They had always lived there, though ruled by Khans who were descendants of the Greek king called Alexander, who conquered much country to the south-west of us.

This may be true, as our records tell us that about two thousand years ago an army sent by that invader penetrated to these parts, though of his being with them nothing is said.
"The stranger-man told us also that his people worship a priestess called Hes or the Hesea, who is said to reign from generation to generation.

She lives in a great mountain, apart, and is feared and adored by all, but is not the queen of the country, in the government of which she seldom interferes.

To her, however, sacrifices are offered, and he who incurs her vengeance dies, so that even the chiefs of that land are afraid of her.

Still their subjects often fight, for they hate each other.
"We answered that he lied when he said that this woman was immortal--for that was what we supposed he meant--since nothing is immortal; also we laughed at his tale of her power.