The Pope continued kneeling before the symbol of Deux, when someone knocked on the door. He had been praying, locked in that chapel-room, since he arrived in the morning, and had stopped only a moment to take the frugal meal that one of his assistants had brought to him.
--Come in --he said.
The Alferez who had visited him in the morning entered the sacred place, and put knee on the ground before the symbol of Deux, bowing his head submissively. Then he stood up and military saluted to Paolus.
--Your Holiness, the Field Maestre wants to warn you of the approaching of dinner time.
The Pontiff looked at his watch, surprised. As always that he was dedicated to praying fervently, time went so fast that he barely noticed. Fortunately he had managed to get many things clear in his conversation with the Divine Giver, and felt much more calm about his upcoming meeting with Miguel Sephardi.
--Of course, now I'm going. --said, leaning heavily on the kneeler.
The Alferez, seeing their efforts, rushed to help him.
--Gracias, hijo mío. --the Pontiff thanked----Deux holds me through your hand.
The soldier sustained Paolus until he could see that was still standing by himself.
--One more thing, Santidad. --added-- The Field Maestre asks if you want him to be present at the dinner with you.
--This is not necessary. I have the full assurance that Mr. Sephardi will feel much more comfortable being alone with me.
Paolus left the room and went to his chamber. There, after take a quick shower in the private bathroom to the bedroom had, he opened one of the wardobes of the dresser and pulled out a pristine white robe. He dressed it, and put on leather sandals he took from a trunk where his aides had put their shoes. Like only jewelry, he put the Gear Ring on his finger.
He wanted to present an image of absolute simplicity, without opulence or arrogance. He simply wanted to offer a vision of a man who had no need to hide his soul under the brightness of gold. Besides, it was extremely impolite going to dinner with your host, offering an image of power or prepotency in his own house.
It was already dinner time, but Paolus waited a waited a little longer, to arrive 15 minutes late, like the manners of the Corsairs commanded. Then he went into the corridor and walked to the main hall, where Paulo, the manager of Creatian House, was waiting him with a couple of Corsair soldiers.
--Your Holiness, --asked the manager-- if you have the goodness to follow me I will take you to Señor Sephardi.
The group left the Creatian House and walked down the grass plain that extended before the three buildings that composed the Villa, towards the central building, Bait Ha'Sephardi. Paolus remembered that his host had explained the three buildings were connected together, but for some reason they were taking him by the outside. The two soldiers were kept at a distance, making their presence felt but without it seems they were watching the Pontiff.
When they reached the front door, they entered the building, and Paolus was led through some corridors to an arcade with glass doors that were open. When crossing, the Pontiff has found in the private garden of the house. Miguel Sephardi was there, waiting for him.
