This launched a discussion of something Jemson called social context: how religion and politics influence art, and art in turn shapes opinion. Jemson’s enthusiasm rolled right over some of the younger students, who looked bewildered and excited at the same time.

“Since Hanalea carried clan blood, what are the chances that she was blue eyed and fair haired?” Jemson asked. “It seems more likely she was dark haired and dark skinned.”

“Are there any paintings of Hanalea done by people who actually knew her, sir?” Han asked.

“I don’t know,” Jemson said. “There may be, right here in the archives. Why don’t you look into that and report back to the class?”

That was Jemson, always snaring you into projects that involved time in the library; that would bring you back to class another day.

“Well. Maybe,” Han said.

Jemson nodded, knowing better than to push. “So we have our Hanalea, as she’s represented in history and art. Who else played a role?”

“The Demon King,” Mari said, shivering a little. Several of the other students made the sign of the Maker, to ward off evil.

“Yes, indeed. We have the Demon King, who singlehandedly changed the course of the world by nearly destroying it.” With a flourish, Jemson turned another easel to display another painting. If Han recalled correctly, this one was called The Demon King in Madness. Painted in lurid reds and purples, it depicted a hooded, robed figure outlined in flame. His arms were raised, his fanatical eyes glowed in the shade of the hood, the only aspect of his face that was visible. But Han’s eyes fixed on the demon’s skeletal right hand, which was holding aloft a glowing green amulet. A tangle of serpents. Han’s stomach did a sickening backflip.

“Some say he was the Breaker incarnate,” Jemson was saying. “Others that he was seduced by evil, made drunk by the power associated with dark magic. No one doubts that he was incredibly gifted.”

“What’s that in his hand?” Han asked.

Jemson glanced over at the painting. “It’s an amulet often seen in paintings of the Demon King. It’s thought to be a direct link to dark magic.”

“What happened to it?” Han asked. “Where is it now?”

Jemson turned and frowned at Han, as if trying to parse out the source of the rapid-fire questions. “I have no idea. Likely it was destroyed by the clans immediately after the Breaking, as were many of the most powerful magical pieces. In any event, it’s lost to history.”

“When was this painted?” Han asked. “And who did it?”

Jemson bent and examined the brass plate at the base of the painting. “The artist was Mandrake Bayar, painted in New Year 593.” He squinted at the engraved lettering. “It was a gift of the Bayar family.”