moment。 I felt no pain； I was simply terrified。
Just as I decided from the silver coin in my pocket that they weren’t going
to kill me； they suddenly released me。 They removed the viselike contraption
that had actually done little damage to my head。 The executioner who’d
pinned me down stood up without even a hint of apology。 I donned my shirt
and vest。
There passed a very long silence。
At the other end of the room； I saw Head Illuminator Osman Effendi。 I
went to him and kissed his hand。
“Don’t be concerned； my child；” he said to me。 “They were just testing
you。”
271
I knew at once that I’d found a new father to replace Enishte； may he rest
in peace。
“Our Sultan has ordered that you not be tortured at this time；” said the
mander。 “He deemed it appropriate for you to help Head Illuminator
Master Osman find the rogue who’s been killing His miniaturists and the loyal
servants preparing His manuscripts。 You have three days in which to
interrogate the miniaturists； scrutinize the illuminated pages they’ve made
and find the sly culprit。 The Sovereign is quite appalled by the rumors being
spread by mischief makers about His miniaturists and illuminated
manuscripts。 Both the Head Treasurer Haz？m Agha and I will help you find this
scoundr