---
"Good choice," Fizz said. "We are very touchy."
The guard did not smile. He opened the small wicket gate next to the main doors and led them through.
The first court made them slow down without thinking. It was a large garden with shaped hedges and white gravel paths. A long, shallow pool ran down the middle. Bright fish cut slow lines under the water. Small trees spread green shade over stone benches. The place smelled like water, clean stone, and a little bit like flowers that felt too polite to shout.
They crossed the garden. The main building rose ahead. Wide steps led to a line of tall doors with carved panels. People moved in and out in small groups. Most wore white, gray, or blue. Their shoes made soft sounds that did not echo. The guard brought John and Fizz to a side hall with a row of chairs and a long table with a water jug and cups.
"Wait here," the guard said. "I will inform someone."
"Which someone," John asked.
