A journey to Rome

**Lord William** · September 30, 2016, 01:47 PM

Francis set his affairs in order and began his journey to Rome. It was cold and rainy the day Francis left for Rome, as the carriage rode off he imagined the warm sun filled air of the Mediterranean and smiled. Despite conditions and a few delays the carriage arrived on time to Portsmouth. Francis had chartered a ship to ferry him across the channel onto French soil. Upon arrival he was greeted by the Archbishop of Paris and stayed for the night within the French court as an honoured guest. With fresh horses and a well made carriage Francis crossed the Italian border and made it into Rome. Now he waits for an audience with the Pope

**Gandalfus** · September 30, 2016, 02:15 PM

Francis is admitted into a private audience hall within Rome. Sitting upon the dais is Pius II, the latest Pope, who appears intrigued by the sudden arrival of the Englishman.

**Lord William** · September 30, 2016, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by Gandalf.

Francis is admitted into a private audience hall within Rome. Sitting upon the dais is Pius II, the latest Pope, who appears intrigued by the sudden arrival of the Englishman.

Francis entered the hall, graciously bowing before the Pope kissing the ring of St. Peter
Thank you Holy Father for granting me an audience under such short notice, I have come to seeking your support and holy council.

**Gandalfus** · October 01, 2016, 04:33 AM

"What troubles you to travel all the way to Rome, my son? This must be a grievous matter." Pius sounded concerned. Old and weathered, the Pope had enough on his plate - he was in the process of planning an expedition against the Turks with the Venetians.

**Lord William** · October 01, 2016, 01:51 PM

In the Name of God, his Eminence, Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England announces that: Francis O'neill is hereby summoned to Canterbury, there he shall face trial for his willingness to abuse his authority and that of the Church, by falsely accusing the fair people of England only for his personal gain and advancement. Such lack of morality and an abundance of greed and ambition, close to simony, is a most grievous crime in the eyes of God, for falsely condening an innocent man is a large offense to the Almighty. Failure to attend the summoning will incur in anathema and interdiction.

(SIGNED AND SEALED by the Archbishop and a list of witnesses, including the Bishops of Ely, Durham and Winchester)

Holy Father some weeks ago I was handed this letter bearing the seal of Canterbury, It would seem that Canterbury has lost his senses. He accuses me of crimes to which he has no evidence and calls for a trial to which he has no authority to conduct. His senile behaviour is causing a rift between York and Canterbury, I have come seeking a remedy to this dilemma.

**Gandalfus** · October 01, 2016, 01:54 PM

Pius sighed. The last thing he needed was internal division within the Church at the eve of his crusade. Reading the letter, he frowned.

"Are his accusations the truth? What grounds are these accusations made upon? Speak, York, but tell me the truth, with The Lord as our witness."

**Lord William** · October 01, 2016, 02:08 PM

Holy Father, the Bishop of Lincoln had visited me some weeks ago and around that time I had received reports of heresy and witchcraft in northern England. I informed the Bishop of these reports and charged him with the responsibility of investigating the claims. He was to report back should any of the claims be true, so far I have received no reports. No man has been placed on trial, no one has been convicted. Canterbury is either trying to remove me or indeed he has become senile with old age.

**Gandalfus** · October 01, 2016, 02:26 PM

"This are insufficient ground to try you upon, and indeed the Archbishop lacks the authority to do so. Only I may place Bishops upon trial for issues such as these." Pius paused, considering his options. Upsetting the English church for no good reason was a bad idea, especially when Catholicism needed to be united against the Turk. "I shall draw up a pardon for the crimes you are accused of, as I believe the evidence against you to be wholly insufficient and circumstantial - I understand your vigilance, as England was not long ago plagued with Lollard heretics. You may return to England and consider yourself acquitted of all charges."

**Lord William** · October 01, 2016, 02:38 PM

Holy Father, I thank thee for the pardon

i don't wish to impose and I understand appointments to become cardinal can be tricky but if you were to appoint me as a cardinal of the church it could go a long way in showing your support and faith in me as a servant of the church .

**Gandalfus** · October 01, 2016, 02:49 PM

"I'll certainly take your application into consideration. Prove your worth to me as a loyal servant of God and the Church and the Lord shall grant you your just reward."

**Lord William** · October 01, 2016, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by Gandalf.

"I'll certainly take your application into consideration. Prove your worth to me as a loyal servant of God and the Church and the Lord shall grant you your just reward."

As you wish Holy Father
Francis graciously bowed
before I take my leave Your Holiness, is there something specific you would like me to complete or take back to England ?