But just then the Aradna stood up, She made an indication to Watson.  He stepped over to the queen.  She sat down again.

“I want to give you my benediction, stranger lord.  Are you sure of yourself?  Can you overcome the Senestro?”

“I am certain,” spoke Watson.  “It is for the queen, O Aradna.  I know nothing of the prophecy; but I will fight for you!”

She blushed and cast a furtive look in the direction of the Senestro.

“It is well,” she spoke.  “The outcome will have a double interpretation—­the spiritual one of the prophecy, and the earthly, material one that concerns myself.  If you conquer, my lord, I am freed.  I would not marry the Senestro; I love him not.  I would abide by the prophet, and await the chosen.”  She hesitated.  “What do you know of the chosen, my lord?”

“Nothing, O Aradna.”

“Has not the Rhamda Geos told you?”

“Partly, but not fully.  There is something that he is withholding.”

“Very likely.  And now—­will you kneel, my lord?”

Watson knelt.  The queen held out her hand.  Behind him Chick could hear a deep murmur from the assembled multitudes.  Just what was the significance of that sound he did not know; nor did he care.  It was enough for him that he was to fight for this delicately beautiful maiden.  He would let the prophecy take care of itself.

Besides these three on the dais there were only the Rhamda Geos and the Jan Lucar.  These two remained on the edge nearest the body of the temple, the edge at the crest of the stair.  The empty chair remained so.

Suddenly Chick remembered the warning of Dr. Holcomb:  “Read the words of the Prophet.”  And he took advantage of the breathing-spell to peruse the legends on the great golden scrolls: 

THE PROPHECY OF THE JARADOS

Behold!  When the day is at hand, prepare ye!

For, when that day cometh, ye shall have signs and portents from the world beyond.  Wisdom cometh out of life, and life walketh out of wisdom.  Yea, in the manner of life and of spirit ye shall have them, and of substance even like unto you yourselves.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that we shall be on guard.  By these signs ye shall know them; even by the truths I have taught thee.  The way of life is an open door; wisdom and virtue are its keys.  And when the intelligence shall be lifted to the plane above—­then shalt thou know!

Mark ye well the Spot of Life!  He that openeth it is the precursor of judgment.  Mark him well!

And thus shall the last days come to pass.  See that ye are worthy, O wise ones!  For behold in those last days there shall come among ye—­

The chosen of a line of kings.  First there shall be one, and then there shall be two; and the two shall stay but the one shall return.

The false ones.  Them ye shall slay!