Free The Demon's Parchment by Jeri Westerson Page A

sciences. You seem to be a well-educated man.”
    “My education would be beside the point.”
    “Oh no. I do not think so.” Jacob settled himself deeper into his cushioned chair. “It is the very point. Have you ever heard of your Englishman William of Ockham?”
    Surprised that the Jew had, he did not show it on his face. “Indeed. It is part and parcel to my personal philosophy.
Lex parsimoniae
. ‘
Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem.’
”
    A slight clearing of a throat behind him. He raised a brow toward Jack. “It means ‘entities should not be multiplied beyond necessity.’ ”
    “ ‘The simplest explanation is the best’ ” offered Julian.
    Crispin glanced at the young Jew, who gave him a triumphant smirk. He almost returned an admiring smile. Turning his metal wine bowl in his hand and feeling the raised designs under his fingertips, Crispin added, “Aristotle also coined: ‘A likely impossibility is always preferable to an unconvincing possibility.’ ” Julian wore an approving expression before he seemed to remember himself and lost it again. “I have learned that truth is truth, Master Jacob,” Crispin continued, “no matter the age, no matter the philosopher.”
    Jacob’s chapped lips curved into a brief smile. “You are an interesting man,
Maître
. But there is still much to tell. I asked about your studies in science because it is so appropriate to our discussion. Great scholars of the age—Thomas Aquinas, John Duns Scotus, Roger Bacon, Gersonides—bear the one truth, the one we all hold dear. And that is that the Lord Almighty, blessed be His name, is the architect of our universe, of all that we can possibly understand and conceive. That the Lord holds every answer to every mystery. Is this not so?”
    Crispin ran a tongue over his lips, tasting the last of his wine. “Yes.”
    “And to these few scholars, He opens the door but a crack, allowingin a mere candle flame of light. There is so much more to know.”
    “Someone has stolen your research, then,” Crispin offered, trying to hurry him along.
    “
My
research? No, not mine.”
    He turned to the youth. “Yours, then?”
    Julian seemed startled to be addressed and opened his mouth to comment when Jacob jolted from his chair and paced before his book-laden table. He pondered the books for some time before pouncing and rummaging through them. Piles of parchments tied together with leather covers. Scrolls with unfamiliar writing, at least unfamiliar to Crispin from the brief snatches he saw of them before Jacob discarded one to pick up another. “Astrology tells us much; our personalities, our humors. Divination through numbers and patterns—”
    “Father!”
    Jacob stopped his furious searching and looked up.
    Julian gritted his teeth. His eyes were wide and furious. “You trust this Gentile with too much!”
    Crispin had begun to assess the young man as intelligent and worldly, until he opened his mouth again.
    “He has my silver in his purse,” said Jacob.
    “And do you truly think that is enough to buy his silence? I implore you! Make him leave. Forget about those parchments—”
    “No! The damage that has already been done! It grieves my heart to think—” He shook his head and leaned against the table. “
Maître
Guest, if you give me your word, I shall trust you. Can you give me your word and your oath that you will not use this information against me?”
    Crispin wriggled in his seat. “Master Jacob,” he said carefully, mindful of the venomous stares from Julian to the back of his head. “It would be difficult for me to swear before I know all.” The man seemed sincere enough. But he was a Jew, and Crispin had little experience with such people. But the coins were needed. Dammit.
    “I give you my word,” said Crispin slowly. “If you will have me swear, then I shall.”
    Jacob smiled. “No need, sir. I believe you.” He looked toward his son. “You see, not all men are false. Some,