Carts, wagons and all sorts of vehicles were strewn about the courtyard in varying degrees of construction, horses and other creatures were assembled at one side in booths with little worktables attached to each and tools scattered around in seeming mayhem.

Allen only had a few moments to be impressed as she was drawn by Chess to one of the larger buildings with an open floor where anvils stood in neat rows at the center and forges lined the walls, more than fifty people were busy working on one thing or the other as they climbed stairs leading off to the right from the door and up to the third floor where apparently were jewelers workshops and offices, passing an observer at the second floor that reminded Allen with a lifeguard watching out for troubles before they became a disaster, he had a hat and a whistle and thats all Allen could see as they rushed past him or her.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

At the third floor the noise was replaced by almost bell like jingles from jewelers' hammera shaping all sorts of creations, from rings to watches and even book covers, another turn taking them to a quiet hallway, an open door revealing an empty classroom.

"The workers here have all sorts of shortcuts", Chess cut the silence with his deep ruspy voice, "you'll probably know more in a week than I learned in nine years of visits", pointing at the wall, "allways follow the green arrows to the nearest exit in an emergency".

Coming up to a decorated large door Chess knocked and then patiently stood by until an elderly woman opened the door, "we are here for mr Brin", nodding once she lead the way.

"Wait a moment please", she bid them politely before knocking on another decorated door and immediately entering, "he will see you now", she said upon exiting the room and holding the door open for them.