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But Sarthia, when left alone, although marvelously calmed and

comforted by the tender presence and lofty words of her idolized

Priestess could not compose herself to sleep. Instead, she soon

floated into a state of restful contemplation, drifting from one

topic to another, until suddenly she found herself confronted by

a most intensely vivid and startling vision. "Can it be?" Yes,

true enough, there sat the venerable Astrologer holding in his

hand before him, her chart of birth. Beside him, engaged in

completing the necessary calculations, sat the scribe and

youthful Astrologer Priest, Hermo. There was a strange pallor

over his face and a compression of the lips which betrayed

unusual emotion. The Priestess was partially facing them,

composed, yet with a serious thoughtfulness of mien.