Chapter 21: The Conception

Junio 30, 1450, Kingdom of Castile

After returning from the Dome of Lumina to heal, the Cardinal was busy with the daily teachings of Tomas. He taught him the ancient language of combat, Aramaic, as well as the tongue of the Angels.

He, however, kept his distance from Damian, Tomas' companion. Although it was dangerous to keep the man beside his student, the Cardinal believed that they should keep him within arm's length to monitor his activity. Lumina also agreed with his suggestion, but she cautioned against his access to the Cathedral and to the priest's quarters.

Worried, the healer gave him enchanted stones. These are no ordinary stones but nature-blessed amulets. It contains the purest holy power that can be accessed by beings not residing in the Heavenly Realm. The Cardinal had the stones embedded in the Cathedral doors and windows, as well as their residence.

He noticed that the Demon did not approach Tomas, nor go to the lad's quarters when he installed the amulets. The Cardinal was relieved as he could teach his protégé in peace. As months passed, and Tomas' knowledge grew, they were surprised when they were suddenly summoned to the Palace.

"Cardinal Rodrigo, the King requires your presence in the palace. If it is convenient, you may also bring your apprentice, as the King has a matter to discuss concerning him as well." The Butler said to the Cardinal.

"Of course, we will follow the King's behest. It is unusual for the King to summon me." replied the Cardinal.

The two set off and followed the Butler to the palace. Along the way, Rodrigo was puzzled as to what the King required him to do. Maybe he needs some counsel, or he just wants to vent about court matters. Rodrigo mused.

On they went, navigating elaborate corridors filled with portraits of past royals, paintings by then-royal artists, and ornate gold-threaded rugs. Upon arriving at the door of the King's study, the Butler knocked and announced their presence.

"The Cardinal, Rodigo Borjas, and his apprentice, Tomas Torquemada," the Butler said as he proceeded to open the study door.

"Rodrigo, Tomas, I'm glad you're finally here!" The King greeted them with a wide beam.

"What can we help you my friend?" asked Rodrigo.

"Ah, it is not me that needs your help, it is my wife, Isabella. She is of child Rodrigo. Finally!!!" the King said excitedly.

"Your hard work finally paid off my friend. I am happy for you!" the Cardinal replied.

"So, shall we organize a grand party and thanksgiving for this news? Do you want me to personally initiate the mass to thank God for this blessing?" the Cardinal added.

With the successive questions from the Cardinal, the King's face was a rollercoaster of emotions. Happiness, pride, and worry marred his face. "That and more my friend. It seems that my wife's pregnancy attracted something unclean in our home."

With the King's statement, the Cardinal sat up, alert at the news that his friend gave him. "What do you mean Juan? What unclean thing?" he asked.

"Before we knew of my wife's pregnancy, she was having nightmares for seven consecutive days. Then, we will be awoken with three knocks on our bedroom door. I knew that Juan* (this refers to Tomas' uncle) and you warned me about this, so I did not open the door. But one night, Isabella was in a trance, she got up and I could not stop her my friend. She was so strong, that she dragged me to the door and opened it. Once it was opened, a strong smell of sulfur and rotten meat greeted us accompanied by a cold air." the King replied.

"And then? What happened next?" the Cardinal, now at the edge of his seat prompted the King to continue.

"And then Isabella collapsed. I panicked and called for the royal physician. This event happened this morning. It was also this morning that we knew Isabella is with child." the King, bowed his head and gave a sigh before continuing his narration.

"Frightened by this, I had her moved from our quarters to the Azul bedroom. She is there resting and hasn't woken since the event this morning. I was hoping you could take a look at her condition. I knew you and Juan are the only ones who can help me with this matter." he added.

"This matter is dire indeed. Take me to the queen, I will see her condition." the Cardinal replied urgently.

They wasted no time and immediately went to the Azul bedroom where the queen lay in bed. The King ordered everyone, even the queen's attendant to leave the room except the three of them.

When the room was cleared, the Cardinal asked Tomas to open the suitcase that he always asked him to bring. There, a special scarf lay together with a cross, a vial of red viscous liquid, a vial of glittering gold liquid, and a vial of holy water. A small scepter-like rod with a hollow rounded top is also present. A flat canister of incense can also be seen inside the suitcase beside the Bible.

The cardinal took some incense from the canister and opened the top of the scepter-like rod to put the incense inside. Then, he lit the base of the hollow circle, till the room was full of the sweet smell from the incense. He then handed the scepter to Tomas. After that, he picked the scarf with crosses and symbols etched in Aramaic and Angel's tongue.

He draped it into his shoulders and proceeded to take the cross while muttering prayers under his breath. He then motioned Tomas to follow him as he approached the bed, where the Queen lay unconscious. He anointed the Queen's forehead with holy oil, followed by her wrists, then her stomach through her dress, and lastly, her feet.

After the Cardinal finished this he muttered a prayer under his breath. He prayed for a long time until the Queen gave out a low moan. She didn't wake up, but her moan gave the Cardinal hope. He opened the eyes of the Queen and was surprised to find it pure white, as if her irises and corneas never existed.

The Cardinal was not fazed by this. He turned to the King and said, "I cannot do this alone. You must send for Lumina at the base of the mountain. If she can leave her lair, then the Queen and her unborn babe can be saved. If she won't leave her lair, then we need the Queen to reside there."

"As long as my Queen can be saved." the King replied. "I am willing to do anything."

"Very well. Send the Queen to our quarters. You need to temporarily reside there too. We need to keep both of you safe. Anyone in power is being targeted so be careful. If you can send for Henry and his wife, they need to be warned as well." The Cardinal advised him.

"After we settle the matters of the Queen, I will personally fetch Henry and Joanna. I need the church's help with this."

The King replied.

The Cardinal just nodded and the transfer of the royals prompted a secret procession to the Priest's residence.

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Hi everyone, this is the last chapter today. Expect 2 Chapters per day until Friday!!!