"Follower X"

In the darkness, there was a lonely violinist, holding a violin beneath his chin.

The violin bore the JHS symbol, meaning Jesus, Savior of mankind.

But the one wielding it slowly raised his bow, and what he played was not a hymn.

The melody was filled with sorrow, faint resentment, even something like a tearful plea.

The devil's cries were not to be listened to. Beyond temptation, this was another of its usual tricks.

The priest saw through its disguise and walked away as though he had seen nothing. The people around him, like the piano on Concerto Road, fanned the flames as they condemned the priest for his cold-heartedness.

Yet a kind Samaritan, unaware of the reason behind it all, saved the devil.

He satisfied his own conscience and spared himself condemnation from the world, but he created even more disasters.

That was The Devil's Trill—or the panting of the Minotaur, driving those who heard it into a frantic, desperate race through the labyrinth.

"The first believers who went on pilgrimage didn't just bring back news from Jerusalem. They also brought back quite a few relics, didn't they?" Snape lit a cigarette and took an irritated drag. "The Shroud, fragments of the True Cross."

"And the Crown of Thorns," the priest said wearily. "Talking to you is exhausting."

"Same here," Snape said. "Would you be willing to help us?"

"Venice gives the Church a great deal of money every year."

"Not the usual kind," Gianluca said. "Like a flood crest—an enormous amount all at once."

"The naval budget of a maritime empire would be enough to save the Vatican from its financial crisis and fund Poland's military. Their enemies are not only the Ottoman Empire, but also the Mongols."

"Oh, God." The Secretary-General covered his face. "My God."

"Sometimes