right.
Expansion is paramount. Under my father the Capetian dynasty lost its potency. In order to regain the authority wielded by my grandfather, I must continue to exert myself.”
“With all due respect, my lord,” said Flote, “King Louis didn’t attain his authority through the purchase of townships and bishoprics. It was through Crusading that he earned his people’s respect.”
Nogaret smiled inwardly as Philippe turned to stare at the older minister.
“People say lawyers talk too much. Be careful, Flote, that you do not prove them right, or it will not be your salary that is cut.”
“I am sorry, my lord. I meant no offense.”
Passing a desk that was carefully arranged with parchments, quills and ink the fall of the templars
31
pots, none of which looked used, Philippe shrugged off his winter cloak, edged with cloud-soft ermine, and handed it to Flote. Sitting back on a couch that overlooked the gardens, he crossed his long legs. “While I wish to discuss the matter of Bordeaux further, I have received some disturbing news that requires my immediate attention.” Philippe’s blue eyes fixed on Nogaret. “The grand master of the Temple arrived in the city two days ago. Shortly before this, we discovered he has been requested to attend a meeting at the London preceptory with King Edward and a representative of Pope Boniface, a man named Bertrand de Got.”
“The bishop?”
“You know him?”
“In a manner of speaking. I met him in Bordeaux.” Nogaret told the king how the bishop had interfered with one of the arrests. “He could make things difficult for us, especially if he elicits the support of the archbishop, as he threatened.”
“Bertrand doesn’t worry me. I’ve had dealings with him before. All that interests him is filling Church offices with members of his family. The man is an avaricious little leech who has spent most of the past year since his appointment trying to worm his way into the pope’s favor. I doubt he will cause us any real trouble, but if needs be, a well-placed bishopric for one of his nephews will keep him pliant. No, it is the reason for this meeting that concerns me. I fear Edward may try to use the Templars against me.”
Nogaret’s brow furrowed. “I do not see how. Edward cannot command them. The Temple answers only to the pope.”
“Exactly,” said Philippe, rising suddenly. “Which is surely why Bertrand de Got, as Boniface’s representative, will be in attendance? My forces can hold against the English at present, but against the full might of the Temple?” He shook his head grimly.
“Even if the English Templars joined forces with Edward, the French would not, neither would those in the Maritime States, or Germany, or Portugal.
They rely on kings and princes across the West for donations and privileges.
They wouldn’t want to jeopardize that.”
“I have to agree with Nogaret,” interjected Flote.
“What purpose do the knights have now the Crusades have ended?” demanded Philippe. “What are they if not an army looking for a war? As a unified force they could take Guienne in a matter of weeks.”
“They aren’t a unifi ed force,” responded Flote. “Half their order is camped out on Cyprus, the other half dispersed throughout Christendom. Since the 32 robyn
young
fall of Acre, they have spent most of their energy increasing their monopoly over the wool trade, and from what we know, Jacques de Molay has come seeking support for a Crusade, not to fight someone else’s war.”
“Nonetheless, I would know for certain that I have nothing to be concerned about. Perhaps the Temple would not fight a war for Edward, but he might persuade them to support him financially. I know he is struggling to maintain a strong presence in Gascony and the revolt in Wales must have taxed him heavily.”
“And if they do support him?” ventured Nogaret.
“Then I will have to find the money for my fleet from somewhere. I may have to bring my
Expansion is paramount. Under my father the Capetian dynasty lost its potency. In order to regain the authority wielded by my grandfather, I must continue to exert myself.”
“With all due respect, my lord,” said Flote, “King Louis didn’t attain his authority through the purchase of townships and bishoprics. It was through Crusading that he earned his people’s respect.”
Nogaret smiled inwardly as Philippe turned to stare at the older minister.
“People say lawyers talk too much. Be careful, Flote, that you do not prove them right, or it will not be your salary that is cut.”
“I am sorry, my lord. I meant no offense.”
Passing a desk that was carefully arranged with parchments, quills and ink the fall of the templars
31
pots, none of which looked used, Philippe shrugged off his winter cloak, edged with cloud-soft ermine, and handed it to Flote. Sitting back on a couch that overlooked the gardens, he crossed his long legs. “While I wish to discuss the matter of Bordeaux further, I have received some disturbing news that requires my immediate attention.” Philippe’s blue eyes fixed on Nogaret. “The grand master of the Temple arrived in the city two days ago. Shortly before this, we discovered he has been requested to attend a meeting at the London preceptory with King Edward and a representative of Pope Boniface, a man named Bertrand de Got.”
“The bishop?”
“You know him?”
“In a manner of speaking. I met him in Bordeaux.” Nogaret told the king how the bishop had interfered with one of the arrests. “He could make things difficult for us, especially if he elicits the support of the archbishop, as he threatened.”
“Bertrand doesn’t worry me. I’ve had dealings with him before. All that interests him is filling Church offices with members of his family. The man is an avaricious little leech who has spent most of the past year since his appointment trying to worm his way into the pope’s favor. I doubt he will cause us any real trouble, but if needs be, a well-placed bishopric for one of his nephews will keep him pliant. No, it is the reason for this meeting that concerns me. I fear Edward may try to use the Templars against me.”
Nogaret’s brow furrowed. “I do not see how. Edward cannot command them. The Temple answers only to the pope.”
“Exactly,” said Philippe, rising suddenly. “Which is surely why Bertrand de Got, as Boniface’s representative, will be in attendance? My forces can hold against the English at present, but against the full might of the Temple?” He shook his head grimly.
“Even if the English Templars joined forces with Edward, the French would not, neither would those in the Maritime States, or Germany, or Portugal.
They rely on kings and princes across the West for donations and privileges.
They wouldn’t want to jeopardize that.”
“I have to agree with Nogaret,” interjected Flote.
“What purpose do the knights have now the Crusades have ended?” demanded Philippe. “What are they if not an army looking for a war? As a unified force they could take Guienne in a matter of weeks.”
“They aren’t a unifi ed force,” responded Flote. “Half their order is camped out on Cyprus, the other half dispersed throughout Christendom. Since the 32 robyn
young
fall of Acre, they have spent most of their energy increasing their monopoly over the wool trade, and from what we know, Jacques de Molay has come seeking support for a Crusade, not to fight someone else’s war.”
“Nonetheless, I would know for certain that I have nothing to be concerned about. Perhaps the Temple would not fight a war for Edward, but he might persuade them to support him financially. I know he is struggling to maintain a strong presence in Gascony and the revolt in Wales must have taxed him heavily.”
“And if they do support him?” ventured Nogaret.
“Then I will have to find the money for my fleet from somewhere. I may have to bring my
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