Fresh from his bath, he was suddenly minded to seek Gaya and learn if there were any word from Naia, such as she frequently sent him by Robur's wife. He found her awaiting Robur's return, and proffered his request. That Gaya was glad to see him there could be no doubt. His coming seemed to afford her relief. "My lord, your coming lightens my heart," she declared after Croft had greeted her by sinking on one knee. "The maid sent you her farewell, and asked that I say this much more: 'Tell him to forget not his promise.' She did not explain, yet I have felt you would know the meaning of her words." "Her farewell? You say she sent me that?" exclaimed Croft, staring into her face. "By Zitu, Gaya, my friend, what meant she by that?" "You know not of her absence from Aphur?" Gaya widened her eyes in surprise. "You have not heard?" "I have heard nothing. I came to you for word," Croft began, and paused with an odd grip taking hold of his heart. "Aye," Gaya wrinkled her brows. "Some days ago an escort came from Cathur, asking that the maid and Lakkon, her father, visit Scira, in order that Kyphallos might present his bride-to-be to his people before he ascended the throne." "Kyphallos on the throne of Cathur!" Croft frowned. "Has Scythys, then, laid down the scepter in favor of his son?" "Scythys has died," Gaya said. "Wherefore, despite the fact that the cycle of betrothal has not run out, Kyphallos craves the privilege of entertaining Naia and her father, and assuring his people that he has chosen a worthy queen as his consort on the throne." "And--and she--and they--have gone?" Croft stammered as he spoke. "Aye." Gaya looked into his eyes. "Jasor, what of it? I--I am a woman, and I have thoughts--fears, perhaps, or fancies. I like this journey not. What does it portend?" "That I know not; yet shall I ascertain," Croft replied between set teeth. "She told me to forget not my promise. By Zitu and Azil and Ga, I shall not. Gaya, my sweet woman, how long have they been gone?" "This is the third day since they departed, my lord." "They went--how?" "In the ship which brought the escort--one Kyphallos sent." "The day after tomorrow they arrive. So then there is time." * * * * * Croft relaxed somewhat the physical tension which had held him, and his voice grew less sharp. He sighed. "Time? Time for what, Jasor?" Gaya inquired. "Tonight I shall sleep," Croft told her frankly. "And while I sleep I shall learn what is the true intent of this sudden desire on Kyphallos's part to show Cathur their queen." Gaya's eyes grew wide. "You shall sleep--as you sleep to learn?" she faltered. "Yes," Croft smiled. "And I shall learn, wife of my friend. Zitu made Naia of Aphur a maid to madden men's blood, not for Cathur, but for Jasor. Yes, I shall learn."