Seeing Jal’s gaze caught by this motion, she reached across and slapped him lightly on the cheek. ‘Concentrate, my sweet,’ she hissed, and pushed the door open.
They stood in a very large chamber that was, nevertheless, dominated by a majestic table with nine sides, encircled by nine plush, high-backed chairs. The table was inlaid with small diamond-shaped panels radiating outward from a central star.
Aside from the wall in which the great doors stood, the room was circular and panelled completely in a very dark wood. Jal walked the perimeter, counting alcoves around the room. Several displayed works of art: a sculpture of marble, a painting of oils, and a lavishly jewelled goblet. Others displayed costumes: the elaborate courtly garb of a female dancer, ornately embroidered; the vivid m
