I thought you told us that we were safe upon this Mountain.
I told you, friend—
and he looked at me.
Holly is my name—
—friend Holly, that your bodies are safe. I said nothing of all the rest of you. Man is more than flesh and blood. He is mind and spirit as well, and these can be injured also.
Who is there that would injure them?
I asked.
Friend,
he answered, gravely, you and your companion have come to a haunted land, not as mere wanderers, for then you would be dead ere now, but of set purpose, seeking to lift the veil from mysteries which have been hid for ages. Well, your aim is known and it may chance that it will be achieved. But if this veil is lifted, it may chance also that you will find what shall send your souls shivering to despair and madness. Say, are you not afraid?
Somewhat,
I answered. Yet my foster-son and I have seen strange things and lived. We have seen the very Light of Life roll by in majesty; we have been the guests of an Immortal, and watched Death seem to conquer her and leave us untouched. Think you then that we will turn cowards now? Nay, we march on to fulfil our destinies.
At these words Oros showed neither curiosity nor surprise; it was as though I told him only what he knew.
Good,
he replied, smiling, and with a courteous bow of his shaven head, within an hour you shall march on—to fulfil your destinies. If I have warned you, forgive me, for I was bidden so to do, perhaps to try your mettle. Is it needful that I should repeat this warning to the lord—
and again he looked at me.
Leo Vincey,
I said.
Leo Vincey, yes, Leo Vincey,
he repeated, as though the name were familiar to him but had slipped his mind. But you have not answered my question. Is it needful that I should repeat the warning?
