The Eyes have It by Randall Garrett

Name: The Eyes have It
Author: Randall Garrett

The narrative unfolds in an alternate Earth where magic has replaced physical science, centering around the murder of Count Edouard D'Evreux. Sir Pierre Morlaix, the Count's secretary, discovers the Count's lifeless body in his suite, shot in the heart. The story introduces Lady Duncan, who grapples with her own secrets and fears, and Laird Duncan, her husband, who is confined to a wheelchair and dabbles in black magic. As the investigation begins, Father Bright, the local priest, and Lord Darcy, the Duke's investigator, are drawn into a web of intrigue. They learn that the Count had a reputation for debauchery, leaving behind a trail of wronged individuals. The investigation reveals that Lady Duncan had an affair with the Count, which ended in rejection, leading her to confront him with a gun. However, she claims she never intended to kill him. The plot thickens as Laird Duncan, believing his wife was assaulted by the Count, attempts to use magic to kill him, but the spell backfires, leaving him incapacitated. The investigators uncover a secret stairway leading to the Count's suite, which was known to several women, suggesting that the murder could have been committed by someone else. Master Sean, a sorcerer, performs a ritual to reveal the last image seen by the Count before his death, projecting a vision of a beautiful woman in a gown that matches one found in the Count's closet. This woman, likely a commoner, had shot the Count during a confrontation, and her identity remains a mystery. Ultimately, the investigation concludes that while Laird and Lady Duncan were involved in the events leading to the Count's death, they are not guilty of murder. The true killer is the unknown woman, who had a brief but fatal encounter with the Count. The story ends with the Duke deciding to support Lady Duncan as the new Countess, while the truth of the murder remains concealed to protect the family's reputation. The narrative explores themes of power, desire, and the consequences of unchecked passions, all set against a backdrop of magic and intrigue.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy · 19,331 words

First lines

In a sense, this is a story of here-and-now. This Earth, this year. but on a history-line slipped slightly sidewise. A history in which a great man acted differently, and Magic, rather than physical science, was developed.

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The Eyes have It is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1965 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1965 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy, Short Story, Humor
Length: 19,331 words
Structure: 1 section, 468 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The story involves speculative elements and futuristic concepts, typical of the science fiction genre.
Mystery — The plot revolves around uncovering secrets and involves a twist, characteristic of mystery narratives.
Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural and imaginative scenarios are present, aligning with fantasy themes.
Short Story — The work is a concise narrative, fitting the structure of a short story.