Something is Wrong

"The judgments are complete," Hadrene says, sombre as ever. "The trial is complete."

An ominous silence ensues.

Adam expects Hadrene to say something more, some comment on his judgments, a verdict on his performance in her trial.

Yet she is silent. After an uncomfortably long time passes, Adam dares to ask whether he have passed the trial or not.

"Did I...passed the trial or not?"

"Passed?" Hadrene almost sounds as if she hadn't considered the question herself.

"Hmmm."

There is another awkward silence, but this time Hadrene breaks it.

"Not all challenges are a matter of 'pass' or 'fail'. You will have to live with the judgments you have made today."

"You will have to decide for yourself whether they were right or wrong."

"I have a better sense of you, of your wisdom and judgment, than I did before this trial. That is sufficient for my purposes."

The dim light of the underworld brightens and envelops him.