“Although a separate entity, she personates the feminine principle dormant in himself. This is what the ideal always does. Through this he will learn to harmonize desire and knowledge, and in time he will see that the grinding out of animal propensities, represented by the ringed planet, has come to him in a form more beautiful than a poet’s dream. Kerœcia is the disillusionizer, the dweller on the threshold, the chastening rod. But the hand that smites will also bless him.”[11] CHAPTER NINETEEN AKAZA KEEPS HIS VOW AND IS FINALLY FREE As he passed out of the temple, Akaza turned again to look at Yermah whose face was illumined, serene and calm. With his hands clasped before him, the Dorado stood as if in a dream, taking into the inner recesses of his heart the comforting assurance of immortality and of final union with the Divine, in which Kerœcia was a part. “Farewell, beloved!” said the old man, as his eyes filled. “Thou hast passed the Gates of Light, and art come into thine own. Amenti, thou unknown, receive thy son! Amrah, King of the Brotherhood, give back my vow! I have kept the faith!” He stood with bowed figure, and seemed to be communing with the Unseen. Presently he lifted his head, and the crowning white hair haloed a dazzling countenance. His lips were parted in a pleased expectancy. “I am free to go hence,” he said, as he turned and walked out with renewed vigor. Akaza bent his steps toward Ingharep, and when he reached the cave, he went in and made ready for a journey. The blurred, reddened and obscure sun shed but fitful light over the still agitated waters of the Pacific. The hierophant went out on the rocks jutting into the sea, remnants of which are still visible below the Cliff House of to-day, where he sat gazing long into space. When his strength was fully regained, he hailed the officer on watch in the tower-house of the hill overlooking the point, and was soon swallowed up in the night. Crossing the bay, he came upon a few refugees from the far north, led by Cezardis, who cried childishly when he encountered for the first time in many days this evidence of any living thing. Running toward Akaza, he kissed and fondled him in his excitement, while the others gave every evidence of thankfulness and joy. “Tell me all that has befallen thee,” said Akaza, holding him at arm’s length. “It would need more than man’s allotted time to convey all,” answered Cezardis. “Death and destruction are everywhere. A puny chain stands between the main land of the Ians and my country. The peak next the shore opposite, and over which the priestess Kerœcia passed, has fallen into the sea,[12] and all the high mountains are putting forth smoke, ashes and melted rocks. In some places the earth heaves and groans continuously; in other spots, water pours all the time; while hot air makes man and beast labor for breath.”