I felt the blood drain from my face. I thought I might collapse and probably would have if not for the rigid cane under me. My hand was shaking when I reached for the knob to pull the door closed in front of me. I closed my eyes tight and kept a firm grip on the door handle for some time, not wanting to take the chance that it might open again.

"Can I buy you a drink?" asked a deep voice behind me in the hall. I opened my eyes and turned toward him. Classical music still floated through the air. It was the rotund man from the gallery that I'd met. "I said, can I buy you a drink friend? You look like you could use one."

I nodded slowly not letting go of the doorknob.

"Come with me. I know just the place," he said putting his large arm around me, escorting me away from the door.

"Red wine please," he said to the waitress standing by our booth. "And you?" he asked me.

"A bourbon and a beer."

She walked off without speaking. The Fraumunster Tavern looked much the same as it had two nights ago. She brought the drinks back and took the ten-franc note he'd laid on the table.

"Thank you," I said raising my glass. "You were right. I needed this."

"To us," he said, clinking glasses with me.

I smiled.

"We haven't been properly introduced. My name is Samas," he said offering his hand.

"And at the end of the Ascension, you will tell me your real name right?" I said sarcastically.

"No. Samas is my real name, my name within the Cognomina."

I cocked my head and looked at him. "Why are you sharing it with me. I was led to believe the names were secretive and that I would know them only after I was accepted."

He waved off my comment. "That's the normal procedure but I look at that as a formality. I know what you are, and I know you belong here with us. It's obvious after the session last night."

His candor and openness were a refreshing surprise. His disarming personality was a welcome change. "Evan Michaels," I said taking his hand.

"Nice to meet you," he said.

"And you, Samas. How did you come by that name? If you don't mind me asking?"

"It was my father's name."

"Your father?"

He nodded. "Samas was my father in my first incarnation."

"When was that?"

"1026."

My amazement must have shown on my face.

"Yes I know, I'm an old man," he said smiling. "But I feel I'm just entering my prime."

"Do you mind talking about yourself?"

He laughed heartily, his voice booming through the tavern. "On the contrary, it's my favorite subject. And after all, it's only fair. I'll end up knowing everything about you by the time this is over."