Chapter 17

　　“Well, that’s not very explanatory,” I replied circling the light cautiously. They had already made the floor disappear before me once, I had no wish to suddenly plunge to my doom.

　　There was a raised dais against the back wall, hung around with heavy swagging drapes in a dark colour, and set with three throne like seats. I could see figures upon those thrones, but all but their hands were hidden behind heavy robes and hoods. To the left of them, was a tiered arrangement of bench seating of a more basic manufacture, the type of seating that would quickly become uncomfortable to sit upon, I thought with sympathy for those who sat there.

　　“What am I? What is he? And why?” In the stillness that fell behind my words, I could hear the whispers of movement, the creaking of wooden joins – the restless noises of a large number of people observing in quiet contemplation.