Thomas More's Dining Room

Thomas was sitting at his table for a dinner with Fisher and other clergymen who took part at Council. It was the right occasion for talking freely, without risk of being heard by one of King's men, especially Cromwell. While servants were serving the soup, he looked at Fisher and smiled

I would like to thank Your Eminence for your speech at Council. It has been clear and brave...

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Fisher leant on the table and shrugged a little.
I only spoke truth. And I believe that the caveat 'as far as the law of Christ allows' does indeed invalidate the whole bill.

He shook his head.
How can the law of Christ permit a layman, even a king, to be head of the church?

A servant was pouring the soup and he said to him.
Boy, a little for me!

The boy approched him too to serve the soup. But Thomas raised his hand meaning No. He was not hungry

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Then he crossed and joined his hands together with closed eyes, waiting for Fisher to start the prayer before eating

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Fisher folded his hands and started the prayer.
In nomine patro.... He took his spoon and stirred the soup. With care he took a small bite too taste if the soup was still too hot and then he looked up at Thomas again.

I must ask you sir More, if you still have a mind to resign your office?

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Thomas crossed again after Fisher finished his prayer. While others were starting to eat he looked at his friend and took a breath

After the vote, Your Grace, I have to admit that I was tempted to do that. But I thought deeply about that. And... I would be happy to fight for Christendom..

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Fisher looked at him in relief.
That is excellent news, as is the finally turning again of the archbishop. I thank God that his conscience has finally driven him to condemn the king's nullity sult.

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He coughed a little as did some priests around him but he continued, fascinated by the subject.
And he has stated his intention to oppose any legalisation which might be injurious to the church!

The coughing around him became louder and he coughed himself, more and more while to his horror, people around him fell on the ground and made rattling sounds as they lost consciousness.

Thomas stood up immediately and looked horrified around him. Priests were lying lifeless on the ground, and even Fisher fell down from his chair, unable to breath. Poison! He thought immediately. There was no other explaination

Call a physician! Hurry up!

He shouted to servant

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Then he rushed to Fisher and raised slowly his head from floor

Your Grace...can you hear me?!

He slapped softly his cheek and looked around them. They were surrounded only by silence and death

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