Chapter 57 Tusculum
“Sir, a letter from the Holy See has arrived.”
“Speak.”
“The Holy See wishes for your assistance. They have prepared supplies for you in the Vatican and request that your army be stationed there, not to enter Rome, so as not to cause panic among the citizens.”
Hearing this reason, Leo laughed.
Not to cause panic among the citizens? The ones truly panicking must be those high-ranking clerics in the Holy See.
Under the sword, all are equal. If Leo were to bestow such equality upon them, these priests—long accustomed to their elevated status—would likely find it hard to tolerate.
In short, the Holy See wants Leo’s help, but fears he might turn on them once their backs are turned.
But if Rome is off-limits, so be it.
It wasn’t as if he had to go there.
Right now, the city is still surrounded by many forces—Normans to the south, the Holy Roman Empire to the north, and others. Once the situation eases, he could always visit Rome and test his strength against the Pope.
Seeing Leo deep in thought, Ricardo continued, “The Holy See has appointed a cardinal, Peter Damian, to liaise and communicate with you.”
“Tell him to get lost… No, wait.”
Leo’s first instinct was to keep this cardinal far from his sight, out of mind. But then he realized something.
A cardinal held considerable sway among ordinary soldiers. If he let the cardinal run loose in his camp, stirring things up, it would be troublesome.
Public opinion must be controlled.
“Have Enrico arrange his accommodations, but keep him away from the regular soldiers, so no harm comes to the cardinal.”
“Yes, sir.”
Ricardo made a note.
“There’s one more matter…” Ricardo continued writing as he spoke. “An envoy from Tusculum invites you to their family banquet—the Tusculani family’s banquet.”
The Tusculani family?
Hearing the name, Leo’s composure wavered.
This family currently held the title of Count of Tusculum, but their significance went far beyond that.
They represented an entire old order.
Several popes had come from this family. Among the popes forced to abdicate by reformist clergy, some were Tusculani.
Most importantly, even under the siege of reformers, the Tusculani family remained unbroken. Their branch, the Colonna family, would in the future continue as a pillar of power in the Holy See. Their influence in Rome could not be underestimated.
“Apart from the banquet, did their envoy mention anything else?”
“No, sir.”
It seemed matters would be discussed in person.
“Send them a reply, saying I will come to Tusculum.”
With that, Leo rose.
Ricardo stayed in the tent to draft the reply, while Leo stepped outside, Corrado immediately straightening and accompanying him.
As Leo walked through the camp, soldiers on either side of the road snapped to attention and saluted the moment he passed.
Reaching the very center of the camp, Leo ascended a wooden platform.
The soldiers gathered of their own accord, surrounding Leo and awaiting his words.
Leo did not keep them waiting.
“Soldiers! The Holy See has ordered us to bypass Rome and proceed to Tusculum! There, arrangements for our rest will be made! Spread the word—our destination is Tusculum!”
Leo stepped down from the platform, and the soldiers dispersed, cheering.
...
Tusculum.
An ancient city, as old as Rome itself.
Over a thousand years ago, Camillus, the "Second Father of the Roman Republic," had hailed from here. After Rome was set ablaze by barbarians, it was this hero who led soldiers from Tusculum to reclaim and save the city.
But now, Tusculum had declined beyond decline.
A solitary castle crowned the mountaintop, gazing down at the broken remnants below. The shattered marble columns spoke of former glory.
The Countess of Tusculum withdrew her gaze, turning to her dressing table.
Before her lay an array of cosmetics. Around her bustled a host of maids, maintaining her lavish lifestyle.
“My lady, the young master did not study today.”
“Again?”
Maria regarded her own reflection in the mirror: a proud nose, skin like porcelain, delicate features set above a stately figure, her noble bearing making her seem almost otherworldly.
She was only twenty-eight, widowed for more than eight years.
As widow of the late Count of Tusculum, she could not bring shame upon the family, and so had never remarried.
“Yes, my lady.”
A maid approached, checking Maria’s makeup once more.
Satisfied that all was perfect, the maid produced a scarf. The white cloth wrapped around Maria’s golden hair, the coiled bun adorned with pure gold ornaments.
The black shawl marked her widowhood, yet gems sparkled in its fabric, and intricate patterns undulated just beneath the surface, attesting to its luxury and refinement. Her black dress accentuated her bewitching figure.
“Let him be, then.”
Maria seemed helpless, unsure how to discipline her son.
“Our little master truly hasn’t inherited the family’s blood. Has no love for learning, and no interest in priestly duties, alas…”
The maid kept glancing at Maria’s profile as she spoke, careful not to offend or miss a chance to flatter her mistress.
Thankfully, this time, nothing went amiss.
“Yes, who could have foreseen this?”
Maria lifted the hem of her black gown, the satin fabric smooth as silk, catching the sunlight and shimmering like gold and silver treasure.
“Is there anything else to report? If not, I’ll be off to walk with Lady Pierleoni.”
“There is some news.”
The maid curtsied. “The bishop you invited—his envoy has arrived.”
“And what did he say?”
Maria was still adjusting her dress, wanting her appearance to be impeccable.
“The envoy said the bishop’s army will arrive soon.”
“How soon?”
Maria looked up. “By ‘soon,’ does he mean tomorrow? Next week? When?”
“Most likely tonight.”
No sooner had the maid finished than she felt a whirlwind stir before her.
She looked up to find her mistress already unfastening her garments. The luxurious gown was tossed aside as if it were a rag.
“Hurry! Prepare the grandest banquet!”
Stunned, the maid stood frozen.
She could not comprehend why a bishop warranted such extravagant welcome from her mistress.
So she ventured timidly, “And Lady Pierleoni…?”
“Forget her! Go, quickly!”