At the Dagger's Edge

Of course it was an awkward moment. Sensio in this situation at all was odd. That Vitani stood so close behind him, also uncomfortable. It was the knife in Vitani's hand pressed against his neck that made him feel most curious and out of sorts. As if being an Italian in Spain wasn't curious enough. He needed to get some control over his life, he thought.

"He knows you for the godless heathen you are, Sensio!"

"He has know this since I was a child, Vitani. I doubt this has suddenly come to his attention and warrants my having to kill you," Sensio said softly. That he was speaking softly made Vitani more anxious than Sensio's threat. Sensio had already planned Vitani's death despite being at the dagger's edge. That Vitani was not dead already spoke of their friendship, and Sensio's discipline. He pushed Sensio away forcefully. Sensio stepped away, turned slowly, his hands rising in an offering of non-retribution. Vitani knowing Sensio as an honorable man, and his friend despite their roles, lowered then sheathed his dagger.

"I mean you no disrespect, Sensio. But he sent for you, and you did not come."

"What could he possibly want that warrants this foolishness?"

Vitani stepped to then sat at the low table, spread with a small breakfast of wine, cheese and fresh bread. Sensio rubbed his neck lightly. He remained standing, alert, knowing Vitani was not likely alone, but with whom he did not know. He did not fear his friend, but he did not understand why the Monsigneur had sent Vitani for him this time. He never came at the Cardinal's bidding, something the Cardinal had long let go of. Something was wrong, and he was wary. The Inquisitors in Spain were unfettered of late, and fear ruined the day. Anyone whom someone had crossed was capable of being named a heretic and quickly taken to God's fiery justice.

Vitani shrugged his shoulders, "Perhaps if you came to Mass, you would be at peace and not so suspicious. I am the Captain of the Cardinal's Guardia. I am told to go and return with Sensio del Milenaisea in shackles, so I went, and here I am, though not sure I wish to return. It could ruin my breakfast."

"Surely the Cardinal knows I would not come, even with you. And we have no doubt you could not compel me," Sensio replied thoughtfully. He had unconciously made his way to the large window, his unfocused gaze passing over the widening vista below, filled with a morning sunlight as it was evey morning this time of year. A cart filled with wood pulled by two men struggled up the road to the villa. He ran his hand across the moss on the sill, enjoying its cool velvety smoothness. It calmed him. He needed calming.

"True," Vitani said idly, "He tires of you knocking over his fires."

"You mean the ones with people on stakes over them?"

"Yes, those fires. You are a good man, the city knows you, respects you, and admires your voice for their fate. But you have been named a heretic, and this the Cardinal knows: you are an annoyance he can no longer allow. He is aware that if you are found you will be burned and there will be anger. If you are not found, he will burn the city to find you, and there will be anger. Anger either way, but the flock is always angry about something, and one way ends without you as the thorn in his crown. Needless to say, that is the ending he prefers. He does not love you, Sensio, no more than he loves your brother, the King, though you did not hear me say that. He knows that to bring you to Tomas de Torquemada will rip this city apart, and yet he cannot let you continue your godless ways, knocking over his fires and saving people from God's fate. He wants you to come to him to confess."

Sensio raised an eyebrow with a smirk, "Seriously?"

"No, of course not," Vitani said mockingly. "He knows he will be denied by you, and that the city will be burned." He pulled his dagger out and cleaned it's blade on the table's edge. "What does he care? His home is in the country." Vitani began eyeing Sensio's breakfast.

"Hmm... seems I have a new purpose," Sensio said, turning, crossing his arms and legs, leaning with his back to the window, watching Vitani watching his breakfast. He could feel the rising sun's warmth across his broad shoulders.

"He feared as much. You know you cannot kill Father Tomas. He knows that you cannot. At least he believes you will not."

"We all know I can, and that I must. Its not dying afterwards that is the trick, a small wish, a matter for a moment's thought before action," Sensio said matter-of-factly.

"Ah... I think that is what keeps him awake at night. A Prince of the people who does not fear his death, yet plans well to avoid it." Vitani poured himself a cup of wine, and cut off a piece of the cheese that was Sensio's breakfast, now apparently his. "Even the Pope fears death...", Vitani continued, "Faith is always nervous. The more faithful, the more nervous."

"You are eating my breakfast," Sensio protested distractedly.

"The least of your worries. So now, what to do, what to do?"