Chapter 51: A Stone Disc (2)

Chapter 51: A Stone Disc (2)

After the other cultists left, Navraj said, Thanks for staying. I want to extend an invitation to both of you. Next week, we have a special guest. A speaker of some note, visiting from another starisle. Would you like to attend?

Katayoun looked at Xerxes, and he looked back. He shrugged, and, not having to try very hard to sound bored, asked, Whos the guest?

Not even I know that, Navraj said. But I guarantee itll be worth attending. Special meetings like this are not to be missed.

In that case, sure, Katayoun said.

Wait, Xerxes said. When is it? The same time as the normal meeting?

Unfortunately no, Navraj replied. Its on Fifthday in the afternoon.

Damn, Xerxes said reflexively. Thats pretty much impossible.

No, its not, Katyoun said. She reached out and put her hand on top of his. Itll be difficult, but we can do it.

How? he asked.

Well figure it out.

Navraj gave a crooked grin. Good. Meet me at the winged bull statue by the northwest gate of the bazaar. Do you know the place?

Yeah, Katayoun said.

An hour past noon, he continued. Show up on time, and Ill take you with me to the meeting. Dont be late. I wont stick around waiting.

Xerxes nodded. Well be there.

On the way back to the school, Xerxes said, How the hell are we supposed to sneak out of the school right in the middle of classes? Shabadras made it clear all of this stuff is off the books.

I have a favor I can call in, Katayoun explained.

**

Gandash made it to second place in the standings that week. What was more, the top twenty High Seers were established. The latter event happened on Seconday. After that, more and more breakthroughs occurred. By Fourthday, there were already fifty High Seers among the students, one of them being Katayoun, and another of them, Jad.

When Fifthday came, Katayouns favor got her and Xerxes outside of the campus during school hours. A teacher had asked one of her friends to collect materials for a school project. However, the friend had purchased the items much earlier, and stored them in a bank vault for the specific purpose of taking time during school hours to go shopping for them. The friend owed Katayoun, thus allowing her to take over the shopping responsibility. She brought Xerxes with her, and managed to talk both of them past the gate guards.

There was a brief dialogue including an exchange of passwords, and then they were inside.

As the door closed behind them, they were led through an outer courtyard, through two hallways, and into an inner chamber. Chairs were lined up, and there was a dais against the wall. Seated next to a lectern there was a hooded figure.

Next to the door was a table, behind which was another servant.

Put your right hand there, and answer truthfully, the servant said, gesturing at a round stone disk on the table. It was about a cubit in diameter, and was covered in unusual carved symbols inlaid with gold. In the middle was a palm-shaped area that was blank.

Navraj put his hand on the disc.

Are you a traitor, mole, agent, or spy? the servant asked.

No, Navraj said. The golden symbols on the disc glowed briefly.

The servant looked at the hooded man, who nodded slightly.

Have a seat, the servant said. Now, you.

He was looking at Katayoun. She put her hand on the disc, and he asked the same questions. She answered the same as Navraj. A different set of symbols glowed. What did that mean?

The hooded man nodded.

Next, it was Xerxes turn. The process was the same. Yet another set of symbols glowed. He didnt like that. But at the moment, there wasnt anything he could do about it.

After it was over, and there didnt seem to be any reaction from the servant or the hooded figure, he suppressed the urge to sigh with relief. Navraj sat in the back row. Katayoun picked a chair next to him, and Xerxes sat next to her. So far, they were the only ones present.

Over the course of the next ten minutes, more figures arrived, most of them wearing cloaks or hats that obscured their faces.

Thats everyone, the servant said.

The hooded man got to his feet. Good. Take the Truth Disc away, and lock the doors.

Xerxes ears pricked up when he heard that. Lock the doors?

Then the hooded man took a step forward. Before we begin, I have a question for someone in the audience. You, Navraj.

Er, yes? Navraj said.

Why did you bring two traitors to this meeting?