Broken Road Read Online Free PDF

rose and looked out the window. “I will marry You on one condition.”
    “Name if, and if I can grant it, it is yours.”
    She glanced over her shoulder. “Never stop searching for that scroll. I would be with You forever.”

VIII
     
     
     
    Late October 1225
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Amihan was in the backyard near the new sheep pens when he heard the wagon pull in. Although he was adamant that he could get them anything they needed with a short incantation or wave of his hand, Krystállina had insisted they live as simple of a life as possible. The fences, the chicken coop and the small barn where they put their three cows and two calves at night had all been constructed by Amihan’s magick, but the livestock was acquired the mortal way, with Krystállina making every purchase. Amihan had been anticipating the arrival of the wagon, as his fiancée was supposed to bring a dozen sheep to fill the pen, but he was surprised to hear silence from the carriage house—even more when Krystállina didn’t immediately come to see him.
     
     
    ~*~
     
     
    “We’re ruined.” She handed him a letter. “I had to have a Greek merchant translate it for me, and I’m not entirely sure I got everything, but I know we’re ruined.”
    Amihan sat down at the kitchen table, eyes skimming quickly over the missive. “The Pope is conducting a census of all Christians.” He glanced up at Krystállina. “I am a god and you worship me and my forebears. What do we have to worry about?”
    “Whom they’re sending to conduct the census.”
    “The letter says that the Holy Roman Emperor is taking care of the census in his domain. Milano is a part of Lombardy, which is under the protection of the Empire.”
    “That is just a form letter!” She smacked the paper out of his hand. “The merchants told me that Milano is under the Pope’s especial consideration, so he is sending his favorite envoy. The one who also happens to be the best at hunting down sorcerers! ”
    “I have Seen days to come where witch hunts will concern unseemly women with wealth desired by the Church. If that is all this is, we will take the necessary precautions.”
    Amihan rose and kissed his fiancée lightly on the cheek. “But if it will make you feel better, I will go and speak to the bishop. He will know better than a bunch of gossiping merchants!”
     
     
    “Antonio de la Rosa, did you say? I don’t recall ever having seen you in my flock, large though it may be. ” The bishop sat down at his desk. “And ‘de la Rosa’ is Spanish, isn’t it?”
    “My mother was Spanish, but I was born and raised in Sicily, like my father.” Amihan had taken the guise and accent of a native Sicilian and knew he was convincing enough for the bishop.
    “It is true that my betrothed and I have not been to hear mass the last few Sundays, but I have newly fetched her from Thessalonica…we have been busy settling in, and I am trying to teach her Italian.” He ducked his head deferentially. “I hope that we can attend this Sunday, as she has been getting better with the Latin responses.”
    The bishop sat back with a small smile. “But I don’t think you came to discuss your mass attendance, Signore de la Rosa.”
    “That I did not.” Amihan placed Krystállina’s letter on the table between them. “My betrothed received this in the marketplace this morning and it caused her some concern. Apparently, some Greek merchants think that the Milanese are under His Holiness’s especial sight and the census will not be left to Emperor Frederick’s emissary.”
    The bishop scanned the letter to ensure that it was the same as the one he had sent. “It’s true that Lombardy—and therefore Milano—is under the protection of the Holy Roman Empire; but it is also true that Pope Honorius has…how shall I say…‘special feelings’ for Milano.”
    “So it is true that His Holiness is sending his favorite envoy.”
    The other