Undaunted, the Egyptian walked toward me with the spear until the point touched my shirt. I stopped bucking and remained still for fear of throwing myself onto the weapon. The sharpened edges of the polished steel tip reflected light from the flickering torches. I panted in excited shallow breaths as I looked up into his eyes.

"I don't understand," I said weakly. "I thought I passed the Ascension."

He took a step back as if to get a good thrust at me. "You did pass," he said, showing his irregular teeth. He took one more step back and swung the spear over his head and back toward the wall, severing a rope tied off to a cleat set into the masonry.

The heavy curtain raced toward the far wall with an echoing mechanical clamor that sounded as if the entire grotto were collapsing. The retreating divider revealed the rest of the room. Four long colonnades stretched into the dark distance. Crackling torches lit the near part of the expanse and showed off long tables overflowing with platters of food and pitchers of wine. Numerous large pillows lay scattered on large Persian rugs in front of a low medieval looking stage complete with curtains and torch lighting. A large swimming pool lay beyond the prepared banquet tables like a square still pond.

The black giant released his grip and I collapsed to the opaque marble floor in a nervous pile. The mechanical echoing ebbed to reveal uproarious laughter. I looked up to see the contorted faces in the crowd howling uncontrollably.

"Welcome to the Cognomina Evan."

"What in the hell is going on?" I asked rubbing at my strained shoulder.

"Sorry about that. I hope Chance didn't hurt you," said the laughing Egyptian, motioning to the giant behind me. "Diltz told me that you were concerned about the spear so we decided to have a bit of fun with it."

"They dragged it out of me sir," Diltz said, his gaunt face breaking into a narrow pensive smile.

"Don't forget about me," said Poppy, as she walked out from behind a column.

"Ah yes, I almost forgot. She was involved too. It was her turn to organize this," the Egyptian said.

Poppy walked up to me seductively. The long, close-fitting, black evening dress she wore reached past her feet and made her look as if she had risen directly out of the black marble floor. Its low cut back showed off the colorful tattoo. "No hard feelings I hope. Besides, you deserved it for being such an ass," she whispered.

"Brothers and Sisters," she shouted. "Let the festival begin!" She clapped her hands twice and colorfully dressed musicians walked out from behind the numerous pillars and began to play.

"Gypsies!" bellowed the giant behind me. He walked among them, taking a young girl with a tambourine and spinning her like a top.