Thirty-Four: Of the Arrest

Installed near the papal palace, Thomas and Delphine seclude themselves while revelers below mock the man they believe is the Comte d’Évreux. Thomas, fearing exposure because he lacks the Comte’s memories, briefly appeases them by appearing at the window and trading jokes, then withdraws.

Later, heavy footsteps climb the stairs. Papal guards bearing the cross-key insignia demand entry, threatening force. Thomas reaches for his sword, but Delphine urges restraint. As the door begins to splinter, Delphine touches the spear and the shuttered window opens onto the riverbank outside the walls, an easy drop.

Delphine tearfully tells Thomas, “Let them take you,” then rolls from the window and vanishes, wings beating in the bright air. Thomas chooses to resist. He charges the first guard but, weaker than he expected in the Comte’s body, is clubbed down, his teeth broken.

Overpowered, Thomas is beaten again. The guards do not drag him by his genitals as threatened; instead, they break his legs and haul him away in a cart to the papal palace, sealing his capture while Delphine escapes to act elsewhere.