Weeks after Lisbon had been reduced to ruins, the royal family made a public appearance. Trumpets announced their arrival and the procession of repentance to follow. Pêro in a sea of people came to witness and participate in asking for the Lord’s forgiveness. He looked around, feeling utterly alone despite the masses.
Today, the nobles traveled in simple unadorned black carriages. The crowd was silent as they rolled in. Pêro peered up at the gray clouds hanging over the countryside on the outskirts of Lisbon. He touched upon the hidden knife that he now carried at his waist when leaving the Fabrica and then gripped tight the tile made by Paulinha. The sharp edge cut into his palm. He eased his grip as the drumbeats began instigating the march.
Each member of the royal family fell into li
