The king of Aphur turned to two guards stationed on either side. "Announce that Cathur is Aphur's guest." "Cathur is the guest of Aphur!" proclaimed the soldier heralds. This completed the ceremonial of the royal arrival and the nobles withdrew with the exception of Lakkon, who, at a sign from Jadgor, remained and approached the dais. Jadgor waved away his guards. "I would speak with you on matters of weight, O Cathur," he said when the three were alone. "I give ear, King of Aphur," Kyphallos replied. Like the man of purpose he was Jadgor did not waste time in airy persiflage. "Cathur guards the western gate with Aphur, Kyphallos," he began. "To my mind it occurs the guards are bound by a common interest. It occurs to me to strengthen the tie." "To what end?" A slight frown grew between the younger man's eyes. He seemed like one taken suddenly by surprise and his words came only after a perceptible pause. "To the end of strengthening our nation," Jadgor shot out his reply. "In one year Tamhys's reign is done, unless he be reelected, as you know. With Cathur's help and that of Nodhur, which is well assured, and support from Milidhur already promised, Aphur can win the day." "Ah!" Suddenly Kyphallos smiled. And as swiftly his eyelids drew together. "But what," he asked, "if Cathur should look toward Zitra as well?" Like a stab of light a thought pierced Croft's listening brain. Was that it--was that the bait Zollaria held forth? Kyphallos on the throne of Tamarizia--not for ten years, but for life--Zollaria and Tamarizia practically one if not actually united--Cathur in Zollaria's hands and Kyphallos a noble of a vast empire--a dual monarchy such as Palos had never seen. The conception from the standpoint of royalty at least was no less than magnificent. Jadgor, too, gave his companion a piercing glance. "Could Cathur win without Aphur?" he asked. Kyphallos shrugged. "My words were but a question," he evaded the answer direct. "What does Aphur propose?" "An alliance of their houses," Jadgor said and paused. And once more Kyphallos frowned without reply. Plainly he was giving this matter consideration. Jadgor resumed. "It is in our minds to offer you the fairest flower in Aphur's garden of women to this end." "Hai! A woman! Thou meanest marriage?" Kyphallos cried. "Aye." Kyphallos smiled. "And this wonderful woman--who is she?" "The daughter of Prince Lakkon here," Jadgor declared. "Naia, the child of my sister, more beautiful than any girl in Aphur and pure as the Virgin Ga." "Naia!" Kyphallos's eyes lighted. "I have heard of her, O Aphur. It would seem you plan to make this alliance strong." "The guard of the western gate should be strong," Jadgor said. Kyphallos nodded. "Yet have I never seen her," he remarked in a tone of musing, "though the fame of her beauty has reached Cathur ere this. I have heard she has hair like spun gold and eyes as purple as the twilight in the mountains. Is this true?"