«He has grown since yesterday, Izmir. It is indeed a miracle and all Zir whispers of it. The people are impatient to see for themselves.»

Blade, dressed in baggy trousers and a jeweled vest, was practicing with his little sword. He liked Ogier and trusted him and had plans for him, but he did not speak now. He listened. Always he listened and learned.

«The people will have to wait,» the Izmir said, «until he has his years and is announced as my heir. And that cannot be done until he has proven himself in battle against the Hitts. In good time, Ogier, all in good time. But what of Casta and the Princess Hirga? I have not seen them since the audience in the palace. It is not like the priest to be so quiet.»

Captain Ogier laughed harshly. «Casta is sulking, Izmir. He has been sulking ever since he denounced the boy and stalked from the palace. Yes, he sulks and I think he plots, but for the moment he is quiet. The Princess Hirga is curious and employs her spies. This I overlook, for what can they tell her but the truth? I think that she is as awed as the people and that her faith in Casta is somewhat shaken. And something else, I near forgot-a boy child, dressed in rich and priestly vestments, has been found on a dungheap with his throat cut. My own spies say that the boy had been seen with Casta from time to time.»

Blade spoke then. «The priest had plans for that boy. Then I came and the plans were useless, so the boy has been silenced. I do not think, Izmir, that this Casta and I are going to get along when finally we meet.»

But the High Priest and the Princess Hirga made no move. When Blade reached his full growth, he was given a palace and a harem of his own, at the far end of the park from the Izmir's own palace, and Ogier and his twelve faithful men were assigned to Blade as permanent bodyguard. The Izmir accompanied Blade on the day he moved into his palace. They moved through the streets of the palace-city, Blade on a white horse with golden trappings and the old man carried by slaves in an ornate chair. The crowd that gathered to watch was a curious one, silent and almost sullen, awe-stricken and fearful, obviously torn between disbelief and faith.