“That’s a puzzle I haven’t solved, nor do I intend to pursue it further. It makes no difference now.”
John stared at the dark window, seeing only reflections of the lamplight. He took a sip of wine and continued his explanation.
“As for the matter of Helias, the sundial maker reported there was a body in the sack he saw Troilus dragging past, although not the corpse we suspected. Of course, when I saw the sack later its contents had been replaced by that enormous leather phallus. I suspect he chose that particular artifact to taunt both myself and Helias.”
Anatolius inquired about the chamberlain Kyrillos.
“He’s still in Theodora’s service,” John replied. “I promised Kyrillos a reward in return for his cooperation, by the way, and I’ve just sent him a small satyr for his collection.”
Anatolius observed Kyrillos probably assumed John was offering his protection should Theodora hear of what he had revealed.
“Nobody can offer safety from the wrath of the empress. Not even the emperor,” John replied. “I doubt Kyrillos will remain very long in Theodora’s service, or for that matter in this world, if the aid he provided for my investigation becomes known.”
A shadow passed over Anatolius’ face. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned…”
“We are both aware such information tends to be easily extracted by Justinian’s torturers.”
“Yes, I don’t like to think about that. And speaking of information, how is Justinian reacting to the revelation that Theodora has an illegitimate child?”
“You mean a self-styled illegitimate child? How many of them do you suppose the imperial couple has encountered over the years? I gather the emperor was as chagrined as Theodora that this particular imposter hadn’t been disposed of properly in the first place.”
Anatolius nodded. “Of course, now that I think about it there wouldn’t have been any reason for her not to tell Justinian about the boy after he first showed up. Only Theodora knows whether his story is true and Troilus had no real proof to offer. Is that malignant dwarf who failed in his duty still among the living?”
“He is still alive. He is after all one of Theodora’s playthings and the emperor indulges her whims.”
Anatolius stood. “I should be off home. It’s very late.” The wailing of the gusty wind rose into a shriek. “It sounds as if numerous shades are trying to force their way into your study.”
“They are already here,” John replied.
Anatolius hesitated in the doorway. Finally he asked “Is there any word about the fate of Troilus or Agnes?”
“Troilus was executed within an hour of arriving at the palace. As for Agnes, I suggested to Justinian he should spare the girl, exile her, or send her to a convent. She was, after all, more or less an innocent, if a deluded innocent.”
“You surely did not mean it?”
John replied he did.
“And did he take your rash advice?”
“I understand Theodora interceded. When Agnes revealed she was pregnant with Troilus’ child, she ordered the girl be cared for until the birth, which will take place without opiates or assistance of any kind. Should it survive, the baby will be murdered in Agnes’ presence as soon as born. At that point Agnes is to be blinded, and then sent to the Repentance convent for the rest of her life, the better to reflect upon her sins, not to mention Theodora’s charity in persuading Justinian to allow her to live.”
Anatolius shuddered. “Theodora’s charity is far worse than Justinian’s rage! I wager it won’t be long before Agnes finds her way to a window and throws herself out of it.” With that, Anatolius took his leave.
Once alone John turned his attention, as so often in the past, to the mosaic girl Zoe.
Or was she Agnes now?
Would the mosaic girl’s almond-shaped eyes change when Agnes’ terrible punishment was carried out several months hence?
Would Zoe be aware?
Of course not.
The notion was absurd.
John lifted his wine cup to his lips.
Zoe stared back at him with familiar dark, haunted eyes.
Was her gaze colder than before?
Perhaps that was only John’s imagination.
“Why, Zoe?” he asked.
But only silence was his answer.