Notwithstanding his secret hostility, Leander had of late crept into
Vigilius' confidence, thus protecting himself against his formidable
adversary Pelagius. He was now the Pope's travelling companion as
far as Sicily. Had he remained in Rome, the authority of Pelagius
would have fallen heavily upon him, and he could scarce have escaped
the humiliation of yielding his Gothic captive to Justinian's
friend. Apprised only a day before of Vigilius' purpose, he had
barely time to plot with Marcian for the conveyance of Veranilda to
Totila's camp. This had long been his intention, for, convinced that
Totila would rule over Italy, he saw in the favour of the king not
only a personal advantage, but the hope of the Western Church in its
struggle with Byzantium. Driven at length to act hurriedly, he
persuaded himself that he could use no better agent than Marcian,
who had so deeply pledged himself to the Gothic cause. Of what had
passed between Marcian and Pelagius he of course knew nothing. So,
as the ship moved seaward upon tawny Tiber, and day flamed upon the
Alban hills, Leander laughed within himself.
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