It was a spacious and lofty saloon, completely lined with gilded columns, between which hung numerous golden lamps having long, pointed, amber pendants, that flashed down a million sparkles as of sunlight on the magnificent mosaic floor beneath.  On the walls were rich tapestries storied with voluptuous scenes of love as well as ghastly glimpses of warfare, ... and languishing beauties reposing in the arms of their lovers, or listening to the songs of passion, were depicted side by side with warriors dead on the field of battle, or struggling hand to hand in grim and bleeding conflict.  The corners of this wonderful apartment were decked with all sorts of flags and weapons, and in the middle of the painted ceiling was suspended a huge bird with the spread wings of an eagle and the head of an owl, that held in its curved talons a superb girandole formed of a hundred extended swords, each bare blade having at its point a bright lamp in the shape of a star, while the clustered hilts composed the centre.

Officers in full uniform were ranged on both sides of the room, and a number of other men richly attired stood about, conversing with each other in low tones, ... but though Theos took in all these details rapidly at a glance, his gaze soon became fixed on the glittering Pavilion that occupied the furthest end of the saloon, where on a massive throne of ivory and silver sat the chief object of attraction, ...  Zephoranim the King.  The steps of the royal dais were strewn ankle-deep with flowers, ... . on either hand a bronze lion lay couchant, ... . and four gigantic black statues of men supported the monarch’s gold-fringed canopy, their uplifted arms being decked with innumerable rows of large and small pearls.  The King’s features were not just then visible—­ he was leaning back in an indolent attitude, resting on his elbow, and half covering his face with one hand.  The individual in the silver coat-of-mail whispered something in Sah-luma’s ear either by way of warning or advice, and then advanced, prostrating himself before the dais and touching the ground humbly with his forehead and hands.  The King stirred slightly, but did not alter his position, ... he was evidently wrapped in a deep and seemingly unpleasant reverie.

“Dread my lord. ... !” began the Herald-in-Waiting.  A movement of decided impatience on the part of the monarch caused him to stop short.

“By my soul!” said a rich, strong voice that made itself distinctly audible throughout the spacious hall—­“Thou art ever shivering on the edge of thy duty when thou shouldst plunge boldly into the midst thereof!  How long wilt mouth thy words? ...  Canst never speak plain?”

“Most potent sovereign!” went on the stammering herald—­“Sah-luma waits thy royal pleasure!”

“Sah-luma!” and the monarch sprang erect, his eyes flashing fire—­ “Nay, that he should wait, bodes ill for thee, thou knave!  How darest thou bid him wait?—­Entreat him hither with all gentleness, as befits mine equal in the realm!”