I was silent and Misk did not speak and the only noise in

that paneled metallic laboratory that was the cradle of a

Priest-King was the soft crackle of the blue torch I held.

'Yes,' said Misk, 'it is the end of the Nest.'

I shook my head.'This is no business of mine,' I said.

'That is true,' said Misk.

We faced one another.'Well,' I said, 'are you not going to

threaten me?'

'No,' said Misk.

'Are you not going to hunt down my father or my Free

Companion and kill them if I do not serve you?'

'No,' said Misk.'No.'

'Why not?' I demanded.'Are you not a Priest-King?'

'Because I am a Priest-King,' said Misk.

I was thunderstruck.

'All Priest-Kings are not as Sarm,' said Misk.He looked

down at me.'Come,' he said, 'it is late and you will be

tired.Let us retire to the chamber above.'

Misk left the room and I, bearing the torch, followed him.

To be continued…