The flagellants are foreigners, he said. These Germans are not part of my flock and do not follow my guidance.

These flagellants have dispatched one of the few elders left among the Jews, David ben Solomon, I said in order to emphasize that the Archbishop’s creditor was already dead. I made a promise to Jacob on his deathbed to protect his family. If anything were to happen to them, I fear that I would feel so guilty my gift of apothecary might desert me.

The Archbishop stared at me for another long period. Then his lips curved into a callous smile. You may have overestimated my influence, Doctor Pasqua.

I think not, Your Grace, I said as I steeled my nerve. You are the most influential person I have ever encountered. And I am the one person who can ensure your continued health.

Vanity is not only a sin, Doctor Pasqua, he said. It can also prove deadly.

I bowed my head, fully committed to my reckless course now. Death is ubiquitous in these times, I said. The elixir of health is far rarer.

Perhaps so, but there is more than one route to securing cooperation, the Archbishop said. For instance, if you are so concerned over the safety of the Jewish doctor’s family, perhaps it is best if I keep them here at the palace under my personal protection?

There was no mistaking the threat in his tone. That will not be necessary, I assured him. If you will allow me take my leave, I will go prepare the medicine for you straightaway.

Yes, yes, of course, Doctor Pasqua, he said. But double the portion.

For what purpose, Your Grace?

We are going to observe how well your remedy works on one of the already afflicted. And if it fails, Doctor Pasqua, I doubt anyone will be able to appease the flagellants.

As I hurried home from the palace, I cursed myself for my lies. I had placed Gabriella and her family at greater risk than ever. How could I produce a cure that existed only in my imagination?

I arrived back at my house to find Gabriella waiting for me. I ushered her inside and summarized my meeting with the Archbishop, but withheld mention of his threat to unleash the flagellants upon the Jews if my curative were to fail.

What will you do, Rafael? Gabriella asked as she took my hand in hers.

I am going to concoct a medicine for the Archbishop.

With what?

Most of what I described to him, although I will not burden any goats, I said. And to the medicine I will add the blood of the San Giovanni rats along with a large tincture of prayer.

I will add my own prayers, she said with a heartwarming smile.

We need to move your family to the monastery, I said. It is too dangerous to leave them where they are.

They will never go, Rafael. Not to live in a church among monks.