An old theatre trick. From the lit side, in the other room, the cloth would appear solid, a tapestry hanging on the wall for decorative purposes. But from this side, with the light behind it, it became virtually transparent. This room was used to spy on whatever went on next door. And as long as Jal’s side of the cloth remained dark he would not be seen. Cautious he stood, though he stayed back a little from the cloth. Basic stagecraft told him if he stood right next to the screen, its light trick would not hide his silhouette.
The room next door was circular, a mirror of the one at the entrance to these hidden chambers. Nine men and women sat behind the arc of a semi-circular table, their faces hidden in hooded cloaks, which were the muted colours of the Council of Muses.
Seated in fron
