"Bobo also told me that departed souls and spirits gathered at the Tower of Silence and held meetings at night."
One day when Merwan was twelve years old, eager to observe one of these spirit-sessions and to prove the truth of his father's tales, he told his friend about his plan to visit the Poona Tower of Silence at night. Baily was thrilled with Merwan's idea, since he too was curious and fascinated by spirits. He confidently declared himself not afraid of anyone or anything.
Baily suggested they choose a night when the moon was full, but Merwan disagreed, arguing that a dark night was better.
They fixed a date and Merwan said, "Baily, I want you to promise me that you will do as I tell you.
I don't want any of your daredevilry." Baily promised.
One moonless night, the two boys slipped out of their houses to make their way in the dark to the last resting place of Zoroastrians. The Tower of Silence was situated on a hill two miles from the city. Even during the daytime, it presented a haunting and forbidding appearance. Surrounding the stone walls was a forested area. It was about midnight by the time they arrived at the tower compound, but Merwan showed no fear.
Before they entered the compound, Merwan said, "Baily, I must again insist that you promise that whatever happens, we both stick together.
We have to keep silent as we climb the tower's steps. And we must not turn back for home without first offering our obeisance there. We will say our prayers and then return." Again, Baily promised.
Merwan continued: "I want you to promise that whatever spirits we see, we will remain silent so we don't draw anyone's attention to us.
When we climb the steps, pray the whole way."
Baily agreed, though he knew only two or three short prayers from the Avesta (Zoroastrian scriptures) and was starting to feel dubious. But Merwan reminded him of his promise and they started toward the tower.
The moment the tower was in sight, Merwan kneeled, placed his head on the ground and offered his prayer. He remained like that for quite a while, and Baily imitated him. The caretakers of the place had left; the boys saw no one around. They heard no voices, but there was the distant barking of dogs and foxes and the fluttering of the vultures' wings nearby.