19 - Masters of the Palazzo Trivio

In a secluded corner of the Three-Way House its new masters discuss the future. It seems they are now the de facto owners of the palazzo that once belonged to the Famiglia Bardone. Their old haunt of the House of Crows is wrecked and ruined after the assault by Cardinal Albornoz. The Conti and the Frangipani are leaving them to it. Aside from themselves (Marco, Rocco, Astore, Father Arturo, Brother Giovanni and Lorenzo) there are only their two faithful door guards, Marisa and Bettina, Pino and his gang of urchins and Scolisi, once a Bardoni man, but now it seems, proffering himself as their consigliere.

At least they are in funds. A foray the previous evening to allowed most of them to recoup whatever treasures they had left hidden in the gardens behind and Cola had conjured up a chest of silver. He seemed keen that they try to fill whatever power vacuum the Bardoni have left in the Suburra. Somewhat reluctantly they agree amongst themselves to try.

They seek Scolisi's advice on how to proceed. He points out that they are in a moment of opportunity if they wish to replace the Bardoni as a force to be reckoned with in the Suburra. It will be assumed that they still have the support of the Conti and the Frangipani; the Church has blessed them with the direct attention of Cardinal Albornoz; and they have a rumoured association with the Cola Di Rienzo, the Notary of the Aventine, whose star is said to be rising in the city. Of course, the Conti and the Frangipani are departing; the Cardinal is said even now to be embarking on a journey back to Avignon; and while Cola's name is to be reckoned with, he is a talker not a fighter. Nevertheless, in this moment, Scolisi believes that none of the rival gangs of the Suburra will be brave enough to risk challenging them - at least overtly. They have ready cash. They should use this to recruit some muscle and then set about securing the loyalty of the Bardoni clienti and their rents for themselves. After some discussion, the group agree that this is the way to go.

Some days later, a Dominican friar arrives at the Palazzo Trivio, with a strong guard. He has a package for them from Cardinal Albornoz. There is a brief letter from the Cardinal wishing them God speed and hoping that they can do the Lord's work with the contents of the package. The package is a finely tooled leather case. Within the case is a stout box and within the box is a portable altar of gilded wood. the altar panels fold out to reveal a reliquary. Within the reliquary, according to the letter, are fingerbones of St. Pantaleone. Arturo and Giovanni say this is a very holy object. Upon the altar is pyx wrought of gold and enamel, containing twenty wafers, that according to Albornoz have been blessed by the Holy Father himself.