Vell found the home of Meli's master without much difficulty.
It stood on a quiet street lined with old stone buildings. The house was somewhat larger than the others, with a narrow garden in front and a set of steps leading up to a heavy wooden door.
There were several windows on the upper floor, and a small plaque beside the entrance bore a name.
Palimpest.
Vell paused at the door for a moment, then knocked.
It took a little while for anyone to answer. Eventually, the door opened, and a man stood in the doorway.
He was an older man, though not elderly, with neatly combed gray hair and a well-trimmed beard. His clothes were well made, if somewhat old-fashioned, and he carried himself with the sort of confidence that suggested he was accustomed to being listened to.
He looked Vell over.
"You must be the gentleman Melilot mentioned."
"I believe so."
"Come in."
He stepped aside.
Vell wiped his boots before stepping further into the house.
The interior was well kept. A few framed maps hung on the walls, alongside what appeared to be drawings of old buildings and fragments of inscriptions.
"I understand you have traveled quite a distance," Palimpest said, closing the door.
"Quite a distance," Vell echoed.
"And you are interested in Seroti's history?"
"Among other things."
Palimpest gave a small nod.
"Well, we shall see what can be done. Melilot told me you have some experience with magic."
"She did?"
"She was rather impressed by your companion. Apparently, the young woman performed some sort of protective spell."
"She did."
"Indeed. And you taught her?"
"I taught her some of the things she knows."
Palimpest looked at him with mild interest.
"I see. Melilot also tells me you are a wizard yourself."
"Of a sort."
"Of a sort?"
Vell smiled.
"I have studied magic for a long time."
"Ah. Then I suppose you understand that there is a considerable difference between studying magic and actually practising it. Many people seem to think that reading a few books and learning a few tricks makes them wizards. It does not, of course. There is a great deal more to the subject than that."
"I expect there is."
Palimpest seemed to take this as agreement, and his expression became a little more satisfied.
"Still, it is good to see people taking an interest. I have been trying to encourage Melilot's studies, although she has a great deal yet to learn. She's a diligent girl, at least. Rather more interested in the subject than some of my other students."
Vell glanced at the shelves as they passed them.
"Are you a teacher? Meli told me you were a scholar. How did you come to teach her magic?"
"I don't teach magic formally. I have a few private students, Melilot among them. I work as a historian at the university here in Seroti, but I have always had a fascination with magic. My interest is well known, and from time to time I am approached by people who share it. I turn many away, as they don't have what it takes to be a wizard. But I take on a select few as students. I ask for no payment, only a sincere commitment to the pursuit of perfection. But there is a problem."
"What's that?"
"Even though Melilot is one of my most avid students when it comes to history and theory, she has no talent for practical magic whatsoever. I do not believe she will ever be able to cast even the simplest spell. Yet I teach her anyway, because I see such a fanatical drive in her. She reminds me of myself, only... less talented."
"How noble of you."
Palimpest looked at him again, apparently expecting something more.
Vell offered nothing.
After a moment, the scholar gestured towards a sitting room.
"Please. Have a seat. Would you care for some tea?"
Vell spied into the room.
It was furnished with dark, polished wood, with a large fireplace at one end and an intricately patterned rug covering much of the floor.
Tall bookshelves lined one wall, filled with leather-bound volumes, while a glass-fronted cabinet displayed several curious objects, small sculptures.
Above the fireplace hung a large, elaborately framed portrait of a man and a woman who resembled Palimpest somewhat; maybe his mother and father, Vell thought.
Everything seemed carefully arranged, giving the room an air of quiet elegance, though perhaps a little too much effort had gone into making it impressive.
"Thank you. That would be lovely."