The death of Carloman, younger brother of King Charles of the Franks, is a mystery. Twenty-three years of age, in perfect health and in a time of peace when no plagues threaten? It might be thought to warrant investigation. Yet no investigation is made.
King Charles of the Franks is a superlative military leader and a lover of scholarship and high culture who has conquered all the provinces lost to Rome and made a Christian empire. Now, he seeks the immortality of sainthood. First, he needs the backing of the Pope. No problem. He has waged several campaigns to defend the Papal claim to lands in central Italy. Secondly, he needs to be seen to work miracles. Again, to unite all Christendom against paganism will probably be miraculous enough. Thirdly, he needs to be without sin. Problems arise when the king’s claim to beatification meets this condition.
There is the matter of his brother’s death. There is the unknown fate of his brother’s wife and children. And what about the massacre of a large part of his army due to his appointment as commander the obviously inept Count Roland? Military blunders might not be seen as sinful but putting a scapegoat to a cruel death might. Who will investigate these matters?
Osulf, a humble monk, gets the job. Osulf, the drunk, Osulf the fornicator, who would believe Osulf? Even if he was witness to a terrible war-crime.
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