Sapientia (Norway)

[Patricus I]

Tromsø, Norway
Continued from: The Great Hunt (Oslo, Norway)

There was no getting around the fact that he was in Norway. There was also no way to hide his trip to Tromsø. The official reason was an extension of his visit in the first place; that he was attempting to build good will between the Catholic church and the Church of Norway. In truth, he had zero interest in the affairs of evangelical lutherans, but it wasn’t unheard of for Popes to visit protestant churches. Only two popes in history had visited a Buddhist temple and only one ever stepped foot in a mosque. Hopefully collecting the other two keys wouldn’t come to that. Philip detested the idea that Patricus I would be remembered in history for making a mark at heretical institutions.

Tromsø was famous for one thing, other than scenic views and aurora tourism, and that was the site known as the Arctic Cathedral. Tromsdalen Church was a parish of the lutheran Church of Norway. The modern concrete and metal structure was built in a shotgun style in 1965. The building looked like a series of white triangles that made up its form, and seating about 600, it was a masterpiece of architecture, and certainly grand enough to host the Pope.

He had to make an appearance as unexpected and unexplained as when he visited Estonia, but it was only for a single day, and the news coverage was kept minimal. In the accompanying message, he spoke of unified charity, public service, and caring for orphans and the poor. It was the same sort of generic blustering that might have been fitting upon crossing any threshold beyond sacred walls of His Church, except, he found himself surprised at the passion with which he spoke of serving, particularly the orphans. He made an impromptu visit to a church-run orphanage afterward where he spent the rest of the day visiting with the children.

Meanwhile, Armande and Valeriya, who had to travel separately from him, went in search of the supposed sacred tree from the vision. Rowan volunteered herself to procure the items they would need to withstand a night under the stars, the longest list of which were Philip’s requirements. He’d never so much as imagined himself camping, and he was more than vocal about his displeasure at having to start now.

But if he was going to do this, he had a long list. First and foremost, his sleeping bag had to be white.