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by Philip's commander to either resign from his office or die.
    The assailants treated the Pope with no respect at all, for he was thrown into jail and badly beaten, and was given only a few days to decide his fate. However, matters were taken out of everybody's hands when Boniface VIII suddenly died before he gave any answer. Officially his death was reported to have been from kidney stones and, being 68 years old, died of natural causes. However, his sudden and suspicious death gave rise to the very strong rumour which swept across Europe that the Pope's death was anything but natural, but was caused by foul play instigated by King Philip, and carried out by the King's attack dog, William de Nogaret.
    Pope Benedict XI was the next Pope, who proved to be more of a friend to King Philip IV, for one of his first acts after taking office was the lifting of the excommunication imposed on Philip by Pope Boniface VIII. However, at the same time, Benedict XI then excommunicated William de Nogaret for the alleged part he had played in the death of Pope Boniface VIII. The pontificate of Pope Benedict XI lasted less than a year, with his death also occurring in questionable circumstances. Once again Europe was awash with a rumour that it was once more the King who was complicit in this terrible deed. The difference this time being that it was William de Nogaret himself who, with the King's approval, had been both the instigator and executioner of this Pope.
    The influence of King Philip IV on the papacy was now increasing and becoming ever stronger as he chased after the papal wealth. This battle for papal supremacy was fought out between the Cardinals of France and those of Italy during the year-long interregnum following the death of Pope Benedict XI.
    As always in situations such as this, a compromise figure was sought. The selection was never about who was the person best to lead the Catholic Church but all about an individual who was proven to be inoffensive and acceptable to both the French and Italian Cardinals. In the person of Raymond Bertram de Got, both sides believed they had found their ideal candidate. He had been chaplain to Pope Boniface VIII, and was therefore well known to both the French and Italian Cardinals. Before his death, Pope Boniface VIII had elevated Raymond to the position of Archbishop of Bordeaux as a reward for his long service and his dedication to both him and the Church.
    He was seen by both sets of Cardinals as a weak and pliable individual, forever keen to avoid conflict and always ready to settle any dispute with any sort of compromise, if that brought about a peaceful and swift resolution to the problem.
    Although not a Cardinal, Raymond Bertram de Got was elected on 14th November 1305, with his coronation taking place at Lyon, where he took the title of Pope Clement V. King Philip IV attended this coronation believing that he now had his man at the head of the Catholic Church. In a like manner, the Italian Cardinals who were in attendance also believed that they had their man firmly in power. Conflict had not been avoided, merely delayed.
    Guy's concentration on the conversation with Matthew was suddenly broken by a burst of activity from the Templar sailors, and he redirected his attention to establishing why the sailors had broken their afternoon siesta.
    Even though it was some distance away, the towering figure of the castle of Ceze now dominated the skyline, which indicated that they did not have too far to go before reaching their destination. The Templar sailors brought the hulk to the banks of the river, and when securely moored sent a small party off to purchase some of the renowned local wines to accompany the evening meal. Unfortunately, the sight of such a large centre of population brought with it the risk of King Philip’s spies and agents, and Matthew and Guy were urged to join the Pope and take cover by remaining within their quarters until they reached Avignon.
    It was intended