The Hammer of God

63

S amuel, Felipe and Eduardo sat on the floor, staring down at a makeshift layout of the area around the castle. A small plate stood in for the castle, a candle symbolized the woods to the south, and Samuel’s shoe was the shore across the water to the north.

“Our best chance is to make it to the woods,” said Samuel, his voice low, pointing to the candle. “I’m sure they’ll have guards there, but the darkness will work to our advantage.”

He used hand gestures and spoke slowly so his brothers could keep up. They had established a routine that enabled them to communicate well with one another. Samuel would point, and Felipe and Eduardo would confirm with nods, answering in French or Italian. Samuel would repeat the word in English, then Felipe and Eduardo would repeat the word again, this time in English. Remembering his school lessons back in Chicago, Samuel had given them a quick phonics lesson, which both boys picked up quickly.

What Samuel couldn’t explain, not to his brothers or himself, was their ability to understand each other without speech, as though they could read each other’s minds. Sometimes when Samuel spoke, his brothers answered and nodded, as if they fully understood. Other times he would think of something, and Felipe and Eduardo would nod as if they heard him say it out loud. And when they spoke to him in French or Italian, Samuel somehow knew exactly what they meant.

“We must jump,” said Felipe, pointing to the area in front of the plate that signified the rocks below the castle.

“Si,” added Eduardo. “Can we make it?”

“Yes,” answered Samuel abruptly, surprised by the doubt in his brother’s voice. “It’s not that far.”

Felipe pointed to the area between the woods and the north shore, the area designated as the lake. Samuel had caught a couple of quick glances of the water while Cardinal Polletto talked about their royalty, and their place in the world, and it worried him. The biggest part of their plan included swimming to the other side if they couldn’t get away by land, and even though Samuel was a good swimmer, the size of the lake was intimidating. He wasn’t sure he could make it, but didn’t let it show. He forced a smile.

“We can make it together,” he told them, confident and assuring, watching their confidence boost. “Once we cross the lake, we’ll make our way back to Rome.”

Eduardo nodded. “I know the way from trips with my father. We buy eels here.”

Samuel saw the hurt on Eduardo’s face when he said the word father, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Good,” he said, soothingly. “Be strong. We need you.”

Eduardo raised his head, determined. “Si, I understand.” Samuel knew getting back to Rome wouldn’t be easy. Once they escaped and swam the lake, they’d have to walk all the way, avoiding the men Cardinal Polletto would certainly send to hunt them down. They’d stay out of sight, off the main roads, and take their time, working their way into the city. Once in Rome, they’d go directly to the American Embassy, and hopefully find someone who’d protect them, and take them home.

“I saw boats,” said Felipe, pointing to the area along the shore just outside the woods. “Maybe we can use one.”

“I saw too,” added Eduardo. “Row boats.” Samuel didn’t see the boats. He was too busy trying not to give himself away to Cardinal Polletto, but he believed his brothers. “Good, then we’ll try for a boat, but be ready to swim.” Felipe and Eduardo looked worried. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

“If we get caught, what we do?” stammered Felipe. “Cardinal Polletto will hurt us.”

“Yes,” added Eduardo. “And what of Father Sin? He’ll kill us.” Samuel gritted his teeth. “Don’t worry,” he told them, staring hard into their eyes, “we won’t fail, I promise you, but you must believe.” He smiled, then laughed. Felipe and Eduardo wiped their faces and joined him.

“Yes,” cried Eduardo, determination now in his voice, “we will make it. I believe you.”

The three boys hugged. Samuel slipped on his shoe, picked up the candle and plate, and placed them on the table, the vision of his mother elbowing its way into his thoughts. Her image made his knees weak, his legs rubbery. He shook his head, forcing her away, focusing instead on the task he needed to complete.

“I miss you,” he whispered under his breath. “But I have to do this.” Samuel couldn’t explain it, but somehow in his mind, he knew he wouldn’t, couldn’t die. I can make it. I know I can.

Felipe and Eduardo flopped down on their cots and stared at the ceiling, smiles on their faces, occasionally stealing glimpses at Samuel, who made sure he maintained the picture of confidence. If they were going to escape, they had to do it together. As far as Samuel was concerned, Felipe and Eduardo were his only family now, and he wasn’t going to count on anybody but them.

Samuel eased down on his own bed and closed his eyes. The one person he hoped he could count on appeared before him; his godfather, Robert Veil. Samuel wondered if his Uncle Robert and Aunt Nikki were still searching for him, or if they’d simply given up. If they were alive, he knew they’d be looking, and Samuel hoped that they’d find him, but didn’t plan on it. It’s just the three of us, he told himself. That’s all we can count on, us. Again, he forced all thoughts, except their escape, from his mind and drifted into a light sleep.

Soon, he was back in Chicago at a Cubs game with his father. They ate hot dogs, guzzled soft drinks, and stuffed their faces with popcorn.

Samuel looked into his father’s face and smiled. He was free.

The chamber door unlatched. Samuel left his dreams behind. When his eyes focused, Felipe and Eduardo were already on their feet. He joined them. Sister Bravo walked inside and lit the candle. Father Sin stood silent in the doorway.

“It’s time,” said Sister Bravo. She handed each of them a bundle of clothing and black soft sole shoes.

“Time for what?” asked Samuel, his voice edgy, demanding.

Father Sin stepped forward, but said nothing, with no sign of anger or meanness on his face. Sister Bravo walked over to Felipe and Eduardo and kissed them each on the cheek. Both of them stepped back and wiped their faces, defiant and unmoved. Sister Bravo smiled, looked down at Samuel, and stroked his face.

“I’m sorry for putting you through so much,” she told him. “But it was necessary to get you this far.” Samuel stood quiet, fighting the urge to lash out. “I understand Cardinal Polletto told you of your true father,” she continued. “The one from whom your seeds came.” Samuel clinched his fists, but again said nothing. “What you don’t know,” she continued,

“is that I have just been given permission to tell you who bore you for nine months. Brought you into this world and gave you life.” Sister Bravo kissed both sides of his cheeks. Samuel flinched. When she pulled away, her eyes were wet, her face proud. “I’m the one who carried you, Samuel. I’m your mother, and the three of you are my sons.” Samuel stood transfixed. He stared hard at Sister Bravo, her words reverberating through his head. She repeated what she said in French and Italian, but Felipe and Eduardo’s faces were already twisted with disbelief.

“You’re not our mother,” growled Samuel, his eyes boring into hers.

“I know this comes as a shock,” Sister Bravo said, still smiling, leaning close.

Samuel swung as hard as he could, slapping her, knocking her to the floor. Father Sin ran over and helped Sister Bravo to her feet. Felipe and Eduardo eased closer to Samuel’s side, heads high, determined.

“You’re not our mother and you never will be,” sneered Samuel.

“Never say that to me again.”

Father Sin pulled the tearful nun back towards the door, both their faces etched with fear.

“Now, if you’ll leave us, we’ll get dressed,” Samuel ordered, turning his back and heading for his bed.

Father Sin and Sister Bravo left the room and locked the door; the nun’s sobs audible. Samuel, tense, but under control, directed his brothers to get dressed, and unbundled the blood red vestment and black pants she had given them. He quickly dressed, then grabbed the forks and butter knives they’d hidden under their mattresses to use as weapons. For the first time in his life, Samuel knew he could kill.

The three boys sat on the edge of their cots and waited. Samuel closed his eyes. Who am I?