She put her arms around me and I drew her close. "Now," she breathed, "we are free to marry as soon as the betrothal day can be arranged!"

I bent to kiss her and then realized that I was not yet sure how the battle had gone.

"We must see how our men are dealing with the Argzoon," I said.

She knew nothing of what had happened—or at least little. Quickly I told her. She smiled again and slipped her hand in mine. "I will not be parted from you again," she said. I knew I should have left her in the tower—or better still in the aircraft, where she would be safest—but I could not bear the thought of something else separating us. The aircraft reminded me of the time we had flown together over the Argzoon camp and I asked her why she had left the security of the ship.

"Did you not realize?" she asked as we moved down the steps, hand in hand. "I wished to help you—or die with you, if that was to be. But when I got there you had already done your work and gone!"

I squeezed her hand affectionately and with gratitude. I knew the rest from Horguhl.

In the street we discovered that the Argzoon were laying down their arms, evidently losing all stomach for fighting now that they had learned their Queen had fled.

Towards us, marching in excited triumph, came a detachment of warriors headed by Movat Jard and Carnak, the ex-slave.

We waited to meet them and I felt suddenly weary as I realized that we had won and that I need do no more fighting that day.

Tired as I felt, my heart was bounding with gladness. We had won—and Shizala had promised to be mine. I wished nothing else!

Then, suddenly, Carnak came rushing forward, a smile on his lips and his hands outstretched.

"Shizala!" he cried. "Shizala-is it really you? What are you doing here?"

She looked puzzled, not recognizing the bearded man. I wondered if it was an old friend and hoped it might not be some previous fiance or someone who would shatter my happiness!

"Carnak—you know Shizala?" I said in surprise.

"Know her!" Carnak laughed heartily. "I should think I do!"

"Carnak!" It was Shizala's turn to laugh. Is that your name? Is it?"

"Of course!"

I watched with some jealousy, I don't mind telling you, as the older man took my Shizala in his arms. And then all was revealed in a single word.

"Father!" she cried. "Oh, father, I thought you were dead!"

"So I would have been in a very short time had it not been for this young man with the strangesounding name—and this fierce savage, his friend." Carnak cocked a thumb at Movat Jard.

Shizala turned to me.