The Iron Lance by Stephen R. Lawhead Page B

discuss the preparations for a celebration to mark the resumption of friendly relations between Rome and Byzantium.”
    â€œNothing would please me more, Bishop Urban. Unfortunately, my stay must be brief; Basileus Alexius expects my imminent return.”
    â€œThen tell me your errand, my friend,” the pope said, “and I will do my best to accommodate you however I may.”
    â€œIt is simply this,” Dalassenus replied and, using every grainof 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.
    â€œAs 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.”
    â€œCrusade?” Dalassenus had never heard the word before, but knew his worst fears confirmed.
    â€œIt 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.”
    â€œThen 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.”
    â€œOf course, Lord Bishop,” agreed Dalassenus quickly, “but—”
    â€œThis 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.”
    â€œBishop Adhemar,” the drungarius repeated dully.
    â€œDo you know him?”
    â€œAlas, no.”
    â€œA wonderful man—solid of faith and rich in good works, a saint unflagging in zeal and courage.”
    â€œBe 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.”
    â€œWhen will these—” Dalassenus hesitated. To avoid needless antagonism, he said, “These crusaders —they will pass through Constantinople, no doubt? In that event, it would be useful to know how many we might expect to receive.”
    The pope’s eyes went wide at the question. “I have no idea! It is God’s will, my friend. He