Chapter 287: Troubles at the Vatican (1/2)
Deep within the Vatican, a meeting was held between the Holy Father and the Holy Roman Emperor. Pope Julius and Emperor Balsamo discussed their difficulties over the past year and how to proceed forward. Emperor Balsamo was the first to voice his discontent with the rapid growth that Austria had been blessed with since Berengar had seized control of the Duchy.
”Berengar's power grows by the day; I have received concerning reports about a visit to Granada. Supposedly the heretic is consulting with the Moorish Sultan, we do not know what objective Berengar had or what form of agreement the two men came to, but there is little doubt in my mind that it does not bode well for our faith.”
When Pope Julius heard this, he sneered in disdain as he cursed Berengar for his actions.
”Fucking heretic! Of course, he would lie with the Moorish dogs! May Berengar's soul be cast into the furthest pit of hell for his treason against Christendom!”
While Julius continued to throw out profanity regarding Berengar's association with the Emirate of Granada, Balsamo had more pressing concerns about the issue and interrupted the Pope and his vile behavior.
”Your Holiness, we have bigger concerns. If Austria and Granada are to ally, it threatens the Church's position in Iberia. If Berengar chooses to arm the Moors like he has done the Byzantines, it means we might see a new Caliphate form in Iberia; the rebirth of Al-Andalus is not something we can afford, not after the progress we have made over the centuries!”
This notion immediately snapped Julius from his rant and calmed his senses; he gazed at Emperor Balsamo with a vicious glare in his eyes as he coldly stated his intentions regarding Iberia.
”I will contact the Iberian Kings and pressure them into unifying against the Moorish Menace. Suppose the Emirate of Granada is to receive military aid by Bernegar the Accursed and his Grand Austrian Army. In that case, it means that Reconquista is going to become very bloody real soon.”
After hearing this, Balsamo nodded at the Pope's statement. It was certainly in Portugal, Castille, and Aragon's best interest to unite against the new threat that had presented itself. As such, not only would the pope pressure Iberian unification but so too would the Holy Roman Emperor.
As for the other issues the Church was facing, Balsamo began to complain about what was transpiring within his borders.
”Your Holiness, the Berengar Heresy has spread from Southern Germany into the Rhineland and the East German states. The heretic known as Ludolf has personally taken up a mission to convert the locals of the Rhineland, and he has fallen under the protection of the local lords who tolerate his beliefs.
If left unchecked, Germany as a whole will soon fall to the Berengar Heresy, and we will see ourselves without one of the pillars of the Catholic world!”
Pope Julius frowned when he heard this news. Whether it was Iberia or Germany, things were looking grim for the Catholic faith in those regions, and as such, the Pope decided to intervene on this matter.
”I will send in the inquisition to exterminate these heretics. I don't care if entire villages have to be massacred; the situation in Germany is now beyond redemption. As for you, as Emperor, you need to declare the Berengar Heresy unlawful and that all adherents will face the penalty of death upon discovery. Use your forces to suppress them if need be!”
Upon hearing this, the Holy Roman Emperor smiled wickedly before responding; there was a murderous glint in his eye as he did so.
”Yes, your holiness! The blood of every last Heretic in Germany shall be spilled in the name of God!”
With the plans established to deal with the difficulties the Church was facing in both Iberia and Germany, another critical issue had begun to surface as Julius started to discuss how to deal with the Hussites.
”The Hussites have entrenched themselves in their territory; they are no longer fighting an offensive war. Instead, they seek to defend what they have gained and desire to drag out this conflict as long as possible. Despite the intervention of the Hospitallers, the war has only become more bloody, and our side continues to suffer casualties.
Though we can't prove that Berengar is providing the Hussites with their weapons, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Austria is supporting them. There is not much we can do to cut Austrian support since the Hussites and the Austrians share a border.
In response to this, I intend to rally support from Hungary and the Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. I will send word to the Hungarian and Polish Kings and request their assistance in the war for Bohemia. We have to end this war quickly; the more time we spend fighting in Bohemia, the more Berengar has time to prepare himself for the upcoming crusade against him!”
Balsamo immediately began to interject on this matter and voice his concerns.