The Conqueror Worm by Ambrose Ibsen

Author:Ambrose Ibsen [Ibsen, Ambrose]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ambrose Ibsen

14

There were three horses in total, and on one of them came riding the familiar figure of Monsignor Weber. He brought his horse to a halt and donned a thin smile while his fellows, two plain-clothed ruffians with handguns on their hips, rode up to the assembled trio and positioned themselves to their right and left. "Good day, father," said the monsignor, hands on the reins.

Ossian did not return the monsignor's greeting except to grunt. His hands were feeling twitchy; as he looked to the three riders he wondered how quickly he might be able to dispatch them if push came to shove. He knew it foolish to bring a sword to a gunfight, but if forced to the wall he was not going to simply surrender his life and the lives of his companions. "To what do I owe the honor?" He finally said, hand shifting subtly to his waist.

The motion did not go unnoticed. The gunmen, too, placed their palms on their guns and prepared to unholster their weapons. They needed only the say-so of the monsignor. Leaning forward on his horse, the pale clergyman sniffed the spring breeze and looked down at the stream, still tinged in red for the leakage of Mattea's corpse. "I understand that there was an incident here this morning. We received word from a concerned citizen that a particularly brutal murder took place, and that you were at the scene, father. Is that correct?" His wan gaze shifted to the mound of freshly-dug earth. "I see that it is. Though he stopped short of accusing you, the man did mention that sword of yours and I must admit some concern. Ours is a very peaceful city, you understand, and so the arrival of an armed priest from Rome, who is openly hostile to the ways of Avignon, raises some eyebrows."

Before Ossian could speak up, Elio stepped forth. "You're the snakes who did this, aren't you? That was my wife, I'll have you know. And yesterday, my son. Father McGregor has told me all about how your church is led by the devil!" He spit on the ground. "You have some nerve riding here to accuse this good man of any wrongdoing."

The monsignor chuckled. "I've accused him of nothing, sir. I merely suggested that the timing of his arrival and the timing of this violent incident make for a curious coincidence." He licked his lips and turned his sunken eyes to Ossian. "Incidentally, Bishop Carnivale wishes to meet with you. Please, come with us peaceably. It is a great honor to have gained an audience with our respected bishop."

Ossian smirked. "Oh? And why the change of heart? When you warned me away from the basilica I was under the impression that he wasn't much in a talking mood." The priest cracked his knuckles. "At any rate, I should be overjoyed to meet with him and share my very strong opinions on what's become of this parish."

Monsignor Weber was unamused, and looked down upon the priest with unveiled disgust.

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