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instructed me to investigate, Narses.”
    “Which is not to say he has forbidden you to enlist any aid. I can see by the state of your clothes you have already encountered difficulties. Appearance counts for much at court, but then I need not tell you that.”
    It was true, a heavy, much worn cloak thrown over a plain tunic was not typical dress for an imperial audience. Immersion in a cistern had not rendered the attire any more appropriate.
    “Sometimes,” Narses continued, “sensitive matters are best handled by persuasion.” His smile did not reach his gray eyes; their almond shape had encouraged idle court gossip on his parentage being more eastern than officially admitted.
    “I don’t indulge in bribery.”
    “Why? Why should people give away information for free? They are far more likely to part with it for a fair price. It is simply human nature.”
    John stared resolutely down the corridor. On the mural beside the door leading out into the gardens a brightly costumed hunter—an emperor perhaps—impaled a fawn on his spear. If the artist had ventured to present a truer depiction of life at the palace, he would have substituted a skewered courtier.
    The guards at the door stood aside for the two high ranking domestics to pass. Outside, a covered walkway lit by torches led past a line of tall cedars, above which towered the dead black bulk of the Hippodrome.
    The palace walls muted the sounds of the city. John could distinguish drunken laughter and raised voices, a reminder that life and death went on its usual round. The wind carried the smell of smoke, temporarily overpowering the familiar raw odor of the overcrowded capital. As he strode along at a pace suitable for a forced march he passed one after another the life-sized bronze emperors who maintained a vigil along the walkway.
    Narses kept up with him. The older man—he had reached his fifties although his smooth features were of a man years younger—occupied a higher position than John among the emperor’s staff. Among other duties he served as Justinian’s treasurer, with the access to the resources to conduct an investigation in ways that John could not.
    “It concerns me that you might not have time to delve into this important affair,” Narses continued in his soft voice. “Aren’t you making preparations for a banquet honoring that Persian emissary?”
    “There will be plenty of time for that.”
    “It must be vexing, trying to arrange the seating so as to ensure certain guests feel themselves to be specially favored without anyone suspecting they have been disfavored. Isn’t that what you do?” Narses gave a girlish giggle. “Justinian uses you most capriciously, doesn’t he?”
    “The seating is a minor part of the task, Narses. I arrange it because I do not necessarily trust the judgment of my subordinates.”
    “Very wise. This Persian takes offense easily. I have met him, during private negotiations over the treaty Justinian has offered.”
    “The Eternal Peace, you mean?”
    “Yes. Everyone knows about it.”
    “As treasurer aren’t you concerned about paying out eleven thousand pounds of gold to the Persians?”
    “If the peace lasts for eternity that comes to very little per year.”
    “But it probably won’t last ten years. These treaties never do.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure. The Persians only fight us for the gold. They aren’t looking for territory. Put a city under siege and demand a ransom. Carry out a slaughter and ask for a bribe not to do it again. It’s all about gold with them. As it is with most people. I have learned a great deal during my many years of service. You would be wise to accept my offer of assistance.”
    John had not served Justinian long but he had been given an increasing number of confidential tasks and the emperor frequently asked his advice, including him in the same sensitive discussions to which Narses had long been privy. Which greatly irritated Narses. John did not consider