"I know am not a merchant myself, but has anyone tried to convince the Bishop to let you use the pass? I'm sure even the esteemed Bishop doesn't want to cause further problems to the trade that goes through his town." Fiore is trying to gauge the mood in the room, to see if he can motivate some of them to action, preferably one that will allow him and Giovanni the chance to avail themselves of the same method.
"I know that one of the merchants who headed north tried to convince the bishop to make an exception for him. Unfortunately for him the bishop considered his attempts, including offers of donations to his church, as being suspicious and he decided it would be bad for his health to remain."
"Oh my, that seems to be in very poor taste, to offer donations when you're speaking to a bishop. But I guess some people haven't mastered the fine art of etiquette when speaking to religious figures of such eminence." Seems like this Bishop is a tough crowd, but there has to be a way around it. "Do any of you have any news about what's going on south f here? Anyone knows when the last merchant from the south has passed through here? I miss my home, and would love to hear that everyone is ok down there."
"Sure, he doesn't impede any merchants traveling north, a fellow passed through here a couple of days ago, I'm sure if you wait someone else will be along soon."
Fiore will drink with some of the merchants, and try to get as much info on the bishop as he can. Especially if there's any favored item, or a known vice, that he has.
He discovers that the Bishop was appointed in 1210, when he was required to swear fealty to Otto, before Fredrick came to power. He has been known to have strong Guleph leanings however, and sided with the alliance between the Pope and Fredrick back in 1212 against Otto, to whom he had sworn allegiance. He is also originally from Italy where he grew up in the papal lands.
Seems we've found ourselves in a pickle. But perhaps it's time to talk to the bishop, or at least try.
Fiore heads out, and goes to the church, to see if he can meet with the Bishop.
The church is a ways up the mountain pass from most of the dwellings, and as you arrive it occurs to you that the position is one which would be easy to fortify. The church door is unlocked though as soon as you cross the threshold a man's voice calls out, "shut the door against the cold nd the devil, if they be not the same thing!"
"For sure, both of them need to be kept out." Says Fiore as he shuts the door behind him. He hasn't been much to church, at least since he and Bartomeus have moved to Gardenia, and in a way, it felt natural to be back, since he grew up a Christian, even though he was never a devout one.
"Hold on a moment!" the voice calls out, before a short chubby man emerges into the church, wearing the robes of a bishop. "What can I do for you my child?"
Fiore gives the bishop the courtesy that is his right, before replying "Your Eminence, I have come to see you, so me and my companion might be given permission to travel to Brescia, so I might be allowed to see my dying mother, before she breathes her last breath."
OOC: 14 on his Com + Guile roll
The bishop nods in sympathy. "I feel for your loss, my son, but tell me of your companion, how long has he been an acquaintance of yours?"
"I've known him for a year now, and he is a good friend of mine. We traveled together mostly for mutual protection, and because his mistress has asked him for some items that he's more likely to find in the lands that are the cradle of Remus and Romulus."
"So his purpose is trade. I will need to think on this, but one more question, if I tell you that you may proceed but your friends may not, what will you do?"
"His purpose isn't bulk trade, just some small items for his mistress. But if you do not let him proceed, I will not leave him behind. My mother's death means that once I have set her matters to rest, I will be heading back with my friend. As much as I love Brescia, there's nothing tying me down there anymore." There's a tear rolling down his cheek.
"I will pray on this, come to see me in the morning and I will give you your answer."
"Thank you Padre, if I may light a candle before I leave?" If allowed, Fiore will light a candle, and perform the rites as best as he recalls, before leaving, and letting Giovanni know of his conversation with the bishop.
"Of course" he gestures to the candles.
Fiore tells Giovanni about his conversation, and that in the morning, he'll head back to meet the bishop, to get an answer. The next day, he wakes up, and bathes before he goes to see the bishop, wearing his second best clothes.
The bishop greets you "I will take you to my men and allow you to pass, my child, but your friend is another matter, I understand they are your escort, and accept that you vouch for them, but this may not be heir only mission to Italy. Still you do have need of mutual protection so in exchange for a tithe, 1 tenth of the fund he carries, I will allow him to proceed with you."