Chapter 8

• We moved through the archways into a large chamber where the stone had been polished to glassy finish and the floor reflected us back up in shadowy form – a disadvantage, I thought, for those of us wearing skirts with little undergarments. The dress I wore clung close enough that the reflection showed nothing it should not however, so I continued confidently.
• Fae courtiers, imposing for their otherworldly beauty and elegance, mingled amongst themselves, disdaining the more ordinary looking brethren who had assembled waiting for an audience with the princes or just to watch it occur. I heard laughter, and looked up, to see others leaning over the balustrade of balconies. Somewhere on those balconies, a minstrel played a harp, and someone sang, her voice hauntingly beautiful.
• Men and women of mankind huddled together, fearfully. Brought here, I thought, against their wishes, having earnt the brethren’s ill-will through some trespass.