Nathan had tried but even he could not be angry around these people. they were too smart and far too much fun. he had thought priests and nuns were boring but they were often just as clever and mischievous as he, and they also let him release his responsibility over his sister, at least temporarily. He also loved learning. He still worked at his puzzles, though he had finally beaten about a third of the bag, while the other pouch's contents were on tables like pieces of art. He also had taken after his mother getting a book for himself which he would read while his fingers worked the puzzles. He was often found in hidden alcoves reading as he worked them, quiet and happy.
A large part of it was that his mother was actually allowed some peace, both from himself, and the others who had always pestered her, as only the Bishop pestered his mother now and that was usually to question about her book keeping her skills quickly have won the Bishop over who kept teasing he intended to hire the good Lady Elizabeth as God's Accountant.
Nathan had also made peace with the old man. This had happened one day in the library when the boy had been unsure what to read and instead of the Bible or something that would have been just as boring to the young man, the Bishop had selected a compendium of the Arabian Nights Tales which the boy had adored. The Bishop had then set aside a number of adventure books and tales for the boy and had even read him the tales of their own land in Latin, thus forming a strong bond between the two. It was the Bishop who had gotten the boy to talk about his anger at his father and had shown him the reports on the battles where Nathan learned his father was not only a great warrior but also a hero who rescued and protected innocent life. Nathan still resented much about his dad but he was coming to accept the truth about him.
Constance absolutely adored the two children and was always about to answer their questions and help with them. Nathan had blushed once when Catherine teased him about having a crush on the lovely redhead, who it turned out was actually only fifteen. Constance actually did not notice the boy's attentions but Nathan was also smart enough , and still young enough, that he did not pine for her or fawn after her, though his sister was guilty of such things quite often, especially of the handsome men who visited the Abbey.
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Roland rolled his eyes.
He had finally gotten away from the Holy Land, much to the others' regret, and had taken his booty and many weapons and his title and left from Rome. He had arrived without incident but upon being ordered to an audience with his Holiness, he had gone and given his report then had, much to his irritation, had been sequestered. No one was allowed to speak to or about him and no report of his living was sent to his people.
While he was so sequestered, for some weeks, the Pope also ensured that only the reports of Roland's death continued. When Roland had learned this, from the Holy Man himself, that the Pope was well aware of William and his machinations but he did not tell Roland that he had no doubt that the King would try to kill Roland if he had the chance. He did not tell Roland what William had done to Elizabeth nor about his son. Instead he had made it clear that Roland was to stay here in the Vatican until the Pope released him, as the Holy Father both needed assistance and advice in a number of military matters.
Roland had argued but had been silenced by the Pope's threat to have him arrested and held. Roland had been irritated but had given in. Besides he had been promised both payment and aid to return home. The Pope knew he was playing a dangerous game but if William found out Roland was alive he would try to kill him, or worse the innocents that meant so much to the Lord of Salisbury, whether it be the family in sanctuary, his cousin Brian, or the people who were caring for his land in his absence. He had little doubt Roland would actually kill William but the Pope could not allow this. Regicide was a crime that no one could survive, no matter who they killed, and the Pope wanted Roland to go home to and in peace.
So it was that Roland sat on one of the cardinals' chairs, in one of their silly gowns, listening to the various audiences the Pope accepted. He had been allowed this because the pope did not want him noticed or recognized, but also present at all things, and because several of the seats in the college were currently empty, thanks to the various wars, including the recent Crusade, and several civil wars that had drawn a number of the Holy Men back to their old parishes. The Pope has supported these actions but he needed a military commander to help both his own forces, and these fellows with their troubles, and had selected Roland. Roland had proven useful planning brilliant military attacks, but also clever tricks to prevent violence when it concerned the church leaders themselves.
He was given no credit but much thanks and though he tried, he was also well paid for his aid, and though only the Holy Father knew who and what he was, his advice, given to then through the Holy Father, was highly sought after.
While he was useful, Roland was bored, wanted to go home, and these damned robes were itchy. The actual cardinal to his side smirked at him and Roland grunted smirking back.
As ever he had made quick friends here and he was popular among his 'fellow' cardinals. He had been named as Cardinal Franklin De Soto of Wales and he was well aware he would be expected to resign when the time came but until then, he would have to be patient and try to enjoy what little he could about this place.
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