The Ibelis I. Evening Visitors.Rumors of a vampire group planning the assassination of Cardinal Sforza, who is currently on tour in Carthage, arise. An explosion occurs within the complex at which she is staying, followed by an unexpected visit from Ion Fortuna, who reveals that he has arrived as a messenger to deliver an imperial decree from the Empire. Mistaken for an assassin, Ion is injured by Father Tres before being forced to make an escape without delivering his message. Upon Cardinal Sforza's request, Father Abel makes an attempt to locate Ion and arrange for his protection. Meanwhile, Brother Petro Orcini and Sister Paula Souwauski of the Department of Inquisition arrive in Carthage with the intent to locate Ion and deal with the threat to Cardinal Sforza. When Abel locates Ion and his accomplice, Radu Barvon, he finds Sister Esther there confronting the Methuselahs. To her dismay, Abel sternly rebukes her for disobeying his direct order for her to stay out of the matter. As Abel tries to negotiate with Ion and Radu, the Department of Inquisition begins its attack. Abel decides to stall the attacking force so that the others may have a chance to escape; he battles Brother Petro, although he chooses not to fight back seriously and is defeated.