The flames of braziers standing between thick whitewashed columns brought golden light and warmth to the hallway, a sharp contrast to the foggy gloom outside. All the Senate of the colony sat on their rows of benches, gossiping among themselves while the Sophets Absalon and Himilco watched from their twin seats on the high dais opposite their audience. While Himilco gorged on bread and pomegranates from a Numidian servant’s platter, Absalon gorged in silence on the news he had anticipated since he ...