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"No stranger within the gates of Manator ever has survived ten games," replied
the slave girl. "They are permitted to offer themselves into perpetual slavery if
they prefer that to fighting at jetan. Of course they may be called upon, as any
warrior, to take part in a game, but their chances then of surviving are increased,
since they may never again have the chance of winning to liberty."
"But a woman," insisted Tara; "how may a woman win her freedom?"
Lan-O laughed. "Very simply," she cried, derisively. "She has but to find a warrior
who will fight through ten consecutive games for her and survive."
"'Just are the laws of Manator,'" quoted Tara, scornfully.
Then it was that they heard footsteps outside their cell and a moment later a key
turned in the lock and the door opened. A warrior faced them.
"
Hast seen E-Med the dwar?" he asked.
"Yes," replied Tara, "he was here some time ago."
The man glanced quickly about the bare chamber and then searchingly first at
Tara of Helium and then at the slave girl, Lan-O. The puzzled expression upon his
face increased. He scratched his head. "It is strange," he said. "A score of men
saw him ascend into this tower; and though there is but a single exit, and that
well guarded, no man has seen him pass out."
Tara of Helium hid a yawn with the back of a shapely hand. "The Princess of
Helium is hungry, fellow," she drawled; "tell your master that she would eat."
It was an hour later that food was brought, an officer and several warriors
accompanying the bearer. The former examined the room carefully, but there was
no sign that aught amiss had occurred there. The wound that had sent E-Med
the dwar to his ancestors had not bled, fortunately for Tara of Helium.
"
Woman," cried the officer, turning upon Tara, "you were the last to see E-Med
the dwar. Answer me now and answer me truthfully. Did you see him leave this
room?"
"
"
"
I did," answered Tara of Helium.
Where did he go from here?"
How should I know? Think you that I can pass through a locked door of skeel?"
the girl's tone was scornful.
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