Part 6

Nishan was rather startled at this, and queried: “What have I done to displease you?”
“Every prophecy is set, defined, and non-negotiable. You flouted these rules today when you condoned the emperor’s resolution to stay in bed. Thus he never stepped upon one of his frogs and the prophecy was not fulfilled! The falling of that pillar was no accident, Nishan. You are to be eliminated because of this.” Replied the heavens.
When he had finished decoding this last remark, Nishan was seized with a powerful fear, and decided never to converse with the stars again. He ran down the stairs from the roof into his room, packed his things, and left the house. Then he wandered the streets confusedly for a few minutes, until he determined to stay the night at the house of his friend Tiridates. After a short walk he arrived in front of his friend’s door and knocked six times. In one or two minutes he heard a faint scuffling noise, then a few very audible bumps, and finally an explosive yell, which issued forth with the severity of a gunshot. The door slowly opened to reveal a wild-eyed man who had apparently been sleeping. White stubble stuck out rebelliously from his chin at unimaginable angles, and what remained of his hair was carelessly strewn about in a decidedly disordered manner.
It did not take him long to recognize Nishan, and he promptly exclaimed: “Nishan, my good friend! Had I known you were to come here I should not have fallen asleep! As it is, you are welcome to my home at any time, though if I had received word of your coming, I might have prepared to accommodate you.”