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Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 21
After dinner, François, Gilbert, and Blanca ran to Uncle Lazzi's house. Half of the villagers were already there. The guys squeezed closer to the table, at which sat the owner, Umberto Lazzi, and a stranger strikingly similar to him. He was short, but broad-shouldered and muscular, and over a linen shirt he wore an unusual-looking leather jacket. His swarthy smiling face was overgrown with a beard and was dotted with wrinkles, his eyes glinted slyly from under a cap of disheveled hair. A white scar ran across the right cheek, on which an earring dangling on the earlobe cast a glare.François and Blanca, like everyone else, stared in amazement at the strange stranger. None of them had seen anything like it before. Roberto did not seem to notice the surprised looks, cheerfully and calmly telling his story to those around him. Slowly and with humor, he told how he ran away from home as a boy, how in Genoa he became a cabin boy on a merchant ship bound for Marseille, and how over the year
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 22
François returned to the city and wandered around the market for a long time. Finally, he found what he was looking for: fire-grass, causing instant irritation and skin burns. Having bought a bunch of grass and some fern powder, he went to the next street, where he bought not a new, but rather decent European-cut caftan, a velvet beret, chausses, boots and a leather purse. Having finished shopping, the young man jumped on his horse and rode back to the Toad's house. Not far from him, François dismounted, tying his horse in the shade of palm trees, and changed his clothes. He looked at himself as best he could and was satisfied: in this caftan he could easily pass for a young rich merchant.François approached the house cautiously and bent over towards the back door. There were no servants present, and he slipped in unhindered.The house was huge. François crept along the corridor, looked into several rooms, but did not meet a soul anywhere. Ahead, the corridor forked. After hesitating
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 23
The next morning, taking advantage of the non-working day, Francois agreed with the overseers and went into the forest to collect herbs for the treatment of a friend. Even on the Star of the Seas, he more than once had to help the ship's doctor and extract herbs for him in various ports. And now he quickly found everything he needed, and an hour later he was already giving don Rodrigo a healing decoction to drink. During the day he gave the Spaniard half a dozen different tinctures, and by night he was already much better. Using all his eloquence, Francois convinced the guards that the living Don Rodrigo is much more useful to Sufi Pasha than the dead one - after all, a ransom is already being taken for him. The Spaniard was allowed one day to spend in bed, and this finally helped him to his feet.The captives were very happy to learn that they now have their own apothecary. They often turned to François for medical help, and he made it a rule to go for herbs every Friday. The Arrais
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 24
The life of friends flowed according to the established schedule: during the day they went to patients, at sunset they passed a glass of wine in the nearest tavern, and late in the evening Nostrdam sat down to read books, among which were the works of Johann Faust, Agrippa Nettesheim, Paracelsus, and often sat up until morning. François tried not to disturb him at this time, but Michel often knocked on his room to read some quote or ask his opinion on this or that problem. François more and more often joined his friend when he worked with books on healing. In addition, Nostrdam initiated him into the secrets of astrology, firmly believing that the past and future of any person can be read by the stars, you just need to be able to do it. And now the two of them sat all night long, reading, writing, experimenting, mixing herbs, agreeing and arguing.***After one of these night vigils, François slept until noon. Entering Nostrdam's room, he found that his friend was not at home. There w
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 25
The next morning, entering Nostrdam's room, François was surprised to find that he was sound asleep. The heroic organism of the doctor, which allowed him to work for wear and tear for several months, finally demanded a rest. François quietly closed the door and went for a walk. He walked along the city streets, inhaling the fresh sea air, purified by him and his friend from the stench of the plague. For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. The epidemic is defeated, he is no longer alone and, most importantly, as it seemed to him, he was able to overcome the sticky, shameful fear of death that had tormented him from the very day when the little puppy was floundering in the waters of the Seine.François returned home in excellent spirits at two o'clock in the afternoon. He heard voices in Nostrdam's room and, deciding not to interfere, went to his room and sat down with a book on a wide bench. But gradually he began to listen to the conversation behind the wall. The unknown int
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 26
In moments of enlightenment, Francois tried to decide what he should do to save himself. He knew a miraculous spell and could change places with Nostrdam at any moment, but this thought was deeply disgusting to him. He felt that he had no right to take the life of such a great man, and most importantly, Michel was his friend. Of course, if things get really bad... "No, not that. Servants, the governor, or anyone who comes near me, not Nostrdam. Not him... not him... So what? ready to kill someone for your own salvation?! Oh, God, forgive me!"And he again sank into unconsciousness.François did not have to make his terrible choice. Three days later it became clear that the disease was receding. Noticing that the temperature was returning to normal, Nostrdam breathed a sigh of relief and went to visit the governor. He already seemed completely healthy, and only a slight weakness reminded him of a recent terrible illness.As soon as Nostrdames allowed it, the count immediately appeared
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 27
A dispatch came from Paris: Henry's coronation was scheduled for July 26th. It was supposed to take place in Reims, the city where the French monarchs were traditionally crowned.At the end of June, a cavalcade left Aix, consisting of provincial dignitaries invited to the coronation, the retinue of Claude of Savoy, the count himself and, of course, Francois. We drove for a long time, resting in special inns intended for royal couriers. The road took almost a month, and the cavalcade arrived in Reims on July 23, on the eve of the arrival of the royal court. Comte de Tende, Francois and several of the largest dignitaries of Provence settled in the Palais du Tau - the archbishop's palace.It was immediately felt that the city was preparing for a great event. More than thirty years had passed since the previous coronation, and the townspeople were in joyful excitement, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the court. Smartly dressed residents walked along the streets, buildings were decorated w
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 28
The count drew François to the window.- Dear friend, today, as promised, I will introduce you to the king. I managed to get the king to grant you the nobility. No, no, do not thank, this is only a small part of what I am obliged to do for you in gratitude for your self-sacrifice.The young man did not have time to answer, fanfares sounded, and the door from the side of the royal chambers opened. The radiant Heinrich entered, hand in hand with Catherine, followed by Diana and several other courtiers.The king sat on a throne specially set on a raised platform, and dukes, counts, marquises approached him in a string, introducing sons, wives, relatives and friends. Heinrich spoke kindly to everyone and showered favors on his subjects. Ekaterina, in a brocaded lilac dress, sat a little to the side in comfortable armchairs.The king, noticing the count, beckoned him with a wave of his hand.- Well, what are you, dear uncle, standing on the sidelines? Or I don't know that you have a surpri