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The High Priest had commanded all visitors to be excluded, except

Rathunor, who was to have access at all times, and as the

Hierophant's word was that of God to them, so, purely from a

religious standpoint, they were strictly obeyed. While the

Priestess and others of the Temple knew the secret of the

Priest's strict injunctions, they likewise knew that none of

Sarthia's associates dared approach, lest their presence would

too suddenly awake to consciousness the slumbering soul, before

the brain had yet fully responded and vibrated to the new

animating spark of life.