62

With heavy heart you greet the dawn. The old Shianti priest lies dead upon his pallet. After a short time the young girl who brought you food appears. ‘Here—eat,’ she says, poking another bowl of rice through the bars of the dungeon door.

‘The old priest,’ you say, pointing to his body, ‘is dead.’

The girl glances towards the old man. ‘I will tell Mother Magri. Perhaps she will want to steal his soul while it still lingers here,’ she says, matter-of-factly. ‘He was a silly priest. He deserved to die. But, perhaps my mistress can put him to some useful task.’

You and Shan stare at her, stunned at the coolness of her tone and the casual way in which she dismisses the torment of a man’s soul. She stares back, unconcerned; her face is a picture of childish innocence, and she seems unaware that she has said anything shocking.

If you wish to attempt a conversation with the girl, turn to 7.

If not, turn to 36.