Howard Robert Ervin. The Shadow of the Vulture

So they brought the envoys, pallid from months of imprisonment, before the canopied throne of
Suleyman the Magnificent, Sultan of Turkey, and the mightiest monarch in an age of mighty monarchs.
Under the great purple dome of the royal chamber gleamed the throne before which the world
trembled-gold-paneled, pearl-inlaid. An emperor's wealth in gems was sewn into the silken canopy from
which depended a shimmering string of pearls ending a frieze of emeralds which hung like a halo of glory
above Suleyman's head. Yet the splendor of the throne was paled by the glitter of the figure upon it,
bedecked in jewels, the aigrette feather rising above the diamonded white turban. About the throne stood
his nine viziers, in attitudes of humility, and warriors of the imperial bodyguard ranged the dais-Solaks in
armor, black and white and scarlet plumes nodding above the gilded helmets.
The envoys from Austria were properly impressed-the more so as they had had nine weary months for
reflection in the grim Castle of the Seven Towers that overlooks the Sea of Marmora...