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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
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 29
On a cloudy October day in 1547, majordomo Luigi Alamanni entered the queen's chambers, where she, surrounded by ladies-in-waiting, was sitting at embroidery. This noble Italian, the most educated person, poet and philosopher, once participated in a conspiracy against the future Pope Clement the Seventh, and when the conspiracy was discovered, he fled to France and entered the service of the king. For the past three years, Senor Alamanni has acted as Catherine's majordomo, and she, seeing the Italian's devotion, asked him to be by her side all the time.“Your Majesty,” he announced with a bow, “the señor de Gondi has come. He asks to be accepted on an important matter.Catherine nodded, and a minute later the major-domo brought in a short, stout gentleman dressed in the Italian style. With a deep bow, he approached and said in Italian:“Your Majesty, my envoy has returned.The queen motioned for the ladies-in-waiting to come out and, concealing her impatience, turned to the Florentine
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 30
A cautious rumor went around the court - the Marquis d'Umbre was arriving in Paris in order to meet with the envoy of the queen. The marquis was the worst enemy of Diane de Poitiers, but, despite the king's disposition towards her, d'Umbre was not forbidden to appear at court. Nevertheless, he preferred not to appear in the capital, knowing full well that the favorite would try to send assassins to him.Whether the marquis would really arrive, and when this would happen, no one knew. Therefore, the curious ladies-in-waiting approached François one after another.“Tell me, chevalier, is there any truth in the rumors about the arrival of the Marquis?”“Ah, dear de Romagnac, I'm just curious, is d'Umbre really going to show up?To all questions, François politely replied that he did not know anything about this, and he saw in the eyes of the disappointed ladies that they did not believe him.And only when Louise approached him with this question, he took her by the arm and led her to the
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 31
“I heard a very caustic anecdote today, madam,” Francois began cautiously, finishing his next letter. - About a certain nobleman, a close relative of a noble lady, who has neither a castle nor land.The queen exploded. Not for the first time, the "cousin" hinted that it would be nice for him to have his own fief, but she was categorically against it. "If I give him a castle, he will go there. No, I don't want to be without him."“Believe me, dear brother,” Catherine answered coldly, “when the time comes, you will have both land and a title. Until then, please don't rush me.François did not speak of the feud again.A year later, at Fontainebleau, the queen gave birth to her third son, Henry. The balls and receptions that followed were very pompous. A month later, the royal court returned to Paris.Meanwhile, the war for possession of Northern Italy resumed, which had previously been fought with varying success by the French kings Louis XII and Francis I. Henry's main opponent in this