Doctor Who_ Bunker Soldiers - Martin Day [9]
When Vasil was sure they were alone he lowered himself on to one of the pews, and motioned for Yevhen to sit at his side.
‘You wished to speak with me?’
‘Thank you, my lord.’ Yevhen’s voice rang out loudly, for he had nothing to hide. ‘I am interested to hear if any progress has been made.’
‘Progress?’ Vasil feigned deliberate confusion, averting his eyes from Yevhen’s implacable stare.
‘In the response of the Church to this threat. You indicated when last we spoke that a certain... resolution was being sought.’
Vasil nodded. ‘Matters are indeed moving forward.’
‘But you have no conclusion for me?’
‘The governor and his advisers will be the first to know, Yevhen. You must understand that the Church is being pressed on both sides. You are familiar with Prester John?’
Yevhen nodded. John was a legendary Christian ruler from the east, the descendant, perhaps, of the Magi who had visited Christ, who had wanted greater ties with Europe. In actual fact, no one was now sure he had even existed.
‘The Church still believes that salvation, not apocalypse, may yet come from the east.’
Yevhen was incredulous. ‘But... After the destruction the Tartars have caused. . How can you think that?’
‘Are they not people, who need to come to Christ?’ asked the bishop.
‘They are monsters!’
‘Augustine said that monsters are part of God’s plan. I grant you it takes time to establish their role in things, but...’
‘Time is what we do not have in Kiev,’ snapped Yevhen.
‘Kiev is but one of our concerns.’
Yevhen couldn’t help but snort bitterly. ‘That’s what Prince Michael said, when he fled from the wrath of the Tartars like a frightened animal!’
Bishop Vasil turned sharply towards the younger man. ‘Our civil leaders are appointed by God. We must not question their actions – only pray for them, and support them. The fall of Chernigov and Pereislav in such quick succession means that difficult decisions have to be made.’
‘Decisions that can be made far better in Hungary.’
‘Each of us has to decide how best to deal with the coming storm.’
Yevhen nodded. ‘Yes. Yes, that is what I mean. I cannot wait for ever. I have my own... ideas.’
‘You have a great concern for the city, and that is as it should be,’ stated Vasil lightly. ‘But the Church cannot be rushed.’
Yevhen nodded. ‘Then I have your support?’
‘If you have the support of your conscience before God, you do not need mine,’ said Vasil, with something approaching a smile. ‘In any event, I do not know the precise nature of your plans.’
‘And you are happy that you do not,’ said Yevhen, with a hint of scorn in his voice.
‘Perhaps.’ Vasil’s face remained locked in his oily smile.
‘While you are here, perhaps you could tell me about the travellers – the old man, the man who shares your name, the girl.
I am not allowed to see them, so you must be my ears and eyes.’
Yevhen nodded. ‘Of course.’
‘They have been here some little while. Are they still resolute?’
‘The old man is. He refuses all overtures to open the box –
even when he and his companions are offered their freedom.’
‘You think this box important?’
‘I know only that the old man believes it so. For all his age, he is clearly their leader. The others look to him for guidance in all matters.’
‘And the others... this “Steven”, this girl. Are they equally strong-minded?’
‘No, my lord. It is clear that they wish to leave – at almost any cost.’
The bishop nodded. ‘We may be able to use this to our advantage.’
‘Indeed.’
‘What think you of these travellers? From where do they hail?’
‘They themselves do not say, but they are clearly unused to our customs, our way of life. I have heard from the governor’s servants that they grumble at their sumptuous imprisonment.
Clearly they are used to the very finest of dwellings.’
‘Poverty has its uses,’ said Vasil. ‘It reminds us all