Читать книгу The Journey: How an obscure Byzantine Saint became our Santa Claus - David Price Williams - Страница 86

to feel sorry for them, don’t you, stuck up on the other side of the freezing Alps, although as far as I am concerned, I’d rather not work for the Romans at all. The administrator we’re dealing with here is so officious. But we need the money so we have to do it. We sail in a couple of days. What will you do Nicholas?”

“I’m going to stay here a while longer,” I replied. “I’m going to learn more about Christianity. At some time, I suppose I should go and see some of my father’s old contacts and talk to them, let them know of his passing. After that I have an urge to travel a little, go out into the world.”

We ate together that last evening at one of the wine shops on the dock. The following morning, I thanked Polios profusely for the experience he had given me, especially for my introduction to the Christian community in Alexandria whose number I had now joined.

As we said farewell on the quayside, I said, “Truly, Polios, being here has changed my life, and in such a short time. I now have a direction to follow and many new friends to be with. It’s the start of a new life for me, thanks to you.”

“Go with God,” he answered and kissed me on both cheeks. “May the Lord keep you safe, Nicholas.”

And with that he turned back to his ship and I walked into the city again. I took a room in one of the less fashionable parts of

THE JOURNEY