"Ha! Let it not be said your race makes poor courtiers. Your compliments are only less polished than the orations in which you describe your own bluffness." Mithradates drained his chalice and set it down; at once a slave refilled it. His gaze went from Flavius to Eodan and Tjorr, and back to Phryne. "Surely there is a purpose here," he mused. "Lives are not often so entangled. I must take care to reach a decision that will accord with the will of the Most High." Eodan sat up. "My Lord," he said raggedly, "give weapons to us two, or our bare hands, and watch who heaven favors!" Mithradates murmured thoughtfully: "I have heard you speak of yourself, Eodan, as a man whom the gods hate." "For once he spoke truth, Your Majesty," said Flavius. "It would be an impiety if--if I, at least, suffered him to live." "Would you meet him in single combat, then?" asked Mithradates. "It is an uncouth German custom, Your Majesty," said Flavius. "It is not worthy of a civilized man." "You have not answered my question." "Well ... I would meet him, Great King, if there were no better way." Eodan sprang to his feet. "At once!" he yelled. "Give me my hammer, and I'll take care of his following!" said Tjorr. Phryne sat up on the couch. "No!" she gasped. "Back!" cried Mithradates. His face was flushed with the wine; he drained a second cup in three gulps. "Back, lie down--I cannot have this. You are both my guests!" The room grew very quiet, until only the crackling fires and the heavy breathing of men had voice. And outside the wind prowled under the walls. "This may not be," said the king finally. "I am a civilized man, too. Let the world be sure I am no barbarian. We shall settle this dispute by reason and principle. Hear me and obey!" "The King has spoken," came whispers from around the long room. "These people sought my roof," said Mithradates, "and it was granted them to stay. They are under my protection." "The hospitality of Your Majesty is known throughout the world," said Flavius. "But no guest may remain forever. Dismiss them from your presence, Great Lord, and I will wait for them outside your borders." "You have not yet given me a reason to send them away," Mithradates told him. "Your Majesty," said Flavius, becoming grave, "I have charged them with revolt, murder, theft and piracy. They are foes of civilization itself, and the Roman state is certain that all civilized men will recognize that fact. Let me tell the King a tale.