The Medici Return Chapter 35: The Inquisitor's Arrival in Siena
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Thomas follows orders and travels from Koblenz to Siena after fleeing a train. He flies to Rome, drives north, and locates a Renaissance palazzo bordering the Piazza del Campo. Inside, he finds a key exactly where he was told it would be. He explores the three-story building, noting its ornate parquet floors, timbered ceilings, and frescoes. Upstairs in the bedchamber, he opens a window and looks out at the piazza, where workers are preparing for the next day’s Palio race. The Mangia bell tolls noon. He reflects on how he became the church’s lone inquisitor. Years ago, a priest recruited him in London, explaining the church’s historical need for protection and its former use of armies and the Inquisition. The priest outlined four principles of severity that had been established in 1542—principles that still guide Thomas’s work. Thomas considers the modern threats facing the church, especially in dangerous parts of the world, and accepts his role as the one who deals with enemies. He recalls that twenty-four hours ago he was ordered to kill Cardinal Jason Richter in Munich, but that order was rescinded. Now he kneels beside the poster bed and prays, ready to do what is asked.
Key Events
- Thomas arrives at a Renaissance palazzo in Siena and retrieves a key from a predetermined location.
- He observes the Piazza del Campo and the preparations for the Palio horse race.
- The Mangia tower bell rings at noon, and he sees the bell ringer.
- In a flashback, Thomas remembers being recruited by a priest in London who explained the church’s historical use of inquisitors.
- The priest recites four principles of severity from 1542 that still apply.
- Thomas reflects that the modern church faces threats in dangerous regions and that he is the sole inquisitor.
- He recalls that the kill order on Cardinal Jason Richter was rescinded.
- Thomas kneels and prays, reaffirming his readiness to serve.
Character Development
Thomas is portrayed as a disciplined, obedient servant. He never questions orders and accepts his role without hesitation. His recollection of the priest’s recruitment reveals that he sees his work as a continuation of the Inquisition, but adapted for modern times. His prayer at the end shows a man who believes he is doing God’s work, even when the target changes. The chapter deepens his identity as a lone, ruthless figure who blends faith with violence.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Obedience and Servitude: Thomas’s unquestioning obedience is central. He describes himself as a “good and loyal servant” and follows orders even when they change abruptly.
- The Modern Inquisition: The chapter explicitly connects Thomas’s methods to the historical Inquisition, suggesting that the church still needs enforcers. The priest’s recitation of 1542 principles echoes through the centuries.
- The Palio Race as Anticipation: The preparations for the dangerous horse race mirror the tension of Thomas’s mission. The piazza’s dirt track and crash barriers hint at the violence to come.
- The Palazzo as Symbol: The Renaissance palazzo, with its frescoes and old-world feel, contrasts with Thomas’s brutal purpose. It represents the church’s enduring wealth and power, now protected by a single inquisitor.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 35 establishes Thomas as a major antagonist with a clear ideological foundation. It reveals the secretive network that supports him and the church’s willingness to use lethal force. The Siena setting introduces the Palio race, which will likely be the stage for future conflict. Thomas’s reflection on the rescinded kill order suggests that the plot is fluid and that loyalties may shift. This chapter deepens the novel’s exploration of faith, power, and historical continuity.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Thomas travel to Siena, and what does he find there?
Thomas goes to Siena after being redirected from his original mission in Munich. He follows orders to retrieve a key from a specific location in a Renaissance palazzo. The key is presumably intended for a future task, though the chapter does not reveal its use.
2. How does the priest’s explanation of the Inquisition frame Thomas’s view of his work?
The priest tells Thomas that the church has always needed protection and that the Inquisition used rigorous measures without delay or leniency. The four principles—speed, disregard for station, severity toward those who shield themselves, and zero tolerance for enemies—become Thomas’s operational code. He sees himself as the modern embodiment of that tradition.
3. What is the significance of the rescinded kill order on Cardinal Jason Richter?
The rescinded order shows that the hierarchy controlling Thomas can change targets quickly. It also suggests that Richter may have aligned with or against Thomas’s patrons. This change keeps the plot unpredictable and indicates that Thomas’s loyalty may be tested as orders shift.