October 12th 1307 A.D. – Paris

Having spent the summer at Poitiers, the autumn saw the Grand Master return to the intrigues of Paris. Jacques was deep in thought. Events were far from how he had planned them when he had left for France. His meeting with the Pope had left him concerned. The row about the King’s Treasurer could not have helped him with Philip. And yet had he not been given a key position within the court that very day. Would the King be prepared to move against someone to whom he had shown such public confidence?

The Master had spent the day at the funeral of the French King Philip IV’s sister in law, Catherine of Valois. He had been a member of the ranks of honour. He had an important role in the procession, bearing one of the pall cords.

Many other Templar leaders were in the French capital for the same occasion. The Grand Master had spent the early evening catching up on news, from throughout Europe and from Cyprus. But now, later at night, his worries had resurfaced. His mind kept replaying the meeting, from earlier in the year, in May, with Pope Clement.

The day before the King’s sister’s funeral, Jacques had convened a formal Chapter of the Templars. He had spent the whole time reviewing the meeting with Clement, and his subsequent feelings of unease, with all the senior members of the Order. He’d also gone over the subsequent row with the King. There was a strong consensus that the Templars were under the greatest threat they had ever faced. Could it be that Philip would try and confiscate their great wealth?

Now after the service, he had made his mind up that he must ensure the continuity of resources, no matter what. He sent word to summon two of his most trusted knights.

They arrived at his Paris house late that evening. The Grand Master had a letter prepared for them, along with a short speech. He told them what was required and bade them well on their journey to London.