Promise of the Black Monks by Robert E Hirsch

Author:Robert E Hirsch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, religious fiction, catholic church, monks, knights, crusades, romance historical romance, romance 1100s
Publisher: W & B Publishers

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Matilda and Hugh greeted Heinrich just outside the gates of the fortress. Seeing them, Heinrich rushed forward and embraced both. He was a handsome man, young and of good stature. “My sweet cousin Matilda!” he cried. “And Godfather Hugh! What fortune to see you here. God’s generosity alone has brought you both here to assist my pleas for forgiveness from the Holy Father!”

Regardless of one’s station in life, being snared in the midst of a blood-feud between friends or family creates confusion and discomfort. Accordingly, Matilda and Hugh had both struggled in navigating their way through the hopeless rift between King Heinrich and Pope Gregory. Matilda, despite all the philosophical, military and financial support she had thrown toward the Pope, was still related through blood to Heinrich. She also, as a royal, understood his responsibilities and obligations to subjects and country. This aside, she had since childhood felt an odd affection toward Heinrich despite his impossible pride and shortfalls.

For Abbot Hugh, this schism had already cost him the allegiance of German archbishops and cardinals, many of whom he had known for decades. Hugh’s political hemorrhage also included losing the German nobility of Heinrich’s camp as well as many in Rome and northern Italy. Nonetheless, Hugh also held affection for Heinrich. “Ah, my poor godson!” he said. “Bless you in these troubled times!”

Heinrich dropped his arms to his side, gazing at his feet. “I come with a heavy heart,” he lamented. “I have committed a serious grievance against the Holy Father and the Holy Church. The fact that both of you have taken his part hurts also. Yet, it has shed light on my own misjudgment.” Raising his eyes, he began to weep. “I pray now that you will speak on my behalf to Pope Gregory. Oh, this dreadful excommunication! I am lost with the doors of God’s Church closed to me.”

Listening, Mathilda’s heart began to swell, having never imagined the fierce Heinrich in such a piteous state. “I want to believe you, Cousin,” she said, “but Gregory has reason to doubt you after Nuremburg. Still, I will speak on your behalf.” Looking over at Hugh, she added, “And I believe the good Abbot will also. But you have created a great disturbance, Heinrich, and dragged half the continent into this fire with you.”

“I know, I know!” Heinrich snapped. “I should be flogged, dragged about the streets of Rome itself. And I would have it done, if I thought it would help. But only you and Abbot Hugh can reverse the wheel now, restore peace to the land. You are the only voices on this earth that can sway the stone-willed Gregory. He despises me, you know, and always has!” Falling to his knees, he began to sob again while kissing and tugging at the hem of Matilda’s garment.

This act, so unexpected and contrite, brought Matilda to tears. She understood the extreme depth of Heinrich’s predicament. He was not weeping just for himself or his loss of power and entitlement, he

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