Chapter 17 Summary

An envoy from New Rome assures Paulo war is coming. Vatican attempts to warn King Goraldi about Hannegan's threat has led to Msgr. Apollo's arrest, which the Vatican countered by putting Texarkana under interdict. Since 80% of the population is cultist, this has little effect. The envoy doubts Taddeo can make it to the abbey unscathed, but he will arrive. Paulo judges the world can ill afford to lose such a scholar and doubts the Empire of Denver will be affected by war. The envoy enlightens Paulo on Hannegan's strategy and treachery in gathering allies, shattering them, and picking up the pieces. This will free him to strike east or northeast into lucrative areas. The abbey is in no immediate danger of being overrun, but should begin taking steps to keep the Memorabilia safe. Paulo angers, picturing 12 centuries of effort being compromised by an...