- ARCHIVE - Court of His Holiness in Rome

[Damocles]

Jagiello addresses the Papal Court, directing his words to the Cardinal Corleone in absence of the Holy Vicar,

"I beseech the Mother Church to set the Regent of Pommern straight. He has repeatedly defiled both my master and my countrymen in referring to Lithuania as a land of pagans and heretics, when in fact, it is the most zealous of the Church's children...As befits the newly converted.

Deception is a sin against not only the victim, but the perpetrator himself and God. I ask that the Pommern delegate desist from his baseless slander."

 

[Longinus]

Kreplinberger feels somehow unsure among cardinals and archbishops all around but approaches to Papal throne, bows before cardinal Corleone and starts to speak.

"Your Eminence,

Should I lay that I shall seek penance, but I swear that neither Livonia nor Prussia swore fealthy and paid homage to Holy Roman Emperor. It is true that Teutons hold special rank in holy Roman Empire but that is all. Empire's boundaries have not been expanded since years."

Somehow satisfied with his anwser he continiue.

"I also bring news from the Baltic. Most pious Pommern forces has not move further then Danzig and in fact they have defended The Greif's property against backstabbing invadors of Poland and Orthodox Moldavians.

Also, memebr of inquisition already found evidences of pagan activity in the area, perhaps brought by Lithuanians, who knows that for sure?

That is why Pommern Church call High Inquisitor, Cardinal Jean de Montpetit and High Imperial Inquisitor, Cardinal Archbishop Albert Arzt, to procede with investigation which we also suggest to move further into heart of darkness which a rumor says Lithuania in fact is."

 

[unmerged(6501)]

Cardinal Manrique de Lara, Primate of Hispania, and Cardinal Henry Chicely, Primate of Britannia, deliver a private petition to the Holy Father.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Back in three days. Damn it, to hells Brimstone!

Cardinal Dom Corleone had re established his authority in the Curia in the last few weeks but could do with more time.

It was unfortunate that his holiness would be arriving back before some of his more base plans could come to fruition. Still. At least he may be able to save Lithuania. Genoa too seemed to have seen sense.

He thought of all the meetings with Rainmund also, and grinned.

He decided to go to the audience room and address the petitioners this once more.

He laconically sits in his familiar manner, with leg over the arm of the red throne and answers the petitioners.

"His Holiness arrives back from Constantinople quite soon, so there are some points I need clarified."

"What is the issue between Naples, Aragon and Jerusalem? His holiness is unlikely to have much patience if old troubles flair again."

"Also...... I am extremely pleased that both Lithuania and Genoa chose not to help things escalate, and will pass this pious news to his holiness upon arrival.

My lord Terpening.

"Prussia and Livonias, standing is one of a special precedence in the Empire. So I believe. BUT where does this say that they are OF the Empire?"

To the room

"If I am not mistaken, all of Pommerns goals for a successful negotiation of a peace are met, and I would hope in the next few days we will hear of a successful treaty."

"This mater of Paganism within Lithuania is a hard one, but I would ask you all to consider what is the truth here."

"Until recently this land was heathen and devil run. Then 50+ years ago a pious and good catholic brought the word to the heathen. His successor is Vytautas II, Grand Duke of Lithuania."

"It is a fact known by the inquisition and all in Europe that the peasantry is still clinging to their old ways. It is a small mater for the pious king to consider bringing in laws pertaining to religion in government that stabilise any mixed signals that may emanate from what is an Eastern Bastion of The word of Christ"

"Let us remember that by his recent ceding of the point pertaining to war with Pommern he has proven, as a leader (At least) he is a good Catholic."

He turns to the Austrian Cardinal and bows to the German Primate.

"Cardinal von Webber. As ever; You show you genuine objectivity. I will pass your words on"

He then opens the letter from Aragon for the Pope.

"Ahhhh.... Aragon at last can enter the Papal favour again. What a strange government system."

He looks a little confused for a moment when the Bourbon speaks but soon gathers himself.

"Welcome to Rome, Milady Tania de Laurent. His holiness will be pleased to see the Anarchy that assailed our vassal diminished."

"Francis de Patenostrem ? Is this to be the new Duke did you say? I knew a very fine Bishop of that name when I was in southern France a while back. Are you related? No,, err. That was Francestine"

He shakes his head, distracted.

He looks at the Pomerrn

"His holiness may see fit to send the Inquisition to Lithuania, but if he does it will be the Grand Master or his Deputy. To ensure impartiality."

"Do I correctly assume the war over Prussia is in a state of Ceasefire while talks are held? As for Poland.... His Holiness will deal with them when he returns. The Moldavians had better remember not to provoke this situation, as it may be bad for their health."

To Cardinal Manrique de Lara, Primate of Hispania he reads a note and makes comment.

"Hmmmm... I will pass your letter to the Pontiff... He may have to think on this one. It's a little ...errr.. Peculiar, but not unheard of in extreme circumstances."

He turns to speak with Abbot Del Ponti standing next to the throne.

 

[BusterBunny]

Cardinal Jean de Montpetit speaks up:

"Your Holiness, dear collegues, your Eminence Cardinal Corleone.

Today is a sad day for the people of Lotharingia, as I have just received the news that Marie de Berry, our ruler, is now dead. Marie de Berry was one of the most fervent supporter of the Holy Church, and also received twice formal recognitions by the Holy Church.

Join me in prayer, as we must wish that Marie de Berry be accepted in heaven, on the right side of God."

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Corleone looks at the Grand Master

"You bring crushing news, eminance."

A tear arrises to his eye. Its honesty dubious.

"I am sure his Holiness will hold mass and declare a state of mourning. What befell her?"

"Let us take a moment to pray...."

He bows his head and makes the sign of the cross

"In nomine Patri, et filii, et spiritus sancti..Amen."

 

[BusterBunny]

Cardinal Jean de Montpetit answers:

"What befell her? Her duty, that is what.

Fate, should I say.

The delivery of triplets killed her, as the pain was seemingly too strong for her to bare.

Masses are uneccessary. She wasn't the kind of woman to ask to be celebrated. There will be a small funeral for her, as she has requested in her will. But nothing more."

A messenger arrives in the Papal court, and delivers a small message to Cardinal Jean de Montpetit.

His face becomes white, and he looks at the Pope.

"I... will have to go, good eminence. There are troubles in my lands..."

 

[Petrarca]

Cardinal Archbishop de Medici arrives into the sumptuous busom of Mother Church, seeking a private audience with the gray eminence of the Vatican.

Cardinal de Medici, feeling somewhat pallid today, as he waits.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

It is reported throughout Roma, that the Papal barge is in sight.

His Holiness had returned from giving solace and support to the new and growing populace of Thrace.

The English Knights were ensconsed and the Cathederal was being cleared. Stone masons had begun to arrive before he left.

Only one thing had spoiled his trip. The inability for the Orthodox religion to show a united front.

 

[Petrarca]

Meanwhile, Cardinal de Medici waits, somewhat impatiently as is the habit of that family, for the papal response to his letter.

 

[Longinus]

Klepenbinger approaches Holy Pontiff, kneels and kises his hand.

"Your Holiness,

Rumors about increased pagan activity in Lithuania seem to be true according to the latest findings of Inquisition of Pommern diocese. Lithuanian pagans has infected realm of Prussia with their idols and petty gods. Here are detailed reports."

He presents doezens of rolls of prechments, and quotes some sentences.

Originally posted by Bishop Herman von Slaza, Grand Inquisitor of Pommern diocese.

"... fathers Malicki, Tompczynski and Keller found most alarming traces of paganism in small town of Wilgendorf near Konigsberg. It seems that some of local inhabitants worship idol of Perkun, god of Thunders. He was brought to Wilgendorf by Lithuanian settlers who were heading to newly aquired province of Memel. However, even more trubing evidences were found in city of Bogenhafen, two days south-east from Konigsberg, father von Locke and...

...and this continiues Your Holiness. More and more dangerous evidences of increased pagan activity in Prussia. Unfortunately...

Originally posted by Bishop Herman von Slaza, Grand Inquisitor of Pommern diocese.

... due to lack of resources we have to limit our investigation. we await His Holiness support and Grand Inquisition brought to Prussia and Lithuania...

I beg Your Holiness to send one of your Grand Inquisitors with help to Prussia and Lithuania. On the other note, von Blommensteins seems to defy words of the Church and don't rcognise Inquisition findings in Prussia, perhaps because they are allied with Lithuanians? Who knows?

I would also like to inform Your Holiness that Bishop Moscicki and Joachim of the Greif will be finally able to come personally to the Holy See. Should you still wish to see them, they will arrive in two months time."

 

[LUDWIG]

The good Cardinal von Webber awaits his turn to address the Holy See.

"Holy Father as the matter over Danzig affects my Germanic flock perhaps the dispute can be resolved through dialogue through Austrian churchmen.
For surely our Lord said that blessed were the peacemakers and the church should encourage the spirit of brotherly love in all nations.

Also as a mark of respect to the fallen Duchess of Burgundy the Austrian delegation will fast for 2 weeks and pray for her soul.
I understand this may be somewhat more then the good Duchess wanted but to mourn such a good woman we can hardly forget her contribution to the church and the material realm.
If this act of mourning offends the Burgundians then Austria shall
ammend her actions to properly honour the passing of a most excellent woman.

Finally your Immence I have a note informing me that Austria has been granted an additional Cardinal. If this is true I shall summon several worthy candidates for the red hat. If this is false then it is better that all the world know of our honesty on this matter."

 

[Damocles]

Jagiello rises for the final time regarding Paganism in Lithuania.

With a deep bow to the Holy Vicar, he makes his case.

"Holy Papa, the claims of the Pommeranians that there are indeed massive subversive pagan elements are laughable. Especially in the West where the nearly the entire population is as Catholic as our Polish or German fellows.

Our people are very devout in our efforts at converting our Orthodox Rus elements, yet most Paganism is confined to a very small social strata of subsistence farmers out east who have no political influence.

In short, Papa, Lithuania considers Pommern's outrageous claims that we are organizing in the space of a few short months massive Pagan subversion of Prussia in a methodical diabolical manner to be so rediculous as to be deeply insulting.

I request that the Holy Vicar put an absolute stop to this nonsense for it is deeply and utterly offensive. Not only to the Lithuanian people, but intellectually as well.

I further request that the Pommern be punished for it's lies. Producing a few scrolls is hardly proof. I could produce the same evidence in claiming Pommern is secretly trying to convert it's people to Islam.

After it was revealed to us that Pommern has threatened Prussia with annexation if it dosen't declare war on Lithuania in a obviously desperate and evil attempt to seize a casus belli, It would be silly and stupid to trust the word of any Pommern delegate. We beg the Vicar to end it. It is painful to both our hearts and our ears."

 

[Longinus]

Klepenbinger bows with humilty before gentelmen from Lithuania.

"Good sire,

Please note that I am not Pommern delegate but most humble servant of Church. Those scrolls I have presented are written by Bishop Herman von Slaza, Grand Inquisitor of Pommern diocese who followed advancing troops in Prussia with group of trustworthy inquisitours. Circumstantial evidences indicate that paganism in Lithuania is far more developed then herr Jagiello claims, is herr Jagiello claims that Teutonic Knights watch your northern border without purpose?

I would like also to remind again herr Jagiello, that you are in Holy See not in errr... Lithuanian court anymore. There is certain protocole here and your impulsive behaviour simply do not fit here.

In fact more then half of Lithuanian populace are pagan and it is well known that Lithuanian contingent in battle of Tannenberg was also bagan to a huge extense. Neither bishop von Slaza neither me claim that your Duke is pagan himself, we only ask for detailed investigation as it is clear that pagan infuances incrased in Prussia. Where they came from? Again, traces lead to Lithuanian lands. It is said that many boyars turn their heads to Perkun and other pagan idols.

I do not know plans of Pommern landlord, Joachim of the Greif, but in fact whole family holds massive record of piety and honourable behaviour. I also recieved a message that peace talks with Hohenzolerns advanced very much in Konigsberg."

 

[Damocles]

Jagiello sighs as he responds.

"Much can change in twenty years. In fact, the massive conversions that have been wittnessed in Lithuania in recent decades should be a cause for celebration. There is already a sizable contingent of the Church whom are wholly responsible to the Papacy in the lands of Lithuania. If the Holy Vicar or Cardinal Corleone truly desire to know the exact percentages as best as can be figured, they only need to write a letter.

In the West, along the Polish border, all cities, towns, nobility, etc, are predominately Christian. The nobility to a man is a professed Christian. North and East, there are the lands of the Orthodox Rus which my father conquered. There are still many Orthodox nobles in these lands. Yet they are a relatively stable element. Catholicism has allied with Orthodoxy in the common defense of Christianity more then once in these recent trying times that saw the resurgence of the Horde.

I do not deny that there is a large number of Pagan subsistence farmers. Yet they wield absolutely no political influence, and their numbers are being decreased daily.

I do not deny that many of Lithuania's population is still ignorant. Yet they are mere serfs. Though the lords of Lithuania are encouraged to spread the Word, there are only so many who have the time to do so. There is also only so many priests. If Pommern desires to donate time and resources to assisting us in reaching these ignorant poor, lowly souls, then the help would be welcome.

However. To claim that there is a mass attempted pagan conversion and subversion of Prussia of all places, carried out with the acceptance and knowledge of the Grand Duke and the nobility in some kind of calculated plan is so much nonsense as t be a sin.

The Grand Duke and his most powerful magnates are men who rose to their pre-eminence by being the most anti-Pagan lords of the realm. By their acts of conversion by the Sword and the Word, the Holy God has blessed them with prosperity. Indeed, Lithuania is considered very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to reap such heavenly rewards.

It is well known that Pommern despises Lithuania for doing it's best to provide some comfort and security to Prussia. However, the fact that we are Christian, God-fearing nations with deep mutual respect towards the Papacy should not be denied...Yet urged as a mutual ground to draw us closer to reconciliation when our differences and those very real quarrels you have with my neighbours can be peacefully and honorably settled.

 

[Longinus]

Klepenbinger nods, showing his great intrest.

"Your Grace,

Your words are much more calmer and cohesive now. However, the truth I know is a bit diffrent. I was in Lithuania two and a half years ago as missionare acompaning Teutonic patrol in Zmudz. We found that vast majority of populace in the area have no idea about God and Holy Mother Church, that is why Teutonic Knight are still serving near Lithuanian border and didn't move to other place.

Plese tell inhabitans of Bohenhafen and Teutonic Knights that there is no serious pagan issue in Lithuania.

Evidences provided by bishop von Slaza are unambiguous. There is certain pagan influance in Prussia and is comming from Lithuania and Memel. Rumor says that many boyars worship pagan gods in secret.

However, we ask for close investigation and aid in this enterprise."

 

[Damocles]

Jagiello clears his throat.

"To the best of my knowledge the Teutonic Order is a sorry shattered entity, no longer able to guard against anything. In 1410 they were crushed by a combined Polish and Lithuanian army under the generalship of Vytautas II's father. They certainly didn't offer any help against the wave of Mongols from the East. Apparently, Pagan farmers are more dangerous. Against even papal permission they waged war on their brothers in wanton greed.

Lithuania is renown as the Watchtower of the East. We guard Europe against the Golden Horde. We stand as a wall to the violent, islamic tide that so recently reached Venice itself! To suggest that the Teutonic Order is guarding against us in this day and age is idiocy. You are leaving three decades in the past.

I also doubt that there was any Teutonic patrol conducted within the borders of Lithuania as recently as two and a half years ago. The statement itself is highly uninformed. "

The Lithuanian's voice grows with anger.

"We are a sovereign Christian Duchy. My master, Vytautas II's grandfather was the King of both Poland and ruler of Lithuania. We are the largest Christian realm in Europe. There is an established and vibrant Papal presence within Lithuania. We are not a dark, unknown entity. There is free and encouraged trade and travel in our lands with the nations of the West. As a whole, our warrior caste is fiercely devoted to Christianity.

This baseless slander against the people of Lithuania caused the Pommern delgate to the Imperial Diet to be thrown out. Are you now under directions to air these accusations here? In Rome? Just because you state such or claim to have such evidence, makes it a long long way from fact."

 

[Damocles]

The Lithuanian delegate to Rome regains his composure after a moment, speaking to the Pommern churchman in more restrained tones.

"My master, Vytautas II is the progeny of a great and honorable man. Vytautas I who led his people to many victories. Not the least of which was the Battle of Grunwald.

However, what many don't remember was that Vytautas own sibling attempted to have him killed some 28 years before the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. He was offered shelter and protection in Prussia until he could claim his rightful title, which he eventually did so."

The delegate sighs.

"Out of a similar sense of responsibilty, Lithuania has sought to extend the same protection and shelter to the Prussian people. We have attempted to conduct ourselves honorably and to respect the laws of the Empire and the will of the Pope. I wish I could state the same for Pommern. Yet even if I were to give them the benefit of the doubt, such dubious measures as these alleged Pagan conversion attempts and attempting to coerce Prussia into declaring war, is painful to listen to."

 

[Longinus]

Klepenbinger's face express sadness.

"My son,

You sin with your anger. Please calm yourself.

I assure you that that I was part of Teutonic patrol two and a half years ago, and that I all I said is true.

Also, the truth is that Teutonic knights are most honorable and pious order in Europe which constantly guards our borders before pagan, muslim and partly Orthodox threat.

Truly I would like to know Teutonic opinion on this matter. Too bad that brave kinghts prefer to watch border of Christiandom then send here their representative who would listen to your ideas my son.

I have heard also that Josef Zakrzycki was indeed inmprisoned by von Blommenstins in Frankfurt, yet he is another who sacrifaced himself to defend Empire against ruler who defied direct Papal order. I heard that von Blommensteins clan allied with Lithuanians seeking support they lack in the Empire, is that true?

If it is true, it saddnem me as Victor von Blommenstein has not only defied Papal words but there is also a certain investigaion against him right now. I wonder how much has Victor and Vytautas II in common."

 

[Damocles]

The Lithuanian delegate states once again,

"A Teutonic Patrol inside the well guarded and fortified borders of Lithuania without the consent of the Grand Duke Vytautas is clearly impossible. Unless the Teutonic Order meant this as an act of war that they never decided to declare."