AVIGNON CLEMENT"S CHAMBER AND STUDY 9 January 1348 AD
Motes of dust danced in the yellow light cast by the four torches blazing in their hangers, one on each wall of the chamber. The hypnotic effect of the flickering particles on Pope Clément must be, or so he thought, due to a night of troubled sleep. He yawned and rubbed his eyes, in turmoil after the momentous encounter with Marius Nerval. His mind, tormented by hatred and paranoia, brought him to the verge of physical collapse. Not knowing which direction to take enervated his spirit.
On waking, he could hardly believe he had laid hands on Marius, son of his detested, erstwhile companion. "Surely it"s a dream, or a visitation as when the Lord sends his angels into the world to instruct and give guidance to mere mortals? No, Clément!
