The Seal’s Answer

Wierach read Hartwig’s answer twice before he set it down.

The first copy had arrived with the morning courier. Two more came before the clerks had finished sorting the day’s petitions. One was addressed to the chancery, one to the imperial household, and one bore the names of the electors on its outer fold. Hartwig had sent them all at once. There would be no private correction, no quiet exchange of terms. Ammerau’s answer had entered the realm in ink.

Wierach laid the copies side by side. The archbishop had recorded Adelais, Lambert, and the crown under his protection until the Emperor’s command was established. He had also recorded that the crown’s seal remained intact.

The wording left room for a reply. It left little room for delay.

“Who has received the other copies?” Wierach asked.

“Rensheim’s messenger was seen at the south gate,” said the chancery clerk. “The others have gone by the post road.”

“How long to Rensheim?”

“Nine days, in fair weather.”

“And to the others?”

The clerk named the distances. Wierach listened and made no note. The answer would travel at the speed of horses, but men could choose what to believe before the letters arrived. Hartwig had made the dispute simple enough to carry: show the Emperor’s command, or admit there was none.

Wierach folded the copy addressed to the electors and put it beneath his hand.

“Bring Fleck.”

The physician came in with his injured wrist bound against his chest. He had been allowed the use of the household rooms while it healed. The household called that kindness. Wierach had made sure he understood the difference between kindness and release.

Fleck glanced at the papers. “The archbishop’s answer?”

“You know its terms.”

“I know what he wrote.”

“Did the Emperor command the return of the child and crown?”

Fleck looked down at his bandage. He was careful with his face when frightened. Today he had less room for care. “I have not heard him give such a command.”

Wierach watched him. A direct order from Ludolf would have ended the matter. It would also have required a voice from a room where no voice could answer. For a moment, he considered bringing Fleck to the chapel and making him look at the sealed chest. That would settle nothing. It would only give the physician another burden to carry.

“Did the Emperor ever grant me authority to act in his name?”