Having been preoccupied (some might say obsessed) with stories of ancient gods and long lost worlds, Pericles had let his attention slip from the religious changes happening on his own turf.
The Faith of the Cross, the strange cult that had emerged from the wilds of the north, had slowly spread southwards. It found converts amongst disaffected Jews and Muslims all along the east coast, who were drawn to its promise of redemption for the meek and the humble. Though still very much a fringe religion, its ceremonies taking place in backrooms and basements rather than established temples, leaders of the other religions had begun to worry about this new competitor.
So it was that three eminent scholars - a Jew, a Muslim, and a Taoist - came to see Pericles in Athens. The Jewish representative was the first to speak:
"Majesty, you are known to all as a wise and gentle ruler, who encourages dialogue and peaceful coexistence between people of all faiths. And so it is with heavy hearts that we come before you today, bringing a grave matter for your attention..."
"No doubt you are aware of the strange and secretive cult which spreads in your eastern cities. Its followers call it the Faith of the Cross, and claim that it has no quarrel with other faiths. They are lying, your highness, and their true purpose threatens us all..."
The Muslim representative took over:
"These cultists take great care to prevent outsiders from gaining knowledge of their goals or their organisation. We have evidence that people wishing to leave the cult are murdered to ensure their silence. We also know that officials have been bribed or blackmailed, allowing the cultists to get away with these evil deeds."
"Moreover, our sources report that the cult has been accumulating large amounts of gold by fraud and force. Public money is secretly diverted to their coffers. Protection rackets operate in areas where the cult is strong. Pirates and highway robbers target merchants travelling the east coast, and turn the profits over to the cult. Given the sums involved, we can only assume that they are building up a war chest..."
Now it was the turn of the Taoist:
"This is no peaceful faith, Majesty. As much as we are thankful for your tolerance of different beliefs, this cult is too dangerous to be tolerated. This blight has already spread across the new world, infecting India and Arabia. We fear that even the leaders of those nations may have been corrupted by its malign influence."
"And so, in spite of our own differences, our three faiths have united this day to beg that you take action against the threat. Firstly, we ask that you refrain from helping these cultists to spread their foul lies here in Greece. Secondly, we wish you to send a force to strike at the heart of this wicked group..."
"And where would that be?" enquired Pericles.
"A place called Winstown", replied the Jewish representative. "It is not accessible by land, but we have reliable information that there is a seaward passage somewhere to the northeast of Mediolanum. We must warn you, however, against any temptation to keep the city for yourself. If a decisive blow is to be struck against this cult, Winstown must be razed to the ground!"
Changes (NFPE):
The Faith of the Cross, the strange cult that had emerged from the wilds of the north, had slowly spread southwards. It found converts amongst disaffected Jews and Muslims all along the east coast, who were drawn to its promise of redemption for the meek and the humble. Though still very much a fringe religion, its ceremonies taking place in backrooms and basements rather than established temples, leaders of the other religions had begun to worry about this new competitor.
So it was that three eminent scholars - a Jew, a Muslim, and a Taoist - came to see Pericles in Athens. The Jewish representative was the first to speak:
"Majesty, you are known to all as a wise and gentle ruler, who encourages dialogue and peaceful coexistence between people of all faiths. And so it is with heavy hearts that we come before you today, bringing a grave matter for your attention..."
"No doubt you are aware of the strange and secretive cult which spreads in your eastern cities. Its followers call it the Faith of the Cross, and claim that it has no quarrel with other faiths. They are lying, your highness, and their true purpose threatens us all..."
The Muslim representative took over:
"These cultists take great care to prevent outsiders from gaining knowledge of their goals or their organisation. We have evidence that people wishing to leave the cult are murdered to ensure their silence. We also know that officials have been bribed or blackmailed, allowing the cultists to get away with these evil deeds."
"Moreover, our sources report that the cult has been accumulating large amounts of gold by fraud and force. Public money is secretly diverted to their coffers. Protection rackets operate in areas where the cult is strong. Pirates and highway robbers target merchants travelling the east coast, and turn the profits over to the cult. Given the sums involved, we can only assume that they are building up a war chest..."
Now it was the turn of the Taoist:
"This is no peaceful faith, Majesty. As much as we are thankful for your tolerance of different beliefs, this cult is too dangerous to be tolerated. This blight has already spread across the new world, infecting India and Arabia. We fear that even the leaders of those nations may have been corrupted by its malign influence."
"And so, in spite of our own differences, our three faiths have united this day to beg that you take action against the threat. Firstly, we ask that you refrain from helping these cultists to spread their foul lies here in Greece. Secondly, we wish you to send a force to strike at the heart of this wicked group..."
"And where would that be?" enquired Pericles.
"A place called Winstown", replied the Jewish representative. "It is not accessible by land, but we have reliable information that there is a seaward passage somewhere to the northeast of Mediolanum. We must warn you, however, against any temptation to keep the city for yourself. If a decisive blow is to be struck against this cult, Winstown must be razed to the ground!"
Changes (NFPE):
Spoiler :
