Malachi of Hildesheim's Tragic Loyalty

The librarian's blind obedience to Jorge and his fatal attempt to recover the forbidden book.

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The Faithful Servant

A Man of Few Words Malachi's Role Malachi of Hildesheim is the librarian, but he is merely a figurehead. He relies on Jorge of Burgos for guidance. He is jealous of his position and fearful of losing it. The Secret Knowledge Malachi knows the layout of the library but not the contents of the finis Africae. He follows Jorge's instructions without question. He is a tool of the old man's will. The Assistant's Lust Malachi has an unhealthy attachment to Berengar of Arundel, his assistant. He is jealous of Berengar's relationship with Adelmo. This jealousy will later drive him to murder.

The Murder of Severinus

A Jealous Rage Jorge's Orders Jorge tells Malachi that Severinus has the forbidden book. He instructs him to retrieve it. Malachi, already jealous of Severinus's closeness to Berengar, is eager to act. The Killing Malachi goes to the infirmary and finds Severinus alone. He strikes him with an armillary sphere, killing him. He then ransacks the room, looking for the book. The Theft Malachi finds the book and takes it. He does not open it, fearing Jorge's warnings. He returns it to the finis Africae. His loyalty to Jorge is absolute, but it leads to his own death.

Death by Poison

The Librarian's End Touching the Book Malachi, while returning the book to the finis Africae, touches the poisoned pages. He does not read it, but the poison enters through his fingers. The Collapse During matins, Malachi collapses. His last words are about the power of a thousand scorpions. He dies with a black tongue, a victim of the very book he sought to protect. A Pawn's Fate Malachi's death is tragic because he was a pawn. He never understood the true nature of the book or the depth of Jorge's fanaticism. His loyalty cost him his life.

Years before the story

Afternoon of the fifth day

Night of the sixth day