Chapter 32: Temptation of the Saint
The papal procession finally came to a halt at a moderately sized church in the lower city. The person who chose this location was Ferrante who had climbed to the position of captain of the papal guard. Although, he had not yet reached the legal age of adulthood, he already possessed a calmness, maturity, and intelligence far beyond his years. Since the Francois incident last year, he had become unusually taciturn, following behind the Pope like a silent ghost, gazing at everyone who approached the Pope with emotionless eyes.
In the papal palace, there was already growing discussion about Ferrante. Unlike the previous heated discussion caused by the Pope’s favoritism towards him when he first arrived, this time the discussion was silent and subtle, like a long, cold stream flowing in an underground river, leaving no trace or sound, yet noticed by all the leaves and branches perched on the big tree of the papal palace.
They said he was the Pope’s shadow, a watchdog to the Holy Father, a loyal pet… No matter what, Ferrante had heard these whispers from his own numerous sources but had always laughed them off.
This young man, who seemed to have taken the protection of the Pope as his only mission, was born in the lower city. No one knew better than he what stories had happened in these complex, dark, and damp streets. After careful comparison and consideration, he carefully selected this church for his Holy Father. Its decoration was not particularly gorgeous, but its greatest advantage was its safety.
The Orange Blossom Church was originally a public schoolhouse left by the ancient Romans. After the collapse of the vast empire, the Holy See transformed it into a monastery. It still retained the solid foundation of the Roman era, and the thick arched brick walls enclosed the building tightly. The style was solemn and majestic, and although it was not as delicate and beautiful as other later-built churches, it had its own unique and rugged grandeur.
This monastery was then abandoned fifty years after its establishment and later converted into a church. From the time it stood on the earth till present, it was probably the first time it welcomed a crown.
The Knights Templar were very satisfied with this base. The open square left over from the ancient Roman era was very suitable for their training. The thick walls and regular structure also made it convenient for them to facilitate their garrison and guard. They quickly took over the external defence of the Orange Blossom Church, while the security of the Pope was left to the responsibility of the Papal Guard, who were dedicated to this matter.
Rafael also assigned half of the knights to participate in the rescue and distribution of supplies in the lower city. This move obviously greatly calmed people’s hearts. The people silently obeyed the words of these knights wearing snow-white robes and light armor, returning to their desolate homes and waiting for tomorrow.
On the first day that Pope Sistine I entered the lower city, the rioting people quieted down and once again became obedient lambs under the throne of God.