Great Charter
The week went ahead with nobles arguing, bribing, coercing, or dueling for greater property.
Yet there were a group of enlightened barons who looked to enshrine human freedoms, instead of their landholdings. These barons came from the losing fraction, and their purpose was to constrain the king's power.
The barons wanted to create a Great Charter, to guarantee the inalienable rights of man. In the charter they listed five rights of man: 1) all men are free and can inherit; 2) all men can freely assemble and petition the government; 3) no new taxes unless a common counsel of nobles agrees; 4) all free men have the right to justice and a fair trial before their peers; 5) and the Monarch doesn't have absolute power.
The group of barons was almost at once ostracized. Any noble with a brain knew, associating with these barons could affect their aspired landholdings.
The Congress of Nobles was a weeklong social engagement, with hundreds of house parties, soirées, and 'get to know you' events. To be ostracized from these events meant social exile. A place no noble desire to visit.
The barons sought appointments with the king and Dukes, all three refusing to accept.
The men hired criers in the noble district, but even the cries refused to yell such divisive words.
Yet the king decided, in private, that Francis II and Will would meet the activist to decide the outcome and their sentence. It was times like these when the king depended on the counsel of his cousins the most.
It was decided that Elizabeth and Will would host the activist barons in their home, along with Francis II and his wife, Christiana.
Baron Timothy vont Hancock was the first to speak, "Thank you Earls for entertaining us. I fear our activism had made us social pariahs.
Yet we believe what most believe, men are born with certain inalienable rights, no free man should be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing in any other way, nor should we proceed with force against him, or send others to do so, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land. No one should be denied or delayed their right to justice."
"We must never cease to fearlessly proclaim the great principles of freedom and the rights of man," said Baron Thomas vont Churchill.
"Surely, you understand the king was chosen by the primordial gods. And by divine right to rule, he may judge all men, and all lands and possessions belong to him as they are gifts from primordial gods?" Francis II asked curiously.
"This Great Charter does not reject divine right but upholds that Divine and Natural Laws govern everyone the same regardless of title or peerage. Surely a king is not above the law set by Aether? We say in writing that fact. Since the gods may judge each other, noble peers should do the same.
Therefore, a king should rule according to an agreed set of laws, and not by whim alone. I believe all nobles recognize King Roland Godwin Fermion III, as a powerful and just king.
But, the problem with the hereditary monarchy is that bad kings come along as often as good ones. That is why created the Great Charter to add some legal restraints against tyranny.
We merely suggest kings rule in consultation with their subjects. We do not specify beyond the word 'consultation,'" said John vont Jefferson.
"Then this document is merely symbolic?" Will asked.
"Yes, this document is a great beacon that enshrines freedoms from oppression. We created the Great Charter to ensure the liberties, freedom, justice, and equality for all mankind," Timothy vont Hancock said.
"If that was the case, then why write the king doesn't have absolute power. You could have argued your case, without reference to divine right and absolute power?" Will asked.
"Earl vont Ballard, how can a man argue for liberties, freedom, and justice; and absolutism. Those things are in opposition," Thomas vont Churchill argued.
"In opposition for whom?" Will asked.
"For the common noble!" John vont Jefferson said.
"I am the third son of Baron, am I your common man?" Will asked.
"You sire, are a different bird altogether?" Thomas vont Churchill said.
"Then name for me, your common man?" Will asked.
"Knights, Marines, Baronets, Barons, and all non-heir men," Timothy vont Hancock listed.
"Then why am I not included? How am I different from those men? Did I find opportunities they couldn't? I sold games as young adults, cannot other men not sell their innovations for profit?" Will asked earnestly.
"Sir, you must admit your story is exceptional. Most men, are not you," said John vont Jefferson.
"Yes, but you miss his point. Earl vont Ballard's point is that it's difficult to define 'common man.' For example, when does the third son of a Baron, cease to be a common man?" Earl vont Whitby explained.
"…"
The barons were stumped at the question.
"Thank you cousin for explaining, what I could not," Will said.
"Of course," Francis II said raising his teacup.
"Now, let's parse your fourth clause about how no free man shall be seized or imprisoned nor his landholding confiscated, except by the lawful judgment of his equals or by the law of the land.
King Roland confiscated your lands because of the crimes of your fathers to fight beside a usurper, instead of for the one true king. Does this clause not seem like petty revenge?" Earl vont Whitby criticized.
"Nonsense! Did not Aether consult the other gods before he cast Nyx into Tartarus? When his favorite grandson Zeus offend his uncle, was he not tried by the gods. We look to imitate that divine trial on Terra," John vont Jefferson said passionately.
"I must admit, I was curious about that clause until I consulted Cardinal vont Clermont. According to the Cardinal, Aether did not summon those gods to judge Nyx or Zeus but to emphasize right from wrong. Thus, he used one trial to absolutely judge the crimes of many in attendance.
If you truly wish to imitate the heavens, then past kings already use such methods. All your document does is misled people from the truth," Earl vont Francis said angrily.
"You are mistaken, we consulted Cardinal vont Pembroke! It is his interpretation we use," Timothy vont Hancock said confrontationally.
"Let's all calm down. Have another biscuit or refill your tea," Elizabeth encouraged.
"Barons, did not 'Bishop' vont Pembroke retire?" Will asked amused at his angry cousin's face.
"Yes, he now resides in Yorkshire," Thomas vont Churchill.
"If that's true, we should use the interpretation of the United Fermion Church of Aether's highest officer, and that would currently be Cardinal vont Clermont, would it not?" Will asked.
"Yes, that is correct," John vont Jefferson sighed.
"Which makes you heretics," Francis II reprimanded.
"Gentlemen, let's end our conversation here. Thank you for coming, Micheal please show them out," Will said.
"Francis you must control your temper," Christiana said.
"What shall you recommend to the king?" Timothy vont Hancock
"I'll recommend he take your head," Francis II said seething in anger.
"I agree. As a Champion of Gaia, and Honorary Bishop with The Church of Gaia, I declare you heretics and recommend your execution. Micheal, is it done?" Will asked.
"Is what done?" Francis II asked.
"Before the barons arrived, I had Micheal pay the criers to announce my judgment of heresy. No doubt, the Churches of Aether and Pontus followed suit.
If you men leave now you may beat the Royal Guards here," Will cautioned.
"Why? How could you?" Thomas vont Churchill asked frantically.
"You should have tried to at least work within the laws. And due to your spite, you men shall become long forgotten footnotes in history," Will said.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the front door.
"My lord, the Royal Guards are here as well as priests from the primordial churches," Micheal said when entered the room.
"Let them in please," Will said.
The first to enter was Marquis vont Smith, who was not technically Royal Guard, but his righteous bloodlust wouldn't allow him not to come.
"Barons Hancock, Churchill, and Jefferson are hereby ordered to be remanded into custody for heresy," he foamed through clenched teeth.
"Jing, I know you're angry, but give them a swift death. This is my request as Gaia Champion. It's better to execute them and move on," Will politely suggested.
"Since you asked as the Bishop who made the pronouncement, and not as an Earl, I'll give you face. You may choose which two to spare from my wrath," he said veins bulging out from his face.
"Spare Churchill and Jefferson," Will said.
"No, please!" Timothy vont Hancock yelled as he was dragged out of the house.
"You had this planned the whole time?" Francis II asked amazed after the barons, priests, and guards were gone.
"Yes, I also paid citizens to pelt them with old tomatoes. There should be boxes lining the streets and clerks paying people for each throw," Will cracked a smile.
"You dog!" Francis II laughed.
"That was mean!" Elizabeth said.
"It was necessary," Christiana applauded.
"Unfortunately, this shall not be the end. The idea has already spread to the consciousness of men," Will said.
"Then what do you suggest cousin," King Roland said walking into the room.
"Greetings, your majesty," the two couples bowed respectfully.
"You don't want to sentence them to death?" Francis II asked.
"Uncle Francis shall preside over their death. Scum like that does not warrant my presence!" the king said vehemently.
"Micheal tell Ms. Park to bring in the good porcelain," Elizabeth said as the teacups were replaced with a more exquisite set.
"How lovely? Wherever did you find these?" Christiana asked impressed.
"They were a gift from the Sea Witch thanking me for treating her granddaughter warmly," Elizabeth said proudly.
"Might you women continue the conversation elsewhere?" the king asked.
"Yes, your majesty," they curtsied and left the room.
"Now, Will elaborate on your earlier point," the king pressed.
"Your majesty, if I may be so bold. I think the idea of the Great Charter piqued the interest of several nobles, but many were too afraid to voice their support because you are too powerful and well-liked at the moment.
We need to remind the nobles how to properly petition the crown," Will said.
"Would you have me agree to their points if another noble petitioned me?" the king asked trying to understand, Will's point.
"Heavens, no! Rather I suggest a group of women petition you for greater rights. For which you accept their petition and enacted into law three to six months later," Will said.
"Women's rights? Give us an example?" Francis II asked.
"The right to inherit property, protect dowagers and heiresses from arbitrary control by their cousins, and to protect a woman's dower rights for financial sustenance, and to protect their right to consent to the marriage, and finally accept a woman's testimony equaled to a man," Will said.
"A few of these rights are already established," the king said.
"I know, that's the best part. You're simply saying something old is new, and you take credit for it," Will said.
"And how do you propose that happens?" the king asked.
"Are not the women having a tea party tomorrow and other events? Ask several retainer wives to bring up the topic. Our wives and mothers shall agree, giving your retainers' wives cover," Will said.
"And who should petition the crown?" asked the king mulling over Will's advice.
"There are only two people fit to present such a request, the queen or the princess. I recommend using Princess Rosalind. With the charter enacted she would be extolled by millions of women, and you could consider it as a simple wedding present.
With that, the Great Charter would be long forgotten, and nobles would know the only acceptable way to petition their grievances is directly to you, extolling yourself to the masses," Will said laying out the plan.
"Ha-ha, ingenious! I'll ask Bryson to summon all the women to the throne room tonight. Will let's discuss the plan further over a sumptuous feast!" the king rejoiced.