J EAN-P I E R R E
GIBRAT
FLIG HT OF T H E R AV E N
It’s only ten feet.
You’re nuts ! You’ll kill yourself !
Come on, jump !
I … just … can’t! I’d rather go back.
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Then I’ll leave you behind !
Ow !
There ! See, not such a big deal after all !
No, you didn’t ! Come on, get up. We can’t hang around !
I … I think I twisted my ankle …
This is all your fault ! That was some swell idea, to escape by the roof !
I’m telling you, I can’t walk ! And I broke my heel.
Thanks ! Thanks a lot ! What would I do without you @
Without me, you’d still be in stir … So, calm down. Please.
Forget that crap and try to stand up instead ! I really hate to admit it, but he was right !
You can lean on me …
Ouch ! Now you’re hurting me !
Shit ! I don’t believe it !
it’s decidedly bad luck ! We’ll be slipping even more with this rain … I just felt a drop…
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Well, I’m not moving. I’lL stay right here @
We’ll look for some shelter.
There, under that eave.
The storm begins to calm. The rain won’t last much longer.
Another siren. They don’t even pause to take a breath. This time the Americans are on their way !
We’ll wait here until it’s dry…
Look at that smoke. Damn, they’re coming down hard on Saint-Ouen! * Glad I’m not there right now ! They’re sighting the fuel depots at Gennevilliers !
Wet zinc is a bit like a skating rink, so we’re not out of the woods yet.
But here’s the thing … they never hit the target.
if I were there, I’d perch on top of a fuel tank ! it’s the only place that’s safe !
Yes, I’m sure you’re always in the right place at the right time !
*
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Saint-Ouen is a municipality in the northern sector of Paris.
And the Normandy landing? François says the Germans haven’t been able to push the Allies back into the sea, but since he might as well be talking about a cricket match, I don’t have any more details …
This gruesome thing’s no better ! it’s death, right ?
I’m getting bored with your Americans … go on, pick a card instead.
No, no. This is the Nameless Arcana. it’s a good sign when it comes after the Hanged Man. it means you’re in for some big changes !
The Hanged Man ! Some start ! Looks just like me : hanging by one foot.
Not to worry. it’s the second card that gives context to the first.
I’ve had enough big changes lately !
And that could sickle. one, in
scythe be a A Red fact.
The pope ? With the Communists ? @ Did you shufFle these cards ?
Okay, my last card …
So… ?
The Empress.
So that means your pals will prevail … Now, the third card reinforces the second, so let’s see who’s backing that Soviet Arcana.
That’s terrific ! The Empress is your sister Mathilde… See ? No reason for you to worry !
Well, okay, it’s unusual, but let’s not discount the idea of clergy support …
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And just why would that be my sister ?
C’mon, it’s obvious ! You pulled the High Priest followed by the Empress !
Sorry, but I’ve never heard of an Empress Mathilde !
That was her middle name … her preferred name.
Right. So … ?
What about Napoleon’s wife ?
Her name was Josephine !
Her real name was Mathilde de Beauharnais. in her vanity she had the court call her Josephine.
So, the only Empress ever blessed by a Pope was named Mathilde ! interesting coincidence, no ? it’s sweet of you to go to so much trouble … but My sister’s name is really CÉcile … Mathilde is just her nom de guerre.
And what does it mean when the cards fly off in the wind ?
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it means, of course , that you mustn’t give up hope ! Look, I never imagined you’d call me [sweet ] @
[Dearest CÉcile… if this letter reaches you, it is thanks to François, an unusual man, an uncommonly straight guy who’s neither straight nor common. We make a good team : like the hammer and sickle…
For the first time, I’m worried about him.
[… Because of him, I’m safe on board… at least, I hope so.]
Ah, I can just see the glow of his cigarette ! All’s well !
Although … it’s odd that he’s not back yet.
… I don’t know how his fishing went, but the sailor’s home.
I’m glad the Tarot of Marseille says not to worry about Mathilde, but I’m still worried about CÉcile.
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