Chapter 164: Side Story 6: The Holy Seat’s Decision

The air in the Holy Seat of Sol seemed magical today for Bishop Francis. The marble walls glowed in his eyes and his happiness was evident by the playful way he walked. With a wide grin, he stopped in front of one of the large doors and gave it a soft knock. Seconds passed and a tired-looking man pecked his head through, a book of scripture in hand.

"May I come in brother Abraham?" Francis asked and Abraham looked at the happy grin on his face. With a nod, he moved back and opened the door wide for his friend.

"What is it, brother? I’m reading scripture." Abraham spoke with a tired voice matching his appearance but Francis paid it no mind. Taking a seat he looked up and burst into a wide smile.

"The annoying ArchBishop is dead." Francis came out and Abraham looked at him for a couple of seconds before going wide-eyed.

"Brother Raven?" To his words, Francis rapidly nodded. Abraham knew who Francis spoke about but didn’t share his enthusiasm and clutched the symbol of Sol on his neck speaking a long prayer for the fallen Archbishop. Francis paid it no mind. He knew that Abraham thought like him, but was also a man who cared deeply for all his brothers in faith, even if they were misguided.

Finishing up he placed the book on the table, giving it a gentle stroke. "He was a good and holy man. It’s a shame. When did the news arrive?" Abraham took a seat opposite Francis.

"Two days ago. I got word from someone close to His Holiness."

"And does his Holiness have any plans on how to deal with it?"

"The Elders and Archbishops are divided whilst his Holiness leans more to non-interference." Abraham shook his head muttering ’fools’ under his breath. "Raven could only take his position due to the suspicious death of the previous one and the Blessed One influence. But he takes his role for granted and we must reclaim what he took from us."

To Francis’s cruel tone, Abraham could only shake his head. "It’s not that simple brother. We are not dealing with a child anymore, but a man who has taken control over every aspect of his Empire. He completely controls the economy, and military and does the faith with Raven as his proxy, well did."

Abraham paused, thinking carefully about his next words. "We can’t just stroll in anymore. If he sees the Church becoming too aggressive with the Archbishop’s death, he may cause a schism. He has the power, titles, and influence to. With an alliance to Vladmire official, they may follow and support him." Abraham grabbed his forehead as his brows scruffed.

"His marriage to a heathen was already strange enough but to give rights to the Followers of Khors in his land and treat them like the ones blessed by Sol. It makes me question if he even is a Blessed one sometimes."

"Silence Francis." Abraham cut him off his tired eyes going cold. "His blessing was confirmed by the Pope Samuel. If you doubt the words of those Holiest amongst us I will bring it up to Grand Templars." At his words, Francis realized he had overstepped his boundaries with Abraham and apologized.

Whilst he knew that Abraham was like him who believed in the church above all, he was much more faithful and he didn’t doubt he would go to the heads of the Inquisition. "It was a slip of the tongue. You understand. I am just annoyed how he uses our faith for his own gain."

"I understand. That is why I warned you." Abraham’s eyes softened again and the tense air disappeared. That being said, if the opinions are divided it must be for good reason. The Blessed One is a dangerous element to the stability of the Church. And whilst I thank Sol every day for returning a fraction of his light to us, they are still human after all. We must still use a human lens to look at them."

"I don’t ask for us to completely upend the Empire. If any other King or Emporer did what the Blessed One did I would be calling for the Grand Templers to judge them, but the Blessed One has to move for Sol’s vision as well. The Church is Sol’s home and I want us to work with him."

Abraham sat in silence thinking of what to say but could only breathe out a, "It is not so simple." Francis could only respond ’indeed’ to Abraham’s words and the two sat in silence.

"How is your candidacy coming along? I know the position of Elder is not so simple to achieve but you are one of the few people here who have memorized the scripture fully." Francis moved the conversation on. They had no way to influence the decisions of the Empire unless they could directly talk to Constance himself.

To his question, Abraham smiled. "I shouldn’t say but as you are my friend I trust you. I have made it to the final selection. The others in the running are all holy men so it’s a coin flip now." Despite his words, Francis saw the confidence in his eyes and smiled.

"It is a good thing. You are deserving of the role." Francis looked at his friend and couldn’t help but feel proud. Most Elders were old men close to death and if Abraham achieved the role he would become the youngest in history at 37. It was a strange thing to think about Francis brushed it off.

"It is the new scripture about the new Blessed One that is difficult. I have memorized it, but having to understand people without meeting them has always been a difficult task."

"You will succeed. I’m sure of it." The two smiled at one another letting the silence set once more.

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"We must handle the Blessed One like we do any Emporer. He is still a man under Sol after all. A cry came out from the council.

"Blasphemy." His words were quickly cut off by another who slammed the table and stood up. "You dare compare a Blessed One to a regular human. He is Sol’s champion and must be treated with the respect it deserves." Spit flew from the old man’s cry as he stared daggers into the man.

Constance sighed as he looked at the squabbling men in front of him. For two days he had put up with it but he didn’t know how much longer he could take it. It made him wonder how his Samuel managed to stay sane after so many years as Pope. "Silence." Constance raised his hand to quiet the council room.

They all looked towards him. He could see the mixed opinions in their eyes and shook his head at the divided council. "This is a very delicate situation, but I understand the arguments from both parties. We all know his blessing is true unless you doubt the words of myself and my late teacher. But blessing does not mean freedom. So I will make a compromise. We will send multiple bishops who have the right to become Archbishop. The Blessed One will be allowed to join the vote for it alongside our brothers in faith. Raise your hands if you agree to my decision."

The room looked at one another. It was obvious the divide in opinions on Constance’s decision but after two days of arguing they had gotten nowhere. Some wanted to call out against it but held back. They neither had an alternative but also feared the backing of the Severian Empire. Although Constance cut all ties to his father, he was still a Prince of the Empire and they were all sure he could mobilize his father’s power to deal with opposition, much like Samuel did with the Inquisition when he cleared the church of corruption.

Those who were more lenient with Alfred raised their hands whilst the opposition was conflicted. Some were raised out of fear, and others, because they had no alternative, raised them. Constance looked. Whilst it was close, the majority was in agreement.

"Then we will go along with these plans. Elders. If you could please get a list of candidates, we shall start soon." Constance stood up and placed his hands together. "May Sol’s blessings be with you all."

Saying his goodbyes he walked off, followed by his two guards. The council all watched him but said nothing. Those who didn’t agree began to make plans in their mind for ways to get some of their people in the running for Raven’s position.

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"Your Holiness." Walking into a training ground, The temples all gave deep bows as Constance walked through. His eyes were on an old man with rough skin.

"Return to what you were doing everybody. Grand Templer Michael. Come with me for a moment." Michael bowed and followed Constance into a side room of the training ground. Closing the door behind him Constance faced him.

"The future is looking turbulous Grand Templar," Constance said in an annoyed tone and the old man gave a deep nod. "That is why I have to ask you something. You helped my teacher clear their church of its filth. I don’t ask you to take on that burden again, but I need you to be ready to mobilize the Inquisition. The Blessed One situation has made everyone agitated, and they all fear the worst."

"Your Holiness." Michael cut in. "Your will is my command. The Inquisition moves solely at your command. If I must take on a burden like I did with His Holiness Samuel, then I will. The Church is clean now, but this situation will bring the filth back." Michael faced the door and sighed. "To harm the Blessed One is a sin, but to give him free rein is dangerous. Your Holiness, tread carefully around him. I have not met the man like yourself, but from what I know, he is very dangerous. I know you wish to respect Sol’s and your Teacher’s will, but he is a scary person, who knows what he wants. Don’t corner him like a starved dog but do not give him complete freedom."

Constance took a deep breath hearing his words and a sombre nod. It was a annoying time and he wondered sometimes if it was Sol’s test for him.