Historical setting: Sixth Century Bordeaux
We’ve overheard two brothers of August taking notice of the statue in the cart just outside this stable. Nic went down to confront these art critics. I’m not sure if Nic means to defend the art or the artist, but now his demeanor is more of camaraderie, as is Nic’s nature.
Shollo tries to justify his and Kairn’s dislike for August. “We who had to put up with all his bossing believe we work better in his absence. He was always measuring our work by his own superhuman standard of perfection.”
Kairn adds, “And whatever way we tried to do something he always had a better plan, but since he was a little fellow who didn’t do the heavy lifting himself the real work of it was always on us.”
Shollo gives up any thought he might have had of defending August, “He just told us how to do it and our father thought August could do no wrong and since we were always wrong we were required to listen to him.
Kairn adds, “And what irked me was he was always setting aside sandstone blocks to add little carvings and do-dads to our great constructions, and now, seeing this thing we are feeling the creep of his work has chased us down again.”
Nic affirms, “And you worry that your father has found him and now your brother is back to take over your work and make your lives miserable?”
“You’ve got it! So you must have a smart-ass older brother also.”
Again, Nic answers with his relentless understanding. “I wasn’t born with any brothers, but believe me, I’ve had a long lifetime of smart-ass officers and bosses. I know just how you feel. Nothing is ever perfect until the guy in charge can take credit for it.”
As I make my way down to meet the brothers, Shollo has an arm around Nic, in a gesture of greeting old friend.
“Laz, these men were working on this new basilica, and they took notice of the sculpture I’ve purchased. They think the artist is their brother.”
“And so it is a strange coincidence it is that we would stop here in Bordeaux for shelter while Brother Joel is mending.”
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 