undomesticated felines . They were everywhere , rubbing against the Don ’ s legs as he walked , sprawled indifferently across dirty , threadbare furniture , whilst others simply watched from the security of the wide stairway , their chatoyant eyes glistening bright in the feeble light of a diffused oil lamp , carried steadily in the dwarf ’ s outstretched fist .
They eventually stopped in front of a heavy , reinforced door , as the gargillian creature reached within his waistcoat pocket and withdrew a ring of keys , in likeness to those by which a medieval jailer might carry about his person . ‘ In here signore .’ Stepping into the dingy room , the rancid odour physically assailed his senses , and in some feeble attempt , Palatino was forced to cover both nose and mouth by use of the cape , trying hard to guard against the overpowering stench of death and corruption emanating within the claustrophobic enclosure . The cats waited outside , not one making the slightest effort to follow either of the two men into their fetid surroundings .
The room was barren of furnishings , the exception being a small table , so placed to be central , therefore accessible from all sides . Upon the table stood a low easel , with what appeared a large frame resting upon its lowered shelf , covered from view by that of a heavily embroidered tapestry displaying thereon , an image of the holy Virgin Mother , and in front , openly presented upon the table itself , a further representation of his spiritual belief in the form of a crucifixion of the Christ .
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