From: sbeitzel@netcom.com (Stephen Beitzel)
Subject: [JESTER/MERIDEN]:an illusion is wrought
Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1992 08:50:32 GMT

"Amused, eh?"  Meriden looked thoughtful.  He rummaged in
one of the pouches at his belt, muttering, "Hm...in here somewhere...
thought it was in the...no...ah, here it is!"  He held up a brooch.

It was a simple design worked in gold: a triangle in a circle, with 
opals at each point and a star ruby in the center.  Meriden said,
looking at it, "This is a pretty little distraction, wouldn't you say?

"The city in which my master lived and worked was home also to a
wealthy merchant - so wealthy, in fact, that he owned practically
everything in the entire area.  He amassed wealth with each transaction,
and his interests were diverse."

At a third chair at the table, a man appeared.  He had the look of
ennui that one comes to associate with those with vast material
resources but who haven't any spirit left.  His clothes were well-tailored,
and he had fair features, his hale looks spoiled only by the vacant
expression on his face.

"Rather than keeping his wealth in coin, as is the habit with some misers,
he purchased works of art.  Fine tapestries hung from his walls, and
his place settings were examples of the best craftsmanship.  At his
board were exotic dishes, and strange and beautiful incense burned in
intricately worked wall sconces.  He searched always for new, exotic
distractions, in the hope of finding something to interest him for more
than a passing moment.  He kept the company of exquisitely beautiful
and (so I am told) talented courtesans.  Still, he seemed bored with
existence."

As Meriden spoke, each thing he described appeared on the table or
around it.  "Here, try some of his wine...it's really quite excellent.

"So, now, to the brooch: this merchant came to my master and commissioned
a piece, something that would provide 'distraction'.  My master gave me
the project, as (I think) a test of my ability.  So, I made this brooch.
It has within it the magical energy of illusions - with it one may call
forth any scene, any sound, any scent, any flavor.  Of course, the
duration is not so very long - see, even now he begins to fade.  Still,
my master judged it to be sufficiently distracting to suit this merchant.

"I went to his house - palace really - with the brooch, but when I
arrived, the place was in mourning.  The merchant had been slain two
days prior.  There was suspicion of a business rival.  His property was
being divided up among his household, as he had no heirs.  I kept the
brooch, as it had not yet been paid for, and I was proud of my work.
So, I have my own momentary amusements."

There was a cry from outside, and the clash of metal.  Meriden stood
and quickly moved to the door, looking around outside.  He heard some noise
coming from around near the stables and rushed around the corner.  Even
so, the encounter was over before he got to the scene: two limp forms
on the ground, and two of the well-armed patrons of the inn, one holding
the other.

"Are you hurt," he asked, "can I help you?"
-- 
Stephen Beitzel        | "Jack the sound barrier.   | Disclaimers are for 
<sbeitzel@netcom.com>  | Bring the noise."          | sucks; these opinions
<sbeitzel@wet.com>     | - Neal Stephenson          | belong to EVERYONE!