Tea with Momus

The next day was a beautiful one for Skeltland, quite bright and sunny, but the continued lack of progress in my research did not leave me in the best of moods to enjoy it. As tea time approached, I put my notes away and prepared for Momus' visit, donning one of my more flattering tea gowns. It was done in shades of green and brought out the color of my eyes quite marvelously, or so I had been assured by the woman who had made it. Momus, of course, arrived perfectly on time for tea. He wore black breeches, pressed to a perfect crease, a striking white shirt that was set off nicely by a deep blue cravat, and a gray doublet worked with silver thread and some decorative silver buttons. I noted a pair of spectacles tucked into a pocket on his doublet, and like myself, he wore gloves. He smiled charmingly and bowed upon seeing me.

"Set against bright sun and blue sky, you are twice the vision of loveliness as when we first met in the dim, gray halls of the Sky Castle. 'Tis good to see you again, Lady Melanie," he commented, kissing my offered hand.

I blushed ever so slightly at his words and could not help smiling a bit. "High praise indeed, coming from one such as yourself. You flatter me, sir."

"I am glad to see that your recent altercation hasn't affected your disposition," he added with a smile. "I was concerned that it might have affected you overmuch..."

Affected me? The altercation with Mother? I had not enjoyed the experience, to be sure, but I was hardly going to be overset because of it. Did he think me no better than Anyssa, likely to burst into tears at the slightest provocation?

Momus poured himself a cup of tea before continuing. "I have had opportunity to meet my new Duke. He's rather...young." He frowned slightly. "I'm not entirely certain how someone with his lack of experience will continue to manage our house. It concerns me."

Indeed? And just how far did that concern go? I poured myself a cup of tea as well, and sipped at it delicately. "Yes, that would be a concern. How long has he been in his current position?"

"A year or two," he replied. "The House pretty much runs on its own, really. The bureaucrats formed a council in his absence and the house ruled itself, but his return has made no waves. He sits on the council now and takes little power unto himself, save to represent the House's interests. Sad to see a great house of Chaos reduced to democracy." He chuckled a bit. "If he had a bit more backbone, he might be able to make his presence known."

"True enough. I am surprised that no one has sought to make use of that yet. Except for the council, of course. They doubtless prefer having a powerless Head, since he is not likely to interfere with them." The fact that Stead was the Emperor's son doubtless had some influence as well, but why state the obvious?

"I do not doubt that the boy's heart is in the right place, but he is far too easily swayed by his mother, by his grandmother, and his uncle," Momus continued with a frown. "Under him, House Jesby will decline...become little more than a nodding head to the decisions of Sawall and Helgram...and I would hate to see that happen."

"That would be a shame. The Sawalls have their fingers in enough pies as it is. It sounds like the boy needs a mentor. One that is a true Jesby, and remembers how things were." I smiled slightly and took a bite of one of the pastries that had been set out, wondering if Momus fancied himself in that role...or something more.

Momus looked at me and smiled, delight in his eyes. "What an idea, Lady Melanie. I do believe you are right. But who in the Courts could give him the strength and wit to stand up to his family...? Not me, certainly. I wouldn't have the patience for it," he commented, taking a pastry for himself.

I had my doubts about that. If Momus truly wanted the position, I was certain he would have all the patience he needed for it. But perhaps he was more of the same mind as I. Why rule in the daylight, when you can rule from the shadows? I was considering that possibility when Momus spoke again.

"I don't suppose you still have that sword that Cerridwen gave you, do you?"

I raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift in topic. "As a matter of fact, I do, yes. So far, it seems to be proving an effective ward, since I have not been troubled by any further unwelcome visitors. Which reminds me, there is a question that has been puzzling me, and I thought perhaps you might be so good as to solve it for me. How did you happen to come across me at such a fortuitous moment? In the nick of time, as it were? Other than your remarkably well-honed sense of timing, of course."

He smiled and sipped his tea. "It's actually a talent of mine...being in the right place at the right time."

There was something in his smile that implied there was more to it than that, of course. I made a note of it for future reference as he continued.

"You were in trouble...and I just happened to be in the right spot with the one weapon that could scare her off. My luck is like that, and apparently yours, too. The sword, though...there's another matter. Have you heard of its history?"

I smiled slightly, allowing my expression to show that I knew he was not telling me everything about my 'rescue.' As for the sword... Had I heard of its history? Oh yes. Werewindle had been forged by my father, after all. But I decided to feign ignorance on the subject, telling him only, "I have been doing some research since it came into my possession. The tricky question is, which one of the Pattern blades is it? I believe there are six of them, yes?"

Momus smirked just a little. "Six originally...but now there are only four or five...or so I hear. I believe the one she gave you is Werewindle...it's the only one described as 'golden.' In truth...I knew she had the blade...and came to find it. It has certain abilities...it can take its bearer places...to the sanctuary of its former owner."

I gave him an inquiring look at this, wondering how he had managed to learn that little fact, when I myself had only discovered it the other day. He put on a slightly innocent expression and continued, "I can't honestly recall which of Oberon's children possessed it, but I do know that it was one of the redheads...and that before my imprisonment, one of my old friends was in his employ. I was looking for the sword that I might find my old friend Theocritus."

Theocritus? Now there was a name I had not heard in quite some time. Known as one of the most ruthless members of House Jesby, he would have ascended to Head of House had not he run afoul of Mandor Sawall. There were charges leveled against him...I could not recall what they were, precisely, but he was banished from the Courts. A fate I could sympathize with now. I remembered seeing his self-portrait in the gallery of Thelbane...a pale man wearing a crimson cloak with the hood pulled down to hide his eyes. His smile was broad and lined with needle sharp fangs. Not a face one easily forgot. And Momus thought he was in Father's employ? Interesting. I had never heard Father mention him, but Father was never one for sharing more information than was required. I allowed a slight frown to crease my brow. "You kept very...interesting company, back then. Was he not banished from the Courts?"

"As were you and I, no?" he asked softly. As if I needed the reminder. Still, the fact that the man had been exiled did not automatically make us comrades-in-arms. Not all those who are banished are unworthy of their fate, after all. I did not know enough about Theocritus to be certain whether he was one of them.

"He is not a pleasant man," Momus continued, "but he is terribly effective, and fair in his own way. Were he to return to Jesby, the Duke would have to assert himself or look the fool..."

Ah, now we got to the meat of the matter. I suspected I could guess what he wanted of me. "Indeed," I replied, acknowledging the likelihood of his scenario. "And you would like my assistance in locating him, insofar as investigating the sanctuary of the sword's former owner?"

"Milady...," he said, looking at me very seriously. "I would only ask your assistance in allowing me to use the sword to get to this sanctuary. I would not ask you to accompany me on a possibly dangerous venture."

There was actually sincerity to his tone...it nearly startled me to hear it from him. This was not the response I had been expecting, and I was forced to take another sip of tea to cover my surprise. Never had anyone cared to shield me from potential danger, before. It was remarkably...chivalrous a gesture. Still, I had no intention of letting the sword out of my possession, nor did I wish to have Momus poking his nose around one of Father's sanctuaries. On the other hand, I was reluctant to explore the place alone. I smiled as an idea occurred to me. "Of course. But given that I possess the sword, I have a certain interest in investigating this sanctuary as well. And there is a certain safety in numbers, yes?"

"Aaahhh...you will not allow me too much chivalry, no? It will be as you wish, milady...and at your leisure." He smiled to himself.

I smiled as well. I now had some backup for my exploration, and the beauty of it was, Momus believed it was all his doing. "What makes you think that your...friend might still be at this Amberite sanctuary? For that matter, I notice you did not mention which one of the redheads owned the sword..." I was rather amused by this, since I suspected he knew precisely who the owner was...just as I did.

"I must admit that I was never one of those to care overmuch about those of Amber. I know not his name...nor do I much care. They are all the same in all that matters. As for Theocritus, if he is not there, I may still be able to find some clue that would lead me to his current location," he replied. "I am not without skills, after all."

"True enough. You do realize that if you find him, you may be bringing about a bit of a power struggle within your house. Theocritus was in line for Head of House before his exile. He may seek the position again."

"I am certain that he and Stead will be able to compromise," he said with a smile that was altogether too knowing. "When would you like to begin this little expedition?"

I held up a hand. This was moving just a little too fast for my liking. "I should like a bit more information about Theocritus, first. I need to be satisfied that he will not prove a threat to my house, if he is found." I cared nothing for what he did to Jesby, but I was not so foolish as to help bring back a man who might destroy Chanicut.

Momus rolled his eyes slightly. "But of course. Theocritus was...is...a Trump artist of some renown. He taught the young nobles of House Jesby the art of Trump for a great many years, before ascending to a position of greater authority. He has a great force of personality, and had a talent for fostering advantageous relationships. He nearly arranged himself to be Head of my House. Unfortunately, he came into conflict with Mandor of Sawall."

So far, this matched what I had heard about the man. How had he come into conflict with Mandor, though? I nibbled on a scone as I waited for Momus to finish sipping his tea and continue.

"At that point, Mandor was still a young man, and a student of Theocritus. Unlike the rest of his students, however, Mandor had no particular loyalty to his teacher...and recognized that Theocritus was using his position as teacher to ensure that the next generation would revere him and place him in a position of power. Mandor wasn't terribly powerful...but he didn't need to be. He gathered proof of Theocritus' misconduct and presented it to Rolovians, then Duke of Jesby. He was banished for it. There are none remaining who participated in his punishment; I don't believe he would be a threat to House Chanicut."

I nodded. "And you were one of his loyal students, I take it?"

"Actually...no," he replied. "I never could paint, really. I am a critic...and I respect him for what he did for art in House Jesby...and for his skill. He would have made a far better duke than Tubble did."

No doubt. Now that I knew he was a Trump artist, I was most curious to meet him. Perhaps he possessed some knowledge that he might share in gratitude with those who rescued him. If he truly was in need of rescue. I smiled at Momus. "Well, if even you were impressed by his artistry, I shall simply have to meet him. Shall we meet again tomorrow to begin our 'little expedition,' as you termed it?"

"That would be wonderful, milady," he responded. "What time would you like me to arrive here?"

"Around midday would do nicely, I should think. No sense traveling on an empty stomach."

"Indeed," he replied. "By the way, I brought a little something for you." He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small box wrapped in midnight blue paper with a white silk bow. The box was a foot long, by six inches wide, and only an inch or two deep.

I fear I was momentarily at a loss for words, as I was not expecting a gift. I briefly wondered if he was courting me, then dismissed the notion as absurd. I smiled and accepted the box graciously. "How lovely. But you really should not have."

"What can I say?" he shrugged. "I saw it and thought of you." There was a slight smile in his eyes.

"Well, if the gift is as lovely as its package, I cannot wait to see it. Shall I open it now?"

"Please," he replied. "I am eager to see your delight."

I turned the box over cautiously in my hands, sensing for anything unusual about the box. I did not think Momus would give me a trapped gift, but then again, one could never be sure. Much to my surprise, I did detect something. There was Trump energy emanating from the box...or rather, whatever was in the box. Still, it did not appear to be a Trump trap. I neatly removed the ribbon and paper, folding the paper and placing it to one side. I then briefly examined the box itself before removing the lid. I still did not sense anything dangerous, but upon lifting the lid, I caught sight of movement in the box. I tensed for the briefest of moments, but then I realized that it was only my own reflection moving. For inside of the box was a hand mirror, elliptical in shape with an ivory handle and frame. The frame was carved to look like a serpent, with a ruby worked into the top of the frame to serve as one of its eyes. Turning the mirror around, I saw an onyx set to serve as the other eye. There were words engraved in the back, something in the Old Tongue of the Courts. It said, quite simply, "I see all." There was something strange about the way the mirror radiated Trump energy... It was very strong close to the source, but I could see an enchantment that hid the aura to those an arm's length distant or more. I ran my hands over the frame for a few moments, then smiled and looked back up at Momus. "It is perfectly lovely. Thank you. Wherever did you find it?"

"I thought to myself how I might find a gift to match your beauty and wit, and it seemed to me that only a mirror could," he said, his smile softer...and to my surprise, not at all mocking.

I blushed again at that, much to my dismay. "You really shall turn my head, sir, if you keep complimenting me thusly."

He reached across the table and gave my gloved hand a gentle squeeze. "It's been ages since I've made a woman so blush. Well worth the wait. But I must be going, lest I embarrass you further. Until the morrow, Lady Melanie," he said quickly. He bowed then, waiting for my dismissal.

I stood and curtseyed. "Until the morrow, Lord Momus. I am looking forward to it."

He left, and I sank back into my chair, grateful for the opportunity to regain my composure. I was not often flustered in such a manner, and I found it rather...uncomfortable. I would have to be more careful when I was around him in the future.

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Last modified on July 5, 1999 by Kris Fazzari.