Read Online Wild Bells to the Wild Sky by Laurie McBain - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Laurie McBain
Ads: Link
adulteress ."
"You must learn patience, my son," the priest advised. "The day will dawn when the true faith is restored to England. Until the glory of that day, you must spread our word to the devoted. You must make contact with others who still hold true to our beliefs and owe allegiance only to the pope. We must know of those we can trust to lend us aid when the time comes. By God's will we shall restore the faith. Until then, let the fires burn brighter and the blood stain the earth, and England will become an island of martyrs, and the heretics, spawned of Luther, will face eternal damnation," the Jesuit vowed, and the fanaticism in his voice sent a chill down Sir Basil's spine.
"By God's grace, Father, I will gladly sacrifice my life," the Englishman said, tears in his eyes. "I will tell the true believers of my audience with His Holiness, and of my meeting with His Most Catholic Majesty. Of His Majesty's promise to protect and defend our faith. And never to abandon our holy cause until England has been rid of the heretics and the harlot who wears the crown."
"Your ardor, my son, will bring us victory, but, for now, you must remain cautious. There are others who wait for a moment to strike. Even as we sit here, there are those in England who plan for the freedom of Mary Stuart. I have seen her letters, smuggled out of England at great risk, and know that she has the unyielding support of His Majesty. Unless you bring suspicion upon that dear lady, and upon yourself, you must remain the queen's loyal subject. You must play the game well, my son. Bide your time and the glorious day will come by your hand if others fail, for you are in a position of trust that we must protect. But take heart, my son, for I have spoken with those who are prepared to invade England upon the assassination of Elizabeth. They stand resolute. That will be our ultimate glory. And you must be prepared to meet that day. Guard yourself against reckless actions and thoughtless speech , and you will know the rewards of your loyalty to Philip and the true faith. Remember that well."
"I will, Father," he promised.
And I too will remember, Sir Basil vowed as he drew away from the stern window, the darkness engulfing him as he lowered himself into the warm waters gently lapping against the galleon's hull.
Doña Amparo died peacefully in her sleep. Her family and friends grieved deeply, for she had been a beloved wife and mother, and a true daughter of the Church. With death so close, Sir Basil's melancholy increased. Each day he nervously paced his room, his eyes anxiously searching the harbor for the familiar shape of the Arion sailing into port. But each morning he was disappointed. It was the feeling of helplessness that irked him the most. He had finally found the courage to act, to do what he had been sent here to do, and now he was powerless to do anything about his valuable information until Geoffrey Christian returned to Santo Domingo.
Of course, even had Geoffrey Christian returned several weeks ago, they still could have done nothing. To have left Santo Domingo so suddenly, when it had been obvious Doña Amparo had little time left, would only have caused suspicion in the already suspicious mind of Don Pedro.
However, Sir Basil speculated, if he felt frustrated in having to remain in Santo Domingo, so must Don Pedro and his passengers aboard the Estrella D'Alba . Don Pedro could no more have left Santo Domingo without causing comment than could Geoffrey Christian, were he here, Sir Basil thought in glum reflection of his predicament.
Although Don Pedro's presence at Casa del Montevares made Sir Basil nervous, he was thankful that the Spaniard remained. As long as the Estrella D'Alba rode at anchor in the bay, her passengers would be unable to implement their plot against Elizabeth. But Sir Basil was concerned, for now that Doña Amparo had died there would be no reason for Don Pedro to delay his departure from Santo Domingo. He would
"You must learn patience, my son," the priest advised. "The day will dawn when the true faith is restored to England. Until the glory of that day, you must spread our word to the devoted. You must make contact with others who still hold true to our beliefs and owe allegiance only to the pope. We must know of those we can trust to lend us aid when the time comes. By God's will we shall restore the faith. Until then, let the fires burn brighter and the blood stain the earth, and England will become an island of martyrs, and the heretics, spawned of Luther, will face eternal damnation," the Jesuit vowed, and the fanaticism in his voice sent a chill down Sir Basil's spine.
"By God's grace, Father, I will gladly sacrifice my life," the Englishman said, tears in his eyes. "I will tell the true believers of my audience with His Holiness, and of my meeting with His Most Catholic Majesty. Of His Majesty's promise to protect and defend our faith. And never to abandon our holy cause until England has been rid of the heretics and the harlot who wears the crown."
"Your ardor, my son, will bring us victory, but, for now, you must remain cautious. There are others who wait for a moment to strike. Even as we sit here, there are those in England who plan for the freedom of Mary Stuart. I have seen her letters, smuggled out of England at great risk, and know that she has the unyielding support of His Majesty. Unless you bring suspicion upon that dear lady, and upon yourself, you must remain the queen's loyal subject. You must play the game well, my son. Bide your time and the glorious day will come by your hand if others fail, for you are in a position of trust that we must protect. But take heart, my son, for I have spoken with those who are prepared to invade England upon the assassination of Elizabeth. They stand resolute. That will be our ultimate glory. And you must be prepared to meet that day. Guard yourself against reckless actions and thoughtless speech , and you will know the rewards of your loyalty to Philip and the true faith. Remember that well."
"I will, Father," he promised.
And I too will remember, Sir Basil vowed as he drew away from the stern window, the darkness engulfing him as he lowered himself into the warm waters gently lapping against the galleon's hull.
Doña Amparo died peacefully in her sleep. Her family and friends grieved deeply, for she had been a beloved wife and mother, and a true daughter of the Church. With death so close, Sir Basil's melancholy increased. Each day he nervously paced his room, his eyes anxiously searching the harbor for the familiar shape of the Arion sailing into port. But each morning he was disappointed. It was the feeling of helplessness that irked him the most. He had finally found the courage to act, to do what he had been sent here to do, and now he was powerless to do anything about his valuable information until Geoffrey Christian returned to Santo Domingo.
Of course, even had Geoffrey Christian returned several weeks ago, they still could have done nothing. To have left Santo Domingo so suddenly, when it had been obvious Doña Amparo had little time left, would only have caused suspicion in the already suspicious mind of Don Pedro.
However, Sir Basil speculated, if he felt frustrated in having to remain in Santo Domingo, so must Don Pedro and his passengers aboard the Estrella D'Alba . Don Pedro could no more have left Santo Domingo without causing comment than could Geoffrey Christian, were he here, Sir Basil thought in glum reflection of his predicament.
Although Don Pedro's presence at Casa del Montevares made Sir Basil nervous, he was thankful that the Spaniard remained. As long as the Estrella D'Alba rode at anchor in the bay, her passengers would be unable to implement their plot against Elizabeth. But Sir Basil was concerned, for now that Doña Amparo had died there would be no reason for Don Pedro to delay his departure from Santo Domingo. He would
Similar Books
