Keith Tyler

Medieval Europe

Final

What land do we live in where men may be murdered by soldiers in the light of day?

What King is this who may order his knights out into the town to cut apart one who has done him no harm in kind?

Where is God in our midst when a man of His cloth is struck down by common ruffians at the behest of a miserable earthly ruler?

Our King does not, it would seem, bother himself with such minutiae as the rights of his barons, or the defense of the people, or respect for the Holy Roman Church. If it pleases the king, you shall be secure in your life. If it does not, you are without refuge.

This King does not need to bring charges, or declare a war, in order to dispense his personal justice. It is not so much with a wave of his hand that he can order his men to kill the most supreme religious man in England.

One may witness the decrees of the King to seek power for himself over his vassals and subjects in the name of justice. But one may see through the example the King has made of the Archbishop Thomas what sort of justice he has in mind.

Take heed, o King, if you dare to seek the homage of the Church. The man came from the Mount and spake, "Thou shalt not kill." He means these words for every man, including you.

No matter what strength over the Church and your people your claims of justice may bring you, you will never find yourself out of the reach of His justice.