I never believed omens could be so compelling,” The comment mixed with the sounds of the train. These men knew that much of their art was pure chicanery. They were not fools. The notion that stellar phenomena foretold anything concerning human endeavor held little credibility in their disciplined minds. For all of their genius however, they were practical men. Men of the world. They knew what royalty wanted to hear. And since it was royalty that held the power and gold, it was prudent to regale them with wonders of magic intended of course, to enhance the royal persona.

“It is no simple matter to discover a new star. One must use one’s imagination. A simple stratagem to make us richer — and no doubt, safer.”

“That is why they call us wise men, is it not?”

Others were not amused. This was no cleverly invented canard, no practical joke to play on a witless king. They knew that the star they followed reached for them, leading them, nourishing them. It waited upon them more certain and pure than the sun and moon.

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