The moment I set foot on the carpet in Alfonso's modest living room, I was greeted by a familiar aroma of citrus and cinnamon. It was a scent that my student particularly favoured, yet Koneko vehemently denied using any perfumes in her personal care regimen. Both her and my own olfactory senses were exceptionally acute.
"Master?" I turned at the sound of voices as two stunning young women entered the room. Koneko exuded a sense of boldness, passion, and playfulness that was momentarily concealed behind a façade of feline indifference. Maria embodied grace, elegance, and femininity, with her graceful movements and voluptuous figure. The scent of womanhood surrounded her, captivating me completely.
As soon as I laid eyes on them, my desire stirred within me. With Koneko, the thought of intimacy seemed like a playful encounter, a teasing encounter. But with Maria, there was an undeniable intensity, a passion that ignited with each touch. It was not just about physical pleasure, but also about the emotional connection, the tender caresses that turned into passionate embraces, leading to moments of roughness that blended seamlessly with tenderness.
"Hah!" I exclaimed, "Nine centuries of chastity be damned! It has taken me a great deal of effort to regain control of my wild, fantastical streams of thought, to cease being a ravenous beast and become myself once more — a calculating serpent with an icy intellect."
"Hello, my dear ones!" I said, spreading my arms wide. My former students flew into my embrace. Koneko, like a cat, began to rub her fur-like hair against my chest and neck. Maria, on the other hand, began to weep, unable to utter a word, overwhelmed by the joy of finally achieving her goal and reuniting with her elusive mentor and lover, whose passion for her had only intensified during her years of solitude as a young woman. Her unique ability to perceive, understand, and discern the truth about the world around her made it impossible for her not to see its flaws and vices, making me increasingly desirable and appealing to her.
I had never attempted to exercise my authority over her, after she had pledged me a solemn oath in accordance with the ancient Sumerian tradition, and during her time in Rome, she witnessed the unscrupulous individuals who did not hesitate to exploit their young students and themselves in any way possible to satisfy their desires. I never imposed excessive rigidity on her, but rather found ways to present my arguments in a manner that she could understand, conveying to her the necessity for her actions without resorting to either physical or moral coercion.
She, of course, came to this realization later, when she began training young novices, comparing my approach to shaping her into a strong individual with that of other magicians and prominent teachers. I provided her with a clear goal and motivation for achieving it, primarily for her own benefit. She has achieved immortality, and now the fear of losing her mind and death by old age no longer threatens her!
"I could have said so much," she thought, "but that was all I could do. Earlier, she had envisioned what she would say to the insufferable snake for keeping her waiting so long without any communication, causing her and Koneka to worry. However, she could not voice her grievances when she saw his taunting and warm gaze, now flickering with unfamiliar emotions that caused her legs to tremble and stirred her soul with a sweet ache deep within her.
Despite the turmoil of her emotions, she was caught between her frustration at his authority and her affection for him, both converging into a single coherent thought. "I understand, and there is no need for further concern about my abrupt departure. Regarding my promise, I recall everything as well, so I am prepared to take you and Koneko as my wives even now."
Maria, never in her wildest dreams, would have imagined such a response. Koneko, on the other hand, purred and playfully nipped at her neck near the jugular. Oh, her predatory kitten!
But Maria is wrestling with a tumultuous internal conflict, and it must find an outlet, a focal point, and I know just the thing!
"Maria, what are your feelings about children?" My question caught her off guard, and her face turned the same shade as Koneca's hair. She averted her gaze, resting her cheek on my shoulder.
"Well..." Her response was barely audible.
"Excellent, then you'll make a wonderful mother to little Fesalia." That's exactly what I had hoped for!
Still, I held them both in my arms. While Koneca seemed indifferent to the owner's kittens, Maria's possessive instincts came to the fore, having already been squeezed into my inner circle as a family member. And now it turns out I already have a child! And while there is no animosity towards the child, Maria has many questions for the mother!
With her hands pressed against my chest, Maria, no less than Koneki when she was enraged, hissed, "Who is her mother?"
"I do not know her," I replied, telling the truth, having only seen her in Dor's memories.
"Wait a moment. This is not your child?" Like a balloon that has lost its air, she lost all her ardour, staring into my eyes as if seeking the truth.
I promised her father that I would make her a lady. Now, all negativity has vanished from her. Though it did not threaten me much before, why would I allow my beloved girl to be its vessel? Is it not a man's duty to protect his women, even from their own twisted and unstable emotions? Meanwhile, my right hand could not help but run through Koneki's short hair as she began to purr like a small engine!
"Where is she?" Maria asked, attempting to conceal the mortification and discomfiture of her envy, but Konecky was unconcerned; she was scratching at her hair!
I extended my arms and released Maria, but Koneko did not even consider moving away from me, allowing my chemise to slip from her fingers and claws. I summoned the artefact pendant into my palm, where the little girl lay in stasis, reduced in size.
As soon as Fesalia emerged from my hand, I dispelled the enchantments, and she now found herself in a cradle fashioned from what appeared to be half of a massive acorn, where she began to stir and wake. Once the induced slumber had lifted, she opened her curious red eyes and surveyed her surroundings.
"Oh, she's so adorable!" Maria exclaimed with enthusiasm, promptly extracting Feza from her cradle and embracing her, pressing her voluptuous chest against the girl. The little one, undeterred by the unfamiliar sensation, attempted to free herself from the confining garment, prompting Maria to laugh.
"She must be nourished immediately! When was the last time you attended to this?" Maria began to question me in an authoritative tone, and only then did Koneko return to our reality, having detached herself from my side. She turned her gaze towards my ward with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Never," I replied truthfully. She had not consumed any food at all in over a hundred millennia, and I clarified that she had been under the influence of stasis within the artifact, anticipating Maria's inquiry. Yes, I am aware that such a feat should be beyond possibility, but the artifact was of divine origin, rendering it indifferent to the fact that in our realm, magical science had not yet achieved the capability of placing living souls into stasis.
I was consumed with curiosity to unravel the intricacies of the divine artifact that emerged from the hands of Light-faced, the revered heads of the luminous pantheon among the forest elves. Their true name remained concealed, with only their epithet known to the world. This suggests a profound reverence for the power of names in their magical tradition, yet Dordsh's own knowledge on the subject was limited, leaving me with a sense of unanswered questions.
Alas and alack, but this is beyond my sphere of expertise, and I can only marvel at the work of the Light-face, for I require assistance in comprehending the principles that underpinned her masterpiece. As a fledgling deity, I am but a mere novice, and the Elven Goddess would have been at least a few hundred thousand years of age by the time Dordsh was a dark elf rather than a draider — according to the most conservative estimations. She has been revered since the dawn of Elven society, predating the separation of the snow elves, the star elves, and the dark elves — now known as drow in her realm.
"Who is she?" I inquired. "What race is she?"
It had been years since I had heard Koneco's voice, and today I heard it for the first time. At that moment, she was attempting to withdraw her finger from the grasp of the young girl, who was straining to reach it with her mouth or to pull it towards herself. However, her efforts were futile, and she couldn't accomplish either task. This caused her to frown and pout in amusement. What a charming little one she was!
The question arose, not so much due to Fesalia's extraordinary appearance, but rather because of her scent or, rather, its absence. The fragrance she now possessed was not her own, but rather that of the fabric she was wrapped in, as well as the shells of the mellorne tree, from which the cradle of the Light-Faced Ones was crafted.
"Drow," I realized, realizing that the self-designation of the dark elven race in my world was merely a collection of sounds. Therefore, I felt compelled to clarify, "She is a member of a race of elves related to both the Sidhe and Alves, who have previously visited our realm. Thus, she is a Fae, akin to myself and you, Koneco."
She nodded in response to my explanation and continued to gaze at the tiny creature, who had not made a sound since awakening. This is likely a genetic adaptation of her species, having evolved in the depths of the dungeon, where most animals rely on sound and vibration detection. Even young offspring rarely vocalize unless necessary, making them cautious and quiet.
As for my own child, will they be vocal and curious about their surroundings?
"What can I offer her to eat?" this was the question posed by the healer and mage, who had reached the pinnacle of power and attained the rank of archimage. Realizing the foolishness of my suggestion, she swiftly retreated, saying, "I see, I will handle it myself!"
The young girl was instantly immersed in a realm of enchanting energies, which coalesced into a sophisticated magical matrix. Within this intricate web, discernible segments of healing, chimera-based enchantments, and floristic elements could be identified, along with manifestations of malevolence, encompassing various schools such as demonology and the art of manipulating souls.
As far as I could discern, their purpose was to delve into the analysis of both the physical form of a living entity and its spiritual faculties, specifically examining their interconnection and interaction with the body.
In a short time, Maria had acquired all the necessary knowledge, and in the next moment, Albert, the servant of Alfonso, appeared before us, deferring to Maria as if she were Alfonso's mistress. Indeed, it seemed that she was a frequent visitor at Alfonso's residence, for the servants treated her as if she belonged there.
"Svyatozar, when will…" Maria paused, having taken a sip from a flask containing a nutritious concoction composed of unicorn's milk and flour derived from magical grains. Nonetheless, I interrupted her, anticipating her inquiry.
"I have one more task to complete today, and then I shall be on my way," I said, seeing the eagerness in her eyes to accompany me. "Please, see to the baby. I assure you I will return by nightfall, and depart within a few hours. Tell me of the past years you and Koneca spent without my guidance."
She, of course, was displeased that I was leaving her in Alfonso's care while I ventured to Venice, but how could she protest? She knew better than to argue with me.
So she proceeded to recount to me their activities, their accomplishments, and anything else that came to mind — including the "amusing" incident when rumors began to circulate about her being suspected of having a romantic relationship with who do you think? Alfonso! She even paid him a visit at his guildhouse a few times, not alone but with Koneka in tow! Isn't it well known that she's your confidante and considered an inseparable part of your life, making her an unsuitable candidate for the role of duelist? Hmm.
But it was entertaining to observe her expression as she candidly informed me that these rumors swiftly dissipated when people realized the fallacy behind such speculation. Why didn't she simply inform me of the truth? She has silenced more than fifty individuals forever, so I shall not judge her harshly. Should a retired Dark Lord like me concern themselves with such matters?
And then we shared a meal, during which Alfonso joined me to reminisce about my adventures in Stillosh and beyond, having watched several episodes more than once. His face betrayed his eagerness to discuss what he had witnessed. However, the presence of Maria and Koneka in the house came as a surprise to him, and at that moment, it was an unpleasant one, as I had no intention of sharing my misadventures with them. Thus, he sat there, choked by his curiosity, sipping asparagus soup.
On the other hand, I indulged in gluttony, devouring stuffed carp with a rich cream sauce with all the passion I could muster. Koneka accompanied me in my choice of main course, also sampling fish! Maria, on the contrary, limited herself to a salad with roasted duck liver and, naturally, did not turn down the dessert — apple strudel with plum sauce! I, however, was indifferent towards dessert that day.
"What are your plans for the day?" enquired Alfonso, still hoping for an opportunity to engage me in a discussion about my encounter with Vasilissa.
I will show my family estate to Maria and Konecko, and with it, my domain. I decided that it was too presumptuous to take advantage of Alfonso's generosity with our entire cohort, so I will accompany them to Siberia. I shall reveal it to them immediately after the wedding ceremony.
Regarding the family estate, I spoke the truth. Leshiy, the source bestowed upon me in perpetual use, I bound to myself through the techniques of European magicians and installed an altar stone on it, making it my patrimony, binding it to my bloodline, and can be said to have established the Zmiev family.
Henceforth, I am no longer a drifting leaf, but rather, I fully meet all the lofty requirements of the aristocratic magical world, even as the head of a family, a lord! Let us modestly ignore that he is also somewhat of a deity. This is insignificant compared to the fact that I now possess a solid foundation, which will provide me with a modest support in the future, compared to what my descendants will directly receive.
I have no need for an ancestral relic, but let it remain. It will prevent me from aggravating relations with fools who might discover my non-clan affiliation and attempt to boast about it in my presence. Such incidents are now unlikely. In the heat of the moment, I might be tempted to retaliate.
Having become a sorcerer and mastered the mysteries of the universe and the mechanics of reincarnation, I find it easy to approach death with detachment. What is the point of mourning when Atman is eternal?
Incidentally, I must visit the island and grant my basilisks permission to enter the domain. I must warn them to avoid venturing into the distant corridors of the dungeon. My clones periodically clear the surrounding territories, replenishing the supply of ingredients. Nonetheless, accidents can occur, and if my minions encounter divine beings, they may be unable to defeat them.
"You have a family estate?!" Maria exclaimed, her indignation evident in her tone. Koneka, unperturbed, was preoccupied with her thoughts, allowing her mind to drift to more pleasant places.
"Indeed," Koneka replied. "I acquired it just the other day, yesterday afternoon to be precise. I discovered a source of magic, and immediately decided to build my house upon it."
Realizing that Koneka was not her superior and that she was about to be placed under her guidance, Maria quickly regained her composure. Koneka responded with a tone and inflection that conveyed her displeasure with Maria's behavior. This immediate response was sufficient to transform Maria into a more respectful individual.
Koneka indulged Maria, transforming her into a formidable force in the realm of magic, allowing her to swim in the vast expanse of European magic. However, Maria lacked the necessary skills to navigate the intricate web of competition, forcing her to resort to brute force rather than strategic thinking. This lack of intellectual challenge had a detrimental effect on Maria's development. The girl had set her sights on Koneka.
And it is fortunate that I am aware of an effective remedy. We must administer a sound reprimand to her and bring her down a notch.
After the girls have surveyed their new domain, where they shall share my bed, act as my companions, and establish themselves, Maria and I shall visit the enchanted training chamber. No, rather, I shall proceed to my domain and administer to my betrothed a dose of rationality, which implies that the treatment shall be deferred until later, after she becomes my legal spouse.
"Well, girls, are you ready to move to your future residence?" Having received their affirmative responses, from Maria in the form of a soft "Yes" and from Koneka in her usual manner, with a nod of the head, I transported us to the edge of the now considerably expanded clearing, in the center of which, at the source of magic, my dwelling stood.
"Oh, what a sight!" Maria exclaimed, clapping her hands like a child, while Koneka surveyed the wooden structure with indifference and returned her focus to the small girl in her arms, who babbled and spoke softly.
The plasticity and adaptability of the child's psyche are truly remarkable! At the onset of her awakening, she remained silent, likely due to her inherent propensity for quietness, a trait characteristic of the culture of the Drows. However, after spending several hours in Maria's company and listening to our lengthy conversation, she began to perceive this state as normal, and is now actively developing her vocal apparatus.
She is truly unique and extraordinary, perhaps a legacy of the timeless fey race. Her remarkable teachability and adaptability are astonishing, even without the full development of her mind, relying solely on instinct. What will happen when she fully realizes her true potential?
It is imperative to devise a comprehensive training program tailored specifically for Feza's needs, and it must be initiated at an early age, as she possesses the innate ability to intuitively select the most beneficial path for her growth and development.
I opened the door before the young ladies, ushering them into the realm of protective enchantments as resident members of this household. Now, all that remains is to conduct a nuptial rite on the local wellspring of magic, thereby elevating them to the status of full-fledged proprietresses.
However, prior to this, it is imperative to establish a connection between the two sources of magic, one residing on the island in the Caribbean Sea and another within my own domain. Not only will any ritual conducted on one source affect all others, but also will it serve to fortify their combined power.
Alas, I had just come to this realization, and it was due to my recent encounter with Dordsh's memories, which he had received from the Archmage of Space.
When memories are not one's own, when they have not been personally experienced, when they have not touched every fiber of one's being, one cannot operate on them as if they were one's own. They are imprinted forever in the mental repository of memory data, yet there is no spontaneous response to them unless a relevant situation arises. It is crucial to remain vigilant and consult my memory when I wish to capitalize on opportunities or avoid perilous situations described to me by external sources. How unfortunate!
Incidentally, before departing from Alphonse, I had left behind my clone, which is now responding to his queries under the guidance of a secondary stream of my consciousness.
Upon recalling the potential for an extra-dimensional convergence of multiple sources of magic, a multitude of clones assumed control within the domain, with some of them journeying to Snake Island in the Caribbean Sea. Meanwhile, others began to establish a ritual circle around the focal point of my residence in Stlloshh — damn this Drow naming convention, it's time for a change! Since I already possess an island named Snake Island, let my city within the domain also be called by a similar name! It may not be particularly grandiose, but it is fitting.
Several of the clones arrived here, but they refrained from revealing themselves to me and the girls, instead immediately proceeding to the designated location and commencing preparations for the ritual. Excellent. Within a few hours, all will be complete.
"Maria, go and select your chambers, accommodate the young lady, and generally, we need to hire a servant. I am not particularly fond of the idea of employing house elves in Europe, so I shall handle this matter myself. In the meantime, settle in and consider whether you wish to arrange a grand reception and whom you would like to invite. I will inform you immediately that if you decide to host a lavish affair, at most, fifteen reasonable individuals will be on our side.
If you still wish to celebrate outside of our close-knit family circle, I will only invite the leaders of the Order of Knights and Alfonso."
"Very good," the hellcats responded in unison, exchanging suspicious glances. Their minds were clearly up to something, and I now even blamed myself for having been so imprudent as to suggest it. However, I could not deny them the desired celebration, for such an event is of great significance for any young woman, almost sacred in nature, and my young ladies deserve all the years of my infinite patience and perseverance in helping them achieve their goals, ensuring that everything unfolds according to their dreams.
"Are you already departing?" Maria inquired, her tone slightly displeased, yet attempting to conceal her true emotions. Truly, this was surprising coming from a natural empath and mind reader with such a gift.
"Do not worry, I am not leaving. I will arrive in a few hours this evening."
With these words, I set out for Venice, a destination I had not visited since the day I announced to Maria that her apprenticeship under my tutelage was at an end.
Having conversed with the most intelligent individuals in my immediate vicinity, I ascertained the location of the cathedral dedicated to my patron saint, and within moments I found myself standing before this majestic edifice. The local aristocracy holds a deep affection for their city and its aesthetic splendor. The doge and the city council spared no expense in constructing this magnificent structure, the identity of its architect remains a mystery.
The cathedral, while bearing some resemblance to the late Byzantine architectural style of ecclesiastic buildings, differs significantly from Catholic designs. It stands at the heart of a spacious square, surrounded by open space, a valuable feature in a city built on water.
While I am undoubtedly honored by this gesture of gratitude from the grateful Venetians, my purpose here is not one of admiration. My mission lies in finding the remains of my fallen comrade, Vencenzenzo.
Upon reaching the lowest level of the cathedral, I discovered a vast crypt housing not only the remains of Amati, but also those of unknown ecclesiastical dignitaries, who were evidently also revered as saints, for they exuded an overwhelming aura of sanctity. This suggests that there is little need for specific invocations during prayers directed towards those interred here.
The identification of the remains belonging to the late cardinal was uncomplicated. Firstly, the sarcophagi bore inscriptions in Latin, adorned with the appropriate symbols, and featured bas-reliefs and designs representing the regalia associated with the Master of the Order of Creation. Secondly, a palpable aura of the utmost sanctity emanated from the site.
Now, as I stood before the physical form of the mortal man I sought, I could sense and discern the unique essence of his soul, a connection that, though severed in death, had been rekindled through the process of canonization, allowing a trace of grace to infuse the body — the very essence that the collective consciousness of the Almighty receives when devotees invoke the name of Vencenzo Amati in prayer.
With my thoughts gathered, I contemplated yet another act of imprudence, one unbefitting of my divine nature, as I prepared to venture into the realm of another deity. Had I not been certain that the domain was unoccupied and its inhabitant had departed this world, such an endeavor would have been tantamount to self-destruction.
There is a sense of spatial disorientation, and here I stand, utterly at a loss as to what I am doing! The local order is based on images and the tenets of faith, but as an unbeliever, a non-believer in the flock of God, I cannot impose a particular form on the local reality that corresponds to my idea of heaven. Everything around me seems like the delirious vision of a surrealist artist who, before his creation, has taken LSD and consumed St. Petersburg mushrooms.
I had neither the mood nor the desire to witness such a spectacle, so I seized control of the local bahnion, of which this place was a vast reservoir. It submitted easily to my manipulations without any resistance. I followed the stone path, already laid out in my mind's eye, towards the abode where all faithful souls converge after death. In just a few steps in the right direction, I arrived at my destination.
There was no division into the afterlife into hell, heaven or purgatory as described in the sacred texts. All souls were united in a single space, neither righteous nor sinners, but rather a collective existence. Throughout their time here, they were able to experience highly realistic dreams.
While the sinner was tormented in his dreams, experiencing the most horrific visions drawn from the depths of his fears and punishment, the righteous person was immersed in the sweetest dreams of their desires and longings from their lifetime. The irony lay in the fact that both experiences generated a significant amount of soul energy during their eggor-controlled dreaming. If this process occurred with breaks for rest, it could even be beneficial for the deceased. However, such breaks were non-existent. This state continued indefinitely and relentlessly until the soul became exhausted from the continuous strain, as it functioned almost at peak capacity.. After a period of time, the process of disintegration begins, culminating in a catastrophic collapse, as the overburdened shells of the soul give way. Only then does the atman depart for the cycle of reincarnation.
To elaborate further, according to the knowledge imparted to me in the Sumerian magical school, corroborated by the insights of the drow, the atman represents an indissoluble aspect of the soul comprised of primordial darkness and light. This essence enables our souls to perpetually evolve and progress. It is the atman that generates the energy required for the formation and expansion of our spiritual shells. Moreover, it serves as a repository of memories from all our past incarnations, and it is conjectured that it even encompasses remnants of the consciousness that created all souls inhabiting the vast expanse of the multiverse.
However, the key point is that to be reborn as a sentient, highly organized form of life, let alone to retain the memory of one's previous incarnations, mere possession of memory within the core of one's soul is insufficient. What triggers this awakening? The atman cannot be reached through external influences; it is imperishable and impenetrable.
Only the vestiges of spiritual shells from one's most recent rebirth, retained during the process, allow one to be reincarnated into bodies that are at least as advanced and organized as their previous form. Under favorable circumstances, these remnants may elicit a response from the core, allowing for the retrieval of memories from the archive of the previous existence.
Without appropriate mechanisms and safeguards to preserve memory, there is little else to discuss.
Those who recall multiple incarnations in their past are individuals who possess a unique gift, either protected from the influence of the cycle of Samsara or achieved through supernatural practices and self-imposed experiments during their lifetime. Alternatively, they may have been endowed with this ability by higher beings of divine rank, as only they possess the capacity to deeply penetrate and manipulate the soul without the consent of an enlightened individual.
The local egregore, on the other hand, perpetrates a cruel act of violence upon uninitiated individuals, extracting their energy to the utmost extent, while simultaneously depriving their souls of the opportunity for rationality in their next incarnation and hindering their progress towards spiritual evolution.
Among the multitude of souls that languish here, I found Vencenzenzo, and I rejoiced at my luck. Had I not chosen to recall him now, another thirty to fifty years would have passed in this realm, and his spirit would have begun its decline and decay.
Through the act of tuning into his dream, I effortlessly penetrated its depths, finding myself in Venice, before the Badoer family palace. This, then, is the dream of the cardinal? After spending less than a few subjective hours, when in actuality not even a single second had elapsed, I grasped the essence of Venecenzo's desire through his dream. It only served to further convince me of his suitability for my purpose.
A man of unwavering righteousness! Unconcerned with self-interest or personal gain, he desires the kingdom of heaven to be brought to earth!
In his dream, Vencenzenzo is the rector of a humble church, and the entire congregation is composed of the most virtuous individuals. Throughout the duration of this reverie, he has not once granted absolution for a sin. Indeed, there are no sins here at all! He administers all the necessary rites and offers guidance to this already perfect flock.
In this place, there is no malevolence between people; they embody Christian virtues and adhere to all commandments. In short, it is a realm of grace.
At this moment, my comrade's soul was in austerity, stripped of all traces of luxury. Everything was for the sake of duty and necessity, as was the case with the entire Church in his vision. The highest ecclesiastical authorities devoted all donations and revenues to the needs of the faithful. They used these funds to build parishes, establish schools for the clergy, open orphanages, provide for orphans, and assist the impoverished.
"How long, brother, will you hide from your duties and fail to fulfill your vows, when you are so greatly needed here on earth?" My words interrupted the cardinal's prayers, and the master of the martial order within him awakened. In a swift and graceful movement, he somersaulted forward and, in the next instant, turned in flight towards me, already in a fighting stance with a sword and shield of pure light. Daaaah... combat experience and skills honed through thousands of training sessions and deadly battles cannot be forgotten!
"Svyatozar?" he exclaimed, his voice betraying his surprise at the sight of the person standing before him. "I had not heard from you for some time. Where have you been hiding?"
His arms fell limply to his sides, and he transformed into a harmless old man, no longer the fierce warrior ready to face a dragon or even Lucifer himself.
"Do you not remember?" I asked, approaching him and placing a hand on his shoulder. I felt a pang of sympathy as I cast a spell to remove the veil of memory that had shrouded his mind, revealing the moment of his death in the throes of sharp pain.
"But how? How can you be here? If I died, then how did you come to be here? Have you also passed away?" It was rare to see Vencenzo so perplexed, and his questions poured forth in a torrent.
"It is of little consequence; let it be Providence and God's will!"
"Now the crux of the matter is this: Are you prepared to once again become the scourge of God's Church and cleanse the stables of Abhijah, which the Vatican has transformed into?! I could resurrect Vincenzo without his consent, but with his cooperation it would be far easier."
"What do you mean, brother?" His gaze had grown dark and menacing.
"Vincenzo, this church has become a bastion of sodomy, pedophilia, avarice, and many other heinous sins. And I perceive no one else possessing the strength, fortitude, and faith in The One to assume this heavy burden and confront it. Are you still willing to serve for the benefit of the Holy Father and His son?!"
I was certain of his response, which did not leave me in suspense!
"Who else but me!" he exclaimed, crossing himself piously at the crucifix that hung on his wall, which bore a striking resemblance to one I had inadvertently touched, after which I was deemed pious and one step away from being canonized.
"Then I shall assist you in your resurrection, trust me, and do not resist," I said, making the sign of the Christian faith by tracing a cross on his brow with my thumb. This gesture sent Vencenzo's consciousness into unconsciousness and his soul back into his body, which lay on the brink of sensibility as he felt it. Were he so inclined, he might even attempt to resurrect himself, for he had a fair chance of succeeding.
As three foolish jesters and pranksters might have said in a possible future: "The joke worked!"