Thomas More's office

Fisher listened to him in growing concern. He rolled his eyes and breathed out a sigh.

And he is aware of his strengths now... may God have mercy on our souls. he ended his sentence in a whisper and crossed himself.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Thomas took a deep breath and lowered his eyes

We need to pray, my dear Fisher. We must pray. It's the only weapon we have against evil, for now...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Elizabeth knocked at the door, with more confidence than the last time she visited the Chancellor. He always treated her with kindness and he would listen to her warnings, too.

Sir More? It is me, Elizabeth Darton. she said with firm voice.

Thomas looked at the door hearing a familiar voice. He nodded in surprise

Elizabeth Barton? The nun of Kent is back? Oh yes...please. Come in, sister...

She entered and smiled faintly as she saw him. She bowed deeply.

Forgive me for my unannounced visit, Your Grace. I was travelling through the country and passed by, but I could not resist and see some good people, like bishop Fisher and of course, you. How are you, I must admit that I am worried about you. she said sincerely.

Thomas stood up as she entered and bowed at her. He showed her the chair in front of him

Sister Elizabeth...I'm glad to see you're in good health. Please, have a sit. And...worried for me? Why?

He asked curiously while sitting down again

She sat down on the edge of the chair, watching him with concern.

Yes, I worry for you! You are Lord Chancellor now and the cardinal has been destroyed... as I have predicted. King Henry still wants to marry the Boleyn girl and he will increase the pressure on you. She frowned deeply and nervously tugged at her dress.

Thomas sighed and nodded after her words

I know. I heard that the King made himself as Head of Anglican Church. He broke with Rome completely. But there is no reason to worry about me, sister Elizabeth. God is at my side...

She nodded slowly and stared at her hands.
Yes, God is at your side!

She paused for a moment, then looked him in the eyes.
... but He will test your faith to the utmost... she whispered, watching his face.
Hard times lie ahead of us and no one will be spared!

Thomas looked at her face, a bit scared by her words. He tried to smile

I know, sister...I know. I pray all the time for King's soul and our poor Queen. So, I need someone who pray for me. I ask you to remind me in your prayers, sister Elizabeth. In order to have God's protection always with me...

He said, looking at her deep eyes. Eyes that saw visions and Saints themselves

Elizabeth nodded fiercely, trying to smile, too.

I pray for you all the time, my Lord. For you and for your beloved wife and children.

She frowned deeply, she did not want to scare him, but she had to warn him.

Soon the time will come for you to choose who your true Master is. Choose wisely, I beg you!

Thomas gulped again. He joined his hands and nodded

The King made a promise to me, once. He'll never trouble my conscience, and even asked me to consider God first, and then himself. I trust he will keep his promise, sister Elizabeth...

He answered, trying to believe at his own words

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows, she could feel the doubt in his words.

Promises can be broken. she said softly, then added with a stronger voice.
But faith can not be broken! When everything falls apart, your faith will remain. Keep your trust in Him and He will reward you, even though... she put a hand to her mouth, startled, watching him with wide eyes.

Thomas looked at her in silence. He nodded and crossed himself

I always do, sister. God is my only strenght and support. I won't stop praying for the King and my beloved family...

She was still shocked by the vision that just occured to her, she lowered her eyes in grattitude that he did not ask her to finish her sentence.

I pray too, for you and your family and also for Bishop Fisher. He is also an honest man and very devout. Both of you will suffer for that and that grieves me so much. she ended her sentence in a sigh, raising her eyes sadly to him.

Thomas finally understood what she meant and got pale. He just nodded

It it his God's will we have to suffer, then we'll accept His will. After all, even our Savior had to accept His Father's will. But please, don't stop praying for me, sister...

She nodded and stood up.

I will never stop praying for you, as long as I live. I don't want you to suffer, My Lord and I do wish I could say something comforting to you. She shook her head and frowned deeply.

But all I see is blood and pain, as long as the king persists in his intention to divorce. And if he does, he should no longer be king, but die a villain's death!

Thomas stood up after her and took a deep breath

I'll use my power as Chancellor to make him come back to God's will, sister. Even if this means to suffer. I'm ready to accept it for this cause...

She looked him directly in the eyes and then lowered hers.

I see your strength and faith. I don't think we will meet again. I wish you all the best, Your Grace.
I know that your name will be forever linked with the true Faith!

A tear ran down her cheek as she bowed deeply and walked to the door.

Thomas stood up and bowed once he saw her walking away

Thank you, sister Elizabeth. Although, I'll pray for meeting you again...

He noticed the tear running on her cheek

Norfolk knocked at the door. He was sure that Thomas was still working, even though it was late at night.

Thomas? Can I enter? he asked loudly.

Thomas was sitting at his desk. He raised his head as he heard Norfolk's voice at his door

Come in, please...

Norfolk entered and closed the door carefully behind him.
He looked at Thomas with a worried face and came closer to his desk.

Thomas! How are you? I just came back to the palace and heard some rumors. Is it true that Henry has now the absolute power over the Church of England? Did they all agree?

Thomas joined his hands together on the desk and sighed. He nodded and gestured him to sit

Yes...it is true. The Parliament settled at Westminster declared him Supreme Heard of Church. Or better...he appointed this title to himself. Because not everyone agree with this. Like Fisher, for exemple. And myself, obviously...

He added, shrugging a bit at the end of his sentence

Norfolk rolled his eyes and did not sit down, instead he put his arms on his back and walked back and forth along his desk.

So he has it all now, absolute power! Even the Pope can not thwart him anymore!

He saw Thomas' expression and put his hands on the desk, leaning towards him.

How could this happen, Thomas? Is there no way out of this?