London to Rome: A holy pilgrimage

[Lord William]

The Archbishop and Henry set out on there 3 week journey to the holy city of Rome, the home of the holy father Pope Paschal II. The journey was long and tedious, it was nice to have company along the trip. The ship had just landed on the shores of Normandy, the archbishop seemed a bit peckish and thought he would grab something to eat at a local tavern

occ: this is open rpg feel free to make up characters and join in

[Lord William]

Henry limped into the tavern, taking the nearest seat to the door. A young maiden approached, she began to utter the daily specials. Henry of course smiled at the pretty girl and than asked for the French Onion soup also known as the peasants soup. There he sat awaiting his meal when he began to pray

BENEDIC, Domine, nos et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.


Mensae coelestis participes faciat nos, Rex aeternae gloriae. Amen.

[Gandalfus]

A kind old man, obviously run down on his luck, came and sat not far from Henry. He smiled, and spoke in a husky voice.

"Praying father? What do you pray for?"

[Lord William]

Henry looked at the old man and felt sympathy, he offered that he join him and said the maiden to bring some more food for the old man.

i am praying to give thanks to God for the food I am about to receive and may he always bestow his kindness and generosity upon me

[Gandalfus]

The kind old man nodded with sincerity.

"A noble thing to pray for... I pray for my last son, in Jerusalem..."

[Lord William]

Henry liked the old man, he wasn't educated but he carried himself in a well manner

my name is Father Henry and yours?

[Gandalfus]

"Robert of Ponthieu is the name... I was a knight, once, until my hand was severed... It is a pleasure, father."

Smiling sadly, He lifted his stub of a right arm.

[Lord William]

You are still a knight Sir Robert, even if thou hast given up the sword. If I may ask did you serve in the holy lands?

[Gandalfus]

He looked wistfully.

"Yes... And also in England and the Baltic. I came back here not a few years ago, after my lord was killed and I was released from a Saracen prison. My son is still out there, sworn to the Jerusalemite King"

[Lord William]

The food finally came and Henry began to dine with his friendly companion, still continuing the conversation

I must ask with your son in the holy lands, why are you not at his side?

[Gandalfus]

Robert gazed at him mournfully.

"I cannot fight, and I took an oath not to serve the king of Jerusalem, so I came home to Ponthieu..."

[Warhead7]

Henry Shieldworth walked up to where The Archbishop was sitting. He looked at the old man sitting with him carefully and noticed a missing hand. However, The Archbishop seemed to enjoy his company so Henry knew he could be no harm. He sat near them both and listened to them talk.

[Lord William]

Henry Shieldworth walked up to where The Archbishop was sitting. He looked at the old man sitting with him carefully and noticed a missing hand. However, The Archbishop seemed to enjoy his company so Henry knew he could be no harm. He sat near them both and listened to them talk.

The archbishop welcomed Henry to table, introducing him to the old man

Robert gazed at him mournfully.

"I cannot fight, and I took an oath not to serve the king of Jerusalem, so I came home to Ponthieu..."

No one expects you to fight or to swear any fealty Sir Robert, I truly believe that it is the wish of God that you go to Jerusalem and stand at the side of your son. Show him your love and affection till the end of your days for every day is a blessing, a blessing which can only be shared with family.

[Gandalfus]

Robert nodded with conviction, the old yet powerfully built man having a fire rekindled within him.

"I certainly shall, father. Thank you."

[Lord William]

Henry dug deep into his pockets grabbing several gold ducats, he than placed 1 ducat on the table to pay for everyone's meal and the rest he placed in Roberts good hand

may this help you on your journey to your son

Henry stood up and made ready to leave for Rome

[Warhead7]

"Are we off already? Where to now?"

[Lord William]

They had crossed the french plain and now face the wall of mountains guarding the italian peninsula

[Warhead7]

It was a great sight and Henry had never seen anything like it.

"Do we have to cross those mountains?"

The thought of that troubled him.

[Lord William]

The shortest route is through the mountains, though a detour would be easier it will take alot longer.
Henry wanted to find a compromise, he thought it was best to ask locals in the area

[Warhead7]

Henry looked around him. There was not many people, and most of them were old and looked forgetful. Except there was one rather young man who looked like the best person to ask.

"Hello, we are looking for a way around these mountains. I presume you are from this area, so you might you a way."

The young man looked at Henry blankly. Henry turned round to the Archbishop for assistance.