Prologue In a candle-lit room in Italy, twenty-four men meet, each representing one of the original titular churches of Rome, churches which began as secret meeting places. And secrets are what these men have gathered to discuss. There is none of the usual pre-meeting banter one might expect from men who know each other but who haven't met in some time. The air is thick with expectation, fear even: two thousand years of preparation are about to bring forth fruit. Cardinal Rompipalle speaks: He pauses for effect then invites another to speak. "All signs are that a child was born thirty years ago. The young woman concerned claimed she did not know the father and, furthermore, that she was a virgin. An examination by various midwives and doctors at the time of labor confirmed her claim. Of course, modern technology is capable of interfering with the human body in many ungodly ways. However, all details point to the fact that this woman gave birth to the child we have been expecting... thirty years ago... in Spain." One Cardinal jumps to his feet and punches the air. Cardinal Rompipalle speaks again. Cardinal Rompipalle smiles benignly at his fellows.
Copyright © 2011 Declan Chellar |