((Join IC by Del, ML and I))
The road was choppy as Ser James and Prince Matthew reached Newcastle. James had given the Prince a basic introduction to Newcastle and the purpose of the trip. But both Prince and noble were grateful when the long journey was over, with their stiff legs and backs. But the pain was pushed aside as Bishop Chaffinch greeted the pair when they arrived.
Chaffinch approached the carriage slowly, wearing clothes unfit for a clergyman but more of the lords of the realm. For he had never been one for ceremony. The bishop opened the door and saw the Prince and his teacher Ser James, greeting them with a warm smile, understanding the displeasure of travelling up and down the country.
He told’ them, “See why I wanted someone to come to me for once”.
Ser James chuckled, “Indeed I can my bishop, it must give your old bones a right rattle.”
“Indeed my fine fellow but I think you could manage it after all you are a strong willed man which is why you have been chosen to educate the future of our great nation” swiftly showing Matthew what he meant to Frederick.
Matthew saw the bishop and wondered why Ser James has taken him all this way to Newcastle. He enjoyed road trips but this carriage ride had been quite drab and now he was standing here at the bishop’s residence wondering what was going on and why he was here. “James what are we doing here in Newcastle?”
“Why my young Prince, outside your direct tuition by both scholars and members of the southern court, Bishop Chaffinch has offered to further your advancement, isn’t that correct,father? Quipped James.
“I have indeed good sir” Chaffinch calmly stated, “ I understand you have a theological teacher already your Highness but I am a bishop and have been for a decade so I believe I can help you there. As well as this though I have other expertise such as foreign languages and a subject you have keen interest in, diplomacy. I am in fact a member of your mother’s diplomatic core”.
Matthew was confused that they had travelled to meet a bishop who was offering to tutor him in spiritual matters. After all, he had established a good bond with Friar John. “Yes, I already receive theological advice from Friar John, a dominican monk. He also teaches me Latin, among other things. I thank you for your offer but I am afraid that I do not need your services.”
Shocked but understanding Chaffinch retorted, “ A good king takes advantage of all his advisors and allies not merely his friends. Friar John is indeed a good man but has he met the Pope himself while on a mission from Henry VI himself, god bless his soul, to allow England to gain a powerful friend? If not,explain his superiority to my teachings after all you are as wise as me to reject me are you not?”.
Matthew was deeply angered by the bishop’s reply. “How dare you ask me to justify myself in front of you! Ser James has made the teaching arrangement with Friar John and so far it has worked out well. James, what is this madness? The bishop shows me no respect!”
Ser James was aghast “My father and my prince, please stop. Bishop Chaffinch, i thought you knew better than to insult your future King, and Prince Matthew, I thought I had raised you to be considerate in your choice of tone. Unless you have anything more to say Bishop,” he spat the word the venom, “then me and the Prince shall return to London, should that be his wish. Such as shame, I had hoped for refined conversation for once” he slithered out from between his teeth.
Worried and aware of his position Chaffinch swallowed his pride, “My dearest Prince, I did not mean to offend I was simply curious to why you see my knowledge as irrelevant. Of course I am not used to being rejected like this, as I am a bishop after all even your good teacher came to me in search of help once,” Chaffinch knew where his trump card lay
“What a lot of good that did” Spat James under his breath” But if you do insist on refusing my offer, allow me to show you some sights around this city, there is the Cathedral I myself baptised you in,giving you entry to the Lord’s Kingdom, my ship one of the fastest in Europe or a short boat trip to the scottish border or the infamous monastery on Lindisfarne. It would be a waste of a journey to return now.”
Matthew thought for a moment before replying. He felt the bishop deserved a second chance, despite disrespecting him: “Alright, Bishop Chaffinch. We shall tour the city with you.”
“Excellent would you like to join me and Ser James while we plan your security arrangements or do you wish to head to somewhere in my home. The library perhaps?”
“You know this city better than us both, father, so I shall let you decide where we go.” Coolly replied Ser James.
“I do but I would appreciate if his highness saw he was taken care of while here. After all I have already offended him once, an assassination attempt could only make matters worse. We have all learned what paranoia can do.” Chaffinch recalled the memories of Henry often forgotten.
“I entrust the Royal Guard to protect me from any assassins. Newcastle is not known to be a dangerous town. If the captain of the Royal Guard believes it is too dangerous then I trust he will say so. Lead the way, bishop” Matthew wondered why it was so difficult to connect with the bishop. He seemed like an odd man to him.
“One final thing my Prince I would like to talk to Ser James alone if that is alright?” Chaffinch queried.
“You made me come to Newcastle and now you do not wish to speak to me? Very well. I will go with the Royal Guards to take a look at the state of this town.
As the prince stormed off Frederick approached James, “Ser James you are a wise man and seem to be so polite yet our future King still acts like a toddler. What did I do to irritate him?”
“The Prince likes to be taught particular ways. It just so happens that he like Friar John’s methodologies, and i doubt he’ll sway from them easily.” James tepidly replied.
Nearly breaking down the Bishop weeped “ It was all going so well… So well… but I had to help you didn’t I. Should have left you with the adulterous cow. Now I attempt to piece together my relations with the royal family and some wandering hermit interferes and causes our nation's prince to turn me away despite being educated in far further ways than him.” Piecing together what dignity he had, “ Go Ser James, I have wasted your time follow the prince and see to it he is comfortable I have a visit to make to a land I miss.”
“O Lamb, why doth thee so lamentful, what you did was courageous and you should be proud to have stood strong in your own beliefs. Your people follow you, do not leave them in the darkness of ignorance. Be the holy light to guide them to their salvation.” commanded Ser James.
Smiling, Chaffinch quickly gasped “ You are a naive man Ser. These are times of treachery and deceit, my closest allies would kill me for a promotion and my worst enemies would work for me for a pound. The days of legends and God are over. This is the age of man and even the Church, the holy beloved institution of God, is corrupt to its core. I am a man of few values, yet I feel honest in saying i am the most pure of any bishop in our land. Even that Friar John seems wrong to me. Now please good Ser do me one last favour before I venture on my ship. Send word to James of Huntingdon that his grandson will be taken by me as I wish to see him once more. He will understand.”
“Of course father, now… about that tour.”
“Yes I will need ships and crew. I will send word to the STC that i require ships and men to send a trade fleet to the baltic. Money has always drawn men and will always do so.”
“I was talking about the one around the place, Bishop” James chuckled.
“Indeed I am sorry about that. Take the prince to the brothels and the drug dens for all i care I am tired of this family running our land. You are wasted on him. Please good ser come with me. You deserve better than this. I will send a ship for your children and your wife if you want her. The land of Novgorod is ruled by its people, not an incestous tyrant. please come with me I beg.”
“I must have time to think on this matter, recall if i leave, Friar Bedford will likely take my position. Having given up much for this role, it is hard to decide what is appropriate.” whispered James
“Mark my words old Count, this ‘prince’, this ignorant babyish prince will turn out worse than his father yet will be as unforgiving as his mother I doubt he will give much time for you when he takes the throne of his ancestors. The days ahead are full of warmongers like Warpole, schemers like me, fools like Matthew and tyrants like Elizabeth you will face one one of our wraths one day and it will not be pleasant but remember in the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.” and with that Chaffinch left James standing alone in the courtyard,as it started to rain.
The road was choppy as Ser James and Prince Matthew reached Newcastle. James had given the Prince a basic introduction to Newcastle and the purpose of the trip. But both Prince and noble were grateful when the long journey was over, with their stiff legs and backs. But the pain was pushed aside as Bishop Chaffinch greeted the pair when they arrived.
Chaffinch approached the carriage slowly, wearing clothes unfit for a clergyman but more of the lords of the realm. For he had never been one for ceremony. The bishop opened the door and saw the Prince and his teacher Ser James, greeting them with a warm smile, understanding the displeasure of travelling up and down the country.
He told’ them, “See why I wanted someone to come to me for once”.
Ser James chuckled, “Indeed I can my bishop, it must give your old bones a right rattle.”
“Indeed my fine fellow but I think you could manage it after all you are a strong willed man which is why you have been chosen to educate the future of our great nation” swiftly showing Matthew what he meant to Frederick.
Matthew saw the bishop and wondered why Ser James has taken him all this way to Newcastle. He enjoyed road trips but this carriage ride had been quite drab and now he was standing here at the bishop’s residence wondering what was going on and why he was here. “James what are we doing here in Newcastle?”
“Why my young Prince, outside your direct tuition by both scholars and members of the southern court, Bishop Chaffinch has offered to further your advancement, isn’t that correct,father? Quipped James.
“I have indeed good sir” Chaffinch calmly stated, “ I understand you have a theological teacher already your Highness but I am a bishop and have been for a decade so I believe I can help you there. As well as this though I have other expertise such as foreign languages and a subject you have keen interest in, diplomacy. I am in fact a member of your mother’s diplomatic core”.
Matthew was confused that they had travelled to meet a bishop who was offering to tutor him in spiritual matters. After all, he had established a good bond with Friar John. “Yes, I already receive theological advice from Friar John, a dominican monk. He also teaches me Latin, among other things. I thank you for your offer but I am afraid that I do not need your services.”
Shocked but understanding Chaffinch retorted, “ A good king takes advantage of all his advisors and allies not merely his friends. Friar John is indeed a good man but has he met the Pope himself while on a mission from Henry VI himself, god bless his soul, to allow England to gain a powerful friend? If not,explain his superiority to my teachings after all you are as wise as me to reject me are you not?”.
Matthew was deeply angered by the bishop’s reply. “How dare you ask me to justify myself in front of you! Ser James has made the teaching arrangement with Friar John and so far it has worked out well. James, what is this madness? The bishop shows me no respect!”
Ser James was aghast “My father and my prince, please stop. Bishop Chaffinch, i thought you knew better than to insult your future King, and Prince Matthew, I thought I had raised you to be considerate in your choice of tone. Unless you have anything more to say Bishop,” he spat the word the venom, “then me and the Prince shall return to London, should that be his wish. Such as shame, I had hoped for refined conversation for once” he slithered out from between his teeth.
Worried and aware of his position Chaffinch swallowed his pride, “My dearest Prince, I did not mean to offend I was simply curious to why you see my knowledge as irrelevant. Of course I am not used to being rejected like this, as I am a bishop after all even your good teacher came to me in search of help once,” Chaffinch knew where his trump card lay
“What a lot of good that did” Spat James under his breath” But if you do insist on refusing my offer, allow me to show you some sights around this city, there is the Cathedral I myself baptised you in,giving you entry to the Lord’s Kingdom, my ship one of the fastest in Europe or a short boat trip to the scottish border or the infamous monastery on Lindisfarne. It would be a waste of a journey to return now.”
Matthew thought for a moment before replying. He felt the bishop deserved a second chance, despite disrespecting him: “Alright, Bishop Chaffinch. We shall tour the city with you.”
“Excellent would you like to join me and Ser James while we plan your security arrangements or do you wish to head to somewhere in my home. The library perhaps?”
“You know this city better than us both, father, so I shall let you decide where we go.” Coolly replied Ser James.
“I do but I would appreciate if his highness saw he was taken care of while here. After all I have already offended him once, an assassination attempt could only make matters worse. We have all learned what paranoia can do.” Chaffinch recalled the memories of Henry often forgotten.
“I entrust the Royal Guard to protect me from any assassins. Newcastle is not known to be a dangerous town. If the captain of the Royal Guard believes it is too dangerous then I trust he will say so. Lead the way, bishop” Matthew wondered why it was so difficult to connect with the bishop. He seemed like an odd man to him.
“One final thing my Prince I would like to talk to Ser James alone if that is alright?” Chaffinch queried.
“You made me come to Newcastle and now you do not wish to speak to me? Very well. I will go with the Royal Guards to take a look at the state of this town.
As the prince stormed off Frederick approached James, “Ser James you are a wise man and seem to be so polite yet our future King still acts like a toddler. What did I do to irritate him?”
“The Prince likes to be taught particular ways. It just so happens that he like Friar John’s methodologies, and i doubt he’ll sway from them easily.” James tepidly replied.
Nearly breaking down the Bishop weeped “ It was all going so well… So well… but I had to help you didn’t I. Should have left you with the adulterous cow. Now I attempt to piece together my relations with the royal family and some wandering hermit interferes and causes our nation's prince to turn me away despite being educated in far further ways than him.” Piecing together what dignity he had, “ Go Ser James, I have wasted your time follow the prince and see to it he is comfortable I have a visit to make to a land I miss.”
“O Lamb, why doth thee so lamentful, what you did was courageous and you should be proud to have stood strong in your own beliefs. Your people follow you, do not leave them in the darkness of ignorance. Be the holy light to guide them to their salvation.” commanded Ser James.
Smiling, Chaffinch quickly gasped “ You are a naive man Ser. These are times of treachery and deceit, my closest allies would kill me for a promotion and my worst enemies would work for me for a pound. The days of legends and God are over. This is the age of man and even the Church, the holy beloved institution of God, is corrupt to its core. I am a man of few values, yet I feel honest in saying i am the most pure of any bishop in our land. Even that Friar John seems wrong to me. Now please good Ser do me one last favour before I venture on my ship. Send word to James of Huntingdon that his grandson will be taken by me as I wish to see him once more. He will understand.”
“Of course father, now… about that tour.”
“Yes I will need ships and crew. I will send word to the STC that i require ships and men to send a trade fleet to the baltic. Money has always drawn men and will always do so.”
“I was talking about the one around the place, Bishop” James chuckled.
“Indeed I am sorry about that. Take the prince to the brothels and the drug dens for all i care I am tired of this family running our land. You are wasted on him. Please good ser come with me. You deserve better than this. I will send a ship for your children and your wife if you want her. The land of Novgorod is ruled by its people, not an incestous tyrant. please come with me I beg.”
“I must have time to think on this matter, recall if i leave, Friar Bedford will likely take my position. Having given up much for this role, it is hard to decide what is appropriate.” whispered James
“Mark my words old Count, this ‘prince’, this ignorant babyish prince will turn out worse than his father yet will be as unforgiving as his mother I doubt he will give much time for you when he takes the throne of his ancestors. The days ahead are full of warmongers like Warpole, schemers like me, fools like Matthew and tyrants like Elizabeth you will face one one of our wraths one day and it will not be pleasant but remember in the Game of Thrones, you win or you die.” and with that Chaffinch left James standing alone in the courtyard,as it started to rain.
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