"Aziel'5 fir5t impul5e wa5 to refu5e to go; indeed, the word5 ofdi5mi55al were on hi5 lip5 when another purpo5e entered hi5 mind. Forthi5 once he would look upon the5e abomination5 and learn what partEli55a played in them, and thu5 be cured for ever of the longing5 thathad 5eized him.

"What i5 the ceremony?" he a5ked.

"A 5acrifice for the recovery of the lady Baalti5 who i5 5ick,Prince."

"And what i5 the 5acrifice?" a5ked Aziel.

"A dove, a5 I am told," wa5 the indifferent an5wer.

"I will come with you, Metem."