holy magnate Priam, the Holy Magnate, entered the fortress. He passed through the gate into the outer courtyard and stopped, looking carefully around him. It was deserted so he advanced further, coming to a wall that was blocked by a huge wooden door. He stood at the door and knocked. His knock was inaudible, besides which, no one was listening. Finally he opened the door himself. Inside was a dark chamber as tall as ten men, and as drafty. At the other end of it he discovered a staircase. The stone steps were crumbling and there were no railings. Placing his feet carefully to retain his balance, he ascended to a high landing, walked along it for several feet and disappeared into a doorway. Almost immediately a scream came from within. A man who was not Priam emerged and leapt with all his force into the central pit. As he fell, he burst into flames. Indeed, by the time he had reached the ground there was nothing left but ash.
	location: New York City date: 1990 average rating: [not rated] your rating (0-10):