Inside were hundreds of rooms.
At the centre was a large hall.
And in that hall stood a throne.
On the throne sat a woman.
Her face was hidden behind a veil.
She wore the pale embroidered cloth.
Her hands rested on two wooden arms.
And beside her stood twelve empty chairs.
The figure looked towards the throne.
"Do you see her?"
Jude nodded.
"Who is she?"
The figure smiled.
"She is the reason the first promise was made."
The woman beneath the veil lifted her head.
Then she spoke.
"Bring me the Keeper."
The figure turned towards Jude.
"You see, we have been waiting."
The woman slowly stood.
"And now," she said, "I would like my son returned."
Jude looked at the four Sols.
Then at the figure.
Then at the woman.
"Which son?"
The woman lifted her veil.
And Jude saw Layla's face.
But beneath her eyes were two silver circles.
And across her forehead was the symbol of the first house.
She looked directly at Jude.
Then she smiled.
"Not you," she whispered.
