Chapter 42: Doctrines

There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands. - Plato

The bells sound, and eight men in gray suits enter the room. They stand to the right of the occupied chairs. Each man is holding an identical sterling silver and crystal wine decanter.

Decorative, with ornate markings, the piece contains a net pattern, leaves, flowers, and the handle has a C shaped scroll embellished with a scalloped border layered with an acanthus motif.

The crystal body is elegant. It's fluted with a spiral body that resembles a melon or onion shaping. The man next to me pours the contents of the decanter into the wine glass sitting in front of me. The corners of my lips turn downward and my lids close.