THE PRIEST OF SANTA MARIA

  { PT.  7 } - Kristoff surveyed his surroundings ensuring that each person was preoccupied with some activity or other, or too drunk to pay attention, and surreptitiously poured a clear liquid into the champagne glass in Kurush's hand. The syrupy solution dispersed and blended with the fizz rising to the top of the glass. Drink up, my friend, he said slapping him on the back. Kurush chortled and downed the bubbly in one. You like your drink, ah? Kurush nodded, feeling lightheaded. He wandered off and dropped to the nearest chair. Kristoff's mouth formed a sardonic smile as he turned his attention to the object of his intention.                                                                        CHRISTIANO TOOK THE MOTION sickness pills from his pocket, removed one from the packet and placed the b...

  { PT.  6 } - Fora few hours, the four of them forgot their troubles, their grief, their anxieties and their mission, as they tucked into their meals, sipped cheap champagne, and enjoyed hearty words and laughter with their new friends. Angelica relished each moment. A mixture of disbelief and elation rushed through her veins as she looked round the room. Her eyes were forced to stop on the man from the deck whose intense stare unnerved her. Mrs Abbadelli, said Christiano with a look of utmost pride. She turned to him smiling. Yes, my husband? He laughed and kissed her lips. This has to be the most surreal sight I have ever seen. I was thinking just that. She looked back at the man to see him chatting to another crewman. Is everything okay? She turned back to him. Better than I could have ever imagined. Their lips met again. You two save that for later, said Kurush. They chuckled. I'm sorry, it seems my father has had a little too much to drink, said Frya, looking a little an...

  { PT.  5 } - I gave you all that I am. And all that I have I willingly share with you. I promise to love you eternally and to be faithful and loyal to you through the difficult times and the best of times. May this ring be a constant reminder, a symbol of my words and the vow I have made to you today. Your arrival in my life had led me to my true destiny, and I will spend the rest of my life by your side, honouring you, loving you and taking care of you. Angelica took the heart-shaped ring, gifted to her by her parents, between her fingers. Its golden hue reflected the ebbing shimmer of sunlight. Christiano Umberto Abbedelli, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. She slipped it onto his finger, managing to get it midway across his fingernail. As the skin puffed around it, the image was greeted with laughter by all present. She continued her vows with a smile in her voice. I give you all that I am. And all that I have I willingly share with you. I promise to lo...

  { PT.  4 } - Now we move on to the formal vows of marriage... Christiano, you know the vows, would you like to say them? Christiano faced Angelica, savouring the moment like fine wine. I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Christiano Umberto Abbadelli, do take you, Angelica De Santis, to be my lawful wedded wife, to love, and to honour, and to cherish from this day forward. She stared at him for a moment before repeating the vow. I call upon these persons her present to witness that I, Angelica De Santis, do take you, Christiano Umberto Abbadelli, to be my lawful wedded husband, to love, and to honour, and to cherish from this day forward. Now we seal the contract that you have just made by the exchanging of rings. The ring symbolises an unending and everlasting love between you both and a sign of the lifelong commitment and promise that you have made to each other. Kurush came forward with the rings. Christiano's ecclesiastical ring rested in Kurush's pa...

{ PT.  3 } - Your beauty rivals the likes of Sophia Loren and Claudia Cardinale, said Kurush as he reached her side. He kissed her cheeks. You flatter me. She laced her arm through his. Together they walked the makeshift aisle towards an anxious Christiano who received her with a nervous tremble. Captain Costantino cleared his throat. Before you are both joined together in marriage, it is my duty to remind you of the solemn and binding vows you are about to make. Marriage is for life, a union of two people to the exclusion of all others. Angelica, please repeat after me. I do solemnly declare. I do solemnly declare... She continued to repeat his words, ...that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Angelica De Santis, may not be joined in marriage to Chrsitiano Umberto Abbadelli. Chrsitiano repeated the words. I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Christiano Umberto Abbadlli, may not be joined in marriage to Angelica De Santis. I ask you now, Chr...

  { PT.  2 } - When we finally trusted him enough to tell him of the prophecy, he begged my father to let him join us. It took two months before my father agreed. He said to him, Johan, you must be willing to die for this. Otherwise, it is not for you. Take a week to think about it and make sure your answer is an unequivocal yes before you commit. He didn't hesitate. If it were not for all his work, you may never have found me. His help was exactly what we needed. He was guided to us, and it was clear it was his destiny, too. I will never forget him. She wiped away her last tear and smiled. Now, let's get you ready.              BEFORE AN ALPEN GLOW BLAZE, Captain Costantino, Kurush and Christiano waited on the top deck for Angelica's arrival. It would be impossible to capture a more perfect mise en scene, said Kurush, admiring the scenery. Christiano, dressed in black trousers and a white shirt, smiled faintly as he fiddled with his tie. A l...

  { PT.  1 } - I don't want you to go to any trouble. It's no trouble at all, replied Frya, unsettling the contents of her suitcase. Ah. Here it is. She pulled out a creamy coloured tea-length dress and held it up for Angelica to see. This is perfect. It's exquisite, said Angelica closely examining the lace fabric. She held it against her body. Where's it from? Johan bought it for me from a fifties vintage fair. Her voice choked back tears. Although I'll have little use for it in the desert, I couldn't leave it behind. And now look. Who would have guessed we would need it? I can't wear it. Angelica placed it on the bed. Why not? It's too precious. What if it was ruined? I would never forgive myself. I can hear Johan's voice in my head right now, saying, It would be an honour for Angelica to wear it. Please honour his memory by wearing this dress. Angelica's eyes filled with tears. If you're sure and completely okay with this then it would be ...

  { PT  7 } - It seems I have some unexpected arrangements to make. He winked at Christiano as he left. I'll go and check on Frya said Kurush, leaving. Angelica noticed Christiano's guilty face. What's going on? Oh, nothing. I just asked the Captain to marry us tonight, that's all. What? He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. I want to make this real. I cannot spend another moment without you as my wife. Will you do me the honour of spending the rest of your life with me? She stared into his questioning eyes as tears welled in hers. I never thought I would hear those words from anyone's lips. Why not? Because of the life I've led. Why would you think such a thing? Until you came along, I had never felt anything for any woman. Everything seems to have changed overnight. It's... Wonderful. I have a family. Then your answer is yes? She nodded eagerly, too choked to speak, and buried her head in his chest.Wait! She looked up at him. Does the Ca...

  { PT.  6 } - Beautiful, isn't it? Yes, it is, she responded politely and turned back to the scenery. Kristoff made a quick deck and narrowed the gap between them. Sensing his closeness, she turned to face him, swallowing the lump in her throat. The man smiled the dug his hand into his pocket. She gulped, feeling a crippling numbness swarm her body. Would you like some gum? he said, pulling out a packet of Spearmint gum. She relaxed and smiled. Yes, thank you. She took a stick. Can you see over there? He pointed. That's the direction of Greece. She followed the line of his pointed finger out to sea and was temporarily distracted removed a small dagger from his inside pocket. Keeping it hidden beneath his gilet, he drew closer still. The blade caught the flash of the sun. Angelica continued to face the ocean. How long have you been sailing? Kristoff could not reply, his face was a mass of contorted confusion. He looked down at his trembling hand, trying with all his strength t...

  { PT.  5 } - THE MESS HALL WAS a hullabaloo of boisterous crew-men most of whom were familiar with each other. The four of them dined with the Captain from pressed wooden trays on bolted-down Formica tables, oblivious of the man who sat quietly among the crew, studying their every movement. There's certainly more colour to your cheeks, Christiano, said the Captain. Yes. It seems I have found my feet. Well, if you're able to eat you're doing very well... How about I give you all a tour of the bridge after lunch. I have a bit of time? Actually, I'm going back to the cabin, said Frya. What about you three? Kurush looked at Christiano and Angelica for confirmation. Sounds good, he replied. They finished their lunch with small talk and laughter the funnelled corridor to embark on their tour of the ship. Are you sure you won't join us, Moosh-am? I'm not a baby anymore, Papa. She headed back to her cabin without another word. Maybe I should go with her, said Angelica...

{ PT.  7 } - He must have had it made especially for you. He did, said Christiano removing the ring and turning it over. You can see the inscription. For Christiano, the follower of Christ. Angelica narrowed her eyes and looked closely at the words. He loved you dearly. The feeling was mutual. He placed the ring back on his finger. And how are you feeling? You seem much better, said Angelica. I should be concerned about you. I feel embarrassed about this sickness. It stems from a rebellion against my father. I am sure. He wanted you to be a fisherman. He did, and I knew from the first moment of consciousness that I did not. But yes, I'm feeling surprisingly well. Good. She kissed his lips. And how are you feeling about this journey to a foreign land to have your baby? I was concerned about having the baby in the desert, but if Frya will be there, and you, and it's God's wish, then I'm sure it'll be fine. I will hold your hand throughout. There is no need for you to ...