A small room. Three men; you recognize only one.
"You, Soteria," says the leader. "I understand you have an invitation to the Celebration of the Night of the Comet."
Heat floods your face. How does he know that? "I have an invitation, but I wasn't sure-- that is, I wasn't planning--"
"You'll go," he says.
The words die half-formed. An urgent command overrides your personal doubts.
"What am I to do?"
"Speak to the Physician -- he's one of ours, but we've been unable to speak to him of late. Find out anything he knows about the King's illness. And protect the King."
"From what?"
The leader smiles a little wryly. "I wish I could tell you, girl. This is the Night of the Comet. It could be anything."
[ Hit RETURN to continue... ]