"Your Holiness" Miguel said with a slight bowing of his head. "It is an honor to have you here. This is Villa Sephardi, let me show you around a bit." The old man said, with a quick wave of his walking staff, the platoon began to scatter to their assigned security positions. Five of the soldiers stayed behind, obviously providing close protection for the old man.
"Please follow me" he said, slowly making his way up the stone stairs that led from the shuttle pad toward the large home. This villa was built by my great, great, great, great grandfather, Shimon Sephardi some 400 years ago. He built this home as the crown in what had become one of the largest contraband and transport clans on Crete. Through the years, the Sephardi have been pirates, transporters, officers, Elders, and guards for the the Corsair Empire."
Getting to the top of the stairs, Miguel come to a stop and pointed his staff at the large house. "The Villa Sephardi consists of three buildings. They were connected about 200 years ago" Pointing to the east, he indicated a large section of the house. "That is Nueve Sephardi or the North Wing. It is the oldest building of the three, being the original house of Villa Sephardi. It consists of 18 rooms, including two kitchens, two grand dining rooms, a solarium and a green house." Pointing to another more central building, he said, "That is Bait Ha'Sephardi, it is the central gathering point for the Sephardi famillia. This part of the complex is off limits to you and your men. My apologies, but this building holds the Sephardi tomb, as well as our relics." Pointing to the east Sephardi held at the last large building. "That is the Creatian House, or the East Wing, it is where you and your men will be staying. The four story building contains fifteen suites, a Library, a spa, a massive kitchen as well as a dining area for up to five hundred people. It is the guesthouse of Villa Sephardi and I am sure will suit all your needs and those of your men. The staff has instructions to take care of any requests you may have." The old man waved over a a young man. "This is Paulo, he is the general manager of the Creatian House, and he will be there for anything while you are here."
Miguel Sephardi took a few steps and turned back to the Pontiff. "Your Grace, I will let you get settled in. I hope you will join me for dinner this evening in my garden. I think we may have many things to discuss."
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