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The sheer number of books and knowledge that this room houses stuns Maud and leaves her awestruck. After gaining her bearings she follows up Celeste's questions to the librarian brother. " as she said we are needing information on our Holy Fathers living and deceased relatives. You wouldn't happen to know any offhand? Otherwise it is like she said we would need access to lineage records, or birth records."
Elek, trying to not look out of place in the library, nods his head in agreement with Maud, "Ya any invormation vould be very helpful" putting on his best smile, and hiding his dirty calloused hands behind his back.
The brother nods, "I'm not sure why you need this but I can point you in the direction of the current Piccolomini family tree and church records of any Piccolomini's currently serving the church,"
He leads you guys through the library to a small section, he pulls out a couple of scrolls and hands them to you before frowning. "Hm, one of them is missing, that is odd, the document showing who is serving isn't here,"
Looking to you guys, his brow furled, "Its odd someone would steal such a seemingly unimportant document, but maybe its more important than I think if you guys are looking for it. I personally only know of a couple Piccolomini's here right now, both of them are cardinals. Francesco, the pope's nephew and Antonio which is Francesco's son."
"Sir, do you know anything about the Pope's relatives?" Celeste asks the brother before turning her attention to the Scrolls the brother has given her to study.
Nodding, "Well Francesco was the Cardinal and somewhat of an unofficial Archbishop of Tuscany, being the nephew of the current Pope comes with its benefits. . " Thinking to himself, before continuing, "Antonio is Francesco's younger brother who is also a cardinal, when Francesco was called back to the Vatican before the world went to hell, Antonio also came back with him, there were a few others in their party but I don't know if they were family or not,"
'Brothers, cousins, family or not. What does this have to do with the assassin in the crypt?' Elek looks from Celeste to Maud, hoping they understand the need to track down the popes family better than he. Looking at the man, attempting to have some kind of input, he asks. "Do you know where the Cardinal Francesco or the other members of the party are staying?"
Celeste thinks carefully through all the information she has managed to garner thus far, like a hunter following a deer trail. 'An assassin, possibly sent by Cardinal Piccolomini. Fransesco is related to Piccolomini, and also happens to be the Pope's nephew. Antonio is Fransesco's son...Cardinal Piccolomini has a lot of support within this place...'
Inwardly calculating, she asks the brother, "How is the Pope elected, and should anything happen to him, who would be taking over his duties?"
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Maud, taking some notes mental and written about the inter conte ruins of the family. everyone seems contented or related in one way or another.. Answerig Maud in regard to the papal election, Celeste from what I recall in my studies there is a group of cardinals that put it to a vote...something of that nature. looking back towards the brother in confirmation. [i]hmm...maybe there was a scandal with the last election...I'll need to discuss that possibility once the brother leaves...[/b]
The brother nods, "good questions, I imagine Francesco and any others of the pope's family would be staying near the papal palace, in regards to how a pope is elected, Popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Church's most senior officials, who are appointed by the Pope and usually ordained bishops. They are summoned to a meeting at the Vatican which is followed by the Papal election - or Conclave. However there arn't many Cardinals still currently in the Vatican that could participate. Assuming one could amass a majority they'd likely be the next pope,"
”And who is currently on the College of Cardinals? Are all Cardinals on the college of Cardinals or must they be appointed first? And if the Pope dies without appointing the College of Cardinals? Also, how many Cardinals are there in the Vatican – a rough estimate?” Celeste presses the brother for more information.
’Francesco is a Cardinal, Piccolomi is a Cardinal as well, so is Antionio. That makes it likely 2 Cardinals that could vote Piccolomi as Pope. And if Lucius was not inclined to vote Piccolomi as Pope – the simple solution would be to eliminate him’Celeste thinks to herself, but does not voice out her thoughts, for fear of alarming the brother nearby. Instead she says contritely, ”Forgive me if I am being too forward, I am unschooled in the intricacies of the ways of the Church. And Lucius has asked us to do research on it.”
'Too much politics, these men will ignore the real enemy fighting each other.' Elek listens carefully to the answers to the questions, not sure what to ask about other than where to find the people they may need to talk to.
'Too forward, that's an understatement. At least she is asking questions.' Elek about snorts when the witch asks for forgiveness being to forward. But he keeps his mouth shut knowing she is doing what she was asked to do.
Hearing that the Pope's family would be near the Papal palace he asks, "does the library have any maps of the city? Or the cities sewage system or catacombs?"
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The brother motions, "Follow me, we do have maps, I can show ya, as to how many Cardinals there are, well before the apocalypse there were maybe 90 or so Cardinals spread around the world, but not all of them saw the signs and made it to Holy See before the end came, as such we only have about 19 Cardinals here that could vote to elect a new Pope,"
He shows you guys some maps as well showing you where catacombs are placed. There aren't many, most of the ones buried inside the Holy See belong to papal families and those of significant importance as saints.
Lucius wraps up his time with his Brother and soon meets the rest of you at the library. Together again you guys can share what you've learned and what you suspect.
"Come - we need to speak somewhere where we won't be overheard."
Celeste whispers to Lucius.
"The morning's research wasn't too fruitful - The pope's living relatives are Francesco, his nephew, and Antonio, his son. Both belong to the Piccolomini family tree. Also, the document showing who are the Piccolomini's serving the church has mysteriously disappeared. I suspect foul play." Celeste pauses for a while, then continues," So basically we could be looking at at least 3 people against us, Piccolomini, Francesco, and Antonio. That is 3 out of the 19 cardinals who are responsible for electing a new Pope, should anything happen to this one."
"Honestly, you guys spend too much time and energy infighting when there's a demon invasion out there to look about. And I think, by what the assassin said - they are in league the demons outside. How are we to stand against demons outside when there are traitors within waiting to backstab us when we return?" She asks Lucius.
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"We must act to cleanse the traitors of course." Lucius replies. "I know none of you signed on this, and I know also that this is not necessarily your church, but I must ask, for the sake of the world and all those who oppose the Abyss, will you help me deal with this threat?"
"My cousin, Rodrigo is marshalling our political power. There are still a number of Cardinals raised by my uncle and together we provide a bloc in Conclave, not enough to prevent an election by ourselves, but we would be hard to ignore at least. I meanwhile, am going to deal with the more 'external' threat. And that is where I hope you all come in too. First of all, we must be honest with his Holiness. Report how last night an assassin attacked and threatened us if we did not stop leaving the Vatican - this should be enough for the Pope to give us his blessing on our investigation, or so I hope. No word of the note - it is not proof and we do not want to prejudice him. After that we need to conduct surveillance. Any other ideas?"
"It's not a matter of we didn't sign up for this, is we'd BETTER deal with this, unless we want assassins in our bed chambers the next time we come back from outside the city walls." Celeste snaps angrily. "Though why in hellfire would YOUR Church decide to indulge in petty politicking when the world is coming to an end is something that is too foolish to comprehend."
"You can spare me the fancy words. I'll help just because I like living and like staying alive.Nor would we be any good to the world dead."
I think we need to be honest with his Holiness and tell him the complete truth, together with our suspicions on Cardinal Piccolomi. Advice the Pope to place Cardinal Piccolomi and all his allies under house arrest, or at least watched. I'd sleep safer at night if he was executed, less he summons more demons or sends more assasins on us."
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"And what proof do you have that it is Cardinal Piccolomini behind all of this?" Lucius asks, remaining calm in the face of Celeste's wrath. "Accusing a member of His Holiness's family would get you suspicion at best, assuming you can back it up. If you can't then you could expect to be thrown out, possibly arrested and have tipped all of our information into our enemies laps at the same time. We have nothing to go on, the note proves nothing - anyone can sign with a P. If I were trying to avoid suspicion then it is precisely what I would do and there are plenty of others who are as devious as I, some far more so, within these walls. We cannot simply go in like that - it will not end well."
"It might be possible, if we knew where the assassin was interred, to wrest answers out of his dead body,though it involves a school of magic I do not much care for. I'm not sure if anyone has the power to do such a thing." Celeste states.
"Fine, it's church business." Celeste throws her hands up in exasperation after Lucius's lecture."As I said, we could compare the note with a sample of Piccolomini's handwriting to see if it matched. But other then that - I do not know how else you would want to proceed with the investigation, even if the Pope gave us permission to do so."
Elek spends his time studying the maps, attempting to retain as much information about the streets, sewers and catacombs as he can. When the Cardinal joins them he listens as the witch and the cardinal share their opinions.
"We must act to 'cleanse' the traitors," When have we heard that from the Catholics before. That seems like one thing they should be good at... Odd, the witch totally agrees, when did we think that would happen.'
Elek looks from Celeste to the Cardinal, shaking his head. "I said I would help you with the Catholic opposition, and I agree we should tell the pope. But if the assassin said we shouldn't go outside of the city, isn't that exactly where we should be? Can't the Pope's guard protect him and his, inside the city while we help outside of the city?"
He then looks at Celeste, "Are you sure your not Catholic? "Place Piccolomi under arrest? Safer if executed." We don't even know if the man is guilty of anything other than being a power hungry catholic priest and that describes all of the ones I've met, present company included." Giving d'Borja and Lefévre pointed stares.
Nodding toward the door, he continues. "We should inform the Pope of what we have found. Then go back out into the city where we can do some real good. After we have made our presence felt there we should come back. But if were smart, we will find a separate route so no one knows were coming and going. Then we may be able to work here, unseen."
"The Pope's guards can only protect him from threats they know about."Celeste answers.
"Do not insult me by calling me a Catholic. I have nothing to do with God."Celeste states, her voice icy cold as she glares at Elek. "If God really cared, why didn't he do something about the demons and devils instead of letting people die? Why did he allow Kaer Morhen to fall?" Celeste rails, with a break in her voice.
Then she struggles to regain her composure. "I suggested measures as I did to contain the threat, that it happens to be the same as Lucius is pure coincidence."
She shakes her head, "I don't think Lucius's dwelling is safe anymore, I'd rather stay in other accommodation in the city. Or worst case - use the ruined church outside as our base of operations."
After discussing your findings you guys gather your group and head for the office of the Pope. However upon arriving you guys find that the Papal guard stand at attention and bar your way, "What business do you have the Pope?"
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"Cardinal Borja and his companions seek audience with His Holiness." Lucius responds, sharply. "There are matters which I must discuss with him, matter pertaining to the security of the Mother Church and His Holiness's person. Now send a message to him. At once!"
Implacable on the outside, inside Lucius is worried. There aren't many reasons for the Papal Guard to be out in force in a situation like this...
'We should warn the Pope.' Elek nods his head with the Cardinal, "Ve should be careful accusing any of za Cardinals. Zey are all powerful men and vould not forget za insult." But looking at the Cardinal, "But ve should warn za Pope of our suspicions, and tell him about za assassin und za note. He should have 'associates' who can research za writing."
Elek stays behind the others, attempting to look discreet standing fully armed and armored, keeping a keen eye out for would be attackers.
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Maud, during the discussions with Lucius, agrees that the best bet would be trying to secure another audience with His Holiness and explain the danger he is in.
" I think Elek is right...we need to be careful we don't need a larger target on our backs then what is already there. Being discrete but still expressing our concerns for his safety would be best I think." turning towards Lucius, "I think it might be best if you tell his Holiness about the dangers, we should accompany you to the meeting but I think if the threat is coming from another Cardinal the better, after all aren't we here for helping to rid the city of these foul Demons? As well as helping the church continue?"
The guard nods, "I will summon the Cardinal-nephew to take you up, if his Holiness can see you on such short notice," With that the guard walks off to fetch someone within the papal palace leaving you alone with the other.
After a few minutes of waiting, the original guard returns with the Cardinal-Nephew who as many of you may remember is Cardinal Giovanni Piccolomini. He welcomes you inside the gates and begins walking with you toward the papal palace.
"Cardinal Lucius . . . and company, what can I help you with today? I hear you wish to visit the Pope, as I'm sure you know he isn't in good health right now." Eying your group up and down with a touch of disdain in his eyes visible, "If you wouldn't mind telling me first what your news is, I just want to make sure your news doesn't upset or risk his fragile health right now,"
Celeste is sure to refresh the message spell on everyone so they can speak without others hearing.
'The Pope isn't in good health - did Piccolomini have anything to do with that?'Celeste wonders.
"Our business with the Pope is of utmost secrecy and for his ears alone." Celeste answers flatly.
'Not that I would be telling you anything you treacherous backstabbing snake!'Celeste thinks to herself angrily.
Celeste manages to more or less keep a relatively decent poker face to conceal her thoughts.
Why don't we tell him we have uncovered an assassination plot and we need to speak to only the Pope? Oh no...' Looking slightly relieved as Celeste speaks reasonably calmly to the cardinal-nephew. 'At least she didn't threaten the man'
Elek looks from the witch then to Lucius, 'Well the Cardinal is used to dealing with theses types, he'll know what to say.' Waiting for the Cardinal to explain the situation.
Curious, He steps back and quietly asks Maud. "Is zere zis much politicking in za church vere you are from, or is it just here in za Vatican city?"
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"Cardinal Piccolomini. I am afraid the news is urgent." Lucius responds. "I cannot say much without His Holiness but we have good reason to fear for the safety of the Cardinals and possible of His Holiness also - there are assassins loose within the city." Having delivered the message up until this point in a low tone he now speaks normally once again. "As I'm sure you can appreciate it is vital that we inform the Holy Father at once."
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Discreetly answer Elek Maud crosses her arms, "if there are I was never privy to them...mostly back home we'd go to mass in the mornings to get communion and maybe once a week help out in cleaning and upkeep of the church." she pauses and continues "the Catholic Church is known however for this type of political nonsense...it might be one of the reasons this world we live in is such a mess." pointing towards an outside wall to the city and the gates of hell that are open out there.
Maud continues following Piccolomini being quiet and watchful of him
Sneering at your group, his eyes carefully watching you guys, flicking across your faces looking for signs of anything out of the ordinary.
Drawing himself up, folding his hands into his robes, "Yes well, let us see if he is feeling up to hearing you out,"
He leads you into the Papal palace and through its corridors heading up a few flights of stairs. He stops at the top near a rather simple wooden door. "Wait here. Do not move,"
He steps inside the wooden door leaving the 4 of you to mill about in the hallway.
Celeste inwards seethes, thinking to herself. ’And the reason we’re here is because YOU had to be up to your politicking. And now you’re looking down your noses on us? If there was any justice in THIS world I’d get to blast you to bits. But no, it would cause a major diplomatic incident.’
Wait here. Do not move
”Pleased to,” Celeste drawls. The moment he is out of sight, she starts using message spell to speak to the entire party, voicing her suspicious. ”Do you think he had anything to do with the Cardinal’s poor health? He could have had a slow poison slipped into the food. If he was next in the line to succession – doing something like that would give him more power, since if the Pope is incapacitated – he might be able to call the shots.”
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"I don't like the looks of this...Celeste you might be right, with his Holiness ill and failing he is probably pulling the strings and slowly getting things to go his way. Letting out a small sigh Maud crosses her arms and adjusts her weight from either foot as she tries to patiently wait for the Cardinal to return.
'I hate politics. I can't tell if he's guilty as sin or just an arrogant snob.' Keeping his hands intentionally behind his back so he won't be tempted to strike the arrogant errand boy Elek follows with his new found companions. Since the group is proceeding further into the belly of the beast, Elek Keeps his hands and opinion to himself. As the Cardinal sits calmly, Elek paces the halway nodding his head in agreement with Maud. He shrugs his shoulders at Celeste's question. then turning to the Cardinal he asks quietly. "If the pope is poisoned could you tell?"
”If I knew we were going to be uncovering a case of poison today I might have come better prepared for it. “ She answers Maud. ”If we could get evidence that he was the one poisoning the Pope we might be able to get him arrested. But when he finds out, he will probably strike back hard. Cornered rats fight to the finish.”
Seeing her companions whisper among themselves quietly, Celeste demonstrates the use of the message spell. ”Speak, and point towards the person you want it to be heard by, and it shall be heard by their ears alone. Like what I am doing now.”
'what the blazes?' Elek gives Celeste a dirty look, then remembering to point at Celeste he responds mentally "How do you do this, you cannot read my thoughts right? Tell me you cannot read my thoughts witc...Celeste!"
She points at Elek.
"Rest assured, I cannot read your mind." She reassures Elek, then adds as an afterthought,"Not as yet. There are magics that would allow one to do so, but they are currently beyond my powers. But this is a more convenient way of speaking."
She gestures at Maud.
"I could prepare this in the future for easier scouting and communication. This way our enemies will not know what we are saying. It isn't fool proof since they can hear us if their senses are exceptionally sharp , but unless everyone would want to start learning obscure languages... She answers Maud.
'God in heaven' Elek continues looking at Celeste for a moment, shaking his head.
Cardinal Piccolominni comes out from the Pope's office, "I'm sorry, his Holiness is not feeling up to it, he--" from inside the room, you hear a rather old man's voice carry itself out, "Just let them in, talking to them won't kill me any faster than old age already is,"
Cardinal Piccolominni sighs, relents and leads you guys inside. His Holiness is laid up in bed, he looks even frailer than last you saw him just a few days ago. He looks to Lucius and then the rest of you "What is it, my children?"
Celeste points at Elek.
"You should hope I gain power. It can be a useful technique. People tend to project with their thoughts what they wish to keep concealed. So to uncover if Piccolomini was behind all this, we'd just have to ask some questions regarding the matters, and if he thinks of concealing things, they will be foremost at the front of his thoughts."Celeste answers cooly.
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"Holy Father, we come with ill tidings." Lucius advances to the sickbed and genuflects, before kneeling at the Pope's bedside. As he speaks his sharp eyes examine the Pontiff, noting his figure, the texture of his skin, the smell of his breath and all the myriad signs a physician examines.
"There are forces within the city working against the mission you gave us. I was attacked in my chambers by an assassin, and it was only by God's grace and the intervention of my comrades that the attacker was foiled. Before he died the assassin claimed that I must die, for the good of mankind. That if we avoided provoking the demons we would survive. He was an agent, of that I am certain, but we do not know who commanded him - who would see Rome fall." He clasps the Pope's dry hand in his own. "Holy Father. I would have your authority to pursue this man. We cannot allow God's people to fall like lambs beneath the axe!"
'Between the devil and the deep blue sea.' Elek, nods his head slowly.
'Well at least he is obedient to the pope.' Elek enters, giving a polite bow. He places himself against a wall where he can keep an eye on the entire room. Watching as Cardinal Lucius explains the situation, hoping that the popes or Cardinal Piccolominni reactions will give some indication of their fears.
The Pope closes his eyes as he listens to Cardinal Lucius, after Lucius finishes talking his eyes remain closed as he processes the information. Slowly opening them, "That is dire news, I'm sorry to hear you were attacked. It would seem even when faced with the End of Times, the politicking never ceases," He begins to cough a vicious, viscous ragged cough.
Cardinal Piccolominni rushes to the Holy Father's side producing a silken rag that he hands over to the Pope who continues to cough into the rag, eventually coughing so hard he spits blood out of his mouth. Wiping his mouth, "I'm sorry, I don't have much time left. I wish I could offer you more aid in these trying times, I know you need it. I never imagined I'd be the Pope to face the End of Times--truth be told I never wished to be the one. Maybe when I was younger but no, now I place the mantle upon your younger shoulders. . ." his sentence trails off, he was seemingly talking to no one in particular in those last few moments.
Piccolominni clears his throat, "As I said, his Holy Father is rather taxed of late, please if you could excuse him for now,"
Celeste looks at Piccolomi on his expression for when Lucius speaks about the assassin and being given permission to hunt the one who instigated the assassination down.
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Lucius moves to support the Pope the moment the old man begins coughing, which leaves he and Cardinal Piccolomini working more closely together than they ever had before - if only for a moment. Easing the old man back into his pillows, although a little more upright than before, Lucius speaks quietly to his fellow Cardinal. "Keeping him upright will help with the coughing - it allows the foul humours an easier escape."
Before withdrawing to a respectful distance Lucius brushes his lips across the Pope's ring. This may well be the last time. "God be with you Father." before he turns away to leave the old man in peace.
Leaving the Pope's chambers Lucius searches out pen and ink as quickly as he can. Scrawling the word 'six' in catalan at the top he proceeds to compose a rapid message in a clearly pre-arranged cipher.
Message composed and sealed he hails the nearest messenger/servant/small child. "This must be delivered to the Vice-Chancellor as quickly as possible."
It is only once the letter has gone that he stops and looks to the rest of the group. "I fear the Holy Father does not have long left. He is old and the stress of the role is claiming him rapidly."
That is an awful cough, I am no barber but the pope doesn't look good.' hearing the ragged cough Elek, looks from the Pope to Lucius, 'Place the mantle? What does that mean exactly?' Then to Piccolomini to see his reaction.
Following Lucius from the popes bedchamber, he nods in agreement, "You have une gift for za obvious, mein Freund, vat do vee do now?"
”I can’t do anything for the Pope. I can blow people apart but not put them together. I presume if you could, Lucius, you would have?”She asks Lucius.
”The word placing the mantle on younger shoulders worries me. Both Cardinal Lucius and Cardinal Piccolominni were in the room.” Celeste mutters darkly. ”Placing the mantle on younger shoulders means he wishes to transfer his title to either Lucius or Piccolominni. If Picolominni takes Pope, he will have more forces to bring against us. He may even be able to convince the guards to let the demons and devils in from outside Vatican into the Vatican.”
”I should hope that if the Pope is unable to perform the duties of his office, then another has to be elected to take up the title of Pope.”