Thomas More's office

Fisher held his breath while sir More was speaking.

You mean, he is here again? In England? Such boldness!

He shook his head heavily, frowning deeply.

I read the pamphlet and intend to write an answer to all accussations in it. So you will interrogate him. I hope he will change his mind, but what if he doesn't? he asked quietly, curious how his friend would handle the growing numbers of Lutherans.

Thomas took a deep breath and put his hands together on his desk

You know I'm against violence, dear Eminence, but...if he doesn't, I will be forced to proceed...

He answered, looking directly into his eyes, and knowing that Fisher understood perfectly what he meant. Suddenly the conversation with Alice about that came in his mind...

Fisher looked him directly in the eyes and as sir Thomas told him he would proceed, he shivered but nodded slowly in agreement.

I... understand. Burning books will no longer be sufficient, stronger measures are needed. he said thoughtful.

You can count on me, my friend. I will help you perform what is necessary. he added sincerely.
Even as the ultimate punishment may be executed, I will be present to pray to God for his soul.

Thomas sighed and nodded slowly

Thank you, Eminence...this means a lot for me. Some people think that I enjoy doing that...but it's not true. That's a painful duty...but God gave this duty to me. And I'll do it...trying to restore the true faith in England...

He replied with break but firm voice

Fisher bited his lips but looked firmly in his eyes.

I know you don't want this, you are a devout Catholic. "thou shall not kill" is what Mozes himself thought us... but many were killed when he took the people to the Holy Land. God is on your side and wants you to defend his interests, even though it goes against your beliefs.

He stared at his determined face and smiled faintly.

I hope they all will come to their senses once they find out the changed policy, my friend!

Thomas raised an eyebrow and looked perplexed at him

Sincerely...I don't think they will change their opinions, until some important people support them. Many Princes around Europe are already devoted to this new...religion. But this is an illness, Eminence. And...as I taught to my children, only the fire can clean an infected house...

He said meaningfully, taking a deep breath

Geoffrey entered in the room and bowed deeply, noticing that sir More was with Cardinal Fisher

Sir Thomas...Master Simon Fish is here...

He announced, raising his head to them

Thomas raised his eyes to servant once he announced Mr Fish. He came early than he expected him. Then he glanced at Fisher and nodded

Oh...yes! Let him come in...

Fisher nodded in agreement while he frowned.
Yes, this new religion seems not easily to obstruct. And if the king will truly break with Rome, the Lutherians will think they are free to profess their faith here. He shivered and looked at him firmly.

Fire cleans... yes, and what needs to be done, has to be done!

He looked up as Geoffrey entered the room and announced Master Fish. He stood up.
I will go now. I hope.... we were mistaken about him. he whispered.

Fisher looked at John and smiled at him.He turned to Thomas More

"Chancellor!"

As Thomas saw Simon Fish entering, he greeted warmly Fisher. Once he left, he turned to Fish again and showed him a chair. He walked towards window

Have you beein in exile, Master Fish?

He asked, turning his eyes to him

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Simon was looking at Thomas.He smiled

"Yes sir.It was Cardinal Wolsey's pleasure to keep me in holland for fear I might speak the truth."

Thomas nodded slowly and walked towards his desk again. He stopped and frowened a bit

Why you came back, then?

He asked curiously, staring at him

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Simon was still looking at Thomas

"I thought Mister More.That with the cardinal fallen and sent away that conditions in this country might be changed for the better.. More lenient.."

He was smiling

Thomas looked around room, a bit perplexed

Uhm...Do you have friends in this Country?

He asked, turning to him with a weak smile

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Simon was still smiling

"Of course sir.As an Englishman.."

Thomas rubbed softly his chin and sighed. He looked straight at him

And...at court? Have you friends at court? Perhaps you deny of being the author of this writing? "A plea for beggars"...

He asked with curious voice. Then he glanced at the document on his desk and turned to him again

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Simon shocked.He looked at Thomas

"N..No sir.."

Thomas sat at his desk again, frowing deeply

Uhm...what's about?

He asked curiously, staring at the paper in front of him

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Simon understood that Thomas More was not friendly.He looked at him and answered

"Sir, this is an application to His Majesty for solution many of horrible and shameful abuses of the church.."

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Thomas shook his head while looking at the paper

No...no! You seem to suggest that Chuch's true target is to strip of all power, the authority, the obedience and the dignity...the King! Rather...you go further. And you say that the Church itself is source of...rebellion, and serious disobedience to King! Isn't it tue, Master Fish?

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He raised from his desk, still holding the paper in his hands, and came closer to him

And here...Master Fish, if I may...you say that the exemptions collected by people, don't go to a tolerant and secular Prince, but to "Cruel and malignant leeches, drunk of martyrs's blood, and of Christ's blood..."

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Thomas put the paper on the table and looked angrily at him

Shame of you, Master Fish! Because...who are these cruel and malignant leeches, if not the priests of our Holy Church, who show us the way to Heaven?

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He shouted. Then he took a deep breath and stared firmly at his face

But you don't even believe in that. Am I wrong, Master Fish?

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Simon was very afraid of More.He felt his mouth dried up and he gasped

"I'm a Christian man.. The child of eternal joy through the merits of the painful passion of Christ.."

He was happy at that time.He looked at Thomas

"This is the cheerful answer, Chancellor!

Thomas leaned on him and looked straight at his face. He sighed deeply

Even this is a heresy!

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Then he took a deep breath and showed him the door

It's enough. You may go, Master Fish...

Simon looked at Thomas and he left

Thomas took a deep breath once he left. He walked towards window again. Simon Fish was guilty of heresy! There was no doubts about that. His own words showed him his guilt. He had to condemn him to death...he had to burn him. So he reached his desk again and wrote a report about Fish's interrogation. After he sighed, he called a servant

Bring this to the King, please. After he signed, prepare the pyre in the courtyard...