026 - Book III Chapter 3 - Dark Plottings

Step into the vibrant streets of Rome in 935 A.D., where thirty-year-old Tristan, disguised as a pilgrim, stumbles upon a secretive conversation between Basil, the Grand Chamberlain, and his elusive aide, Il Gobbo. As the festivities of the Eve of St. John unfold around him, a magnificent chariot halts before him, revealing a breathtaking woman. Their brief exchange ignites a spark, but she soon disappears into the night, leaving Tristan entranced by her beauty. That evening, he is visited by a haunting dream featuring another woman—his beloved Hellayne, who sent him to Rome to atone for his love. As dawn breaks, the dream becomes clearer, revealing the turmoil in his heart. He wanders through a city caught between the shadows of its decadent past and the flickering promise of a new Christian revival. Against this rich tapestry of history, Tristan grapples with his longing for both a woman and a deeper connection to God. (Bill Boerst)