At last they were ushered into an enormous room, with dark red tiled floors.
“Magnificent,” Mark observed. “Especially those tiles.”
“Splendid sir, you are most observant,” Ali told him. “The colour was chosen especially by our ruler’s glorious ancestors, as this was the room where they beheaded their enemies.” Seeing them look puzzled he added, “It didn’t show the blood.”
“I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t come,” Rowena said faintly.
“Nonsense,” Mark murmured. “Think what a story it will make in your book.”
At the end of the room was a dais on which stood a breath-taking throne that seemed to be made of solid gold. Behind it was a huge golden shield beneath which hung golden swords.
Down both sides of the room were lines of tall, bare chested men in dark red satin trousers. Each one ha
