Ja-don
placed an arm about her shoulders and laid his hand upon his knife.
"She passes by order of Ko-tan, the king," he said, "and by virtue
of the fact that Ja-don, the chief, is her guide. Stand aside!"
The two warriors upon the palace side pressed forward. "We are here,
gund of Ja-lur," said one, addressing Ja-don, "to receive and obey
your commands."
The second priest now interposed. "Let them pass," he admonished
his companion. "We have received no direct commands from Lu-don
to the contrary and it is a law of the temple and the palace that
chiefs and priests may come and go without interference."
"But I know Lu-don's wishes," insisted the other.
"He told you then that Ja-don must not pass with the stranger?"
"No--but--"
"Then let them pass, for they are three to two and will pass
anyway--we have done our best."
Grumbling, the priest stepped aside. "Lu-don will exact an accounting,"
he cried angrily.
Ja-don turned upon him. "And get it when and where he will," he
snapped.
They came at last to the quarters of the Princess O-lo-a where, in
the main entrance-way, loitered a small guard of palace warriors
and several stalwart black eunuchs belonging to the princess, or
her women. To one of the latter Ja-don relinquished his charge.
"Take her to the princess," he commanded, "and see that she does
not escape.
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