Bride of Osiris by Otis Adelbert Kline

Author:Otis Adelbert Kline [Kline, Otis Adelbert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-12-27T16:00:00+00:00

WHILE they were conversing, Buell’s guide was leading him through the most populous district of Karneter, and he marveled, as Rafferty had, at the size and metropolitan aspect of the place.

After they had visited the busy-bazaar they circled through a beautiful portion of the residence district and came before the magnificent Temple of Re. While the giant Odd was conversing with one of the guards at the gate, who appeared to be an old friend, two men in blue costumes of slaves showed their numbers and passed through. Buell, who was standing several feet behind Odd, caught his breath sharply as he saw that one of the men was Dan Rafferty.

“Dan,” he cried, “what are you doing here?”

“Hist!” Dan waited until his companion had gone on ahead. “I just learnt that yer girl is in the Temple of Isis. She’s going to marry——”

Buell felt a tug at the chain that circled his waist. A deep voice boomed in his ear.

“Come, N. We will visit the Temple of Re. Do not debase yourself by talking to mere slaves. Remember that you are soon to be a god.”

Buell scarcely noticed the marvelous gardens, the wandering vestal virgins, yellow-robed priests and blue-clad slaves. The richly and artistically designed temple which would ordinarily have aroused his interest and admiration elicited only absent-minded “yes’s” and “oh’s” as Odd enthusiastically pointed out this or that object of reverence and related the history of the building.

When they had passed out into the garden and were headed for the gate once more, Buell said, “There are other temples in Karneter, I presume.”

“Only two. The Temples of Osiris and Isis.”

“Are we to visit them?”

“You have already been in the Temple of Osiris. In fact that is where we are quartered. You did not see the grounds and gardens because we left through an underground passageway. The Hall of the Two Truths where judgment was passed on you is the main room in the Temple of Osiris. It is always kept in darkness, the only light coming from the throne itself or the eye above it when the mighty Osiris is present to dispense justice.”

“And the Temple of Isis?”

“It is some distance from here. Would you prefer to visit it today, or seek rest and refreshment now and leave it for another day?”

Buell did not want to appear overanxious. On the other hand, he certainly didn’t want to pass up a chance to learn where Doris was quartered and catch sight of her if possible—perhaps converse with her.

“Let’s clean up this round of the temples today,” he said. “It will give us more time for rest and study tomorrow.”

“Good. This way, then.”

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