Prelude
Charles straightened his old body as much as possible, and concluded that it wasn´t much. Leaning on his crutch he walked into the corridors of the royal french castle. It was today that it would happen. Yes, today, he smiled.
A messenger stomped into the large throne room ‘King Charles the eight’ the screamed, and banged his spear against the stone floor. The trumpets blew a fanfare and the king entered, looking old and fragile, he was supported by his son, Luis.
The king sat down on the throne, Luis to the right of him, the crowd of awaiting noblemen dispersed and moved away to have wild parties or whatever noblemen and women were up to when the king was accepting foreign diplomats.
The king looked around the now very empty throne room, he knew that HE was ther somewhere, in the shadows, the only man that the king had ever trusted.
- Father, what is the matter? Luis asked
- My son, what you are about to see today must you never utter a word about.
- Yes father.
- THAT IS NOT ENOUGH! The king screamed. Then seeing how frightened his son had become, he said softly: swear it.
- I swear by France, Paris and the people that the knowledge of whatever you are to show me, father, will not be spread by me.
The king smiled
- Ah, but you see, my son, the king is the people, the king is France. L’état, c’est moi...
- I do not understand, father.
- In time, you will, in time.
- What is it that you want to show me, father?
- I believe, that he was talking about me. Said a dark voice from within the shadows.
- It is so indeed, my old friend, the king said, why don´t you reveal youself to my son here?
- Are you joking, Charles? The voice boomed. I have never shown myself to anyone, and especially not to you.
- Sorry about that, Gerard, a shameless joke on your behalf. Are we ready to start the grand plan?
- We are, I have studied the old scrolls carefully, the nuff is out there, to the east. I trust that you know what to do?
- As long as I have your help, yes. The king said.
- That is good.
Then, it was silent.
- Papa?
- Yes?
- Who was that?
- An old advisor. Just an old advisor...