In Jeopardy (Discontinued)

Chapter Two-In the Observatory

The waiting room is cold while I stand here, shivering. The coal brazier in the corner doesn't even give a flicker of light to promise me warmth, instead choosing to leer at me from the corner. I rub my arms wordlessly and begin to pace, waiting for the invitation to the observatory.  

Finally, after what feels like an hour, but must only be fifteen minutes, a servant comes out, gives me a single terse nod, and disappears behind a hidden doorway. Taking a deep breath, I concentrate on not shivering, and turn the bronze handle.  

In front of me is a cosy room, not too small, but certainly petite. Two overstuffed leather armchairs swamp a small oak coffee table, and I slowly make my way towards the left chair-I can see a tuft of stray hair sticking above the right one.  

"Yes, good lad, come in, take a seat," the tuft calls to me, though I'm not more than a meter away. I run my hands over the back of the leather-smooth to touch, warm in the sun's light absorbed by the black material, and pitted from the cows hair follicles. This is prime leather, and I am standing in the same room as a very rich man.  

Without turning my head, I lower myself into the chair, and feel myself being swallowed by the gaping black maw. Staring at my hands, I resist the temptation to lick my suddenly dry lips. Instead, I study the coffee table, and the platter laid on top.  

Beneath the tray, at the very edges of the table, I can just make out the beginning of an intricate design that could either be the Tree of Beginnings, or a simple family tree. Either way, the carving is so delicate, so professional, I know that this coffee table alone would cost a small fortune.  

Of more interest to me at the moment is the contents of the tray itself. In the centre is a plate of various cookies and small sweets. On the man's side of the table is a teapot, and a cup. On mine is a flask, and a cup too. Marshmallows line the bottom of my cup, whilst a teabag lines his.  

"If I may, could I please direct your gaze towards the window?" the man asks politely. Startled out of my studying, I nod silently, then quickly shift my gaze outwards.  

"Wow," I breathe.  

"Yes, truly wondrous, is it not?" 

Protected from the winter cold by the thick glass, I can easily soak up heat from the sun and soak up the view. And oh, what a view.  

Spread before me is my city, my home, covered in a blanket of snow. The crinkles in the blanket can be seen for miles, they cover house and vehicle alike. The window offers me a panorama of the city and I drink it up headily. In the distance, to the left, I can just see an airship lifting off from an airfield, and I follow it as it departs from view. The window looks out higher than most buildings around, extending the view itself to magnificent horizons. On the right, I can barely make out the stalls at my local market, and I spot the multi colored roof of the local cocoa parlor.  

Then I see what lies directly in front of the building. The royal gardens.  

"Quite something indeed. Now, Denzyl." 

In an instant, my attention snaps to the man. He knows my name! How does he know my name, I ask myself. Then I laugh at my self for my idiocy. Of course he knows your name, twit, he invited you here.  

"Y-yes, sir?" I respond, shakily.  

"Would you like something to drink? Hot chocolate? I assumed you'd want that, rather than tea. And cookies here too, if you want," the man says warmly. His tone is disarming, but it seems... Acted.  

For the first time, I actually observe the man, and acquaint myself with his appearance. His hair is long, a tawny gold grey that falls to his shoulders. It curls slightly, softening the grizzly edge. He has a moustache, the same color as his hair. His cheeks are slightly pockmarked, but otherwise free of imperfections. Knowledge and wisdom sparkle in his eyes, but cunning, slyness and mischief also frolic there. There is a familiarity to his face I cannot quite grasp, as though I have known him longer than this visit to his observatory.