Chapter 11 — The Fire and the Faith
The scent of rain still lingered over Zaragoza when the Papal envoys arrived.They came not as pilgrims but as judges—five men in scarlet and black, escorted by Templar guards whose armor bore the seal of Rome.The people bowed as they passed, yet few smiled. The air itself seemed to tighten around them, as though the city held its breath.
The Envoys' Arrival
King Leon de Aragón received them in the Hall of Mirrors, the chamber built to impress both kings and bishops.Sunlight poured through latticed windows, catching on the polished bronze and the banners of Aragon that hung above the dais.
At the center stood Cardinal Gregorio Alvaréz, a lean man with eyes sharp as drawn steel. His voice was smooth, his words deliberate.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing slightly, "His Holiness sends his blessings—and his concern. The Holy See fears that Aragon's pursuit of knowledge has begun to eclipse its obedience."
Leon regarded him in silence. "Knowledge is obedience, Eminence. To understand God's creation is to praise Him more fully."
Gregorio smiled without warmth. "So long as understanding does not replace worship."
Behind him, the envoys murmured prayers under their breath. The courtiers watched, uncertain whether to cross themselves or hold their tongues.
Leon motioned for wine to be served.
"You've traveled far. Let us speak plainly."
The Council Divided
That night the royal council met in secret.Around the long table sat Leon's closest advisors: Lord Esteban de Montrejo, the pragmatic chancellor; Don Rodrigo, commander of the royal guard; Fatimah; and Father Tomas, once Leon's confessor, now his critic.
Esteban spoke first. "Rome will not relent, sire. They mean to put Aragon under interdict if you persist."
Rodrigo slammed a fist on the table. "Let them try! We have the army, the forges, the faith of the people—"
"Faith?" Father Tomas interrupted. "Faith is not forged from steel, General. The people follow you because they believe God favors you. If Rome declares otherwise, they may turn overnight."
Leon's gaze flicked toward the candlelight reflected in the polished table. "And what do you suggest, Father?"
"Submit," Tomas said softly. "At least outwardly. Delay the wrath of Rome until the storm passes."
Fatimah's voice cut through the murmurs. "And when has submission ever fed the hungry or built the world you dream of, my king?"
Silence fell. Leon looked from one to the other—the priest, the general, the philosopher, the statesman—and felt the weight of each vision pressing against his chest.
"Then perhaps," he said at last, "Aragon must learn to wear two faces: one for Rome, and one for itself."
The Whispering Cloister
Two nights later, a cloaked figure slipped through the corridors of the old monastery adjoining the Chapel of Iron.The moonlight revealed her face: Isabela de Montrejo, Esteban's niece—a noblewoman of sharp wit and a reputation for piety.
She entered a small cloister where a priest awaited her: Brother Lucien, one of the envoys' retinue.He handed her a sealed letter marked with the papal sigil.
"For the Cardinal," he whispered. "Tell him the king plans another voyage, in secret. The fleet is being built in Valencia."
Isabela frowned. "And if I refuse?"
Lucien's eyes glinted. "Then your family will share his fate when the interdict falls."
She hesitated only a moment before taking the letter. When she was gone, Lucien crossed himself—whether in guilt or triumph, even he did not know.
The Trap Unfolds
Days later, at a feast honoring the envoys, Leon noticed Isabela's absence from the court.Fatimah leaned close and murmured, "Your enemies move in silence, my king. One of the envoys meets a noble's kin under the cloisters at night."
Leon's eyes darkened. "Then let us see what prayers they whisper."
That same night, Rodrigo's men caught Brother Lucien attempting to flee the city.Under questioning, he confessed to carrying letters accusing Leon of heresy through invention—claims that he sought to build "a second Tower of Babel."
Leon listened to the confession in the chapel's flickering light.He dismissed the guards and faced the trembling priest alone.
"Do you know why I build machines, Brother?" Leon asked quietly."Because I have seen men die of hunger and ignorance. Because I have seen priests sell forgiveness like coin. I build because faith must have hands, not only tongues."
Lucien wept. "Then why fear Rome's judgment, sire?"
Leon turned toward the iron crucifix. "Because Rome once judged the Son of God Himself."
He motioned for the guards to release the man unharmed.
"Go back to your masters," he said. "Tell them Aragon still kneels—only before God."
The Shadow in Scarlet
At dawn, Cardinal Gregorio received the news with measured calm."He released him?" an envoy asked, stunned.
Gregorio nodded. "Of course. The king wishes to seem merciful. But mercy is weakness when it exposes pride."
He looked toward the rising sun over Zaragoza's towers.
"Send word to Rome: the Iron King defies us. The time for patience ends."
Closing Scene
In his chamber, Leon stood by the window as bells tolled the morning Mass.He saw the smoke of the foundries rising beyond the city—a second sunrise forged by human hands.
Fatimah entered quietly."Rome will answer," she said.
"I know," Leon replied. "And when they do, Aragon must already be ready to stand alone."
He placed his hand on the map of his realm—mountains, rivers, and distant ports—and whispered as though to himself:
"Then let this be our new crusade—not of swords, but of will. A crusade for the soul of men."
The bells continued to ring, echoing across the city like a warning.
End of Chapter 11.