This was all happening too fast.
How could that spiteful Scorpion let him off so easily?
He preferred to believe this was some new form of humiliation.
However, the fact remained.
"A messenger from the Holy See, the venerable Abbot of Cluny Monastery and Cardinal of Ostia, Gerard's Otto, has brought joyous news," Archbishop Siegfried of Mainz said to Henry, who was still kneeling on the ground.
Henry bowed slightly, his hands trembling as he lowered the hood of his coarse cloth robe. He knelt and kissed the ring of Gerard's Otto.
Gerard's Otto placed a hand on his head in blessing. "It is over. Rise, my son, and become the great Emperor that God wishes you to be."
"It is over?"
"He is willing to discuss the terms of your pardon."
These words invigorated Henry, as if someone had poured warm wine down his throat.
"Thank you, Archbishop. Thank you…" Henry said, grabbing the hand of the Archbishop of Mainz.
