- ARCHIVE - Court of His Holiness in Rome

[Auspend]

Cardinal Corleone and a timid Norbert Erlichmann meet with Rainmund von Wittelsbach at Rainmund's request. They talk for over an hour about things that those who made note of the meeting could only wonder about. As the men leave the room, Rainmund makes a remark about a more offical proposal being on the way.

 

[Longinus]

Kreplinberger bows before cardinal Corleone.

"Your Eminence,

I am deeply shocked by the news from Baltic region. It seems that suddenly Kingdom of Poland turned against it's former allies and broke the pact of mutual defence by declaring state of war against duchy of Pommerania. Not only they broke the agreement sealed by two Christian in Catholic spirit but they do this is in must disgusting way. Without any reason, just out of nowhere, without any earlier letter. They also ignored Your call, Your eminence, forbiding this conflict to escalate.

What is more surprising, Moldavians from God-forsaken lands did the same and I must say that their reasons are also unclear. Perhaps pagan threat from Lithuania spoliled these two realms? Perhaps Teutonis knights and bishop Torquemada inquisitors will have to enter those realms once again, as it was done in 1422?

Pommern Church can't tolerate this hostility and fully supports Joachim of the Greif and his allies in defence againts this backstabbing armies."

 

[Damocles]

Jagiello laughs as he responds to the Pommeranian.

"No warning? No reason whatsoever? Have you been struck dumb? Has the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Vytautas II not repeatedly warned you that your depredations against Prussia would bring other nations, such as Poland and Moldavia into conflict? Have you not been warned that dire measures would be taken?"

"And what of this Pact of Mutual Defense? If I remember correctly, nothing more was ever signed then a mere trade agreement. And even if it were so, you would then be clearly trying to take advantage of the spirit of the treaty (if it even exists) in a way that would all but nullify it, if not at least incur a Pommern debt."

The Lithuanian growls. "Furthermore, your own allies have escalated this conflict by declaring war wholesale on Prussia. Not to mention, we have evidence that you plan to move with force into Prussia as soon as possible. Your attempts to blockade Prussia are laughable, nine-tenths of her border being taken up by friendly nations. Your pathetic pleas for an inquisition or charges of Heresy and Paganism to mask your warmongering unfitting of even a man of your lowly calibre."

"Pommern and her allies must shy from their villainy or else war will be unavoidable. If Pommern and her allies does not respond in a satisfactory manner, there will be much needless bloodshed."

The Lithuanian papal delegate then turns to Cardinal Corleone in a beseeching manner.

"Every missive or speech by a Pommern delegate only speaks of the ignorance and naivety of Pommern diplomacy. That even after constant warnings they would seek to absorb parts of Prussia into her realm is simply an unheard of blunder."

Jagiello sets his jaw as he intones;

"Regardless of any treaties that Livonia was coerced into signing with Pommern, Prussia will NOT be held bound by them. Prussia will NOT be taken advantage of by the Pommeranians and their meager coalition. "

 

[Longinus]

Kreplinberger looks with humility on Lithuanian.

"Your Grace,

Please lower your tone a bit. This is Holy See not inn somewhere in Lithuanian lands where pagans worship their idols.

I would like to remind you Your Grace that after Papal decree no other realm joined to the war and now, although I am not a knight, I fear now it will be inevitable.

I would also ask Your Grace why do you answer on behalf of Poland? I have never claimed that Lithuania declared war on Pommerania without warning, or that Lithuania broke any treaties. If your duke will do this I am sure Joachim of the Greif will be prepared but backstabbing and pact breakening on behalf of Poland is disgusting.

And in the end know that I am not a diplomat but a priest on service of the Church, perhaps I am naive but I dare to call it a virtue in this world of tretchery and lies."

He glares at Lithuanian when he says about "tretchery and lies".

"As to absorbtion and annexations , I suggest Your Eminence to talk with you envoys from Frankfurt where pathetic Lithuanian attempts to annex Prussia were revealed. As well as Prussian intentions to invade Pommerania."

 

[Schlieffen]

Terpening rises.
Your Eminence, were we to have the Vatican's support, I am sure that Victor could bring the conflict to a close without any further bloodshead. It is, after all, a confclit between Imperial Duchies, and we in the Empire are tired of wars fought between on our soil, at least in such a short period of time.

 

[Longinus]

Kreplinberger bows with humility before Terpening.

"Herr Terpening,

Prussia is not an imperial duchy and never was. Prussian duke never paid homage to Emperor. Also, according to Imperial Law, Emperor has no right to interfere in politicks of Imperial principalities even if all ionvolved are part of the Empire."

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Corleone reads a note from Constantinople bearing the papal seal before he replies to the petitioners.

He quietly listens to Kreplinberger and Jagiello impassively before making a comment.

He looks condescendingly at Terpening as he speaks.

"I believe that Prussia is not an Imperial fief, but if you wish to support your own in the Empire, surely you don't need Papal permission?"

"I have been reading a copy of the Golden Bulle and it makes for an interesting read."

He turns to the room with the same look

"This mater is quite clear to me, and even if it flies in the face of work I have done, I would not hesitate, if I were the Holy Father"

"When he returns he will actively take an interest in what befalls here"

"I have made clear the thoughts he had before this conflicted and some are still flagrantly disregarding the word. In addition to this the Doge of Genoa seems to be trying to bribe the pope, according to this note........ Ermm.. Dropping the penance and supporting Prussia for... Erm....to quote.... "donate the Cathedral of Jean-Luke II in Genoa and one in the Delta, and His Holiness' choice of two conquered lands to His Holiness" AND Poland shows the same complacency to the church as it has done for years."

He reflects that it was a shame the letter had not come to him first.

"Now..... I can tell you, that there is an obvious "right" to this conflict, and although his holiness frowns on war, I believe he understands that after 4 years of trying normal channels, Pommern is justified to resorting to conflict."

"Now....."

He looks at the Lithuanian.

"Are they right when they tell me you received land for your aid to Prussia?"

Then he scowls at the Genoan

"If you raise a sword in this war, I feel sure excommunication may be the pontiffs response. I will expect the Doge back here to explain himself to the Holy Father"

"I am wholly aware that there are military giants involved here, so you must take my words as "hear say", but mark them well"

He peers menacingly at some of the delegates and cardinals.

"It is beyond my comprehension that Lithuania should jeopardise its good standing with the church this way"

He stands to leave the room. Shaking his head, mumbling something about cutting of your nose to spite your face

 

[BusterBunny]

Cardinal Jean de Montpetit speaks up:

"Are we to understand that any OTHER Catholic nation who would raise their sword in this upcoming conflict would be struck with excommunication, good Cardinal Corleone?"

 

[Txini]

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alfonso de Borja receives a note and quickly reads it and talks to Cardinal Corleone.

Good Cardinal, my brother Joffre is looking for some strange things in Naples and request my help to solve them so I will be traveling there for some weeks if I'm needed can be someone send to Naples to look for me?? or do you preffer if I ask my brother to come here with both sides of problem to be judged in neutral land and under the saw of Christ and his representants over Earth??

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Corleone turns to the grand master on the way out.

"This is Genoa, of which i speek"

"No other nation has penance pending, and such a history of papal defiance"

"I do not assume to put words into the Papal mouth, but it could only be others in extreme circumbstances my lord Grand Master De Montpetite."

"But if YOU have any input, i would be pleased to hear your veiws. Perhaps you will join me now, for some refreshment?"

 

[Schlieffen]

Terpening rises.
Gentlemen, Prussia and Livonia, now the Teutonic Order I believe -- there has been some chaos in the former's relm that causes their government to be a bit vague at the moment -- are Imperial duchies, just as Lotharingia and Luxembourg-Hungary are. The only difference is that Prussia's overloard, at the time Livonia, to a certain degree, forced it upon the Empire, and did so successfuly in two wars, I believe.
Just because the Pommernarians do not think so does not mean it is not true. Pommernaria is not the Empire, nor is it correct in this matter. Pommern has attacked another Imperial state, and Victor is well within his rights to defend it. I mearly request, on his behalf, the Vatican's support in doing so so that an all-out war may be avoided in the process.

 

[Damocles]

With a somber expression upon hearing the Papal verdict, the Lithuanian delegate to Rome, Jagiello once more steps forth.

"It pains me that the Holy Father will support the legitimacy of Pommern's claims. I also fear that he may have misunderstood the intent of the Doge's letter. In any case, Lithuania has already made it's stance clear;

If the armies of Pommern and her allies advance past the province of Danzig, I will consider such a provocation after the many insults that I have received from Pommern diplomats about 'Lithuania being next', to be an adequate casus belli.

I will put the possibility of peace in God's hands. If Pommern advances, there will be a tragedy."

 

[Petrarca]

Outside Rome, a small party of horsemen approach the city gates. As dusk falls, they are turned away as the guards begin to close the gates of the city walls. One of the riders, somewhat corpulent but well-dressed, approaches the captain of the gate. He extends his hand so that the captain may help him dismount. The captain, glimpsing the episcopal ring upon his finger, motions hurriedly for the guards to raise the gate, kissing the bishop's ring while waving the party into the streets of the Eternal City.

 

[LUDWIG]

The old Austrian Cardinal von Webber bows his head respectfully before the Papal throne and once permitted begins his speech.

"Holy Father though I have stood before you and disagreed with Herr Tarpening over some issues I feel compelled to voice my support for him now.
Prussia is an Imperial realm and as such owes some semblence of respect to the Imperial throne. I know little of the quarrel between Pommern and Prussia so I will refrain from intruding on such discussions until I have been better informed.

I must however call upon the church of Pommern to explain why they are compelled to violate the law of the land and yet see no reason to share their motives with us all.

On a lighter note Holy Father perhaps the strain is beginning to tell on the Austrian people. I hear the Archduke actually made a speech in support of the men of Cologne.
That I have also made such a speech today must surely be cause for some investigation. Perhaps a shortage of good strudel and sausage is making us more agreeable then normal."

At this the old Austrian laughs joyfully for a few moments before standing aside to allow another to address the pontiff.
The Austrian looks somewhat awkward supporting Herr Tarpening as though it pains him to do so.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter from Aragon arrives.

“Holy Father,

I believe the past cast shadows in the present and it is my wish to correct this. There was a time when Aragon was moving against the directions of the mother church and you, our most Holy Father. I beg forgivness for these past misstakes, taken by me. I have not only grown older but my love for the mother church and yourself has grown aswell. I have realised that going against you is to defy our beloved God, the Lord himself. Never again shall Aragon, do such a misstake. I wish to reassure you of Aragons support for every move or decision you may take and that Aragon, never will allow enemies to the mother church pass the territory of Aragon. Instead I will make any effort to defend the mother church, then allow any harm happen upon it.

Written and signed

Alfonso V, King of Aragon”

There where also a second letter, but that one, the holy Father read later that evening.

 

[unmerged(7400)]

A carriol arrives from a french territory and a woman gets out of it. She respectfully ask for an interview with the Pope or one of his subaltern, and when she is granted it, going on her knees, she start talking.

Your holliness, I come from Bourbonnais to send you news of what is happening in the lands.

Every noble family, with the exception of ours, as been killed in the recent months. That makes our family, the Patenostre, the highest ranked in the Duché. I, Tania de Laurent, cousin of Francis de Patenostrem have maid this travel to Rome to ask God his blessing for the crowning of our family. When are ardent protectors of Jesus Christ, and no harm will ever be maid to the Catholic Religion.

Hear my demand, your holliness. I will pray for a favourable answer of yours. As you as your answer is taken, I will be awaiting at the Cathedral of St-Pierre, praying our most trusted God.

 

[unmerged(904)]

A large and particularly effete looking Teutonic knight enters the court. He is in light armour but a light skullcap of the Cardinal is visible in his receding hair. He genuflects to the crucifix, before kneeling in front of the throne of the Holy Father. He placed the sword delicately at the base of the stairs in full sight of all. With a voice that is both booming and quietly caressing.

"I am sent to represent the Clerical and, due to the natre of our society Civic lands of the Teutonic Order. Holy Father, Pontiffus Maximus, Severus Severum Dei, Christ's True and Only Representative on Earth, Descendant of Peter. I, Karl von Eberhart Vicar Apostolic of the Teutonic Order's territories, Metropolitan of Riga and Cardinal of Livonia pledge the sword of myself, my Grand Master Konrad von Erlichshausen and every Knight to your protection and your service. We humbly submit our strength and power, to your and ultimate Christ's will. I have several things to comment on and would later wish a private audience if I may be so audacious. I tragically must inform you my master's messenger has been late and thus I shall be unable to presently make our views known."

Leaving the ornate sword at the base of the steps, showing continuing devotion he exited the hall to berate some unwitting Cluniac for bringing yet more bad news about the messenger's progress. Quietly, discreetly of course.

A short time later that Cluniac monk offers a sealed letter on behalf of the Cardinal who is presently, reportedly hunting the lost messenger in every tavarn and inn in the Holy City.

 

[unmerged(1878)]

The hard-eyed Fletcher Bassel enters and bows before Cardinal Corleone somewhat stiffly before proceeding.

In accordance with His Holiness' wishes, the Kingdom of Jerusalem now denies, for the time being, passage of non-Mameluke Mohammadite pilgrims to the Holy City.

In addition, King Roland requests guidance as to the... unusual contestation of the throne of Naples, as he has been approached by several parties in the matter.

 

[Txini]

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alfonso de Borja hears the representative of Jerusalem:

We were requesting for someone of the Church, the problem in Naples is between the heirs of the former 'king' and is something to solve by the Crown of aragon but with guidance by Holy mother chruch.

 

[SiDeath]

Cardinal Nebucci walks to where he might be heard and announces:

"Cardinal Corleone, I must return to Genoa. Doge Alessandro wishes me to run the affairs of state in his stead. He is one his way here and decided why does he need two representatives? He will be coming to beg penance and confess to His Holiness. If His Holiness is still not well, then, I would assume the Doge will ask it from you."

With that, the Cardinal returns to his quarters.