I was summoned to a small attic room in an area of the complex we rarely get a chance to visit. The room was barely large enough to contain the giant bed within, which, like the walls, was dazzlingly white except for a striking, red, folded blanket where the pillows might otherwise have been. Master Napoli was seated on the bed, all smart and handsome in his white suit with Master Kamp standing behind, smiling kindly. I was excited and, to be perfectly honest, somewhat aroused to see them. Both men have played such important roles in my education here. There’s a rumor presently circulating that Master Napoli is actually Master Kamp’s stepson. I do not know whether this means they’re blood relatives or if they’re linked by some deep ritual within the order but the thought is thrilling.I’d been instructed to wear a flimsy ceremonial gown made from a pleated gossamer fabric which looked a little like something you might see in Ancient Greece, except noticeably more revealing. It is forbidden for us to greet a master on an equal footing, so, because Master Napoli was seated, I had no other option than to crawl across the carpet towards him, head bowed in submission.He instructed …More
