Eagle Byzantium

On the streets of the city of Rome, priests, priests and priests with divine titles, wearing robes and holding crosses and icons, were holding aloft the bread symbolizing the Holy Eucharist, and were performing a grand ceremony. During this period, Urban Odar II was constantly holding fanatical communions or masses to support the upcoming Le Mans Conference - and King Philip of France had already sent an envoy, hoping to get Urban He also expressed his full support for the expeditionary activities of knights and feudal lords in the territory - so this reaction made Urban extremely satisfied.

In the cemeteries, squares, markets and wastelands around the church, opera performances involving ordinary believers attracted visitors from all directions. The content was mostly about the various miracles performed by the patron saint and the plots of knights' continuous victories over pagans. Originally, there were many songs that satirized church personnel in the opera, but they were strictly prohibited by Urban's order: the Holy See did not want these things to have a negative impact on people's enthusiasm for pilgrimage.

Today is the prescribed fast day (Friday). People put fasting cloths on the church halls and altars early, and began to prepare to spend a whole day without meat, eggs, and married life. Lay down the holy ashes and pray sincerely for the pilgrims who are about to leave.

At this moment, outside the Holy Cathedral, one hundred and forty-three fully armed Brotherhood members were lined up, which shocked the residents of Rome. Many of them even thought it was the return of Norman bandits. Now, people are in panic. But then, the onlookers saw that the leader of this small team and the hermit Peter in black robes were both kneeling humbly at the steps of the Holy Cathedral. The former was holding a handle in his hand. Weird sword. The latter carries his trademark cross.

"It's the hermit Peter and his invincible sworn brother named Gawain Russell. I heard that he can kill thousands of Turks in one day with the sword given by Saint Michael. pagan."

"But some people say that it is a magic sword that can not only kill heretics. It can also kill believers. Blue flames will explode and rise among the corpses."

"Don't be stupid. Now this Greek emperor's mercenary hero general has taken the initiative to seek refuge with the Holy See. Whatever the Holy See says immediately, that's what it is. Besides, there is nothing that the Normans cannot kill. They are just baptized. The true nature of these gangsters has never changed. I support Gawain Russell in killing them.”

The discussions among the surrounding believers and pilgrims became louder and louder, and became more and more outrageous. Soon afterwards, in the hall, Urban II was sitting in his seat, looking at the relic box in front of him that was about to be put on display. After hearing what Owen Seth had reported, he couldn't help but smile with relief, "Did Bohemond retreat? That group of Normans should also stop and calm down. It would be more appropriate for the boiling blood to be sprinkled on Minor Asia and the Holy City." . Now that even Gawain Russell has come to visit, I can go to Le Mans with peace of mind and summon Gawain for me to come before the Holy See."

Then he raised his hand to stop Owenseth, "No, I will personally go out to meet the mercenary general of the Greek emperor and ask him to lead my horse and whip for me."

The abbot of Monte Cassino Monastery was also shocked when he heard these words. It was usually the prerogative of the German Caesars or princes to "lead horses and whips" for the Holy See. Such rituals are usually used to mark the divine right of kings. It can only be said that the time when Gawain chose to enter the city of Rome to pay pilgrimage to the Holy See was perfect. The authority of the Holy See was shaky due to the previous battle with Henry IV, and now it was in urgent need of revival. The arrival of Gawain happened to provide Urban II with the best "opera stage" through which he wanted to Lift up and tell the world: follow Anyone who obeys the authority of the Holy See can benefit immensely, including the emperor of Germany, the monarchs of France and England, the princes and marquises of Italy, and even a Varyag from Constantinople. The same can be said for mercenary generals.

Then, Urban slowly stood up, raised his scepter, put on his crown and ring, raised his contented eyes, and looked at Matilda beside the Holy See, "What, you need to go out with me ”

"I think it's more appropriate to observe a person from a greater distance." After saying this, Matilda lifted up her skirt, bowed her head and saluted the Holy See, then she and Placidice and Welf He and several armed retinues walked from the dark corridor of the palace to the terrace covered by columns and curtains, and looked at the noisy and restless crowd in the square.

At this moment, the crowd burst into loud cheers. The cardinals, wearing miters and shawls, formed a solemn procession along the steps of St. Peter's Basilica. In front of the triple arch, Pope Urban waved and walked out slowly. He slowly walked down the steps and came to Gawain, who was wearing a white baptismal robe. Then he stretched out his finger with a ring. Gawain took it and kissed it gently with a respectful attitude.

"Lift up your face, my child." The Holy See's tone was calm and gentle.

So Gawain looked up. His majestic appearance and resolute eyes made Urban very happy. "For a long time, in the Bible, the face of the church has been extremely vague. Some chapters call it the kingdom of heaven. Some are mothers, some are brides, but now I need Turn the church into a brave and fearless warrior. Your blood and passion will wipe clean the originally hazy stained glass, eliminate all isolation, and restore the kingdom that the Lord has given to all believers. And you, Stephen Gau. Is Wen the warrior I'm looking for?"

This was the first time that Gawain and Urban looked at each other. At this time, the two of them never thought that their future conflicts and conflicts would plunge the entire European continent into a sea of ​​blood and fire.

"Yes, I am not only a warrior of His Majesty's Majesty, but I will also dedicate this holy sword given by the Archangel to His Majesty's Majesty." As he spoke, Gawain lowered his head and held the unsheathed phosphorus fire with both hands. The sword was raised high and placed in front of the Pope's eyes.

Urban touched the shimmering sharp sword twice with his slightly trembling fingers, and then he laughed, "I canonize this sword, according to the will of the godlike person, and with the blessing of Pope St. Peter. Return it to the awesome General Gawain Russell. I hope that all of you will hear about the relationship between this general and the most glorious revenge of the Holy Sepulchre. In the name of the majesty of the Holy Sword, and in addition to the Brotherhood of Brocades that live and die with General Gawain, I also grant access to all devout believers. You can donate money and provide services to the sick and injured in the expedition. You can also wear armor and go on expeditions with the Brotherhood to defend the castle of the faith from all the unbearable and weak attacks of the pagans."

Then, the Holy See gently tapped the sword blade at two points on Gawain's broad shoulder, then turned the hilt over and gave it to Gawain to hold with both hands, "Then, take your horse and carry me, this old man." , go to the Laterano Church, where I have more important things to announce in public.” (To be continued~^~)