Chapter 80: A traveller's biography

- So…how does a man with African features end up working at an Ukrainian inn? – asked Raphael to his new fellow traveller.

- I have always lived in Europe. – he answered. – My family was from Morocco, and they moved to Spain before I was born. When I came of age, I decided to travel and see the world, so I've travelled along most of the continent. About eight years ago, I got tired of travelling and I bought the inn. Now I'm possessed by this damned Seed and I was waiting for someone like you who would help me to do something to put an end to it.

- Where did you get the money to buy the inn from? Africa is a poor continent, and if you spent your time travelling, you could hardly have a regular job.

- My parents became quite rich while in Spain. They set up business and they made enough money to provide me with a more than decent life. When I started travelling, they were already dead. – retold the inkeeper.

- You probably began by France…maybe Portugal.

- That's right. I began by France and, really, I have never been in Portugal. Once I left France, I never went back.

- It's a nice country. Have you visited Paris?

- Of course. How could I possibly not do it?

- Notre Dame Cathedral looks impressive, doesn't it?

- Yes, it does.

- By the way…I still don't know your name.

- I'm Zasalamel. – answered the African man.

- Well, Zasalamel... – said Raphael and then his face changed. – Why are you lying?

Zasalamel, who was walking ahead of Raphael, stopped and turned around, confused.

- What?

- You lied to me. There is at least one thing in your story that is not true.

- I don't know what you mean.

- The construction of Notre Dame Cathedral was finished about 15 years ago. You seem to be in your forties. – he explained. – If you started travelling at the age of 18, and you began by France, there were still more than ten years left for the cathedral to be finished. So, if you never went back to France, how do you know that it is beautiful?

Zasalamel doubted for a few seconds. He finally answered:

- I've seen it depicted in books. Furthermore, I could see it although it wasn't finished yet.

Raphael didn't seem to believe him.

- Why would I lie to you? – asked Zasalamel, smiling.

The French man didn't know what to answer, so he just said:

- I'll keep an eye on you.