-
Author Insight
How Far Is Frankland From Here?
Queen Ethelberga is not impressed by the pope's letter to the king, nor does she thinks the pope's gifts will sway the king to convert. Bishop Paulinus argues that if the king accepts the gifts, he is bound to the pope. Queen Ethelberga presses the bishop to demonstrate that papal gifts won't bind the king. She wants Paulinus to realize the only way to persuade the king to convert is through her good offices. Ethelberga is not a mere woman to be pushed aside.
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
“But the gifts will bind him, Your Grace,” Paulinus says with some desperation. “If he accepts the gifts, he’s in the pope’s debt.”
“How far is Frankland from here?” I inquire, not bothering to look up from my stitching. “How many days’ journey? Might it be a week—or even two by sea?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“How many days from Frankland to Rome? Crossing mountains and avoiding robbers? Might it be a month?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“And, on such an arduous journey, wouldn’t men need to stop and rest?”
“Perhaps, Your Grace,” Paulinus says with a trace of impatience.
“And is it true the pope has no warriors worth mentioning? No way to force anyone to do his bidding?”
“He has the power of the Keys of St. Peter, Your Grace. He can send sinners to hell,” Paulinus says with all the authority of his office.
“Even if that be true, why should my husband, the king, have any fear of the pope?
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.