there are men in the world like you who use other people to their own selfish ends. Bran is now a portal knight. He has yet to fully understand the forces that move throughout this world. He now knows of you.”
“You just described your wizard,” Cormac said, face reddening.
“That may be truth. Bran now knows this too.”
“I have no aspirations but to keep the two worlds separate,” the Cardinal Vicar said. “The Vigilo maintains a valuable service. Sometimes it requires sacrifice and the best tools available. Sometimes those tools are people. I merely look for the best ways to keep the peace. Nothing more.”
“You are a liar,” Richard said. “I know you, Vicar. The rest of the Yn Saith know you. You are like Philip and Arawn. More will never, ever be enough.”
The ruddy face darkened further in anger.
Richard did not flinch.
“How dare you accuse me,” Cormac gnashed, the color of his face matching his robe. “I asked you here not to quibble about the lies and efforts of Philip but to extend my heartfelt gratitude and begin a relationship in these trying times. His Excellency lies in a cold room, murdered. My best friend and mentor already lies in his crypt, murdered. Countless Swiss Guards gave their life to stop Philip and his machinations. The Catholic Church and all who depend on her will soon be in deep mourning. Instead you throw that in my face? And question my motives?”
“You don’t deny it,” Richard snapped. “Who do you think you are?”
“I think you have not done the mathematics of the situation, Heliwr,” Cormac spat vehemently. “Even now, as we sit here speaking, the College of Cardinals is convening in the Sistine Chapel to begin the election process. The white smoke will blow for me. It is best for you to understand this precept: Do not be quick to make an enemy who wears so much authority upon his mantle.”
Richard sat forward. “Are you threatening me?”
“If that is what it takes for you to not make a mistake,” the Cardinal Vicar sneered before looking to Bran. “For one so young to not make a mistake.”
“Would you have me murdered?” Bran asked evenly.
Cormac folded his hands before him. “Ever hear the adage ‘One kills a man, he is a murderer; one kills millions, he is a conqueror; one kills everybody, he is a god?’ I have no doubt you have. For centuries the Vigilo has kept the world safe from those who would subvert it. It was given us by Saint Peter to ensure Christianity remained strong after his passing and spread to all hearts. Once a part of the Church, the knights are now a rogue element, given an agenda by a wizard of all people,” Cormac hissed. “You are part of the same hypocrisy.”
“You sound pleased the Pope is dead,” Richard said.
“Perhaps there is some truth to that,” Cormac admitted. “But I see His will be done.”
“He is nothing but a thug, Richard,” Bran said.
“As I said, you are young and insolent, fool!” the Vicar thundered. “How dare you question me! A whelp! A boy who has never seen the world and the evil within it. I know more secrets about this longest of wars than you could fathom! I should have you shackled for your disrespect!” Cormac paused, his ire lessening as a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “I mean, after all, perhaps it was you who killed the Pope.”
Before he knew it, Richard was on his feet. The Dark Thorn materialized into his hands, its magic angrily diffusing the room. The Cardinal Vicar leaned back in his seat, a modicum of fear dampening the fire in his eyes.
“You are nothing to me, McAllister,” Cormac goaded as he stared hard at Bran. “You lost your ideals years ago when your wife died. The power that has been bestowed on both of you does not make you wise.”
“That may be,” Richard said. “But at least my soul is not stained.”
With contempt, the Cardinal shook his head.
“For now.”
“If I see you again—if you so much as send Finn Arne after me or Bran or the other Yn Saith—today will not be the last day you see me. And trust me, you don’t want to see me again.”
“Sounds to me like you are willing to bloody your hands by killing the innocent, as long as you believe it is done for your own rightness,” Cormac remarked.