Lewes turned to the Guards. "Yes, sergeant? Why are your men here? And so many of them?"

"Well, Reverend Sir, we saw the scuffle and, considering the people involved . . ." Guillermo and Angelo smiled identical smiles and ran casual hands over the hilts of their swords.

"Indeed." Lewes glared at all of them again. "Two people have a collision in the heavily traveled halls of the Vatican, and the Papal Guard hurries to help. That's very gratifying, sergeant, but perhaps not the most efficient use of your time."

The Guardsman took the unsubtle hint. "Of course, Reverend Sir." He gathered his men with a look, and, with a final sneer at Guillermo and Angelo, headed off.

Angelo gave Lewes a very curious look. "A thousand thanks, Reverend Sir. No offense, but who are you that the Papal Guard turns tail when you snarl?"

Lewes tucked his hands into his wide sleeves. "Why, just another humble servant of our Holy Mother, captain. Nothing more."

"Indeed."

"Indeed." He spared another glare for Guillermo. "Surely, captain, you and your comrade have business elsewhere?"

Guillermo bristled, but Angelo smacked his arm. "We do, Reverend Sir. Come along, Guillermo."

Guillermo turned to follow, but paused to wink at Alexander. "Farewell, Brother Nobody. It's a pity we could extend our acquaintance." Angelo grabbed his sleeve and tugged him along.

Monsignor Lewes let a small smile escape as he watched the pair depart. "It seems you made somewhat of an impression on William the Bloody."

Alexander didn't recognize the English words. "On who?"

"Sorry. Your new friend. Guillermo il Sanguinante."

"Il San--" Alexander felt his knees wobble a little. "That was Guillermo il Sanguinante? The soldier?"

"Indeed. And his captain, Angelo di l'Irlanda." Monsignor Lewes took Alexander's arm again. "Brace up, lad, you came out of a scuffle with the Scourge of Europe quite well."

"But what would men like that be doing here?"

Lewes looked very thoughtful. "I don't know. Yet." He patted Alexander on the shoulder. "Now, what's your name, lad?"

"Alexander, Reverend Sir."

"Alexander. A good name. And where were you headed when all this blew up in your face?"

Alexander shook himself. "The Basilica. I'm supposed to help serve Mass with Cardinal Borgia. I don't know if I'm going to make it in time now."

"Yes, it would be such a tragedy to keep Cesare waiting." He caught the shocked look Alexander gave him. "I'm sorry, that was terribly rude of me. His Eminence will be waiting, but I'm sure there will be another novice available if necessary. I'll explain to the Master of Novices that none of this was your fault."

They walked down the corridor towards the Basilica, garnering curious looks from observers. Alexander couldn't quite place Monsignor Lewes' position in the Vatican hierarchy, but he had seen the man around the Apostolic offices more than once. He was obviously someone important, with better things to do than shepherd one lowly novice. "Reverend Sir, it's really very kind of you to come with me, but the Master of Novices isn't that bad, really. He'll listen to me."

"I'm sure he will," Monsignor Lewes said placidly. "Still, I want to make sure your story gets a fair hearing. I hate injustice."

Alexander started to answer, but his attention was caught by the signet ring on the Monsignor's left thumb. He couldn't make out all of the seal, but he did recognize the upright sword in the center. His stomach knotted painfully. Kind Monsignor Lewes was affiliated with the Holy Office of the Inquisition.

"Alexander? Are you all right?"

He pulled his eyes away from the ring with a jerk. Lewes frowned at him, then glanced down at his own hand.

"Ah. Yes." Lewes turned the ring so that the seal was hidden beneath his hand. "Things happen, Alexander. Inexplicable things. And people have to try and find the truth of those things. It can be an ugly business. But one should never be afraid of the truth."

"Yes, sir."

There was pain in the mild eyes, but Lewes said nothing. They were silent the rest of the way to the changing rooms near the high altar in the Basilica. The Master of Novices spotted them and began working his way through the swarm of altar boys towards them.

Lewes leaned closer to Alexander. "You have nothing to fear from me, lad. If you ever need help with anything, no matter how bizarre, remember me as a friend."

More convinced than ever that this was the strangest day he had ever lived, Alexander went to find his robes.

I like it! What fun. Angelo's last name looks off somehow -- perhaps Maria would know for sure.

Also, Guillermo is Spanish. Guglielmo is Italian, but I'm no expert -- there could be varients.

I looked up Ireland in an Italian dictionary, and that's what came up.

P.S. You could call the young friar "Sandro" and it would be perfectly natural.

Yes, the word is right -- the elision seems off -- like there should maybe be another l? dell'Irlanda?

Or just di Irlanda? I'm sorry I cannot remember the rule.

dell'Irlanda?

That's an idea. I've had this up in my LJ for over a week now, and you're the first one to say anything about the forms of the names.

And did I read it in your lj?

No, I did not -- foolish foolish me. And I didn't notice the William problem on first reading. (I did notice the Alessandro/Alexander thing -- but was thinking you chose the English version for simplicity?)

I'm wondering who else may show up in this alternate Buffiverse. It's like 1602 except all Jossiverse. And not set in 1602.

Being the Vatican, Latin would be more prevalent, though I imagine his family went with the vernacular. I've seen multiple spellings of Alexander from the period, especially with Pope Alexander, the freak. I can have "Guillermo" call him Alessandro--he's not too highly educated in this one. Roger Wyndham is the smart one here, he'll be popping up soon. I'm checking with various sources to make sure the name forms are at least known in this time frame for the various countries.

That's a fun story brewing there, but sumi's right about Guillermo being Spanish. Italian surnames can be infuriatingly tricky; and yes, calling him "Sandro" would be perfect.