Dilemma At The Portal To Hell

Now, says Katherine, who wants to go to the calcium pools, and who wants to go and find Gaius?

I want to find Gaius, says Arthur. Where is he?

He'll be up on the plateau, in the ruins of Hieropolis, says Katherine. It's where he goes every day with poor Lavender.

Why poor Lavender? asks Bunny. Is he throwing her in with the sparrows?

No he isn't, says Katherine. That's why she's upset.

Let's go there right now, says Bunny to Arthur. Where is this plateau?

Up there, says Katherine, pointing. Tell Gaius Saint Nicholas is here.

Nikolaos, says Saint Nicholas quickly. He'll know it's me.

He and Katherine go off to the calcium pools at their own pace while Bunny and Arthur head quickly towards the plateau.

They know each other, says Bunny. I wonder how?

Who? says Arthur. Katherine and Nikolaos? Perhaps he knows David and Vello..

No, Gaius and Nikolaos, says Bunny.

Don't know, says Arthur. You'll have to ask him.

They soon arrive at the ruins of ancient Hieropolis. They bypass the museum, and head for the Sacred Pool.

There they see Gaius, and another man, talking. They approach.

Yes? says the man, turning. May we help you?

Gaius looks round.

Great Jupiter! Arthur! says Gaius. I thought you weren't going to come!

And me, says Bunny. You thought I wasn't going to come.

I wanted to come, says Arthur. But not without her.

Bunny looks happy, then sad, when she remembers the money.

This is Professor Francesco D'Andria, a colleague of mine, says Gaius grandly. Professor, this is Arthur, my reliable young right hand man. We're discussing a slight difficulty with the Portal to Hell, Arthur. Perhaps you might have a suggestion.

Where is Lavender? asks Bunny, interrupting.

Oh... off somewhere sulking, says Gaius. He points vaguely towards a broken column at the top of some steps.

Bunny goes off to find Lavender. Arthur remains.

You see, Arthur, says Professor D'Andria, Gaius here has an idea, but it seems he feels he has brought the wrong equipment. I am not so sure. This Lavender may function quite well as a control.....

She will not function quite well as anything, my dear Professor, as I keep pointing out, says Gaius. She is mere empty space.

But she maintains a high degree of cognition, says the Professor. You must admit that.

Hmmm, says Gaius. I remain unconvinced of her utility.

Now Arthur understands the dilemma. He knows what to do.

Yet he may not do it.

He has another agenda.