Conquest

‘The Devil’s Amulet, if that’s what it is, was hidden in the tomb of a heretic in the vaults of my monastery at Monte Cassino for many centuries. Legend says that it was a pagan amulet worn by the high priestess of a satanic cult in Ancient Rome. It was stolen in the sixth century, when the Lombards sacked the monastery, and was never seen again.’

‘But I know it as the Talisman of Truth.’

‘That may be so, but it is dangerous for you to dabble with such things. Perhaps you are a witch, come to beguile us with your sweet smile and clever words, and this husband of yours sent by Lucifer to protect you.’

Hereward stiffened at the sudden change in the mood of the Cardinal.

Torfida was shocked at the ferocity of the tirade and took a deep breath.

The Pope looked concerned. ‘Calm yourself, Desiderius. Let us hear what the young woman has to say.’

‘Thank you, Holiness. The Talisman was given to me by my father. He interpreted it differently and thought it represented the ultimate dilemma in men’s hearts: the struggle between good and evil.’

Desiderius still looked scornful, but Hildebrand cocked his head as if he knew what was coming next. The Pope saw the change of expression and listened carefully as Torfida described the Talisman in detail.

‘There is no doubt that it is the face of the Devil, surrounded by his acolytes, but it also contains the blood of our Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth. His blood entombs the Devil in stone through his ultimate sacrifice in giving his life for us. And so, the Talisman tells us how we can defeat our weaknesses by controlling our evil thoughts and deeds, thus allowing our goodness to triumph.’

‘That is very astute, Torfida.’

‘Thank you, Father Hildebrand.’

‘But dangerous! Do you believe it to be a metaphorical totem, the symbolism of which is meant to lead men to truth and wisdom?’

‘Exactly, Father Hildebrand! That is why it is so intriguing.’ Torfida smiled in admiration; Hildebrand understood her thoughts about the power of the amulet and had described its mystery far better than she could ever have done.

‘In which case, it denies that role to the Church and is thus heretical.’ Now Hildebrand, like Desiderius, looked concerned. ‘You are being naive, Torfida. Cardinal Desiderius is right to warn you. These conundrums are not a game; they involve articles of faith, and question the very nature of our existence. There are many in the Church who would recoil in horror if they heard this conversation.’

The Pope intervened. ‘Where does it come from?’

‘I don’t know, Holy Father. Other pieces of amber have insects trapped inside them, and ancient folklore says that they are the trapped spirits of tortured souls. But the face of Lucifer and the streak of blood are a mystery. I have been talking to wise men all over Europe in the hope of finding out.’

Hildebrand interrupted with a question of his own. ‘Do you suppose it could be a freak of nature?’

‘In what way, Father?’

‘Nature plays many tricks on us; there is much we don’t understand. But if it is just a freak of nature, then there is another solution.’

‘That it is a harmless trinket?’

‘Well done, Torfida. It would have no significance at all, except in our imaginations!’

The Pope intervened again. ‘Now you are straying into the dark corners of heresy, Hildebrand. The things in nature that we don’t understand are God’s business. If he wanted us to know about them, he would tell us; or rather, he would tell me, as I’m his messenger on earth.’

The Pope smiled mischievously, which broke the tension. Then they all smiled, even Desiderius, and with that, the Pope brought the conversation to an end.

‘To our chambers; it is late. Come back and see us in the morning, and we will talk again. For now, let us sleep on your conundrum.’

Hereward was alarmed and spent a restless night.

He knew only too well that many parts of Christendom still observed the practices of the old pagan religions, often running in parallel with their Christian beliefs. He also knew that the Church could be fanatical in rooting out heresy.

Now that he had learned that the Talisman was once called the Devil’s Amulet, nagging doubts surfaced about the coincidence of meeting Torfida in Hereford, and her father’s wild predictions about their joint destiny.

Perhaps the Talisman brought death, not wisdom?

Perhaps the Old Man of the Wildwood was a sorcerer, and Torfida a witch sent to seduce him for some nefarious purpose?

He stopped himself and tried to put such thoughts out of his head, but the next morning, Hereward accompanied Torfida to the Pope’s quarters with some trepidation.

The Pontiff tried to put them at their ease. ‘Please sit and relax. You are here as children of God; this is not an inquisition.’

‘Perhaps it should be.’ Cardinal Desiderius could not resist the caustic remark.

‘Torfida, following our conversation last night, the three of us have spoken at some length over breakfast. Hereward, let us see the amulet.’