While I, at the same time, am to be given in
marriage to Ackbau, a fate from which I shrink more than from death.
Why, then, should we exchange the chance of reaching the country you
speak of for the tortures which must certainly await us here? Let us
trust ourselves to the sea rather than cling to this land of sorrow. If
we perish, we perish."
I could not but agree that her argument contained much good sense, and
I admired the courage with which she was ready to face the worst that
Fate might have in store for us.
"Let it be so then, Melannie," I answered. "May heaven deal with me as
I deal with thee in protecting us both from evil."
After arriving at this decision we agreed there must be no turning
back, and it only now remained to await the night upon which the
unfortunate Van Luck would be offered to the snake god in order to make
good our escape. Meanwhile we were allowed to wander about the island
together as before. Ackbau having obtained the decree of the council
for my death, and his own marriage with the queen, could afford to
wait, nor did he appear anxious to deprive Melannie of the pleasure
which she found in my company, until I was removed from his path.
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