Страница 47 из 70
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE HOLY RELICS
They entered the city in triumph. Although MacKi
It took nearly an hour to march up the winding streets to the Temple’s huge courtyard. MacKi
“We have won a great victory,” one of the knights protested. “Now we enjoy the rewards …”
“Certainly,” MacKi
He dismissed the officers, but kept Stark back. “I need the headquarters company now,” MacKi
“Yes, sir. They’re ready. It’s all pla
“Good. Send them in. And send a ru
“Your reverence,” MacKi
The Archbishop was startled. “How is this?” he demanded.
“The only military forces left in this city are a couple of hundred archers, about that many swordsmen, the knights, and my army. Most of them — including the Temple swordsmen — are getting drunk out in the courtyard. The only comparatively sober troops are my headquarters company.”
“But — what does this mean?” Laraine asked.
“It means we own the place,” MacKi
“Surely you do not expect to make war on the Temple,” Laraine protested. “We have no wish to wade in blood to the high altar.”
“It shouldn’t come to that. We’ve sent a picked force to the key points. The Temple itself is already ours. Now we’ve got to tell their ruling council and that Pope of theirs who’s in charge.”
“Would your men really fight against the Temple?” Casteliano asked.
“Most of them would,” Stark said. “Remember who we recruited. They were mostly slaves, and peasants down on their luck. And they’ve won victories under the — the Trader. They’d fight for him.”
“We’d rather not,” MacKi
“No. They are not,” Casteliano said. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “And you have not yet informed the ruling council of the changed state of affairs? Good.” He turned to Laraine and Deluca. “Go quickly and get vestments. The best we have, and our most ornate trappings. Trader MacKi
“I hope so,” MacKi
“Excellent.” Casteliano went to the battlement and looked down at the courtyard. The guards at the gates had left their posts. Civilians, Temple swordsmen, archers, knights, commissary troops all danced in great circles, pausing only to scoop cups of wine from open barrels.
“Look there,” MacKi
“I see.” Casteliano continued to stare down at the courtyard. “I also see that you brought back none of the Temple swordsmen, and not all of their archers. How did Father Sumbavu die?”
“He was killed with his men in an ambush,” MacKi
“But you were not caught?”
“Sumbavu was bringing supplies back to the city. I went to his aid, but we were too late. We could avenge him, but we couldn’t save him.”
“I see. A thousand brave men, who served you well. A high price to pay for a city.”
“Damned high,” MacKi
Casteliano turned from the wall. “The relics. What is your interest in those?” He inspected Nathan carefully. “Whatever your reason, you have done the Church a service, and we will not forget.”
“Thank you.”
“And now we must speak to their council. Your pardon, Trader, I must find a room where we can dress properly for the interview — and I would be most grateful if you would bring a dozen of your most loyal men.” He paused. “I doubt it will come to battle. Most of those on the council are practical men. As are we. Our demands will not be excessive, and we must be careful not to humiliate them. And of course the maris are not yet gone-”
“Precisely,” MacKi
“Thus we have reason with us,” Casteliano said. “And if that fails-”
MacKi
Two days later, MacKi
“It was easier than you thought, was it not?” he said.
“Yes, Your Reverence. I still find it hard to believe that we had no bloodshed. But my men remain on guard, just in case.”
“I told you there were few doctrinal differences, and these men are not only realists, but believers. If we had approached them from a Navy landing ship and demanded obedience to New Rome, we would have had to demonstrate our power, but it would have been managed. As it was, arriving in the city like beggars, they would never listen to us. How could they believe we were great lords of the True Church from the stars? But with you at our side, and your soldiers commanding their Temple, they had little choice but to listen.”
“You were highly persuasive. Your Reverence.”
“As were your actions. It was not difficult to make them see the hand of God in your victory, and His wrath in the death of Sumbavu. Did you foresee that as well?”
“No, Your Reverence.”
“It is as well. Now what may I do for you?”
“I don’t know how to begin. Yet I must have your help. I see no other way.”
“Colonel — do not be surprised, the title is commonly used by your soldiers — you hold this Temple, not me. You could depose me as easily as you created me, particularly if you supported the council against me. What is it I can do that you ca
MacKi
The Archbishop took a small strip of cloth from the table in front of him, kissed it, and placed it over his shoulders. “My son, for thousands of years the confessional has never been violated. By tradition, by the laws of God, and by the most stringent of Imperial edicts, what you tell me in confession can never be revealed. Have you something to confess?”