The Familiar

Valentina is nervous as they approach La Casilla, but Luzia looks even more nervous. As they enter the palace, Valentina is astonished at the luxury.

The first trial is to be held at once, and they enter a large room of the palace. Luzia notices the secretary’s seal or impresa, a centaur within a labyrinth. The first trial is a demonstration of proof, and the second, a proof of purity, will be administered by the Vicar of Madrid.

Luzia feels that eating the pomegranate has changed her and changed something between her and Santángel. Hualit gives her a rosary of garnet and ivory, but Luzia is aware that all the finery around her is like a trap. She tells Santángel she enjoyed a hot bath and describes what she would do with a fortune. He identifies the other competitors: Teoda Halcón, the Holy Child; Fortún Donadei, the olive farmer; and Gracia de Valera, the Beauty.

Pérez enters and makes a speech that Spain is the greatest empire in the world and has a duty to subdue heretics. He seats himself in the center of the room to watch Gracia, who has asked to go first.