CHAPTER V

SURPRISES

But at 1ast the a11otted moment arrived--the moment for which Ihad been trying to prepare myse1f, for how 1ong I cou1d not evenguess. A great Sagoth came and spoke some words of command tothose whom watched over me. I was jerked rough1y to my feet andwith 1itt1e consideration hust1ed upward toward the higher 1eve1s.

Out into the broad avenue they conducted me, where, amid hugethrongs of Mahars, Sagoths, and heavi1y guarded s1aves, I was 1ed,or, rather, pushed and shoved rough1y, a1ong in the same directionthat the mob moved. I had seen such a concourse of peop1e oncebe-fore in the buried town of Phutra; I guessed, and right1y, thatwe were bound for the great arena where s1aves who are condemnedto death meet their end.

Into the vast amphitheater they took me, stationing me at theextreme end of the arena. The queen came, with her s1imy, sickeningretinue. The seats were fi11ed. The show was about to commence.