Inca 2 : Scourge of the Sun 18

[ismenin]

Yes, well, we know he's talking to Bilbo, don't we? HAPPY BIRTHDAY, lads! :D


In other news, it's a misty, moisty morning here, but I always have hope the sun will shine, later. So here, my loves, is the next part of my story, which I hope you will like.
Update. Half an hour later - the SUN IS SHINING!




Thanks to ladysunrope for her beta, and all the hard work she puts in on my story, and thanks also to little saura for help with the Spanish. There is a short glossary at the end.



Part 18 - Las Vueltas Del Mundo - The World Turns



They found the Inquisitor there alone. He smiled his thin smile and gestured that they both sat, which they did, not wishing to antagonise the man. He asked Dom if he was feeling better after his recent indisposition, and Dom replied, reciting all those things that in polite society constituted a conversation. Will said nothing.

The Inquisitor moved a few papers and then went on to discuss his voyage and the conditions he had endured on it. He went on to ask Dom about his own experience travelling to this place. Dom replied as briefly as he could whilst Captain Sancho stood silent against the far wall, and stared at the Inquisitor. Dom felt that the Captain probably could think of no reason why the Inquisitor would take part in such a desultory conversation about ships, voyages and the state of food and wine at the captain’s table.

Dom, his nerves on the stretch, kept the conversation general, trying to reassure the Inquisitor that as priests they had no thought of earthly comforts, but agreed with him about weather and the varying states of discomfort found on board ship for passengers, until a soldier came in and whispered to Sancho, who in turn, whispered in the Inquisitors ear. Much to Dom’s relief, the man gave a brief nod and rose, seemingly finished with them.

"If you will forgive me, I have business that will take me but a few moments to settle. If you would like some wine - although it may be a little early in the day - please pour yourselves a glass." He nodded to a decanter and the crystal glasses on a side table and left immediately, the Captain following him out.

Dom shook his head, his hopes of being dismissed because of pressing matters, fading away.

Will stood up. "It's never too early for me, Father," he said in case anyone was listening outside. "This is a very nice vintage - very nice indeed."

He returned to his seat besides Dom, carrying a second glassful, and whispered, "what can he want with us that he keeps us here talking such infernal rubbish?" but at that moment, the Inquisitor returned, followed by Sancho and a servant trotting in his wake. The servant was carrying a large box which was placed behind the desk, beside the Inquisitor's chair, and out of the men's view.

"Ah! I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Father...Brother Guilliermo." He looked closely at Will, but addressed Dom. "You did say your companion was not a priest, Father Damian? Merely a lay brother - a servant, you might say?"

Will stiffened in his chair and bent a severe eye upon the Inquisitor, but it was Dom who answered, shortly. "I did say so, yes."

The Inquisitor rubbed his chin. "I thought so. I have an excellent memory, although I have it written down, somewhere. Captain Felipe wrote to me at Cuzco to tell me that it had been reported by Captain Sancho that he had met with two priests on the road. Two, Father Damian, yet those two have now become one and a ‘servant’. You must see how that might perplex me."

Dom did not pause. "I introduced Brother Guilliermo to him as a priest, yes; there really was no time to enter into lengthy explanations. Captain Sancho will tell you how urgent his needs were at that time."

The Inquisitor nodded. "I see. Yes, that is an acceptable explanation." He bent and picked up something from the box which he laid on the table. "But here we have another puzzle. One that is even more perplexing. I fail to understand why you should have this bauble in your possession. I believe His Catholic Majesty has one, and the King of England, but why you, a humble priest, should own such an expensive trifle..."

It was Dom's watch. Dom took a deep breath, his mouth suddenly dry, and thought quickly. "It was given to me by someone who appreciated my services. In fact he left it to me in his will. If you will turn it over you may see the inscription."

The Inquisitor stared at Dom, and picked up the watch holding it close to his eyes. Obviously the man's eyesight was poor. He could not have noticed the inscription.

"To my beloved son, Domingo, on his natal day. Mama," the man read, quietly. "I see. He left you this treasure? Fit only for kings?"

Dom composed his expression into one of the utmost piety. "It would be of no use to him where he was going, Inquisitor General."

He thought he had brushed through that tolerably well. He leaned back in his chair.

"I see you have ordered our packs to be searched. I suppose I should have expected it, although if you had asked, I would have given permission. We have nothing to hide, although I hope your men did not disturb my servant, who is still unwell.”

Dom mentally reviewed what they had brought with them, and was relieved that there was nothing else to be found in their belongings that would cast doubt on their story. This man was like a dog with a bone and no doubt would scratch at everything he could find in the hopes he would uncover some secret or two.

The Inquisitor leaned down and brought up from the box Amaru's two jewel- studded goblets. Precious metal glinted in front of their very eyes. He placed the goblets on the table in a deliberate manner. "And did he - Dom Domingo - by any chance, give you these?"

Even Captain Sancho was curious by now and turned to see what Dom had to say. Will kept his eyes downcast, but his hands were clasped tightly in front of him.

There was no escaping this - it had to be answered, and carefully. "No - he did not..." Dom paused. How would Amaru have obtained such things if he were, as they claimed, a mere servant? They must have been given to him, to Dom - the story would not otherwise hold.
“I…these goblets were…”

"Come, now, Father, there have been enough lies told here today," the Inquisitor said, abruptly, "Bring him in, Captain."

In a few moments Amaru stood before them, his hands bound behind his back, but otherwise uninjured. Another priest Dom had not seen before, wearing the brown robes of a Franciscan friar, stood beside him.

Dom was aware Will had looked up at their friend’s entrance, seeming bemused by the turn of events, and schooled his own face to show bewilderment, as if he had no knowledge of what was happening.

The Inquisitor regarded them both for a moment, no doubt watching to see if they reacted with some concern. Dom was thankful that the pounding of his heart could not be heard by any other than himself.

"Tell the Father what you told Captain Felipe, man. He should find it interesting." The Inquisitor stared at Amaru, who stood with his back straight, his chin held high. The friar spoke slowly and clearly in Quechua, and Amaru replied.

"God gave the cups to Father Damian for his new ...church." He stumbled a little over the word. The friar translated fluently.

"Indeed," the Inquisitor smirked. "Did the God-King also give him these? He reached into the box and brought out, with an unnecessary flourish, two objects which he laid on the desk. His look of triumph was unmistakeable.

Dom and Will stared at them. It had been over two years since Dom had last seen them. The Crown of the Holy Viracocha, ultimate symbol of God's authority on earth, and the Mace of Office.

There could be no answer. Dom did not know what to say.
It was over for them all.

The Inquisitor smiled. "Lost for an answer, Father? If indeed, you are a priest - I am not sure, after these recent revelations, that you are a priest at all."

Dom remained silent - it was Amaru who spoke. The friar interpreted for the Inquisitor's benefit. "This man says "may God have his crown and mace returned to him, now?"

"Blasphemy!" cried the Inquisitor, rising from his seat, filled with the fervour of spiritual zeal. "He shall be..."

The friar interrupted without ceremony. "Father Benigo, did you not understand what the savage said? He is telling you he is God."

The Inquisitor stopped in his tracks. "Do you mean that we have caught him at last? That this is the God-King of the Incas? Ask him if it is indeed so."

Amaru nodded at the interpreter. "It is so," he said, his nose still in the air, his back stiff with pride. "I am Aralizhe Pachacuti, Lord of the Earth and Sky, God and Master of the Tiwatinsuya. And you, little man, should prostrate yourself before my greatness."

Dom pressed his lips together. He was within a second of denying Amaru's claim, but then realised that it would not benefit either man - Lizhe or Amaru - if Amaru was revealed as an imposter. At least, this way, Lizhe would be safe and in his mind Dom blessed Amaru for his loyalty and his courage.

There was a sound of raised voices outside the tent, but the Inquisitor appeared not to hear them. He stared at Dom, an avid expression in his eyes. "There is more to this story, I think. Your face betrays you, ‘priest’. You will be put to the question - you and your companion - and your servants will suffer the bastinado if you do not comply. It may be that the pain of steel and fire will release your tongue. It will afford me great pleasure to reclaim your soul for God. You are..."


"Silence!" A voice sounding through the tent opening stopped the Inquisitor's voice as swiftly as if a hand had been placed over his mouth. He glared at the man standing in the doorway. A man, accompanied by guards dressed in papal costume, scarlet with shining breastplates of silver and gold. The man was tall, and severely handsome, and wore a small pointed beard. His hair, shining and dark, fell to his shoulders. He was dressed in deepest black silk, his only adornment a pin, the pearl the size of a cherry, in the brim of his hat. But no-one there was left in any doubt as to the power and authority this man held.

The man walked forward until he stood in front of the Inquisitor, who bowed so low it seemed as if he were about to topple over.

"You are expecting me, I believe? I ask you, of your Christian mercy, surrender to me your seat. The ship's deck is still rolling beneath my feet..." the newcomer said, taking the Inquisitor's chair before he had time or inclination to object.

He stopped abruptly as he saw the two men sitting opposite him.

Dom saw the man grow pale, and quickly rose and poured out a glass of wine, pressing it into a trembling hand. The man nodded his thanks and drank it down, while Dom returned to his seat, barely able to believe what his eyes beheld.

The stranger’s voice was low, but vibrant with suppressed emotion. "I came here to search for a corpse to carry home and place beside my beloved wife, in our family vault at Compostela, so that my heart may, at last, have peace. But instead, I find you alive and well, my son. My eyes are gladdened by the sight of you, even though I do not find any sense in what I see."

Dom got up, surprised at the emotions within himself, and knelt at the man’s side. He took the man’s gloved hand in his and kissed it. "As I am glad to see you..." It was no lie.

Dom then stood, and announced to the astonished Inquisitor. "This, as you must know, is Don Cristobal Diego Garcia Ramirez Tomas Ortego Valdez, Prince of Aragon and…my father.”

Don Cristobal rose and inclined his head in the slightest of courtesies. "And may I introduce to you, Inquisitor - for I can hardly believe you would speak to someone of his high degree in such a way as I heard as I entered this place if you were already aware of his identity - Dom Domingo Cristobal Diego Sancho Ruy Jimenez de Mora y Aragon, Papal Nuncio, and Cardinal of Galicia. My son."

Here he glanced at Will, his face expressionless, "...and if I am not mistaken, Señor William Boyd, his servant.”

Will rose and bowed. "Su Alteza Real,"" he said, in his soft voice.

Don Cristobal sat again, and surveyed Amaru, who stood quietly, not understanding a word of what was being said.

"Do I understand that this man," he asked, indicating Amaru with one gloved hand, "is the God-King - the man, it is claimed, who murdered my son, now standing beside me?"

"He does say so, Su Alteza," the Inquisitor managed, attempting, in vain, to regain some of his lost authority.

"I give you permission to question him - Father Benigo, is it not?"

The Inquisitor bowed. "It is, principe..."

Dom interrupted his father with an urgent plea. "Father, I beg you will not let them hurt him. He has done nothing wrong. Nothing!"

His father looked up at Dom. "You may question him, but you will not mistreat him," Don Cristobal said, addressing Father Benigo, but still looking at his son. Dom realised there were many questions he was going to have to find an answer for before the day was over.

The Inquisitor bowed again.

"I have letters from the King and the Holy Father confirming my position as head of this expedition, which my secretary will permit you to glance at later - but for now I would be grateful," continued Don Cristobal, wearily, "if you, or one of your men will conduct me to the tent I trust has been prepared for me. Domingo, Señor Boyd, you will accompany me."

"Captain Sancho! Conduct his Highness to his quarters," the Inquisitor ordered, flustered out of his usual composure by the turn of events. "Su Alteza, ...er..." The man then turned from Don Cristobal to Dom, not knowing, for a moment, how he should address him.

Dom raised his chin, and stared the man down. He saw enlightenment dawn on the Inquisitor's face. After all, Dom thought, he was a cardinal - a Prince of the Church - and entitled to even greater respect from the priest than was due to his father.

"... your Eminence," the man said, hastily recovering himself, and bowing low to Dom.

"Just so," nodded Don Cristobal, approvingly, and swept out of the tent.


They had gone no further than ten paces when Dom stopped his father by pulling on his sleeve. The cortege came to a halt - the twelve men of the papal guard standing as steadily on the green grass as if they were in St Mark's Square on solid stone.

"Father, did you bring your own physician with you? If so, I have urgent need of him."

Don Cristobal nodded and entering the tent allotted to him, sat in the elaborately carved chair that was brought forward by a servant. The man started as he recognised Dom, but refrained from comment. Don Cristobal's household was well-trained.

"Send Maitre Michel to me, Pablo, as soon as may be." When the servant had bowed himself out, Don Cristobal turned to his son, concern upon his face. "Are you ill, Domingo? If it is so, I wish you would tell me what ails you. I sense in you an agitation of spirit..."

"It is not for me, father, but for my servant..." Dom did not know how to continue, for his father was staring at him in astonished surprise.

"Your servant, my son? Could not the camp physicians see to him? Is it he who is causing you such...distress?"

Dom blushed. He knew his father was aware of his inclinations, though nothing had been said between them concerning it. He was certain his father had known about his relationship with Will in younger days... a cardinal could not sleep with another man, even in his own house, without every servant there being privy to the information.

Dom bowed his head. "It is, father." He said no more as the tent flap was pushed aside.

"You sent for me, Highness?" the young man said, bowing slightly to Don Cristobal and nodding to the other two men.

"Ah! Maitre Michel! Here is my son, who needs your attentions."

Maitre Michel's eyes opened in surprise and he bowed. Dom returned the courtesy. He found himself being regarded by a piercing pair of blue eyes. The man was young for a physician, seeming in his mid twenties, his shining brown hair reached past his shoulders and he wore a beard, long and luxuriant, that Dom knew Will would greatly envy. His gown was a rusty black, neither new or very clean, but the man inside it seemed to be brimming with good health and vitality.

"It is not for myself, you understand, Maitre," said Dom, in his excellent French, "that I need your services, but for my servant..."

Don Cristobal sighed. "Domingo, take Maitre Michel to your sick...friend. You will have no peace until he is examined and treated, and, therefore, neither will I. It is some years since I have had the pleasure of seeing your face - another hour will make little difference. Master Boyd will keep me company until you return."

Dom bowed slightly to his father and raised his eyebrows at the outrage apparent on Will's face at the use of ‘Master Boyd’.

As he left the tent, Dom heard his father's voice - a sharper edge to it than he had previously used that day. "Now Master Boyd, you will tell me the full story - and I will have the truth of it from you, this time, if you please. I have had my fill of lies."

Glossary

Su Alteza Real - Your Royal Highness
Su Alteza - Your Highness
Principe - Prince

Reminder - Dom's father is played by lovely Hugo Weaving

NB: I have the Inquisitor and others call Dom "Your Eminence", even though this honorific did not come into use for cardinals until 1620. I know y'all remember that this is an Alternate Reality fic, and act accordingly when you see such historical inaccuracies. Mwah! :D

Comments

[lireeli.livejournal.com]

Oh I didn't think I would be so happy to see Dom's father!! But I did!!!
Hope he will bring some peace and security !!
*hugs tight*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I'm glad his father popped in, too. :D daft, but true. :D xxx

[samena.livejournal.com]

The sun is playing peekaboo over here as well. I hope it's still out where you are!

Happy Frodo and Bilbo's birthday, Issi!!

*HUGS*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

It's Monday and the sun is still here! :D xxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

Oh this was close for Dom...He was going to feel the full force of questioning by that sicko. But now, what about Amaru. He is receiving the questioning, abuse. I had a feeling last week that the new ship would have Dom's father. Then coming at hte best time. phew. I am hoping that Dom's father will call off the inquisition...but don't know if he can. He will want his son to return and will not understand he cannot. His family is there...but there is so much at stake for them still. The Spaniards will still want to take and conquer.
His father does not know also...that he is not his son anymore..
Brilliant chapter. It has my mind going in all directions.
hugs you Issi xoxoxoxo Hope you are feeling well and your arm is getting better. v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I'm happy you enjoyed it my dear! I like Don Cristobal a lot - I hope you will, too, when you find out a bit more about him. :D xxx
The arm is a lot better, thank you.

[pattilovesviggo.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday Bilbo and Frodo.
What a great chapter :) Dom`s father coming in the nick of time, exciting stuff. I hopee Lizhe is better soon.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Ta ever so. The sun is shining. Woot! :D xxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Wow. I was so glad that Dom's father showed up. But he scares me too. Is his love for his son powerful enough to protect Dom and the Inca from the Inquisitor? And Amaru! What's going to happen to him? You have me all worked up this morning, Ru, I hope you realize that! Another wonderful chapter.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Ta! I'm glad Don Cristobal is there, too. So what happens next? Ha! Just writing 21. There's a lot going on. :D xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

I am so relieved that Dom's father (played by the lovely Hugo) has turned up - talk about divine providence! And how wonderful it is to see the horrid Quizmaster Inquisitor General put in his place.

But, oh dear... is Will going to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? I fear it could mean trouble for Lizhe if he does. Can't wait to find out what happens next.

And this week's gold star goes to Amaru, for stepping forward to take the rap. Here's hoping the outlook's good for this brave man's future.

Bravo!

:D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I can see Hugo loking down his nose at Kit Lee and going "Just so!" I like thise little things myself.
Amaru is a darling. Cuddles him. :D xxx

[frolijah-fan-54.livejournal.com]

Goodness - what a surprise and a wonderful twist!! I certainly wasn't expecting Dom's father to show up - but that goodness he did or Dom would have been in deep trouble.

I know I say this every time but it's so true - this just gets better and better and better. What an amazing story - each chapter is such a treasure!! Thanks so much for this wonderful story.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Funnily enough, I wasn't expecting him either. He just popped up! I'm so glad you're enjoying it, my dear. Huggles ;D xxx

[angharad001.livejournal.com]

I was very relieved when Don Cristobal turned up.

Thank you for another great chapter, dear Issi.

*hugs and kisses)

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Snoogles you back. Thank you for reading! ;D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Dom's father! I didn't see that coming at all!

Poor, brave Amaru. I dread to see how that's going to play out. And poor Billy, at the mercy of what must be a very confused, very put-upon Don Cristobal.

The best part: seeing the Inquisitor being put in his place, having to call Dom "Your Eminence"! :D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, it all comes out in the wash, as they say. I did like the "Your Eminence" part a lot, myself. ;D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

This is an intriguing development in the story with the arrival of Dom's father and just in the nick of time, too! I'd have loved to see the Inquisitor's face when Dom's true identity was revealed ;)

I was relieved at his arrival, but Dom's got a lot of explaining to do - wonder what his reaction will be to seeing his father again and vice versa...

Thanks for another exciting chapter. Hope Maitre Michel can help our beloved Lizhe...

*hugs*
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Awww! Ta, love. Glad you liked it. Smooches. :D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/tweedle_/]

Hates Inquisitor. Loves Karl Amaru. Wow, how is Dom's father arriving going to stir this up? Is the Inquistion now powerless? I somehow doubt it. :D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I love KarlAmaru myself - the dear soul. Anyone who adores Lizhe has my vote.
The Inquisition? Damn and blast them! We'll see! ;D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

I knew the cups would eventually be dangerous!! I'm glad that Dom managed to shut up because it's true. Much unfair it is to know that Amaru might be in a terrible danger, it's better than Lizhe, for Dom, and for the Incas. It shows how much Amaru loves Lizhe.

And though I somehow knew that Dom's father might be in the camp, it still made me gasp for real!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I do like an element of surprise, however small it may be! xxx