The Sword Brothers (126 page)

Conrad looked at the
groups of Estonians disappearing in the distance.

‘This war is only half
won. There is a lot of fighting left to do.’

Epilogue

To His Holiness Pope
Honorius III from Brother Albert, Bishop of Riga, and your humble
servant, with due and devoted respect.

‘Holy Father, I am
glad to report that the army of the Lord has recently triumphed
over the Estonian pagans led by the servant of Satan himself,
Lembit. The noble crusaders from Germany, combined with your
servant King Caupo and the Order of Sword Brothers, did battle with
the enemies of the Holy Church on the Feast of Matthew’s Day and
scattered the enemy as Samson slew the Philistines. Though they be
outnumbered and sorely tested by the trickery and deceit of the
enemy, the Lord saw fit to reward His humble servants with a great
victory. The triumph was not bought cheaply and it saddens me to
report, Holy Father, that King Caupo and Sir Helmold, along with
many score of other brave men, have joined those others who have
been martyred during the holy crusade in Livonia.

‘I am happy to report
to Your Holiness that southern Estonian has now been subdued and
that the Sword Brothers are poised to spread the word of God north
to the waters of the Gulf of the Finns. I am currently eagerly
waiting for the return of the Bishop of Estonia from the
Principality of Novgorod, who has these last few months been
concluding a treaty with the prince of that city. His return is
greatly anticipated by the people of Livonia.

‘One matter I must
bring to Your Holiness’ attention, and that is the conduct of one
Conrad Wolff, a Sword Brother from the garrison of Wenden. In the
recent battle it was his weapon that struck down the heathen
Lembit, just as David cut down Goliath. This brother knight saved
my own life a number of years ago and I can only conclude that God
has marked out this holy warrior to be the instrument of His will
in Livonia.

‘It just remains for
me to say that the Holy Church in Livonia stands strong and
resolute in its aim to carry the word of God to the pagans and
convert them to His ways.

‘Given this
twenty-ninth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand,
two hundred and seventeen and the second year of your
pontificate.’