"Listen carefully Mr. Michaels, as these guidelines are binding on anyone who enters the Cognomina. Members are sworn to maintain complete secrecy about our existence, our condition, and our collective. They are obligated to introduce any new palingenesists into the Cognomina. They must agree to obey any summons the Cognomina issues to sit as a judge or juror. They are required to will their assets to the Cognomina, whereupon death, ten percent of those assets will be surrendered to a community fund for expenses and maintenance of our facilities, an accounting of which is given at the Sumerfest. They must agree to undergo a trial in each successive incarnation so as to prove their identity and reclaim their assets. They must agree to take a turn as administrator of Cognomina funds and activities. And finally, they must pledge eternal allegiance to the other members of the Cognomina. We are a family, Evan Michaels, and we care for each other as such. Are those conditions acceptable to you?"

I kept my mouth closed and nodded, half afraid that my voice would crack.

"Very well," said the Egyptian, sitting down.

The old man stood up slowly, his weary voice echoing through the room. "By a vote of four to one we have determined that the neophyte, Evan Michaels, is what he claims to be and will be welcomed into the Cognomina as our brother."

I exhaled a long sigh of relief. Samas put his arm around me and hugged tightly. A mixture of groans and cheers erupted from the gallery as wagers were settled. I leaned back and wiped at the tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. Mr. Diltz was the first to come over.

"Congratulation sir, I knew you could do it. We're all so very happy to have you."

"Even the ones betting against me?" I laughed.

"Well sir, they were giving quite long odds against you failing."

I smiled. "Thank you for everything, Mr. Diltz. Thank you both," I said putting my arm around Samas. "I owe you both so much. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Don't underestimate yourself in this. You were marvelous sir," said Diltz.

"I agree," said Samas.

I sighed again, trying to catch my breath and calm myself. "Let's get on with this party," I whispered to Samas. "I need to blow off some steam."