For Cherkis knew not where to seek her, nor where they had lain hid, for between his city and here the mountains are great, unscalable, and the way through them is cunningly hidden; by chance alone did my mother's mother and those who fled with her discover it: And though they tortured him, my father would not tell.

And after a while forthwith those who still remained of hers stole out with my mother to find him.

They left me here with Yuruk.

And Cherkis caught my mother." The proud breasts heaved, the eyes shot forth visible flames.
"My father was flayed alive and crucified," she said.

"His skin they nailed to the City's gates.