13.
Esmeralda
was met by the Captain at the entrance when she arrived with the Enforcers. She
looked at the one figure that she had disliked.
“Welcome
to the Dome. I am to take you to the Archdeacon.” The Captain looked at her.
“For security reason, you will need to be strip searched. Take her in.”
Esmeralda
was brought into the empty room and left alone with the Captain. He told her to
strip.
“I
won’t do that. You are not a woman.” Esmeralda looked at the Captain.
“In
the Dome, we don’t have any female staff. So do it or I will not let you in.”
The Captain looked at her. “I may be a male but the female body does not
intrigue me.”
“So
you are one of the others.” Esmeralda looked at the Captain. “You liked men.”
“I
will not discuss my preference with you. Now strip or I will have you removed.”
The Captain was infuriated at the statement. It was true that he liked men. The
acceptance of the society on them was there, but there were the older schools
that still frowned at it.
Esmeralda
was to pull the tunic off when the door opened and nefarious figure of the
Archdeacon stepped in.
“I
will take her to my chamber. I will see her now.” That was the call made by the
Archdeacon.
“My
Reverend Sir, she may be with weapons? You could be…”
“I
am aware of it. Please do as I have asked.” The Archdeacon stood there with the
mask on, and the impression was as if the Devil was looking at the sinner. Esmeralda
walked past the Captain and out of the doorway.
“Wait
at the staircase. Do not divert elsewhere.” Esmeralda was told by the Archdeacon.
The latter then faced the Captain. He closed the door of the room to face the
Captain.
“Captain
Phoebus,” The Archdeacon looked at the Enforcer. “You had taken liberty with my
order. I will not have that …”
“Marcus,
I am..” The Captain interrupted the other but was snapped at.
“Captain
Phoebus, within the walls of the Dome, I am the Archdeacon Claude Frollo. You
will not address me as otherwise or I will have you removed.”
“Yes,
My Reverend Sir. I will abide.” Captain Phoebus swallowed his pride and nodded
to the Archdeacon. He knew when to retreat to battle another day. The
Archdeacon then left the room and escorted the girl to his chamber. The Captain
was furious and when he thought all was over, the member of the Elites stormed
in.
“Where
is the girl?” It was Pierre Gringoire who appeared there. “I was told that she
is here. Did you harm her?”
“I
am surprised to see you here, Mr. Gringoire. I am equally surprised that you
will be keen on her. Have you any untold desires that I am to be aware of? More
so, when you had abandoned your status to be with the free Community.”
“I
am very much a member of the Elites for your understanding. I will not need to
explain myself to you.” Pierre glared at the Captain. “You will not mistake me
for any wandering fool. Now, tell me of the girl.”
“My
apologies, Mr. Gringoire. She is with the Archdeacon. Now if there is nothing
for me, I will proceed on my other duties.” The Captain walked off without
waiting for the other to tell him. He was upset that his presence was served
with disdain by the two.
“Mother
of Gods, I will have the two of your grovel at my feet soon.” Captain Phoebus
then proceed to this own chamber. He did not become Captain by merit but by the
knowing whom to trample and when to do it.
It
was then not the trampling of the feet but the taps of it on the flooring by
Esmeralda while seated at the Archdeacon chamber. The latter was seated across
the wide desk staring at her for some time with no words between them.
“Tell
me, pecker nose. Am I to sit here and wait to be served or shall I leave for my
chamber at the basement?” Esmeralda voiced out with a cynical tone. It was then
the Archdeacon removed the mask.
“Padre?”
Esmeralda was stunned. “It can’t be.”
“Yes,
Esmeralda. It’s me. I am your padre. Your real padre.” Marcus then unmasked
told the girl. “I have been ..”
“You
are lying. You are here disguised as the Archdeacon. Where did you hide him?
You have disguised as him to save me.” Esmeralda tried to unravel the mystery.
“No,
chey. I am the Archdeacon and also your padre. Let me explain.” Marcus pleaded
with her. “I will tell you all.”
Esmeralda
was still stunned and could not move. Her feet have stopped tapping and she
looked scared. It was disbelieving then.
“Let
me tell you of myself.” Marcus continued on. “And of you.”
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