Darkness had come over the land and even the hallowed corridors of the episcopal palace of Canterbury. Only the flickering of candles provided sight to the various persons quietly assembling in the archbishop's chapel. Archbishop Asser watched the few men who were standing together just outside the sanctuary as he removed the sacred vestments prior to their meeting. A small smirk crossed his face as he reflected on the situation now before them. The few men who huddled there were emissaries and secretaries to Alfred, King of the West Saxons. The Archbishop nodded to his deacons and attendants and they approached the men who quickly bowed.

"Your grace, we bring greetings from His Majesty, King Alfred."

“Of course you do. How is his Majesty?”

"He is good, your Grace. Though he was somewhat surprised to hear your summons. He found it quite....abrupt, my lord."

Though the man in front of him was one of Alfred's senior counselors, it was quite clear he was somewhat uncomfortable in his current role. Not good, the Archbishop thought. Alfred's men, perhaps even Alfred himself, must be uncomfortable with the proper role of the Church. That will not do. I shall have to impress upon them there proper duty as Christians. He cleared his throat.
“I am sure that his Majesty will excuse any percieved insult. I simply thought it best that the dangers to the Realm be addressed sooner rather than later.”

"Of Course your grace. Now, how may we humble servants be of service.”

”Undoubtedly you share my concern that the Realm has been under attack from a variety of sources....the Danes are of course an ever-present threat. But...there are also dangers inside the Realm, even in his Majesty's Court. I see that you are shocked that I say that, do not be. I have consulted with my advisors and have been in contact with various ordinaries and potentates in the Empire and even unto Rome itself. We are all of one mind, and that is the security of Britannia against the Dane and the infidel must be preserved. Accordingly, there are several tasks that must be done.”

The Archbishop paused and took a quick breath. Alfred's men were looking a bit more uncomfortable, yet they held their tongues for now.
“First, we must preserve the safety of the Realm by purifying its faith. His Majesty must act quickly in this regard by purging the disciples of the debased Arius from wherever they may hide. To protect himself from threats, he also must send the child Aelfigu here to me, so that I might prepare her to dedicate her life to our Lord Christ Jesus.

“Finally, we must pacify the Danelaw and truly win it for Christ and the Church. I do not believe Guthrum converted nor do I trust him or his progeny Ragnar. He must know that his authority is predicated on his Faith. To that end, his Majesty must work to guarantee safe passage and protection into the Danelaw for my priests, deacons and the one whom I am to appoint Bishop for the Danes. That is my message to his Majesty.”

The counselors of Wessex stared, dumfounded. "Your Grace, surely you must have misstated yourself, or perhaps the Devil did decieve our ears. We cannot take that message to his Majesty!"

“And why not?” Asser had somewhat expected this, though he was annoyed. “Does his Majesty not recognize these dangers?”

"Of course the king knows what dangers there are. But it is his Majesty who is king. Your Grace is but a cleric, a man of God. We appreciate your advice but..."

This one was cut off by one of the military lieutanants. "But it is WE who run the Realm, not you!"

His priests beginning to shy away, the Archbishop raised himself to his full height, spread his cassock and cope and regalia to their most impressive and boomed:

“ How dare you! You think you are trifling with one of those monks that Alfred keeps for his amusement at the Court? I am the Reverend Lord Asserius Menevensis, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Canterbury, Primate of the Britons, Bishop of the Holy Catholic Church and Successor of the Apostles! I was consecrated to my divine Office by the Roman Pontiff himself in the basilica of the most holy John the Divine! I speak for the Church, the supreme Voice of God!”

The counselors were very uncomfortable now. The warrior began to snarl when the senior advisor to Alfred attempted to mend the fences. "My Lord. Of course you are an esteemed peer of this Realm and very important...and we would not want to harm the Church...but you must understand...."

“No. You must understand. Christ gave to his Apostles all authority on heaven and on this Earth. They didst giveth that authority to their disciples and so forth until the Roman Pontiff lay hands on me and make me an apostle myself with full authority in these lands. Go to your king and tell him my message. If he has further questions, he may come to me himself. And perhaps I will forgive him for your impertinence.” With this, the Archbishop left the councilors.

"Well..."said their leader. He sighed. "I suppose we return to his majesty..."