kalamita's tent.</p> - -<p>Then very softly, "Beloved," he let steal forth the soul call.</p> - -<p>She heard. She lifted her head from where it had lain upon his breast. -She turned its wide eyes toward him, and saw him and rose swiftly -toward him, and into his embrace.</p> - -<p>"Jason—I came to Atla, and could not find you. And I sought -you—sought you. What is the meaning of this?"</p> - -<p>"The plane fell. I told you always there was danger," he explained -briefly. "I was taken prisoner by the Zollarian masters of the men of -Mazzer. I am held to ransom for a price."</p> - -<p>"Zitu!" Naia panted. "And what else?"</p> - -<p>"I went in the spirit to converse with Zud, and send him on a mission -to thy father," Jason told her, loath to answer her questions with a -mere avowal of the numbing truth—that truth which as it seemed must -blast their own hopes for the future, unless in some blind way he could -contrive escape. "Through him I shall send word to Jadgor that the -price must be refused."</p> - -<p>"Refused?" Naia drew back slightly. Those quivering fires of her life -force faltered, grew dim and uncertain, died down like a flame well -nigh blown out by a deadening wind of fear. "But Jason—thy body—which -I found lying—here?"</p> - -<p>"Belongs to thee, while yet it survives," Croft answered slowly, and -went on before she could find a reply. "Then went I to Himyra, and -finding your form stretched on its couch, seemed to hear you calling, -and returned to find you here. Listen, Naia, my beloved, you must find -Robur and speak to him for me. To Jadgor you must send him, explaining -what has befallen, telling him from me as the one Lakkon sent will tell -him, that when Robur shall arrive to take charge of the motors and -the riflemen of Aphur, they must strike, strike, strike until Bithur -shall be freed. Also to Robur you must say he shall call on Nodhur and -Milidhur to arm so quickly as they may, and send their men to reenforce -and support Aphur. So shall Tamarizia vanquish Mazzer and once more -defeat those things Zollaria plans."</p> - -<p>"And—you ask me—to do this?" Naia faltered.</p> - -<p>"Aye—for Tamarizia I ask it," Croft replied.</p> - -<p>"But—you—you?" She glanced toward the tight-bound body.</p> - -<p>Croft sought to stay her questions. "Look not there, beloved. I am -here."</p> - -<p>"But—unless this price of Mazzer you mentioned—be paid?" She would -not be refused.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Croft drew her to him. His position was perhaps rather more peculiar -than that of any living man. The answer to what she had asked was -death, and he knew it. Once he had snapped the astral cord that bound -him to a body, but only after control of another had been gained. And -that second body, the one he had made his own on Palos when he forsook -earth because of the woman whose vital substance now glowed and paled -against him, was the one which lay bound beside them on the ground. -There was no other—the loss of it meant to him what the loss of -physical life must mean to all men—nothing else. "If the price is not -paid, it is easy enough to snap the cord that binds my life within it, -at the proper time," he said at length.</p> - -<p>"And," said Naia in a tone of horror, "you would ask me in taking your -message to Robur, in sending him to Jadgor, to consign our love to -death?"</p> - -<p>"The price," said Croft in justification, "is very great. Much will -Mazzer ask—more than by Tamarizia can be paid for one man's life."</p> - -<p>Swiftly the auric fires leaped up in Naia's slender figure. "Is there -no escape?"</p> - -<p>"I know not," Croft made answer. "It is as Zitu wills. These Zollarians -with the men of Mazzer have stained themselves blue. Yet whom have I to -stain my body, were the stain within my grasp, or shave my hair and dye -it red in time to make the venture? This tent is under guard, and will -be, and the hands of my body are bound."</p> - -<p>Naia considered. "And the price Mazzer will ask," she spoke slowly -after a time, "is large?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, as large, I fear, as though the Zollarian war had been lost by -Tamarizia and Mazhur not regained."</p> - -<p>"And if not paid—your body—dies—and mine."</p> - -<p>"Thine?" Croft tightened the grip of his arms upon her. "What mean you, -maid of Aphur, by such words?"</p> - -<p>"Aphur means what Aphur says," she returned, and looked him in the -eyes. For a moment her own were steady, and then they wavered. She -clung to him in an almost frantic agony of what seemed a momentary -panic of more than mortal grief. Then that, too, had passed, giving way -to an almost passionate mood. "Think you that when life has left your -body, Naia of Aphur, too, shall not lie dead; that to her the body has -no longer any meaning, save as it delights you, save as through it she -knows the touch of yours? Did you not swear to me by Zitu and Azil to -return and claim me? And if that promise remains unfulfilled, think you -that Naia of Aphur will live?"</p> - -<p>"Yet," Croft stammered, shaken by this breath of passion, dazzled by -the flashing of her being's fire, "if the welfare of Tamarizia demands -the failure of that promise—if not with honor can I return to Himyra -in the body. If your words, beloved, make doubly hard my purpose, -when you shall have left me and returned to carry my message to your -cousin—"</p> - -<p>"By Zitu—and by Zitu," Naia fired into desperate protest, "it shall -not be. Azil, giver of life! Shall these foul spawn of Zitemku keep you -from me? Nay, as I am a daughter of Ga, with your seal upon me, now Ga -speaks to me!" She broke off and lifted her hands to her breast. Her -very eyes were fired.</p> - -<p>So for a moment she stood before she went on. "Hark you, Jason, whom I -love more than my own soul. This tent is guarded as you have said, and -a price is laid on Tamarizia for your returning. Yet am I not woman -whom you have wakened for nothing, and my love is not in vain. What -price for a man who is dead?"</p> - -<p>"By Zitu!" Croft caught her meaning. His glance turned toward the body -on the ground beside their feet.</p> - -<p>And Naia nodded. "Aye—Gaya told me in speaking of those things you -told to Robur and to Zud, and now I know for myself that when the -spirit is without it, the body lies as dead. Wherefore were it possible -for you to remain as now you are for a space sufficient to deceive -these men of Mazzer into thinking that injured in your fall you -perchance had died—think you they would keep your body under guard or -even near them, lest it foul the air even like those rotting corpses -which tainted it with horror as I passed this night by Atla's walls?"</p> - -<p>"No by Zitu—they would cast it forth in some other place," Croft -answered quickly. "Naia—Ga—priestess of life, you have said it. -Together we shall beat them yet."</p> - -<p>"Aye, we shall beat them. Listen further," Naia said. "For a few suns -you shall appear to be alive, yet faint and not recovered from injury. -To Himyra shall I return and carry your message to Rob. When seven -suns beginning with the next are passed, then must you seem to die. -Thus shall they carry you forth. But the seven days shall be to gain -time for what you direct to be done. Hai, I am not daughter of Ga for -nothing. Beloved—give me your mouth. I must be gone."</p> - -<p>Life! Life and this woman! There was a chance. Her wits had found it -where his had milled around. Daughter of Ga was she as she said—and -perhaps Ga—the eternal woman, <i>had</i> spoken to her through the elements -which went into forming her nature first. Croft took her once more -closely into his arms.</p> - -<p>"Seek not to leave your body for one moment between now and the end of -the seventh sun," she cautioned, "lest one should note it and so at the -proper time entertain a doubt of your real death."</p> - -<p>Croft marveled. To him she seemed to think of each infinitesimal -detail. "No," he gave his promise. "I shall be merely as one who from -one sun to another fails."</p> - -<p>Naia lifted her lips. And as once before in similar fashion, she -yielded them to him. For an instant it was as though their two beings -blended, intermingled, and then she had torn herself from him, divinely -glowing. "Zitu keep you, beloved," she whispered, and vanished from -before his eyes.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>For the succeeding seven days Croft endured—simply endured -discomfort—the trussing up of his arms and feet at night in none too -gentle fashion, the scant irregularity of poorly furnished meals, the -absence of aught save trampled grass to sleep upon, renewed attempts on -the part of Bandhor to force from him some intimation of Tamarizia's -plans—the haughty, venomous hate that glared out of Kalamita's -tawny eyes—that fury of a woman of the purely physical type, whose -allurement has been scorned—of an adventuress, a schemer, whose scheme -has failed.</p> - -<p>But on the seventh day, as he lay brooding in his tent, close by the -huge skin headquarters tent of Bandhor, which reminded him more of some -Tatar chieftain's domicile than anything else, with its hide walls, its -semibarbaric trappings, its red-and-green standard floating on a pole -before its door, the door of his own tent was drawn slightly to one -side and a face appeared to send his heart leaping into his breast.</p> - -<p>Maia, Naia's own maid, was looking shrewdly into his starting eyes. -And as lost in a maze he lay staring at her, filled with a vast wonder -at her presence here in the heart of the Mazzerian camp, yet afraid to -speak—torn between a desire to learn the meaning of her presence and a -fear lest any sign of recognition should destroy whatever purpose that -presence might portend, she flung the flap entirely back and darted -inside.</p> - -<p>"Thou canor of Tamarizia!" she cried in the voice of a termagant—a -shrew—and struck him with her right hand a smart blow. "Thou foul -offspring of Zitu fallen to the ground—thou devil who sent fire -against my people, whose own people have cast him off, die—like the -canor thou art!" And all the time she was shrieking she continued to -buffet him with blows, striking him with her bare hand, kicking him -with her feet. "Die, thou pale-faced fiend, whom Bel—greater than thy -Zitu struck down and hurled among us—die—die now!"</p> - -<p>But Croft, under the storm of her words, her buffetings, made no -movement of resistance, lay limp and unresisting on the grass. Because -even as she struck him, even as she lashed him with her tongue, calling -him fiend and devil and canor—the name of the great beasts such as -Naia's pet and protector, Hupor, which was the nearest approach in -Palos to a dog; yet as her one hand rose and fell above him, her other -drew from the narrow apron about her blue loins a little looped silver -cross, and showed it to him briefly and thrust it back, and between -the anathema of her lips they moved in almost soundless speaking. -"Hupor—give ear to my berating of thee closely. I come from one who -loves thee greatly—to show you the cross."</p> - -<p>The cross ansata—the looped symbol of life—the little sign Zud had -placed in Naia's hands at their betrothal—the sign of immortal life -which came to men through women—Naia of Aphur was sending it by this -servant of hers, who loved her, to him! He closed his eyes and nodded -slightly in understanding as Maia continued to rave. Only now his brain -was whirling, seething; was a caldron of troubled questions he dared -not voice—questions as to why Maia had been sent to aid in his escape, -as he felt sure now she had. Yet to question the girl was impossible -under the present conditions, and what was she screaming?</p> - -<p>"Die—thou canor—die as Bandhor has decreed thou must, since Jadgor -has refused thy ransom! Die now—thou Tamarizian dog!"</p> - -<p>And she had told him to listen closely to her vituperations. Croft -gained the message she intended. Jadgor had done as he advised, and -Bandhor's captive had lost value. Wherefore he kept his eyes closed, -and seemingly died.</p> - -<p>Footsteps! Croft's guard burst through the door. He seized Maia and -flung her to one side, and stooped above the body with a face of -terror. And then he straightened and turned upon her. "By Bel, you have -killed him!" he stammered. "He has been ailing ever since he fell among -us. Fool that I was to listen to your plea to view him. May Bel send -you our commander's rage."</p> - -<p>"That rage," Maia said, panting as it seemed from her exertions and -emotions, "seeing that he is of value no longer, should not be so -intense."</p> - -<p>"Come!" The guard seized her by an arm and led her toward Bandhor's -tent.</p> - -<p>Croft went along, trailing the man and woman's steps. And once inside -the huge shelter of skins, the guard saluted sharply and hurled Maia -before the Zollarian noble, so that she sprawled her length on the -ground.</p> - -<p>"Behold, O Bandhor"—he made his report in a gruff bluster designed to -cover his own face as well as he could—"this woman who made her way by -stealth into Jason of Tamarizia's tent and struck him so that he died!"</p> - -<p>"Hai!" Bandhor half rose, and sank back and narrowed his eyes. He -regarded Maia, who groveled before him, her body caught and held, -half-raised, on stretching arms, her head lifted, gazing into his -startled face with watchful eyes.</p> - -<p>"How are you called?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"Maia," stammered the woman. "Child am I of a father and mother who -have lived among his people. All my life have I served them until Bel -sent Bandhor and my father's people to bring liberation. Then I slipped -away and made my way to thy army, with which I have stayed the past -sun. Wherefore, hearing that Bandhor had condemned this one to death, -I desired to see him and, seeing him, rage overcame me, and I threw -myself upon him. Mercy, O Bandhor, mighty commander of my people, for -this which I have done."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" said Bandhor again, his lids contracting still further. "After -all, it is a small matter, though my sister will be annoyed. She had -planned a more lingering death for this insolent man. Yet to death was -he condemned, and it is finished. Say you that from the bondage of his -people you have come?"</p> - -<p>"Aye, from Atla, lord."</p> - -<p>"Atla! Now, by Bel!" Bandhor roared. "And what inside the penned-up -city do these white spawn plan?"</p> - -<p>"They speak of resistance," Maia made answer, "as Bandhor knows. But -perchance he knows not that many men from Aphur have arrived, armed -with the chariots they call moturs, which run by fire, and breathe it -forth as death, and with the sticks that throw death unseen with noise -and smoke, unlike the flight of an arrow or spear. Ten thousand have -reached Bithra, and are advancing to the relief of Atla even now. More -are said to be journeying from Aphur across the Central Sea, and yet -others from Nodhur and Milidhur are to come."</p> - -<p>"Hai!" For the third time Bandhor said it with a heavy frown. "This -is of importance. For the information your words contain, I give you -pardon—were those other of thy father's children in Tamarizia as -loyal—much might be wrought of ill among them were their caste of -servants to rise and kill and burn. Go!" He turned to the guard, whose -face had lightened. "Take men and bear forth this body, and cast it -beyond the camp. Or hold! I will view him myself." For the third time -his eyelids narrowed, and he rose.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Followed by Maia and the guard, he entered Croft's tent and bent over -the body on the ground. "Aye—his spirit has left him," he said as he -straightened from the inspection and swung about on his heel.</p> - -<p>"Mighty Bandhor," Maia stayed him. "I may remain for a time in the -camp."</p> - -<p>Bandhor eyed her. "Oh, aye," he said in careless fashion. "You are a -comely girl of your people; you should have small trouble in finding -some man to take you to his tent."</p> - -<p>He turned away, and a moment later a brazen trumpet began sounding -a summoning blast. As Croft learned, this was a signal to Bandhor's -captains and advisers to assemble for a council with their chief.</p> - -<p>Maia stole out with the arm of the guard about her, walking coyly at -his side. Quite plainly the fellow was inclined to take Bandhor's -suggestion about her to himself. Croft watched them vanish, and -remained beside his own body, still huddled on the grass.</p> - -<p>And in the end he followed it—followed his own body when it was borne -outside the limits of the encampment and cast into a thicket of bushes, -where its disposition was watched by Maia, who accompanied the now -openly amorous guard and lingered beside the thicket with him after the -other soldiers had cast down their burden and gone.</p> - -<p>"Let us remove its clothing," she suggested. "To waste it were a loss."</p> - -<p>The guard assented.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later, more than a little aghast, Croft found his material -tenement stretched stark upon the ground. Maia and her lover were -moving off. In her arms the girl bore his suit of soft, brown leather.</p> - -<p>In a way now Croft became more and more disturbed. Vague fancies filled -his mind. At the first he had trusted her wholly, but this last move he -did not understand. He recalled the story Parthys had told of the blue -servants rising against their employers during the present trouble, and -he marked the manner in which she accepted the blue man's advances.</p> - -<p>After all, she was a Mazzerian herself, he thought, and there was no -reason save her possible affection for Naia to insure her worthiness -of trust. Still—she had shown him the tiny cross from the apron about -her waist, and she had told him to die, as Naia had advised he should. -After all, she might have some definite reason beyond his present -knowledge for divesting his body of clothes. And he could do nothing -until nightfall. That being the case, and the night being several -hours removed, there was nothing to do but wait. Dead it might be in -seeming, yet Croft knew that lying thus in the open his body needed -protection. In the middle of the thicket he settled down beside it. It -was rather odd, he found himself thinking, to be sitting there keeping -an invisible watch of his own form.</p> - -<p>Now and then, as the afternoon passed, he stole a glance at the camp. -There was bustle there, a moving and shifting of men. It came to him -that Bandhor, after his council, was preparing for another attack -of Atla, urged thereto by Maia's report concerning the approaching -reinforcements of weapons and men. Well, let them attack, he thought -with a grim satisfaction. Jadgor would hold out through yet one more -attack surely, and by then Bandhor would have lost his chance, once -Robur and his forces had arrived.</p> - -<p>Night came at last. Purposely Croft waited until late before making his -venture at escape. And while he waited, there stole into the thicket a -dim shape, which approached his body and sank beside it on the ground.</p> - -<p>It was Maia. More than a little surprised, Croft watched her. She -carried a bundle. She undid it. She moved higher beside his body and -raised his head, supporting it on her thighs. Then swiftly she began -to shave it, turning it to reach the back, and working rapidly on the -sides. That done, while comprehension flashed into Croft's mind, and -with it renewed confidence in this girl, as he recalled his words to -Naia concerning some such thing as this, she took a small box from her -bundle and began rubbing the scalp-lock she had left upon his poll with -a substance it contained. After that she lifted a flask and removed a -stopper. Working rapidly, she began smearing the body with some dark -fluid, spreading it thinly upon the skin, rubbing it to as even a -coating as she might with rapid hands. And as she worked Croft's body -lost its ivory whiteness and became a dark-hued thing like her own. At -the end she took a small cloth from the articles she had brought with -her and twisted it deftly about his loins.</p> - -<p>And as she finished and straightened herself from her labors, Croft, -sensing it time for his reviving, opened the eyes of the body over -which she had worked and spoke.</p> - -<p>"Hai," said Maia, without any particular evidence of consternation. "It -is even so she said it would happen when I had finished. She said that -when I had shaved you, lord, and reddened your hair, and stained your -body, and put the loin-cloth upon it, you would reappear."</p> - -<p>"She?" Croft questioned her quickly. "You mean Naia of Aphur, Maia?"</p> - -<p>"Aye. Who else, Hupor Jason?" She rose and picked up her bundle. "Naia, -my mistress. These are your garments. Come, Hupor, till I lead you to -her. She lies near."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> - -<h3>THE BLUE GIRL OF APHUR</h3> - - -<p>She lies near! Croft's senses reeled and then steadied into the -blinding truth—the sweetness of it, the full meaning of it—and yet -the possible peril to her whom it concerned.</p> - -<p>Naia of Aphur lay near him—had come to his rescue.</p> - -<p>Then—then—seven days before she had not told him all the plan she had -in mind. She had told him only the essential portion which most closely -concerned himself—and the rest—this thing—the part which dealt with -her aid and assistance when the time for it should arrive, she had -left unspoken, knowing no doubt he would forbid her risking her own -integrity in an effort to succor him.</p> - -<p>For an instant he thrilled with blended feeling, and then he spoke to -Maia. "You mean?"</p> - -<p>"That she lies hid some distance beyond the camp of thy enemies, Hupor. -Come."</p> - -<p>"But—" Croft found himself confused by the manner of Naia's presence. -Barely seven days had passed since she must have wakened in Himyra -after their astral conversation in the tent where he lay bound. The -time was not sufficient to brand Maia's words as truth. And yet Croft -knew that he believed them. How, then, had Naia come?</p> - -<p>Almost with impatience Maia interrupted. "Seven suns from now she waked -from her slumber, Hupor, in a most strange mood. For the Hupor Robur -she sent me, and for long they spoke together, and after that she spoke -with me again. Bidding me place her in the garment she wears when she -dares to rise in the air, she took me with her to the great house where -the thing she rides is kept, and compelled me to enter it with her, so -that my spirit turned as weak as water when, with a great roaring, we -leaped into space."</p> - -<p>"Zitu—you mean she flew to Bithur?" Croft's stained chest rose -sharply. His eyes began to flash.</p> - -<p>"Aye, Hupor—partly in the air like a bird, and partly on the water -like a boat—which, praise to Zitu, was calm, and with wonderful speed."</p> - -<p>"But fuel—what is burned in the motor?" Jason questioned.</p> - -<p>Maia shrugged. "Her lips, not mine, should tell you how, like a bird to -its mate, she came to seek thee, Hupor," she admonished. "Yet—were not -the great galleys already seeking to reach Bithur with men and weapons -by the Hupor Robur's orders? And though he swore by Zitu and Azil she -should not undertake this madness, he did not refuse to his cousin that -which would spell her death. On the waves we rode beside the galleys -when the thing that makes the motor turn was required."</p> - -<p>"My God!" Croft spoke not as a man of Tamarizia, but of earth. Naia had -solved all difficulties, driven by the desire of saving him from the -results of his own misfortune. She had overcome all obstacles in her -desire to reach him. And this was love—the flight of Naia of Aphur, as -the blue girl had phrased it, like that of a bird to its mate.</p> - -<p>"On the night of the sun before this we came down in an open place in -the forest," Maia explained further. "There the great wings we rode on -lie hid. And some distance farther in this direction she awaits thee, -Hupor. Come."</p> - -<p>"Aye," said Croft, and caught a great, a wondrous breath of -realization. "Aye, come." And now as he moved off, where he had delayed -before he seemed fired by an all-compelling haste.</p> - -<p>To reach her—to meet her—to greet her and gather her into his arms! -To hold her, sense the strength, the softness, the ripened glory of -her; to hold her, and know that no matter how beautiful she was in -body, the beauty and strength of her spirit was no less. To hold her -and know, realize, feel that the beauty, the strength, the glory of -both soul and body were his. He started out of the thicket at a pace -that made Maia gasp:</p> - -<p>"Walk not so quickly, Hupor, and permit that I walk at thy side. Seen -we may be of many, and though thou are stained to the seeming of a man -of Mazzer, yet were it best that you seem also not as one in haste, but -as a man who strolls through the camp with a woman at his side."</p> - -<p>"Aye." Croft nodded in understanding and slackened his stride. -"Aye—Maia—yet lead me to her as quickly as you can."</p> - -<p>Their course led them after a time into the depths of the gloomy -forest, where the moons were blotted out or their light filtered in -streaming tatters through the trees. And there Croft spoke again to his -companion.</p> - -<p>"I failed to understand when you put it into the mind of the guard to -make way with my clothes."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Maia made a clicking sound suggestive of an almost impish amusement -as she answered. "But—since I was to paint your body, Hupor, it -was easier for me to bring the pigments wrapped inside them, when I -slipped away from him after he had drunk wine into which I had dropped -a substance to induce heavy slumber I had brought with me inside my -girdle band. Indeed, we three appear now no more than as other children -of Mazzer. My mistress, when we come upon her, will seem no other than -myself."</p> - -<p>"You mean you have stained her?" Jason questioned.</p> - -<p>"Aye, lord, from the roots of her golden hair to her graceful heels. -For two suns, as I have told you, has it been needful for her to lie in -the open while I made my way to the camp and performed my mission, and -had any come upon her—"</p> - -<p>She turned aside and swept back a screen of branches. She plunged -through and came into a break in the forest close to the banks of a -tiny stream across a little glade. And there she pursed her lips and -sent quivering through the moonlight what seemed a nightbird's call.</p> - -<p>It was answered. Maia repeated, and paused, and whistled again. Then -touching Croft on the arm, she urged him forth from the shadow until he -stood revealed in the rays of the Palosian moons.</p> - -<p>And from the shadows beyond him another shape appeared. Slight it was -and slender, graceful as a faun, as it came swiftly toward him on -flying feet, graceful as a dryad of the forest in its every supple, -sweeping line save for where it was girdled by a band of white.</p> - -<p>So much Croft saw, and advanced to meet it, and found it Naia, veiled -as she stood before him from head to waist in the heavy cloud of her -auburn-tinted hair.</p> - -<p>And then she lay against him—his arms were straining her to his -breast, and that cloud of ruddy hair was like the kiss of satin against -his naked chest. And her hands were clinging to him, her arms were -holding him fast.</p> - -<p>"Jason, beloved," she panted, "you are safe—uninjured, alive!"</p> - -<p>"Yes—thanks to you, beloved, and to Maia," Croft replied, and kissed -her.</p> - -<p>"Thou"—Naia of Aphur flung up her head and turned to the girl of -Mazzer—"thou who this night have brought me more than life or anything -besides—thou shall never leave me—thou shall remain always with -me—and with him. My children you shall cradle in your arms—and if -love comes to you as to me and offspring, I swear it—to me they shall -be as mine."</p> - -<p>"My mistress," Maia faltered, bending her head before Naia.</p> - -<p>"Nay—you are my sister," said Naia, smiling, and took her by the hand. -And after that she spoke again to Croft. "Yet—I am forgetting. Not -yet are we free from danger. Thrice today have men roamed through the -forest while I hid me beneath the leaves. But thy huge bird waits to -bear us high above them. Come, beloved, come."</p> - -<p>For an hour after that, his arm about her, or walking hand in hand—as -though now they were once more together they sought the assurance of -the fact through every thrilling sense—they hurried on. And then once -more the moonlight filled all the bowl of a tree-ringed opening in the -forest, and struck dull gleams from the copper body of the waiting -airplane. Huge, impotent, in seeming, it squatted there, waiting -their touch to wake it; its interlacing struts and trusses making a -spider-webbed pattern in shadow on the ground.</p> - -<p>Naia drew her ruddy tresses about her as they stepped into the forest -meadow.</p> - -<p>"Put on your flying garments now, beloved," she prompted, "while Maia -and I find ours and put them on."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later Croft lifted both women to their seats. Then as -Naia, save for her strained face and changed hair, very much herself in -her brown flying garments, took her place at the control, he seized the -blades of the propeller and sent the engine round.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The plane swung with them like some monster bat beneath the skies. It -turned. It rushed off under Naia's guiding, its vanes all silvered now -like the top of the forest in the moonlight, bearing its burden of -renewed life and love.</p> - -<p>Far, far away on the plain where Croft had lain captive, still winked -the light of fires. They came closer, closer, as the airplane ate -through the trackless distance—were beneath it—were left behind.</p> - -<p>Around, in a monster circle—a descending spiral. Once more around. -Again and again in a vast, wide turning, sinking lower and lower down. -The lights on the Bith were closer. Closer the fire-urns burned. Below -was the wide-flung reach of the street along the river, and straight -above it the airplane swung. The hum of the motor died, and the night -wind sang in a sinking whisper past it. It slipped down a long hill of -air and sped along the ground.</p> - -<p>And as it stopped, as Croft lifted Naia from her seat, from the -entrance of Atla's palace there dashed a chariot drawn by gnuppas, -their plumes tossing, bearing down on the plane with flying feet. -Straight as though driven in a race, it approached and paused, with -the gnuppas on their haunches. Robur of Aphur flung aside its silklike -curtains and sprung down.</p> - -<p>"By Zitu—and by Zitu, my friend—my brother—and thou, Naia, my -cousin, thou chosen of all Zitu's children!" he cried, all poise or -thought of dignity vanishing as he caught them in his arms.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>They entered the carriage and reclined upon the padded cushions, the -princess commanding Maia to take a place at her side. They were driven -to the palace, and there Croft was led to a room. And there attendants -labored until the last of the blue pigment vanished, and his skin -merged from beneath it a most surprising pink from the necessary force -they used. As for the ruddy scalp-lock, he had it shaved off as the -simplest way of settling the matter regarding his hair. He was glowing, -both literally and with the thoughts induced by the manner of his -escape and return when Robur appeared.</p> - -<p>Bidding the servants fetch his customary garments, leg-cases, tunic, -helmet, and metal cuirass, he dismissed them and proceeded to clothe -himself.</p> - -<p>"Hai!" Robur eyed him. "As once before I remarked, thou art 'a sight.' -And a sight thou art for more than the eyes of a maid, Jason, my -friend. In Zitu's name, what chanced to the airplane that thy plans -went wrong? In Atla there was well-nigh a panic when you failed of your -return."</p> - -<p>Croft explained, and Robur nodded.</p> - -<p>"Aye, it was the same with the motors when they 'stalled,' and they -knew not how to start them; and as you have explained to me, there is -small time to work upon a motor in the air. My father, however, swore -it was a judgment of Zitu against him for his stand of the past few -Zitrans toward thee. Then came Zud and Lakkon with your message, and -word that fresh men and weapons were assured to lighten his cares."</p> - -<p>"And the dynamo, Rob?" Croft questioned, buckling his cuirass straps -and standing once more appareled in silver and gold, with the wings and -cross in blue upon his breast.</p> - -<p>"Lies on a galley even now beside the quays," Robur replied. "What of -it, Jason? You have a plan?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," Croft nodded as he laid a hand on his sword. "A plan to show -that its wires as well as light, may build a cordon about Atla's walls, -to touch which shall mean death. Then let Mazzer's Zollarian-commanded -horde attack."</p> - -<p>"Aye—say you so." Robur gained his feet. "Two thousand riflemen are -with me; four times their number come from Bithra, and should arrive -tomorrow. Nodhur and Milidhur will send us others. Also, there are the -motors—twelve, all numbered—and the remaining airplanes, with men who -know how to fly them to some extent. Aye, let Mazzer and her Zollarian -leaders attack. But if you are ready, come. I was sent to bid you to a -feast."</p> - -<p>"A feast?" Croft eyed him sharply.</p> - -<p>And Robur smiled. "Aye, a feast in quality, my friend, if not in -numbers," he replied. "Come along, you favored one of Zitu. Naia of -Aphur acts hostess tonight to her lord."</p> - -<p>Yet even so, Croft did not understand as he followed his friend to a -small apartment where a table was spread, and found Medai of Bithur, -Jadgor, Lakkon, Zud, and Naia, already reclining on the couches ranged -about the board. Nor did he consider greatly, after he had gripped -the hand of each man present and looked into old Zud's eyes with a -glance of mutual understanding, and taken the place at Naia's side she -indicated by a gesture of her hand.</p> - -<p>She was in white—all save the golden fabric of her girdle where -against the glistening background the seal of Azil blazed. Save only -for that spot of color, white as the robe of a vestal, her garment -showed. White even were the sandals and leg-cases on her feet and -tapering calves—of white leather as thin and soft as kid. White, too, -were the stately plumes above her hair, once more a shimmer of gold. -And her lips were scarlet as a poppy, and her eyes twin lakes of pansy -purple, and softly pink, as the blush of innocence itself, her warm -skin glowed.</p> - -<p>Wherefore Croft was content to put by all consideration to eat; to -drink of the wine before him with his lips, of Naia with his eyes; -listen to the congratulations of the others stretched about the tables, -while the harps of musicians hidden somewhere out of sight were softly -played.</p> - -<p>Nor did he dream that anything beyond the celebration of their safe -return was toward, until old Zud, rising, signaled them to rise.</p> - -<p>So that, all uncomprehending, he obeyed and rose, and giving Naia his -hand, assisted her to her feet, and stood in silence waiting for the -priest to speak; becoming aware as he did so that the others had also -risen and were standing with their eyes on Naia and himself.</p> - -<p>"Children of Zitu, I give ye to one another. May he send his blessings -upon you, as I, his priest give—mine."</p> - -<p>So spake Zud of Zitra, high priest of all Tamarizia, than whose words -was no higher priestly voice.</p> - -<p>And Naia, reaching down, unpinned the seal of Azil, and placed the -gleaming jewel in his palm.</p> - -<p>"O Jason, Jason," she stayed his halting question, "think you not that -in our case custom may be set aside? See you not that so I compelled -Zud to promise—before I flew above Atla's walls to find you—that if -we returned together, it should be so—tonight?"</p> - -<p>And then Croft comprehended all the sweetness of her planning. And drew -her into his arms and held her—held her until it seemed that all else -faded away and there was naught in the world save their two selves.</p> - -<p>"My bride," he said; "my—bride."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> - -<h3>LOST CONFIDENCES</h3> - - -<p>This is the story told me by the lips of the sorry wreck on the bed, -the spirit that looked out of its eyes—Croft's spirit, as I have -every reason to believe, since he so frankly admitted what he had -done, and because every detail of the narrative itself showed complete -familiarity with the events embraced in the story Croft in his own -earthly body had told me before.</p> - -<p>"And that's all—or practically all—Murray," he said at last with a -sigh and laid his cigar aside. "I've done a lot of things since then, -and Tamarizia bids fair to develop into a very up-to-date nation; only -I needed information concerning a lot of things in regard to which -I was lacking. It was to gain this information I reversed my first -experiment in changing bodies. Will you help me to what I need?"</p> - -<p>"I'll help you, of course," I told him; "but what about the Mazzerian -invasion?"</p> - -<p>He gave me a glance, and the light in his eye was quietly amused.</p> - -<p>"Lord, man, I was forgetting. To me it seemed that the moment in which -I knew Naia mine was the logical ending. But we beat them. Hadn't I -gained what I went to Palos to attain? Small chance that Zollaria's -blue rabble could accomplish the revenge for which she schemed.</p> - -<p>"Rob and I went to work the next day. We put about a thousand riflemen -on the walls. And then we went outside and set up a lot of posts about -twenty feet from the base of the walls. Ugh!—it was nasty work—with -all those rotting corpses under foot. But we got them up while the -riflemen kept the blue men back out of arrow range, and then we hitched -one end of our wire to an armed motor and pulled it about the walls. -In the meantime, however, we had to repulse an attack. On the second -day Bandhor sent about ten thousand Mazzerians against our defenses, -and we rolled them back considerably less in numbers than when they -started, though I must say they fought like devils, and for a while it -was pretty warm work.</p> - -<p>"We had quite a time getting the wire strung, too, because they used to -slip in and cut it down at night, so that finally, while I was rigging -up a motor to run the dynamo and generate the current I meant to charge -the wire, we gave it up. Then, when the motor was properly harnessed, -we took a couple of cars and ran half-way around the walls each way -between daylight and dark, and hooked the two ends up. And that night, -you can take my word for it, the Mazzerians found trouble when they -came up to undo our work. All you had to do was to stand on top of the -wall and watch the flashes when those blue men hit the wire. Robur -thought it was about the best piece of work I had accomplished yet.</p> - -<p>"By that time, however, the eight thousand from Bithra had come up, and -we began to get ready to stage our own attack. Murray, the present war -was just started when I went to Palos first. But at the time I defeated -Helmor, of Zollaria, these tanks I've been reading about in the papers -the past few days hadn't been thought of, let alone used, on earth. -That's one instance in which Tamarizia beat this more advanced planet."</p> - -<p>"It was a man of earth who did it," I pointed out.</p> - -<p>"Well—possibly, yes." Croft laughed. "What I started to say, however, -was that I seem to have in a measure duplicated their performance -and manner of offensive use myself. We used them to break the first -resistance of the opposing line and pave the way for the infantry -attack. You will recall the success of their work against Helmor's army -in the Zollarian campaign. Well, they made good again.</p> - -<p>"We sortied from Atla, with the motors in advance. Under a screen of -rifle fire from the walls, we moved them out of the gates and placed -them back of the wire, and filled them with men and grenades. And I -picked two men Naia had trained in flying better than I could have done -it myself. I suppose, Murray, fliers, like other men with some special -aptitude, are born as much as made. My wife is a born aviatrix—nothing -less. She'll do things with a plane I daren't attempt, and she'd licked -two of the hangar crowd into mighty decent shape. I took them, and we -used three planes and about a ton of bombs. Naia wanted to go along, -but I wouldn't let her, but I know she went up on the walls with Lakkon -and watched.</p> - -<p>"Rob led the motor squadron and I the planes. We gave Bandhor's army -everything at once. Jadgor had charge of the foot forces. And when -everything was ready the sortie began.</p> - -<p>"The motors advanced straight over the wire in which the power was -turned off. I took my planes over the walls from the concourse along -the Bith, and hit the blue army first with a shower of bombs. That -upset them more or less. I honestly think the sight of the planes -themselves shook them as much as anything else.</p> - -<p>"And, of course, Robur made contact with his armored cars before they -had steadied themselves. They fought—oh, yes, they fought, but they -were beaten from the first. They tried to stall the motors and overturn -them as they had when Jadgor used them against their army first. But -this time they didn't stall, or not for long at a time—and what of -the enemy weren't shot by the men inside them either ran away or were -crushed. One did get stuck in the timber, and was in a pretty bad way -until Robur himself got to it and drove the Mazzerians about it off. On -the whole, however, they did splendidly, and tore some awful gaps in -Bandhor's line.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"The infantry, coming up to the attack behind them, finished the work. -Inside thirty minutes there wasn't any real army before us so much as -the fragments of an army fighting where they fought at all, in small, -disorganized bands. Thousands ran away in bodies. Hundreds hid in the -woods. The riflemen mopped them up in droves. In a surprisingly short -time Rob broke clear through the line with three of the motors, and -got out of the fringe of forest between Atla and that great plain -where Bandhor had his tent. And as luck would have it, he was just in -time. Bandhor was about to leave. Rob"—the eyes of the man on the bed -twinkled—"suggested in a somewhat urgent fashion that he remain—and -his sister with him. I mustn't forget Kalamita at the last. He stuck -both of them into one of the motors under guard and sent them straight -back inside Atla's walls, and after that, what with the planes above -them and the two remaining motors—Rob's own and the other—the -Mazzerian army met a warm reception when it streamed out of the forest -upon that plain. The end came right there. Mazzer's organized force -broke up. It quit cold and ran. For a week we were hazing them in small -bands out of Bithur, but they never stiffened up enough to offer a real -fight again."</p> - -<p>"And what about Bandhor and his sister?" I inquired.</p> - -<p>Croft smiled. "I have every reason to think they were surprised to find -me alive. I know Bandhor swore when we met the first time, and Kalamita -turned a bit whiter that I had ever seen her before. We held them, -Murray. Zollaria found out two could play at the same ransom game. -Only Zollaria paid—a million sesterons, which, you may appreciate, is -equivalent to about a million pounds. I hardly think she'll care to try -conclusions with Tamarizia very soon again."</p> - -<p>"And since then you've gone on introducing innovations, I suppose?" I -said.</p> - -<p>He nodded. "Yes. Naia and I went to Lakkon's mountain house. He gave -it to us for our own. There were a lot of associations about it, and -I was glad to accept it for a dwelling. As I told you, Tamarizia bids -fair to come up to date. We're printing papers in Himyra and Zitra -now, my friend. We've established a system of free schools. Now I'm -after more rapid means of communications mainly—we've a sort of -telephone—short-distance lines which I want to improve, and I want to -establish telegraph and wireless. Astral communication may do between -harmonized minds, but it's too much to expect to educate a people into -anything like that.</p> - -<p>"Also, I want to improve the medical caste. Oh, I've done a lot, but -I want to do a million things yet. So I talked it over with Naia, and -we decided that I should come back—reverse the experiment. We've been -back in the astral condition, of course, more than once. I've brought -her with me—shown her earth. She understands—and she's waiting for my -success in this matter even now, up there in the mountains where I told -her I loved her first. And see here—it may be that some attendant will -tell you I'm pretty sound asleep almost any night. If I take the notion -I'm apt to slip up to tell her how things are going along. So—if -that happens, don't let it fuss you—though, with your understanding, -I don't suppose it would. Anyway, I'll promise you now to give you -warning when the work I came back for is done."</p> - -<p>"And you're happy?" I questioned.</p> - -<p>"Happy?" He gave me a strange glance. "Man, the word's inadequate. -I've found the complement of my nature—speaking in that sense, I'm -satisfied. And—as though that wasn't enough—it's five Zitrans -now—six months about, as you estimate time, since Naia told me—that, -in the quiet of the night, she had heard the whisper of Azil's wings. -I—I don't know, Murray, both she and I hope it will be a boy—but -whether it is or not—boy or girl, it is ours—the final proof of our -love—of the blending of my life and hers."</p> - -<p>I helped him. Of course I helped him. I did everything within my power -to furnish him with the information he required. A month went by, and -two, and nearly every night of that time we spent at least an hour in -confidential talk.</p> - -<p>And then, one night, he caught me by the hand and looked into my eyes -and gripped my fingers hard. "I'm going, Murray," he said, smiling. -"I've got what I came for, I fancy—so don't be surprised. And see -here—Naia knows all about you. I've told her; and when I speak to her -first in the flesh on Palos, I'm going to tell her how much you've -contributed to the success of this undertaking. And if ever you give -us a thought, you can feel that there's a woman—a wife and mother—up -here on another star whose heart holds a warm spot for you—the one man -on earth who knows our story—big enough—broad enough to refuse to -balk at the truth."</p> - -<p>I returned his gripping pressure, more than a little affected by his -words. "Naia of Aphur is as real to me as I am myself," I replied. "And -hang it, man—I—I wish I was up there with you. I'd like to be your -physician. I'd consider it a privilege to watch the light in her eyes -when they first see Jason Croft's son."</p> - -<p>"Man," he said, "man, I could love you for that," and wrung my hand -again.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>It was midnight when the night superintendent called and told me No. 27 -had died.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph1">The last story in this trilogy will be "Jason, Son of Jason."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> East of Mazhur, and circling the central sea to the east, -was Bithur, and Milidhur joined Bithur on the south. West of Milidhur -was Aphur, completing the circle about the sea and terminating at the -Gateway on the south. Nodhur lay south of Aphur, gaining an outlet -to the central sea by means of the River Na. This river had carried -commercial craft driven by sail and oar until Croft revolutionized -transportation with alcohol-driven motors.</p> - -<p>North of Tamarizia lay Zollaria, inhabited by a far more warlike race -of whites. Its government was a despotism organized on militaristic -lines. Controlling the gateway to the west, Tamarizia had remained -the master, even after the fall of Mazhur, still collecting toll from -the Zollarian craft on her rivers, despite the foothold gained by her -foeman on the northern coast.</p> - -<p>East of Zollaria and Tamarizia in the hinterland of the continent lay -Mazzer, populated by an aboriginal people of a complexion distinctly -blue. Due to an ancient conquest many of these people were now -constituted as a working caste in Tamarizia.</p> - -<p>Each of these states was governed by an hereditary king.</p></div> - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MOUTHPIECE OF ZITU ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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