“Well
how do we persuade him?” Fiona asks.
“We
would imagine,” Strauss replies, “That two of those envelopes in
your pocket will do the trick.”
Fiona
quickly hands them over and Strauss returns to the guard. Moments
later, the gate swings open to reveal a bustling courtyard beyond.
Before them stands two guards, locked in salutes.
“Welcome
to the Court of the Peacock Angel,” one of them declares, “If
you'll follow us, we'll take you to your audience immediately.”
“No,
no, no,” a shrill voice declares, “That simply will not do.”
“What's
going on?” Fiona asks Strauss, who shrugs in reply.
A
tall, impossibly thin man approaches. “It can't meet the Angel
looking like that,” he tells the guards, “You'll have bring it
with me.”
