HELIODORE That night there was feasting at the palace, and I, Olaf, now known as Michael, as a convert was one of the chief guests, so that for me there was no escape.

I sat very silent, so silent that the Augusta frowned, though she was too far off to speak to me.

The banquet came to an end at last and before midnight I was free to go, still without word from the Empress, who withdrew herself, as I thought in an ill-humour.
I sought my bed, but in it knew little of sleep.

I had found her for whom during all the long years I had been searching, though I did not understand that I was searching.

After the ages I had found her and she had found me.