Rosenrot oh Rosenrot...

Chapter 01

Deep within the German country side, a dark evil was rising. A church had gone to war with the people, forcing them to obey their laws, or suffer. Blood was shed every day and battles were won and lost. Hope was fading. When all was dark and hopeless, there shined a light. It was a small light, but it was there for the world to see. He was tired of the battles, tired of hiding how he truly felt. He wanted to fight, and he wanted to be brave, but he was all alone.

Till Lindemann was a well renowned priest. He was at the top of his game. People would travel from all over to listen to his sermons and would send their children to be taught at his school. He was powerful and everyone listened to him. He would do as commanded by his higher authority. Father Lindemann has a very proud story to be told, and he has asked me, as a dear friend, to tell it for him when the time arose.

It starts out on an ordinary day...

~Till POV~

I was sitting in my office, grading students' works and thinking of next Sunday's sermon. The sun was shining bright outside and Spring was in the air. I had finished grading a star pupil of mine, when a knock aroused my attention. "Come in."

A man in a red robe stepped into the office and closed the door behind. "Father Lindemann."

I stood, astounded. It was the Pope himself! "Sir! It's a pleasure to have you here in my humble church."

He waved his hands at me, smiling. "No need to be formal, Lindemann. We're all children of God."

I nodded. "Yes sir. Please. Have a seat."

"Oh no, I'm fine. I'm not that old!" We shared a chuckle. "Listen. I've come here today strictly for business. I've gotten excellent reviews from the bishops that come around here and I must tell you, you are doing an outstanding job, teaching all these students."

"Danke."

He nodded. "So, I must ask of you something very important. Six kilometers away, there is a village who refuses to take the Lord, OUR SAVIOR, into their hearts. I would appreciate it if you would go and speak with them. Many people have converted their ways, just because of how well you speak."

"I would be more than happy to, sir."

"Fantastic!" He smiled and walked over to me. "But, here's the thing. If you do not succeed, I must relocate you to Spain."

"But, why?"

"Because you are so renowned around here. If you fail, you're reputation would be ruined! Wouldn't it just be better to say you need a change of scenery?"

"But I'm a proud man, sir. I cannot lie."

"It's not a lie, Lindemann. It's just a... false truth."

"But, sir-"

"Enough!" He held up his hand. "If you fail, you WILL be relocated. That's final."

"Yes, sir." With that, he left.