Chapters 38-39 Summary

Master Osman is working on the Book of Festivities when the imperial pageboy summons him to the Head Treasurer. As Master Osman follows the pageboy, he realizes they are going to the Sultan's Private Garden, instead of the Divan Chamber where they usually met. Master Osman arrives to find both the Head Treasurer and Commander of the Imperial Guard. The Head Treasurer apologizes for the secret book not being assigned to Master Osman before questioning Master Osman about Enishte's death. Master Osman learns about Black's known and suspected details in the mystery of Enishte's death. The three officials discuss the plan to search all the artists' home for the missing illustration, which contains most of the gold leaf requisitioned for the secret book. Master Osman doubts that his miniaturists, who are like children to him, are capable of murder. However, he...