“History will judge our ability to look ahead,” said Andrzej of Bnin, sitting upright, his features hardening, “and time will verify it. But time, with due respect, quite painfully confirmed your own abilities in this regard, honourable Bishop of Wrocław. For where is the division of Poland, a plan concocted in Pressburg with the Hungarians and the Teutonic Knights? Where are the Siewierz Lands, Sieradz and half of Greater Poland, which were meant to fall to you after the partition? And you dare to speak of self-righteousness?”

Konrad said nothing, but looked away theatrically.

“Let us then return to looking ahead,” said Andrzej of Bnin, softening his voice by a tone. “I shall tell you, honourable Bishop of Wrocław, what Zbigniew Oleśnicki, episcopus of Krakow, predicts. And it will be the following course of events. After the next Czech plundering raid, half of the Silesian dukes will go over to Hussitism and the other half will flock to the protection of Władysław Jagiełło, King of Poland. The Pope, in order to win Jagiełło over, will deprive you of your mitre and crozier. And since ecclesiastically Wrocław falls under the metropolis of Gniezno, Zbigniew Oleśnicki will appoint your successor in the diocese and the King of Poland will approve him. And Emperor Sigismund, whom you so loyally serve? Do you think he will lift a finger in your support? Not a bit of it. He will not. But instead, will award you with the Order of the Dragon. To console you. As is his custom.”

The bishop was silent for a long time. Then he turned his head.

“You have said much,” he said, looking the Pole in the eyes. “You have spoken much nonsense. But in any case, it’s as I said. Whether for or against the Hussites, you are all equally my enemies, your entire nation. And Zbigniew Oleśnicki is my bitterest foe.”

“The Bishop of Krakow is not your foe,” Bnin said slowly. “Which can easily be proved.”

“How?”

“By his rendering you a favour.”

“In exchange for my consent to Polish intervention?”

“To the glory of God.”

“Well, well. And what service will Zbyszko render me?”

“He’ll give you information.”

“I’m all ears.”

“The Bishop of Krakow,” said Andrzej of Bnin, weighing up his words, “a good Catholic and an uncompromising enemy of heresy, has men among the Poles who serve the Hussites, as he has among the merchants who do business with the Czechs. He has obtained much information thanks to that, including one piece that is important for you. For Silesia. Concerning the Hussite espionage network operating in Silesia.”

“We can cope by ourselves with Hussite spies,” said Konrad, pouting his lips.

“Can you indeed?” said the Pole, smiling. “There is one man you cannot cope with.”