The Guardian Of Empires

14. The New Order

The ceremony at the Holy Synod Palace was formal and very boring. The words "master of theology," "cleric," and "Father" that addressed Theodore were senseless to him. Priests, who presented at the sacrament of the ordination, including Alfonso Borges, were so disgusting to him, he looked away and let his thoughts stray.

What caught the newly minted priest's attention was his assignment to St. Jacob's Cathedral. Napoleon insisted on it, knowing his friend's predilections. It was delighting for Theodore to know he'd been, in a way, granted power over the whole cathedral. A separate cell was set aside for him, and he could stay the night there whenever he wished.

***

A few days after the ordination, Theodore was called to the Synod for an urgent meeting, where the entire clergy of Marescall was gathered.

Men in long cassocks occupied armchairs in the Assembly Hall. Members of the Synod stood out from the crowd with their bright and luxurious apparel and headwear. At the main table on the dais sat Cardinal Mancini and Alfonso Borges, softly chatting. Everyone looked serious and anxious. Still sleepy and displeased with such early turmoil, Theodore sullenly sank in the armchair farthest from the main table.

Soon, Cardinal Mancini slowly stood up and leaned forward with his palms on the table, earnestly looking at everyone gathered from under his wrinkled eyelids.

'Gentlemen, I ask for silence and attention!' exclaimed Alfonso.

Everyone turned their heads to him.

'Dear brothers,' groaned Mancini, 'some of you already know about another of the Order's ventures. Those who don't, listen carefully.'

Theodore woke up instantly.

'During the last few days many copies of a book that I assume, was published by the members of the Order or their followers, appeared across Marescall. They were found at public venues around the city: not at book stores, but random places like tables in cafes, theater foyer window sills, the assembly hall of the Academy of Science. At the same time, booklets and posters promoting the book were spread across the city. And the most impudent thing — the book was also found in the city's cathedrals, on the benches and inside the confessionals. Both books and booklets were left imperceptibly; no one has caught the hooligans behind it yet.'

Mancini beckoned someone with a wave of his hand:

'Father George, show us please what your people managed to collect.'

Another old priest approached the table, raised a bag and emptied it, revealing a pile of identical books in a burgundy cover.

'The book is called "The Cosmos of Benefia," announced Mancini. 'No author's name; only the pseudonym: "Evangelist".'

"Father Ioannes?" Theodore thought immediately.

'As you guess, ignorant heretics from the Order used this book to slander the Holy Church and us, its loyal servants. We couldn't expect anything else from miscreants and apostates. If you see the book or posters-leaflets promoting it, burn them. Not a single priest is allowed to keep or read this book. Whosoever is caught with this book, will lose his title and position. If you spot anyone reading this book, it is your duty to report it to the Council of the Holy Inquisition.'

Alfonso also stood up and added:

'I ordered book ban announcements to be spread around the city. Brothers in charge of churches and schools, tell your parishioners and students of the ban as soon as possible.'

***

For the rest of the day Theodore was busy in his room with translations, so he didn't have a chance to encounter the book. "However, if they leave books everywhere, one will end up in my or Napoleon's hands very soon".