Commandment by Daryl Chestney Read Free Book Online

Human body. Arrows pointed to various organs such as the liver, spleen, testis, and other viscera that the Acaanan wasn’t familiar with. The arrows were keyed to a legend explaining the physiological importance of the organ. Another tapestry resembled a large scroll congested with mathematical formulas. To the Acaanan, this was in itself a foreign language. Other tapestries showcased the fields of chemistry, biology, and music, each clogged with their own unique jargon. The tapestries were themselves as ponderous as the subject matter they depicted, resisting ruffling by even the howling winds without.
    The hall itself was a tribute to leisure. Braziers, nearly identical to those in the foyer, were stationed strategically around the interior to ensure a cozy warmth. A squadron of sofas draped in fine linen was deployed around the hall. Each was wed to a low table and surrounded by seat cushions. A plethora of plush carpets and red-dyed ram skins decorated the sleek floor.
    Scores of men peopled the hall. Most were of Human stock, but a handful of Istani were present, paralleling the local population distribution. Collectively, they represented an aged vintage; the youngest member would have been twice Lakif’s own age. All wore loose-fitting, cool linen togas tied around the waist by a slender cord. Chlamys’ were clasped closed at the right shoulder by shiny brooches. All were barefoot, but the ample carpets spared their exposed soles much distress. Lakif was momentarily reminded of Torkoth’s penchant for airing his toes freely. Clearly, within this friendly forum, the men dressed for comfort.
    Numerous duras lounged around the hall. They were habitually hibernating under a burning brazier or rolled up on a hide of sea cow. It wasn’t clear if the canines were pets of individual attendants or property of the hall at large.
    The gathering was broken into isolated pockets, each enthralled in separate activities. One pair was embroiled in a somber chess match. The game pieces represented the various classes of statesmen in Grimpkin. Another rested on a sofa, leisurely reading a winding scroll. Still another was illustrating the physics of lens magnification to a colleague using a diagram with parallel rays. The majority, however, were dispersed into small groups engaged in tranquil discussions. These oases centered on tables ripe with amphoras of wine and dishes of olives, dates, raisins, and assorted delicacies.
    The guests dined by gingerly cutting the treats into small pieces with silver knives, but this was where their use of utensils ended. With delicate fingers, they dabbed the morsels into honey and tucked them neatly into their primed mouths. This behavior pegged the diners as gentry, for the refined class despised utensils. Curiously, none of the diners ate sitting upright. All were leisurely reclined, as if they hadn’t a care in the world.
    Lakif equivocated about stepping foot within the academic hall. First, the air reeked of culture and sophistication. As a rule, Lakif gave wide berth to anything remotely smacking of the arts or science. Moreover, as no woman or any Inhuman was present, she suspected it was the type of establishment that required a special membership. She wondered how the assembly deterred entrance by misfits or the uninvited. There were no visible guards, and no one present seemed capable of ousting an unwelcome guest. No doubt, the duras played a role in securing the premises.
    Lakif entertained making a quiet exit. But outside, the freezing rain continued its relentless battery of the square. There was no doubt that she was marooned here for the time being. In fact, she felt a drink was in order, one to celebrate this new chapter of her life. It would also buy time for the spate to pass. She thought about pilfering one of those glistening ewers of wine and enjoying it in the vestibule.
    As she vacillated, one of the members strolled up nonchalantly. Like the others, he was dressed in a