THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA

  { PT.  6 } - No, you got it from us! They both chuckled. You can see what it's like around here, said the Captain. The Greek and Italian war! I only let him get away with it because he's an excellent chef. Of course. I'm Greek! They laughed. I must leave you if we are to set sail on time, said the Captain. He nodded and made his departure.              AS THE SHIP PROGRESSED - on its journey to Greece, Angelica and Christiano shared a single bunk in their Spartan cabin. Angelica awoke to see a contemplative Christiano staring at the gold, amethyst ring around his finger. A minute, ornate gold cross was embedded in the center of the amethyst stone. He turned and twisted the ring as if it might reveal a secret. Does that ring have a story? she asked. This ring was given to my by my mentor, Father Guido, when I was ordained. It means as much to me as my grandfather's knife. It's beautiful. Is he the priest who died recently? Yes, Back in my ho...

  [PT.  5 ] - Angelica nodded, and the three of them followed the Captain along a putrid green floor, towards the mess hall. Herculean in stature and with skin as bronzed as a statue, the Greek was a hazel-eyed man with wild, dark blonde hair that continued to his face to form a beard. Captain! he called out with a voice as deep as h horn. Achilleus, said the captain, these are the guests we spoke of. My dearest friend Kurush, his lovely daughter Frya, and their friend Angelica. Welcome, he said, holding out his arms in a grand gesture. I thought there were four of you? There is, but our friend doesn't sail well. He is resting, said Kurush. Do you have something for me? Ah, yes, replied Kurush, dipping into his pocket and retrieving a white envelope. The photos are in here. Achilleus took the envelope. I gather you have already received our, ah, gratitude, said Kurush. Yes, thank you. I was very grateful. He winked and smiled at Kurush. Please, there are refreshments on the ta...

  { PT.  4 } - His tremulous legs buckled as if supported by liquefying bones. We have motion sickness pills on board if you need them. I've just take one. It will take effect soon. I hope. The Captain nodded and continued, I will give you all a tour of the ship once we're cruising smoothly to our destination. But first, I will show you to your cabins. He opened a cream bulkhead door, and a rush of hot air infused with diesel torpedoed towards them. Christiano gagged, gripping the side of the door. Do you need help? asked Angelica. I'll be fine. You don't look... Please. I hate fuss. Sometimes, it's okay to ask for help, Christiano. She sighed. If you need me just ask. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, the wanly lit corridor narrowed to a claustrophobic degree. You have two cabins. Close to the stairs and exit. I thought that would suit you better. You can sort the sleeping arrangements amongst yourselves. Thank you, my friend, said Kurush, slapping the Capt...

{ PT.  3 } - The four of them crossed the road and entered the building, unaware that they were being watched through binoculars from the deck of the Colossus. The watcher a man of short stature with broad shoulders and legs like stumps of wood, dropped his hands to his sides to reveal extraordinarily large and nebulous pupils that left little room for the whites of his eyes. A zigzaging scar ran from his ear, across his right cheek and to his nose. Minutes later, Christiano and his companions left the building with one more added to their number, Captain Costantino. They piled their luggage onto the back of a  buggy parked close by and hopped on. With Captain Costantino in the driver's seat, they made their way towards the Colossus. The moment Christiano clambered aboard the vessel,his head plummeted into his stomach, and the world around him swayed in sync with the billowing sea. Are you okay? asked the Captain, grabbing hold of his arm. Just a little seasick, he replied, gr...

  { PT.  2 } - Angelica, who felt a little queasy, planted her hand into his pocket and removed the tablets. She handed him a pill. How long before these take effect? he asked Frya, swallowing the pilule. About half an hour.I didn't realise you became sea sick before travelling. The taxi driver pulled away, leaving them and their luggage stranded amidst the bustling chaos of moving containers the size of buses, the droning of ships horns and the cawing of seagulls. Behind them, mustard-coloured buildings with terracotta rooftops were heaped one upon the other in a seemingly haphazard fashion, as if one tremor would send them falling like a stack of dominoes. That's our ship, I think, said Kurush pointing in the direction of a gargantuan vessel with the name Colossus scrawled along its side. An apt name, said Christinao breaking into a sweat. Kurush checked his watch. We'd better go and find Costantino. His office is in the building over there. He pointed at a large, stone e...

  { PT.  1 } - On the drive to the port, the air was stifled by a mishmash of feelings from grief, to fear and anxiety. All four of them ruminated with closed eyes or stared into oblivion. Christiano's arm was wrapped around Angelica. The flashing scenery outside his window mimicked the speed at which his life seemed to be moving lately. She nestled into his chest like a purring kitten and shut her eyes. He kissed her forehead, and she smiled, her lids remaining shut. Ah, Christiano. I have your motion sickness pills, said Kurush delving into his travel case. I forgot to give them to you at the apartment. Christiano took the box and examined the instructions. It's probably best you take one when we arrive at the port, advised Frya, so that by the time we travel it will take effect. It's one tablet every six hours. And not more than three in twenty-four hours. You have my gratitude, said Christiano, placing the pills into his pocket. Three hours later, the taxi pulled into t...

  { PT.  16 } - By then I had bugged the shipping company's phone and managed to catch the details. There is a cargo ship leaving for Greece tomorrow. They'll all be on it. Greece, you say. Wherever for? Perplexed, he rubbed his head and gazed into oblivion. Your Eminence, I suggest that the best way for their elimination is on this ship. And how will you secure a position on this vessel? Your Eminence, it is already done. Well done, Kristoff. He smirked. I won't ask how you managed it. It is best you remain blissfully unaware, Your Eminence. You understand that it's imperative their feet never land on Greek soil, don't you? I cannot stress this enough Kristoff. Your Eminence, their bodies will make a hearty feast for our ocean inhabitants. You have my word.                                                               ...

{ PT.  15 } - The cook has arranged for us to enter the country unseen. He has also arranged the fake passports. We need to take photos this evening so that I can hand them to him on board the ship. What time are we leaving? asked Christiano. The taxi is picking us up at dawn. I will pop out this evening and get your pills. Christiano nodded, appreciatively.                                                                            THE CARDINAL SAT ON an over-sized sofa in the study, sipping brandy and reading from an antiquated book. A phone rang and buzzed in his vicinity. He reached into his pocket, with-drew his cell phone and accepted the call, and then placed it on the coffee table by his side. Your Eminence, came the gruff voice. Kristoff, as always, a speedy return call. What do you have...

  { PT.  13 } - All the decisions made, not just on a small scale but decisions that effect us all, replied Kurush. You only need to look at the state of the world to see the danger of the ego interpreting the Holy Scriptures of all the rellgions, said Christiano. It's the definition of madness, said Angelica. And perhaps a subject on which the Messiah will be able to shed some light for us soon, said Kurush. Which takes us to the next phase of our mission. I have finalised the plans for our trip. We travel by cargo ship, tomorrow. So soon? said Christiano. I assumed you were ready to leave straight away. Yes, of course. It's fine. I'm still getting used to the idea. I don't travel well on the ocean. Ah, yes, your travel sickness. Perhaps, some motion sickness pills will help. The ship will take us to Greece where I have arranged fake passports for us, and from there we will take a normal passenger ferry to Cyprus, and from there on to Egypt. And you are sure this cargo...

  { PT.  12 } - The contradictions never end. Yet, on the other hand, a vessel--and not necessarily a priest--is maybe what some people need. I do feel that a healthy mind is better able to differentiate between the true and the false voice of God. Otherwise, you have those with sociopathic tendencies claiming that God has told them to commit murder. Yes, but as with the Cardinal, the message will be as corrupted as the vessel from which it comes, interjected Angelica. The point is that any human vessel is open to corruption and misinterpretation. It's a complicated matter, said Kurush. People claim that the truth is subjective, but not God's truth. God's truth is the ultimate truth and is not easily interpreted by human minds ruled by the ego. Exactly, said Angelica. It's our egos that get in the way. It's the ego that misinterprets; that's prone to madness and disillusionment. I think a healthy mind is one that is aware of its ego and learns to observe it, hea...

  { PT.  12 } - Angelica's head shot up. Yet look at what God himself has chosen for you, said Kurush. Something more profound and worthy than you could imagine. Yes. At first, it felt like a punishment. Now I see that I have been truly honoured. As have we all. Too many of us misinterpret our disillusionment and lack of fulfilment as have not gathered enough wealth, or love, or the career we wanted. We search and strive for more and more, feeling ever less fulfilled. What we fail to realise is that all our longing, grief and yearning is for our return to the source--to God. But it's like running around searching for a limb that's already attached to our body. Our connection was never lost. Our problem is that we are too fearful to feel--perhaps from lifetimes of feeling forsaken by God--to delve deep and take even just a few seconds to feel His presence within us. It's a great shame that our fear and disconnection only perpetuates the selfish, destructive and superfici...

  { PT.  11 } - They took their seats and for a few moments soaked in the peaceful ambience evoked by the prayer. Frya's food remained untouched, but her face had grown a healthier shade. Kurush comfortingly rubbed the top of her shoulder. She smiled at him. Christiano, your prayer had had a healing effect on us all, I think. You must have been a great priest, said Kurush. Christiano smiled, and Angelica caught a glimpse of sorrow in his pupils. Are you both religious? he asked, changing the subject. Our ancestors in Jannara's time were of the Zoroastrian faith. Today, there are probably about tow hundred thousand Zoroastrians in the entire world. Frya and I prefer to remain detached from any religion, but we are not without God. Yes, it seems quite the opposite, in fact, said Christiano. Even as a child, I saw religion and God as polar opposites. I found religion too rigid and easily misinterpreted and manipulated by egocentric minds. One's connection to God is an intimate...

  { PT.  10 } - If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be. God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace and accepted them as a holocaust. When the time comes for His visitation, they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they. They shall judge nations, rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king forever. They who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy await those he has chosen. He made the sign of the cross and continued, Brother Johan, go in peace to the Lord and know that you are loved and honoured for your service to Him. May your Spirit live in eternal bliss, and your light shine upon Frya so that she may sense your presence and so that it may be of comfort to her. You are missed, you are cherished by all in thi...

  { PT.  9 } - Christiano lowered his head before looking her in the face. All I saw was them taking his body away. I don't know what happened to him. The furnace, said Frya. Johan told me the Cardinal has a furnace in the basement. Didn't you hear the sounds? I heard many sounds. I was disoriented and... Frya, you can see what Christiano has been through, interrupted Kurush. I'm not blaming you. I told him not to go back to that place, but he didn't listen. They cremated him, and I have nothing. No ashes, no way of giving him a proper burial. I said a prayer for him, said Christiano. It was just after he gave me the message to pass on to you. Then, I prayed again when they took his body away. Thank you, Christiano. I'm glad he was not alone. Will you say something now? she asked. Of course. It would be my honour. They all stood up and bowed their heads. This is a prayer from the Book of Wisdom, he said. He cleared his throat. The souls of the virtuous are in the ha...

  PT.  8  - I don't know. I want to understand that everything happens for a reason, but... Moosh-am! Kurush's voice sounded from the corridor. They turned to see Frya standing at the door. Kurush appeared behind her holding Jannara's box. He placed his arm around her. Please sit down and eat with us. Okay, Papa. She patted his hand. With a look of relief, he led her to a seat. You'll need your strength for this journey of ours. He reached for her plate and placed it before her Frya's gaze drifted to the family heirloom. What are you doing with Jannara's box? I was about to give it to Angelica as a gift. I can't accept it, interrupted Angelica. Her guilty eyes fell on Frya. It should be passed to Frya. It has been in your family for two millennia... No, said Kurush. It ends with me. It should be returned to the Messiah. Angelica's questioning eyes remained on Frya. He's right. It belongs to the Messiah. Please accept it. Thank you, she said, brushing...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  { PT.  7 } - I am so relieved it will be Frya and not some stranger, said Angelica. Nevertheless, you must be nervous, replied Kurush. Christiano placed his hand over hers. I will not leave your said. I promise. She squeezed his hand. Are you sure Frya still wants to be involved? This mission has led to the death of her fiance and... I raised the question with her last night. She has no doubt, said Kurush. She would not dishonour Johan's memory by abandoning everything he worked for and all he endured for the past three years, and especially his last hours. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, said Christiano. Kurush stared though the table. I'll never forget the day he walked into my classroom. He was a student of mine, you know. Within a month he became my assistant. Such a keen, astute young man with a natural, deep perception of my teachings. When he and Fryamet, it was like old lovers coming toge...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  { PT.  6 } - She placed her arms around his neck. I know I can be emotionally detached. I don't know how you put up with me. But if I allowed my heart to rule over my head, I would never have survived as a doctor. He gently rubbed his nose against hers. I wouldn't have you any other way. They kissed before the oval window as the concaving buildings wrapped around them like creeping ivy, imprisoning them inside, and crudely snatching the image from her mind. The tears rolled down her cheeks. The finger bearing her engagement ring jerked upwards involuntarily.                                      ANGELICA LET OUT A sigh and walked away. Maybe she's asleep, she said as she entered the dining room. She placed Frya's plate on the table and covered it with a napkin. She'll come around, eventually. Hopefully, our t...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  { PT.  5 } - I know you're not one for public displays of affection, but we're alone here. You can let your guard down. Give him the night off. Have you forgotten we're guests here? They'll be wondering where we've got to. Frya, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Is that a marriage proposal in front of this crazy view of Rome? He knelt down on one knee and looked up at her. Yes. He gulped in a moment of insecurity. She caught the momentary flicker in his pupils and dismissed it immediately. Well, Doctor Frya Attar Asper certainly has an interesting ring to it. I've never been so serious. Her face betrayed a glint of vulnerability. She dropped to her knees where her loving gaze met his. Johan Asper, I will marry you. You will! His mouth burst into a beaming smile. He kissed her hard on the lips.                            ...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  { PT.  4 } - ON THE OTHER SIDE - of the door, Frya sat in a chair staring out of a large oval window designed like a fish-eye lens. A distorted Rome curved towards her as if enveloping her in its concrete armour. A memory filtered through to her mind. In that very same room, on a visit to their friends for dinner, they looked our for the first time through the oval window. Johan made faces between a gap in the pane of glass. She heard the echo of her giggle and saw him grab her in his arms and kiss her. The passion of their love ran through her body, giving her butterflies. I've never met anyone like you, said Johan. And you never will, she replied with a cheeky grin. Their stares lingered as they exchanged numerous expressions. Each and every thought and trepidation flashed across their faces. Doctor Frya Attar, your love is as vital as the blood that flows through my veins and the air I breathe. Wow...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  {  PT.  4 } - I don't know how to be with this feel--she stopped, noticing Frya peering round the door. Her arms dropped from around Christiano's waist and she stepped away from him. Frya, can I get you anything? Her cheeks burned. Where's my father? He want to finalise the plans for our trip to Egypt. Is everything okay? asked Christiano. She looked from one to the other and walked away.                                                                                                        ROASTED GARLIC AND ROSEMARY - sailed through the apartment adding a much--needed homeliness to the dispassionate ambience of their temporary hideout. Kuru...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA )  -  { PT.  2 } - A light rap at the door ended their heated discussion. Christiano rose from the bed and opened the door. Kurush stood there. I'm about to finalise some plans for our trip, he said. Is Frya okay? asked Christiano. Kurush shook his head. She's in a lot of pain. The problem is that my own sorrow prevents me from being the rock she needs right now. Johan was like a son to me. We were his only family, and I let him down. The blame for his death lies with me. You mustn't think tat way Kurush. Believe me, Johan did not leave this world blaming anyone. He spoke only for his love for you both. He nodded, wiping the tears from his eyes. When I'm back we'll discuss the arrangement over dinner. Okay, my friend. Be careful. Kurush nodded and walked away with his head still bowed in sorrow. Christiano watched him, helpless to offer any more comforting words. Angelica nuzzled herself against his back an...

  CHAPTER  44  -  ( THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA  )  -  { PT.  1 } - Sunlight streamed partly open blinds. But its penetrating warmth proved futile against the cold barren room where Angelica and Christiano lay in each other's arms. Christiano's wide, tortured eyes drilled through the clinically white ceiling. His battered face had marginally improved, and his head and nose were bandaged. Angelica lay asleep, neatly tucked into his side. A vision of Johan with his missing fingers flashed across his mind's eye. He shuddered, waking Angelica. She balanced herself on one elbow and gazed at him, attentively. I thought if I slept next to you the baby would comfort you, she said. I can't stop myself picturing Johan's last hours. All that suffering. For us. No, Christiano. For the Messiah. Why did you come? Why did you risk your life and the baby's? This again? I have told you already. It was a serious risk and it could have ended with both your deaths. Don...