336

The stew tastes as good as it smells, and you both make short work of your meal. The monks smile and nod their heads approvingly. ‘Come, the dean wishes to see you before you retire,’ says one, motioning you to follow as they leave the refectory.

The dean’s chamber is a domed, hexagonal room hung with tapestries depicting strange and grotesque creatures. Numerous plinths stand upon the richly carpeted floor, each supporting large bowls filled to the brim with a silvery liquid. A gust of air disturbs the tapestry on the far wall. Seconds later it is moved aside to reveal an elderly man in a hooded black robe.

‘Have they eaten?’ he asks, his voice strangely cold and monotonal.

‘Yes, master,’ the monks reply with one voice.

‘Good,’ he says, stepping closer. ‘Leave us.’ The monks depart, clicking the door shut behind them. Gradually the light in the chamber grows dimmer.

If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination, turn to 343.

If you do not possess this skill, turn to 190.