he could not come to Rome to discuss his concerns in person. However, matters have arisen since I was last with you which prevent the emperor from leaving the capital at this time.'
'Be assured I am only too aware of the burdens and difficulties besetting those in authority,' the pope replied, accepting the folded parchment and placing it in his lap. He sat back, placidly regarding the man before him; thick muscled and compact, his dark curly hair and large dark eyes gave him the strong, virile semblance of a young bull.
'Please tell our dear brother that I have caused prayers to be said in order that he may prevail in every way against the devil's wiles. Tell him, too, that I hope for the day when he and I can sit down together and discuss our common affairs. Still, I am pleased to welcome his emissary. After our last meeting, I have often had cause to praise your sagacity and tact, drungarius. The emperor is fortunate indeed to have such an envoy.' He watched as the immaculate Dalassenus bowed with perfect courtesy-neither too shallow, which would be a slight, nor too deep, which would be servile. 'Agreeable though your presence undoubtedly is, I am intrigued to know why I am favoured to receive your attentions so soon upon the heels of your last visit.'
'Your Holiness flatters me,' Dalassenus answered smoothly. 'Perhaps you will permit me to say that the Basileus has sent his kinsman and servant so that you may know the high regard he has placed on your counsel, and the eagerness with which he awaits your reply.'
Urban regarded the emperor's letter, bound with ribands of gold and sealed in purple. Could it be that now, at long last, his adversary was accepting the peace he had laboured so diligently to achieve? Healing the generations-old fracture had been one of the chief aims of his papal tenure and, if he understood Dalassenus correctly, that selfsame reconciliation was now delivered into his grasp.
Dalassenus continued, 'Also, the Basileus would have it known that, after a lengthy investigation into the matter, it has at last come to light that the name of the Patriarch of Rome had been omitted from the diptych not by any canonical decision but, as it were, from carelessness. Rest assured this highly unfortunate oversight has been corrected.'
The pope moved to secure the peace at once. 'I rejoice to hear it,' Urban replied, smiling benignly at his guest. 'Tonight we will dine together you and I, and discuss the preparations for a celebration to mark the resumption of friendly relations between Rome and Byzantium.'
'Nothing would please me more, Bishop Urban. Unfortunately, my stay must be brief; Basileus Alexius expects my imminent return.'
'Then tell me your errand, my friend,' the pope said, 'and I will do my best to accommodate you however I may.'
'It is simply this,' Dalassenus replied and, using every grain of discretion at his command, inquired whether the pope had seen fit to reply to the emperor's request for troops to help restore the themes for the coming campaign to recover the imperial territories lost to the Arabs.
'As to the matter of the emperor's enquiry,' Urban answered happily, 'you may tell our brother and friend, that I did indeed take his entreaty to heart. What is more, I wasted not a moment, but acted on it without delay. You see, I myself have but recently returned from the field of battle, so to speak.'
The pope went on to describe what he called his inspiration in convening a council of bishops to discuss the need for aiding the empire, and to decide what form this aid might take. 'I am pleased to relate that the council has seen the wisdom of protecting the cradle of our salvation from heathen predation. Moreover, I have sent letters to all the bishops under my authority to preach Crusade.'
'Crusade?' Dalassenus had never heard the word before, but knew his worst fears confirmed.
'It is to be a pilgrimage like no other,' the pope explained. 'I have called upon the lords of the West to raise up an army of holy warriors to defend the Holy Land.'
'Then it is true,' the young commander confirmed. 'You are sending an army into Byzantium.'
Allowing himself a smile of quiet satisfaction, the Bishop of Rome answered, 'The idea was not original, I assure you. Confidentially, far too many of our noblemen are preoccupied with petty wars among themselves. Think you it pleases God to see his children wasting life and substance fighting each other when godless heathen occupy the Holy City, and stain the very stones where Jesu walked with the blood of the righteous? It is nothing less than an abomination.'
'Of course, Lord Bishop,' agreed Dalassenus quickly, 'but -
'This I have preached, and the call has been answered. God be praised! Even now the lords of the West, mighty men of faith one and all, are raising armies to march against the infidel. I only wish that I could lead them myself,' he sighed, then pressed on with enthusiasm: 'Still, may it please God, I have delegated the task to one of my bishops-Adhemar of Le Puy enjoys my full authority so far as the disposition of the pilgrimage is concerned.'
'Bishop Adhemar,' the drungarius repeated dully.
'Do you know him?'
'Alas, no.'
'A wonderful man-solid of faith and rich in good works, a saint unflagging in zeal and courage.'
'Be that as it may,' Dalassenus said, 'it appears your intentions have been anticipated somewhat.' He then told the pope about Peter the Hermit and his pilgrim horde, and their unruly excursion through imperial lands.
Bishop Urban shook his head sadly. 'It is unfortunate, I agree, but I do not see how it can be prevented. God calls who he will. Are we to judge who may take the cross, and who must refrain? It is the instrument of salvation for many, and no earthly power has the right to deny it.'
'When will these-Dalassenus hesitated. To avoid needless antagonism, he said,
The pope's eyes went wide at the question. 'I have no idea! It is God's will, my friend. He alone knows the number. Yet, I can tell you the call was most enthusiastically received.'
'When might we expect them?'
'I have decreed that those wishing to follow Bishop Adhemar on pilgrimage must be ready to depart no later than August of this year. God willing, you may expect their arrival by the Christ Mass, if not before.'
'The emperor will be delighted to hear it,' the young commander replied, trying not to let dismay colour his tone.
'Good,' the pope answered. 'So be it.'
'Now, if you will excuse me, I must make arrangements for my departure.'
'Such devotion to duty is laudable, Drungarius Dalassenus. But must you leave Rome so soon? I had hoped you would dine with us here in the palace. These are exciting times, and there is much to discuss.'
'I am sorry. As much as I might wish otherwise, I am compelled to rejoin the Basileus as soon as possible.'
'As you will.' Urban, Patriarch of Rome, extended his hand for the kiss, and the young commander brushed the papal ring with his lips. 'Farewell, my son. Greet the emperor in my name, and tell him he is remembered daily in prayer, as are all our brothers in the east.'
'Thank you, I will indeed tell him,' Dalassenus answered. 'Fare well, Bishop Urban.'
The young commander turned on his heel and departed the audience room. Urban sat for a long time, contemplating the incredible event which had just taken place. Then, when he had set the thing properly in his mind, he called his abbot to him and, giving him the emperor's letter, commanded him to read it aloud. The priest broke the seal, unfolded the heavy parchment square and, in a high, thin, reedy voice, began to read.
'Slowly, Brother Marcus,' the pope chided, 'slowly-and in Latin, please. My Greek has never been more than adequate. Begin again, my friend, if you please.'
As the abbot began once more, Pope Urban leaned back in his chair, folded his hands over his stomach, and closed his eyes. Yes, he thought, the long hoped-for reconciliation had come; what is more, thanks to the tremendous response to his call to Crusade, it was now proceeding more swiftly than he would have dared dream possible.
SEVEN
