A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder James De Mille

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Layelah, "with what Almah calls your sepet-ram; but do not kill the
athalebs, for it will do you no good. Almah would then receive the
blessing of death. My followers, these noble Kosekin, would rejoice in
thus gaining exile and death on Magones. As for myself, it would be my
highest happiness to be here alone with you. With you I should live
for a few sweet joms, and with you I should die; so go on--kill the
athalebs if you wish."
"Do not!" cried Almah--"do not! There is no hope. We are their
prisoners, and our only hope is in submission."
Upon this all further thought of resistance left me, and I stood in
silence, stolidly waiting for their action. As I looked around I
noticed a movement near the jantannin, and saw several athalebs
there, which were devouring its flesh. I now went over to Almah and
spoke with her. We were both full of despair. It seemed as though we
might never meet again. We were to be separated now; but who could say
whether we should be permitted to see each other after leaving this
place? We had but little to say. I held her in my arms, regardless of
the presence of others; and these, seeing our emotion, at once moved
away, with the usual delicacy of the Kosekin, and followed Layelah to
the jantannin to see about the athalebs.
At last our interview was terminated. Layelah came and informed us
that all was ready for our departure. We walked sadly to the place,
and found the athalebs crouched to receive their riders. There were
four beside ours. Layelah informed me that I was to go with her, and
Almah was to go on another athaleb. I entreated her to let Almah go
with me; but she declined, saying that our athaleb could only carry
two, as he seemed fatigued, and it would not be safe to overload him
for so long a flight. I told her that Almah and I could go together on
the same athaleb; but she objected on the ground of my ignorance of
driving. And so, remonstrances and objections being alike useless, I
was compelled to yield to the arrangements that had been made. Almah
mounted on another athaleb. I mounted with Layelah, and then the great
monsters expanded their mighty wings, rose into the air, and soon were
speeding over the waters.
We went on in silence for some time. I was too despondent to say a
word, and all my thoughts turned toward Almah, who was now separated
from me--perhaps forever. The other athalebs went ahead, at long