Free The Inquest by Stephen Dando-Collins Page B

stationary…”
    “As they were,” said Callidus. “Were they not, my lord?”
    “This denotes,” Artimedes went on, ignoring Callidus’ interjection, “cautious dealings and a steady increase of wealth.”
    “Not an unwelcome omen, my lord?” Callidus enthused.
    “Yes, but the gouging of the eyes, Artimedes? And the name of Naum?”
    Ceasing to pace, the serious secretary glowered at Varro. “All in good time, questor. Have I not taught you the virtue of patience?”
    Varro lowered his eyes. His former tutor still had the ability to rebuke him, all these years after the young man had ventured into the world as his own instructor. “Forgive me, Artimedes. Please continue.”
    Artimedes resumed his pacing. “If a woman dreams of drinking goats milk, she will marry for money, and will not be disappointed,” he continued.
    Varro made no comment. It was as if Artimedes was working through a catalogue of dreams in his head, discounting each possibility, no matter how remote, before moving on to the next. AsVarro had come to learn over the years, this was Artimedes’ methodical style; he knew no other way.
    “Should a woman dream of riding a billy goat, this denotes that she will shortly be held in disrepute. But, clearly, you are not a woman, my lord. You did not dream of drinking goats milk, nor of riding a billy goat?” When Varro shook his head, the secretary asked, “They were billy goats? Not nanny goats?”
    “They were billy goats,” the questor confirmed.
    “These billy goats did not butt you? To dream that a billy goat butts you signifies that you must prevent your enemies coming into possession of your secrets or plans.”
    “Ahah!” Callidus exclaimed, as if this was a significant revelation.
    “Neither of the two billy goats butted me,” Varro said, with rising impatience. “What is the meaning of the gouging out of their eyes, Artimedes? And what is the meaning of the word Naum? Do you know?”
    “I, er…I must confess, my lord, that I am at a loss to explain either.”
    “Ah. Well, at least you are honest, Artimedes, as you always are. Where does that leave me, apart from well married and with fine weather and an abundant crop?”
    Artimedes scowled back at his former pupil. “With respect, my lord, if I were you I would treat this dream with the seriousness it deserves. Clearly, we are not sent these messages for nothing. As Cicero wrote, ‘If the gods love men, they will certainly reveal their purposes to them in sleep.’”
    Varro attempted to look serious. “Yes, of course.”
    “Might I suggest, my lord, that you consult the Acting Governor’s chief secretary? Pythagoras is a far more learned man than myself. I am sure that Pythagoras will be able to reveal the secret of your dream.”
    Varro knew that an unspoken rivalry had long existed between the two secretaries, and it occurred to him that perhaps Artimedes had made this suggestion in the hope of embarrassing Pythagoras. Alternatively, perhaps Artimedes wanted to be seen to giving way to his older colleague. Then again, perhaps Artimedes genuinely believed that Pythagoras could unlock the secret of the questor’s dream. “Very well.” Varro stifled a yawn. “Callidus, bring Pythagoras.”
    A little later, General Collegas secretary joined the group in the questor’s quarters, looking unimpressed at being woken and summoned in the middle of the night. Now, Varro regaled Pythagoras with the details of his dream.
    “I see,” said Pythagoras once the dream had been revealed. “Obviously, the goats represent the zodiacal sign of Capricorn,” he emphatically declared.
    “Ah!” cried Artimedes. “Clearly this is the case.”
    “That does make sense,” Varro agreed. “Go on, Pythagoras.”
    “Two goats, two years,” Pythagoras pronounced with certainty. “Your dream, questor, was telling you that you must wait until two years have passed. When the second month of January arrives, something of importance will be