Page 298 - Revelation

Svetlana de Rohan-Levashova. Revelation

husband could not... and my father could only go as far as the fire.

Giovanni looked at me very sadly and nodded, showing that he understood
everything. I tried to make him drink the wine, but failed – he was unable to take even
a tiny sip. I "looked" at him in my way and understood that the poor fellow’s chest was
terribly damaged.
– Your chest is broken, Monsignor. I can help you... if, certainly, you are not afraid
to accept my "witch’s" help... – I said, smiling as tenderly as possible.

He attentively scrutinized in my face in the dim light of the burning torch until his
eyes, finally, lit up with understanding.
– I know who you are... I remember you! You are the famous Venetian Witch with
who His Holiness refuses to part. – Giovanni pronounced quietly. – Legends are told
about you, Madonna! Many in the Pope’s surroundings wish you were dead, but he
listens to nobody. Why does he need you so much?
It was obvious that he spoke with difficulty. At every sigh the cardinal wheezed
and coughed, being unable to breathe normally.

– It’s very painful for you. Please, let me help you! – I refused to give up, knowing
that nobody would help him.
– It does not matter... I think it’s better for you to leave this place as quickly as
possible, Madonna, until my new jailers come or, which is worse, the Pope himself. –
I don’t think that he would be very pleased on seeing you here... – The cardinal
whispered and then added. – Indeed you are extremely beautiful, Madonna... too
beautiful... even for the Pope.

I stopped listening to him and put my hand on his chest. On feeling how the life-
giving warmth flew into the broken bone, I disconnected myself from the surrounding
world, fully concentrating only on the man in front of me. In a few minutes he breathed
deeply but carefully and, on feeling no pain, smiled with surprise.
– If you had not called yourself a witch, you would have been a Christian saint,
Isidora! It’s wonderful! Pity that you fulfilled this work in vain... They will come for
me soon and I think after that I may need more serious treatment... In fact you are
familiar with his methods, aren’t you?
– Will they really torture you like all others, Monsignor? You serve his beloved
church! And your family, I am sure, is very influential! Is it able to help you?

– Oh, I think they are not going to kill me so quickly... – The cardinal bitterly
smiled. – But one is forced to beg for death in Caraffa’s basements long before it
happens... Right? Leave, Madonna! I shall try to survive and will always remember
you with gratitude...
I looked over the stone cell sadly as I suddenly remembered my dead Girolamo
hanging on the wall which made my flesh creep... How long will this horror last?! Is it
possible that I will fail to find a way to destroy Caraffa and innocent lives will continue
to be broken one by one, with impunity?

Steps were heard in the corridor. The door swung open and we saw Caraffa on the
threshold.
His eyes sparkled like lightning. Obviously some assiduous servant reported that

Back to content

297