A Little Investigation

My composure restored, I decided to more closely examine Momus' unusual gift. After some study, I concluded that it seemed to be a focusing device, for lack of a better word. I attempted to cast a scrying spell through it, and was amazed at how much easier it was...and how much more powerful. Would the same hold true for a communications spell? I would have to test it to be sure, but I had a feeling that it would. A rather useful gift, I had to admit, and one remarkably suited to my tastes. It disturbed me a bit that Momus could know me so well. Surely we had not spent sufficient time in each other's company for him to have gained such insight. Perhaps he merely was possessed of extraordinarily good taste.

Turning my thoughts from Momus and his mirror for the moment, I left my rooms in search of Sarah. I knew she had been alive during Theocritus' fall from grace, and I was hoping she remembered enough about him to confirm what Momus had told me. Given how badly Momus appeared to want to find Theocritus, I could not be certain that his words to me about Theocritus' nature, or the events surrounding his disappearance, were accurate. Not without some corroborating evidence.

I found Sarah easily enough, working in her study. I waited in the doorway for her to notice me before asking, "Are you free for a few moments?"

She set down her quill and motioned for me to be seated. "Of course, Melanie," she replied with a slight smile. "And how is the errant Lord of Jesby today?"

I smiled slightly at her question. It was amazing how Sarah always seemed to know everything that was happening around her. Even insignificant things, like my having Momus over to tea. "He has quite the silver tongue, I must say," I responded. "But he seems distressed by the personality of his new Duke. He fears the man lacks sufficient backbone to be a truly effective Head."

Sarah laughed softly. "His mother and grandmother can no doubt steer him through the difficulties, but I doubt that is a satisfactory answer for Momus. No doubt he wishes Stead to be more independent..."

"That seemed to be the gist of his complaint, yes. He appears to miss the presence of an old friend of his, one Theocritus by name. I am afraid I never met the man, myself."

If Sarah realized that I was steering the conversation in a certain direction, she gave no sign of it. "Then I'm afraid Momus will have to become inured of disappointment. Theocritus disappeared a great time ago, and is presumed dead. A pity, really," she added diffidently.

I raised an eyebrow. "Indeed? Why do you say that?"

"He was an amazing painter, plain and simple," she replied. "His politics were unwise, but he was an artist like none other. When he came into prominence, House Jesby had fallen into a very stilted style of painting...utterly lifeless...and he revitalized art in the Courts." She smiled. "He painted the portrait of me that hangs in my personal library. A flattering portrait, admittedly, but that is the nature of court painters."

I knew the portrait in question. It depicted Sarah standing beside the grave of her predecessor. His grave marker, a simple geometric obelisk, stood to the left of the portrait, looking worn and eroded. To the right of the painting was a large leafless tree...dark and damp. Sarah leaned against it slightly, contemplating a white rose in her hand with a slight smile. The rose was wilting fast...one could see a tinge of brown to its petals that was almost muted by the mist clinging around her. Sarah, however, stood out in the painting. Amidst all the muted tones, she appeared bright, young, strong. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes were bright, and the midnight blue gown she wore was vividly colorful. Just on the right edge of the painting was another headstone with some writing on it. It read, "All things fade...save I." It was a fascinating painting, one that I had admired on more than one occasion. I had not known that Theocritus was the one who painted it, though, until now. Interesting. I considered how best to continue my probe, in light of this new information. "A memorable piece, to be sure. I have often thought its style to be unique. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. He simply vanished from the Courts without warning?"

"There was rumor that he became involved in a struggle for control of House Jesby...but I could never verify it, one way or the other. He simply vanished, never to be heard from again. He wasn't the most pleasant man, regardless of his talent, and so he wasn't much missed, save by those who appreciated his work."

"So if he ever turned up again, only art lovers would have a reason to rejoice," I observed, more a statement than a question.

"As I said, I have no knowledge of what transpired in House Jesby at the time. I know only my own appreciation of his work," Sarah replied diffidently. "But why do you concern yourself so with the matter? Are you planning on resurrecting his shade?"

I laughed, while inwardly I marveled at how close she had come to the truth. "I am afraid that lies far beyond my skills. No, Momus seemed to respect the man highly, so I was simply curious as to his history. Pity he is dead, I think I should have liked to learn from him." There, that was a logical enough reason. And parts of it were even true.

Sarah considered my words for a moment. "Perhaps you could find one of his former students in House Jesby. One of them might be able to pass along some useful information, or perhaps provide access to his paintings and writings."

I smiled. "A fine idea. I believe I will do just that. Thank you for the suggestion." And with that, I curtseyed and left her to her work. I had probed as much as I could without arousing her suspicions unduly. The question remaining was, had I learned enough? Sarah's tale matched the one Momus had told me, but she admitted that she had never been able to confirm any of it. It had merely been rumor. And Momus could have based his story upon those same rumors. Still, if Theocritus had shown any signs of interfering with Chanicut before, Sarah would have mentioned it. And if Momus was telling the truth about Theocritus' skill as a Trump artist, the things I could learn from him... It could not hurt to see if he was still alive, at least.

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Last modified on July 25, 1999 by Kris Fazzari.