Crossword-Solution: ZEL 3 letters, 1 clue 🏆 scrabble score: 12

The page having left the room, Sah-luma began the conversation: "To what unexpected cause, most righteous sir, am I indebted for the honor of this present visit? Methinks I recognize the countenance of the famous Zel, the High-Priest of the Sacrificial Altar--if so, 'tis marvellous so great a man should venture forth alone and unattended, to the house of one who loves not priestly company, and who hath at best for all professors of religion a somewhat indifferent welcome!" The Priest smiled coldly.

Therefore I inwardly rejoice to know thou wilt present thyself before the Shrine to-night, if only for the sake of custom ..." "'Only' for the sake of custom!" repeated Sah-luma amusedly--"Nay, good Zel, custom should be surely classified as an exceeding powerful god, inasmuch as it rules all things, from the cut of our clothes to the form of our creeds!" "True!" replied Zel imperturbably.

Tell me, good Zel, what is the name of the self-offered Victim?" The Priest flashed a strangely malevolent glance at him.

These were clad in flowing garments of carnation-colored silk, heavily bordered with gold, and the leader of the right-hand group was the priest Zel.

Just then the Priest Zel lifted the long, jewel-hilted knife from the black cushion where it had lain till now, and, crouching stealthily in the shadow behind Lysia, held it in both bands, pointed straight forward in a level line with Niphrata's breast.