Down these stairs
we went into a long passage that seemed to run beneath the earth, for
the air in it was heavy. When we had walked a hundred paces or more
in this narrow place, we came to other steps and another door, passing
through which we found ourselves in a second temple, smaller than that
which we had visited, but like to it rich with gold. In the centre of
this temple sat the image of a man rudely fashioned of gold.
"Behold Rimac the Speaker!" whispered Kari.
"How can gold speak?" I asked.
Kari made no answer.
Presently the priests began to mutter prayers and incantations that I
thought unholy, after which they laid offerings of what looked like
raw flesh set in cups of gold before the idol, that I thought unholier
still. Lastly they drew back and asked of what we would learn.
I made no answer who did not like the business. Nor did Kari say
anything, but Quilla spoke out boldly, saying that we would learn of the
future and what would befall us.
Now there was a long silence, and I confess that fear got hold of me,
for it seemed to me as though spirits were moving in the air and through
the darkness behind us--yes, as though I could hear their whisperings
and the rustle of their wings.
Pages:
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253