A moan of anguish escaped her lips. Clinging
to her in terrified silence, Veranilda seemed about to sink to the
ground.
'Our way,' pursued the priest, who was now revealed as neither old
nor infirm, 'is down to the harbour. Not far from here a litter
awaits you; summon your strength for the short effort over rugged
ground. Speak words of comfort to this maiden; she also will ere
long walk in the light, and will be grateful to those who rescued
her from the path of destruction. Think not to escape us when we
pass through the city; it were vain to cry aloud; not a man in
Surrentum would raise his hand to release you, knowing, as all do,
that we confine your body only to free your soul from the bonds of
the Enemy.'
'Whither are you taking us?' asked Aurelia, suddenly commanding
herself, and speaking with cold scorn.
'That you will know before the evening. Enough for the present that
you will travel without fatigue and without danger. Follow now
whither I lead.'
He moved forward, and the armed men, half a dozen in number, among
whom stood the black monk, closed about the prisoners.
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