Читать книгу The Journey: How an obscure Byzantine Saint became our Santa Claus - David Price Williams - Страница 50

where there were shrubs encircling a shallow pool with a small fountain playing. The man indicated we should pass into one of the side rooms of the villa and wait. The room was surprisingly simply decorated and furnished, as I looked around for any signs of who might be the owner. A couple of oil lamps on stands which had recently been lit in the room gave off a soft glow as we waited, but for what or for whom I had no notion. Irene squeezed my hand and smiled comfortingly.

After a few minutes an august gentleman with a flowing beard and dressed in an expensive white toga came into the room. He went over to Irene and kissed her on both cheeks before he turned to me and said, “So this is your master’s son, Irene? A fine looking man I must say. Welcome to our home Nicholas. I make you indeed welcome in God’s name. Please, take a seat and let’s talk a moment.”

We sat opposite him as he composed himself.

“I was sorry to hear of your father’s demise, Nicholas. Aquila was a fine citizen and he certainly did his duty to this city of ours. My only regret is that I didn’t know him better. But he was not one of our number, you see and I’m sure you’ll understand that we do have to keep ourselves fairly discreet.”

I wondered to what he was alluding, until I noticed on the blank wall behind him there was a small wooden device with the Greek letters Xhi Rho intertwined and realised it was a

THE JOURNEY