Russka - Edward Rutherfurd [160]
In the minds of some purists, the products of that city were always suspect, because of its proximity to the Baltic ports and to Lithuania with their dangerous Catholic and Protestant influences from the west.
‘So I could prosecute?’
‘I think you should.’
Boris had smiled.
‘I promise you, the matter will receive my full attention,’ he replied.
And so now, to the astonished monk, he blandly outlined his conclusions.
‘It seems, Brother Daniel, that the icons that the Peter and Paul Monastery is producing are heretical. They are being sold in the market under your direction.’ Seeing Daniel look baffled, he continued quietly: ‘I’m afraid that it is so. I have it on very good authority, and as you know, in the current climate … it places the monastery – or some of those in it – in danger.’
There was no question about it, Daniel was beginning to look nervous. For the matter of the heretics having been disposed of, the charge concerning the icons was still under consideration in Moscow. Who knew what would happen?
‘If this is so,’ Daniel began, ‘of course we should take advice.’
‘Certainly,’ Boris agreed. ‘Although, of course, by raising the matter with higher authorities, you also run a risk.’
‘But surely no one could think we intended …’
‘Brother Daniel,’ Boris cut in, ‘I have come from Moscow. I must tell you that the atmosphere there …’
It was true. The atmosphere was electric. Already the condemned heretics, under the customary torture, were starting to denounce anyone they could remember talking to. Search parties were going out to arrest supposed heretics amongst the Volga Elders far out in the forests of the distant north.
‘Besides,’ Boris explained smoothly, ‘I am very much afraid your own family connections may be linked to the business.’
‘My family?’
‘Of course. Your cousin Stephen our priest. He is, I suppose you know, a Non-Possessor.’
Even under the thick beard, it was possible to see Daniel blanch. He had long ago guessed, of course, that his cousin had these feelings.
‘But I am utterly opposed to such views – if he has them,’ he added cautiously.
‘I know that as well as you. But we also both know that at times like this, when the authorities are looking … It is not the truth that counts but what may be perceived, what may be said. They will look at you, the icons, and your cousin – with whom you are often seen – and they will create a pattern that will speak the word “heresy”.’
The beauty of the thing, the exquisite irony. Though monk and priest were exactly opposed in their central beliefs, it was possible by a neat analysis and synthesis to bind them together like a pair of felons.
There was a long pause.
‘I do not need to tell you of my regard for you both, nor for my family’s regard for the monastery to which we gave its most cherished icon.’
Daniel bowed his head. The icon by Rublev was certainly the best thing they had. He could not deny that the founder’s family had been steadfast. He also saw clearly that Boris was offering an opening.
‘How might we proceed?’ the monk enquired.
Boris took a long breath and looked thoughtful.
‘The question is,’ he mused, gazing at the ends of his fingers, ‘whether I can persuade my friend, a priest from Moscow, that this matter does not require reporting. ‘
‘I see.’
‘It is he who has pointed all this out to me, and he is zealous.’
‘Perhaps if I spoke with him?’
‘Unwise. He would take it as an admission of guilt.’ He paused a moment. ‘I have also my own position to consider.’
He allowed silence to settle upon the room.
‘I should certainly be sad,’ Boris remarked after a time, ‘to see misfortune fall upon a family – a large family, with many members – whom we wish well.’
Many members. He watched as Daniel worked this out. Himself the monk, Stephen the priest, then there was Lev the merchant and then, ah, yes, of course, Mikhail the peasant was also his cousin. Boris waited until he saw that Daniel had thoroughly understood.
‘I am sure we all wish yourself, and the estate at Dirty Place, well,’ the monk murmured carefully.