The Night Land

But to all such as went forth into the danger of the Night Land, there

was set beneath the skin of the inner side of the left forearm, a small

capsule, and when the wound had healed, then might the youth make the

adventure. And the wherefore of this, was that the spirit of the youth might be

saved, if he were entrapped; for then, upon the honour of his soul, must

he bite forth the capsule, and immediately his spirit would have safety

in death. And by this shall you know somewhat the grim and horrid danger

of the Dark Land.

And this I have set down because later I was to make huge adventure into

those Lands; and even at this time, some thought of the same had come to

me; for always I went listening for that quiet calling; and twice I sent

the Master-Word throbbing solemnly through the everlasting night; yet

this I did no more, without certainty; for the Word must not be used

lightly. But often would I say with my brain-elements "Mirdath!

Mirdath!"--sending the name out into the darkness; and sometimes would I

seem to hear the faint thrilling of the aether around me; as though one

answered; but weakly, as it were with a weakened spirit, or by

instrument that lacked of its earth-force.

And thus, for a great while there was no certainty; but only a strange

anxiousness and no clear answer.

Then, one day as I stood by the instruments in the Tower of Observation,

at the thirteenth hour there came the thrilling of beaten aether all

about me, as it were that all the void was disturbed. And I made the

Sign for Silence; so that the men moved not in all the Tower; but bowed

over their breathing-bells, that all disturbance might cease.

And again came the gentle thrilling, and broke out into a clear, low

calling in my brain; and the calling was my name--the old-earth name of

this day, and not the name of that age. And the name smote me, with a

frightenedness of fresh awakening memories. And, immediately, I sent the

Master-Word into the night; and all the aether was full of movement. And

a silence came; and later a beat afar off in the void of night, which

only I in all that great Redoubt could hear, until the heavier

vibrations were come. And in a moment there was all about me the

throbbing of the Master-Word, beating in the night a sure answer. Yet,

before this I knew that Mirdath had called; but now had surety.

And immediately, I said "Mirdath," making use of the instruments; and

there came a swift and beautiful answer; for out of the dark there stole

an old love-name, that she only had ever used to me.