"I understand," he said starting on his lobster. "I'm not sure how much of a consolation it would be, but I'm available for you if you need anything."

"Thank you," I said looking up at him. "Knowing that is some consolation already." I watched him eat for some time and noticed the sounds from the large dining room had died down somewhat.

"You said you spoke to some of them about the Ascension," I said prompting him.

"Yes, but more specifically about a neophyte Ascension. I never thought I'd see one, so I wanted to prepare myself for whatever that might entail."

"Tell me, when you spoke with them about this did you ask them if anyone, any neophyte, has ever failed?"

"Yes, I asked about that."

"And?"

He took a long sip of wine. "As it was related to me sir, there have been neophytes who have failed, but never has a failed neophyte come back and remembered failing." Mr. Diltz got up from the table to answer the gentle knock at the door. "It must be time."

1 Augustiner Strasse is a narrow pedestrian street in the old part of central Zurich.

2 The Fraumunster Bar is near the Fraumunster church on the west bank of the Limmat River.

12

Poppy poked her head around the door. "We are ready."

"Very good," Mr. Diltz said, placing his napkin on the table. "I'll meet you downstairs." Diltz passed her as she entered. She wore a long, grey velvet robe with white trim at the cuffs and lapels. She looked regal, standing in the open doorway.

"I'm ready," I said standing up. "but I should go to my room and put a suit on."

"Just put on your suit jacket, no tie. That will be fine." She walked ahead of me down the hall. The lights in the hallway were dimmed slightly. Our footsteps on the polished wooden floorboards were the only sounds I could hear. I looked through the open doors of the dining room as we walked past. The lights were off inside. The dim glow from the hallway reflected off the silver platters and domes that lay strewn amid the dirty dishes. The whole scene felt eerie, like a ship that had been hurriedly abandoned.

She stopped at my door. "I'll wait for you."