Chapter 8: St. Peter's

Vincent makes his way to St. Peter's Grand Cathedral in Lumorra after leaving Gordowe. He puts aside his thoughts and what he learned about his family as he comes up to the building. Instead he focuses on his objective; locating the church's archives. Specifically the information on the royal families and what the church knows about magic.

The building itself is one of the largest in the city, but does not set apart from it in any way. Despite its importance it's not even considered a cathedral unlike its predecessor in the eastern part of the kingdom. Vincent walks up the steps and through the doors as if he is a regular visitor. It is only inside do the guards and security of the location become known.

An open forum greets him. In front of him are the double doors that lead to the church's sanctuary. Two wooden staircases lead to the second floor across from each other. Wooden railings encloses the walkway on it lining the room. Monks and clergymen walk back and forth from room to room. Some carry scrolls or books with them.

"Ah!, Sir knight Vincent. You have come for the inspection I assume.", Vincent turns his head in the direction in which the voice originated. He spots a clergy man making his way to him from the left staircase.

"Yes I am. It is nice to meet you.", Vincent says to him with a smile.

"The pleasure is mine. I am Archbishop Rederick. We are grateful for the Order of the Knights and your concern for the church.", Archbishop Rederick replies. Vincent can't help, but notice the positivity radiating off him.

"Of course. We do have a new pope we have to protect. Uh, but you say you are an archbishop?", Vincent responds.

"Yes, actually I am the archbishop of Gordowe.", the archbishop clarifies.

"Ah…then you are here on business as well?", Vincent guesses.

"That's right. As for the pope he is not here right now. He is meeting with King Winston, so I'm afraid you may not be able to meet him today. He is also meant to be having dinner there as well."

"Perhaps I'll gain that honor another time. Shall we begin with you showing me around?", Vincent suggests.

"Yes sir knight. Please follow me.", Archbishop Rederick agrees gesturing for Vincent to follow.

"I will also like to see every one of the armories and regular guards to evaluate both conditions.", Vincent tells him as they begin to walk.

Vincent's visit goes well and uneventful, thankfully. He is pleased to see that the church's security looks to be well updated and organized. The condition of the soldiers are ideal and for the most part he can't see how anything or anyone could cause any harm here. Though he also doubts anyone would these days.

As his visit gets ready to end he faces Archbishop Rederick. Vincent thanks him for his cooperation and help. Now with a clear conscience Vincent moves to pursue his own agenda.

During the tour he was shown the libraries, but he knows those were all books written and published with the church's approval. Which means he can guess they won't hold what he is looking for; only opinions or biased facts.

"Archbishop, there is one more thing I want to check. It is only because of the uniqueness of St. Peter's as the head church.", Vincent begins.

"And what is that my dear boy?"

"Sensitive information such as royal family bloodlines and discoveries are kept here at St. Peter's, yes?", Vincent asks carefully. A moment passes before Archbishop Rederick answers. Vincent guesses this is a very delicate subject that isn't spoken of too often.

"Yes...that is correct. Hidden away of course.", he finally replies. Vincent nods his head. More out of satisfaction than understanding. Vincent decides to press on and see how far he can go.

"I would like to see where these things are kept. To ensure that area is protected properly.", he settles on. An uncomfortable expression comes upon Archbishop Rederick's face.

"I am sorry, but that can not be done. The area is very well protected and access to it is extremely restricted. I can assure you of that. Not even a member of the church can go there without permission. Even with permission you could only go and look for what you need which you must make known prior.", Archbishop Rederick explains.

Vincent takes in everything the clergyman says. He is surprised by the level of control that is put on the archives. Though if they did hold what he thought they did then it only made sense. Sensing he wouldn't get much more than this. Vincent decides to abandon his pursuit for now.

"I understand. Just from what you have told me I have full faith in the archives' safety.", he says. The release of tension in Archbishop Rederick's shoulders tells Vincent he is relieved by his answer. "Now then, why don't you show me back to the exit."

"I'll be glad to. Please this way.", Archbishop Rederick says. His bright mood returned.

As they make their way back to the church's entrance Vincent goes through what he has learned. The level of secrecy of the archives proves they are definitely worth checking out, but would virtually be impossible. The fact that he has seen every other inch of St. Peter's will also mean the archives are somewhere no one can't just happen upon them or sneak into and out of without being noticed.

Just as Vincent is about to arrive at a conclusion Archbishop Rederick suddenly stops. Vincent comes to a quick halt as well before he can run into him.

"Archbishop?", Vincent speaks just before looking in front of them. To his surprise he sees Pope Clement walking from the entrance.

"Come Sir Vincent let me introduce you.", Archbishop Rederick says before Vincent can speak. Vincent follows as Archbishop Rederick catches the pope. "Your holiness, please allow me to introduce to you Sir knight Vincent."

Vincent respectfully bows before he meets Pope Clement eye to eye.

"Ah...! Sir knight Vincent. Also known as the holy knight. Am I correct?" , the new pope greets. Vincent had gained the nickname not long after becoming a knight due to his knowledge of the bible and just actions. Although he never paid quite enough attention to it. Another nickname given to him is Winston's knight.

"Yes, Pope Clement. It is an honor to meet you.", Vincent replies . "I am pleased to say that my inspection of the church's security went well and is satisfying."

"I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for your concern and service.", Pope Clement replies. "I hear you are well educated in the word of God and you often put what you know into practice. Those are admirable qualities.", he goes on.

Vincent faces the religious leader, yet before he says anything a feeling of danger comes upon Vincent. It takes him off guard and is confused by the sense. Surely nothing here should give off such an aura.

"Thank you. I was raised with the word. I have Mother Margaret of the convent of Gordowe to thank.", Vincent brings himself to say.

"Ah yes, a fine convent. It is also an orphanage. They do a fine job though a bit controversial."

"Excuse me...?", Vincent replies, catching the pope's comment.

"Oh nothing. You have no need to worry, but that means you were raised by the church in a way, correct?", Pope Clement goes on dismissing Vincent's question.

"Only for seven years.", Vincent responds protectively. He doesn't like that Pope Clement is trying to lead him to something. Vincent knows something is going on, but what.

"Nonetheless. You must feel some type of loyalty to the church that is more than average.", Pope Clement presses.

Vincent almost laughs at his presumption. He is grateful to the church nothing more. It doesn't change the fact that the church killed his parents and many others. If anyone he is loyal to inside the church its Mother Margaret and Sister Sarah.

"I suppose.", he says instead with a smile. Something is just telling Vincent that he couldn't be completely honest. Throughout the exchange Archbishop Rederick and the guards listen on without a word. Vincent feels he must go and not just anywhere but to the castle; to Winston.

"Well, it was nice to meet you Pope Clement. May God be with you through your day.", he says yearning to leave. Pope Clement nods his head in farewell to Vincent.

Calmingly Vincent reaches his horse and sets off in a direction away from the castle. He just doesn't feel they should know where he is going. Only after being some distance away does he change course and makes his way to the castle.