Elias Tase

"Yes, it is me," Ning said as he reached forward for a handshake. "I am Ning. It is a pleasure to meet with you, Cardinal Elias."

The thin man remained with an emotionless face, with his hands by his side as he stared at Ning's hands for a few moments.

Ning gave a dry laugh. "Are you going to leave me hanging like that?" he asked.

"Why do you wish to shake my hand?" the man asked. "I am told that this is what you have been wanting to do with all of us Cardinals and His Holiness, but it makes no sense to me. Why?"

"It's just a handshake," Ning said.

"But I am also told that this will lead to my death or one of our deaths," the man said. "That makes me reluctant to shake your hand."

Ning frowned a little.

"Forgive me, but I won't be shaking your hand without knowing explicitly what I am getting myself into," the man said.