“There is no better place than where you are.”
Seronisis smiled at him, though it wasn’t the usual warm smile. Instead it was something more contemplative.
“I have something to show you,” he said suddenly. He got up from the table. “Come.”
Seronisis walked from the breakfast room, ambling along like a man of greater years than his own.
“What is it?” said Pan as he arrived at the king’s side.
“All in good time.”
The king put his arm around Pan’s waist and together they made their way down one corridor after another until they were in a part of the palace that Pan had never been in before. They came to a set of ornate golden gates, guarded by two naked guards holding spears with golden spearheads.
“Open,” said the king.
The guards did as they were bid, one holding the other’s spear while the first guard took the key from inside one of the wristlets he wore and unlocked the gates.