“His Eminence has changed his mind.” Konrad of Oleśnica cut him off. “And has done so ad maiorem Dei gloriam. Reinmar of Bielawa has become a vital pawn in the game, and the stakes have become fucking high. What were you expecting? That I’d give you Bielawa so you could torture him to death? For some vague personal reasons? I’m aware that we once had plans regarding him; he was to be used to cover up the affair of the attack on the tax collector. But now the good of the Church and the country demand something else. I ordered you to collaborate with Duke Jan in the search. I gave Jan permission to enter the convent in White Church. Ha, he’d probably have entered anyhow, since the convent is on his land and the abbess is his sister, but that’s neither here nor there. What matters is that Jan of Ziębice is launching a truly great expedition. If the operation is successful—and it has every chance of being so—we shall give the heretics a severe blow, one they haven’t hitherto suffered. Do you grasp this, Birkart, appreciate it? First the thrashing at Kratzau, and now the drubbing that Jan of Ziębice will soon treat them to. The myth of the Hussites being invincible in battle will evaporate. Other men will follow our example. It will be the beginning of their end. Their end, my son. I was at the Battle of Prague in 1420, at Sigismund’s coronation. I looked from the Hrad at the city, lying in wait across the river like a fierce dog. And when I left that place, I vowed I’d return one day. That I’d see—with my own eyes—that dog’s teeth being knocked out, that entire heretical nation being chastened for its crimes. See blood pouring down the streets of that vile town; see the Vltava running red. And it shall be thus, so help me God. And a significant step towards that is Jan, Duke of Ziębice. And the military strategy that I created and Jan will execute. The plan has to succeed. God wishes it. And I do, too.