Chaos erupted in the meeting hall. Most of the cardinals stood up from their seats and started talking simultaneously.
"This is impossible!"
"An Archbishop at the age of eighteen?"
"Bishop rank was already pushing the boundary of what was acceptable."
"This can't be allowed! This will set the wrong precedent!"
"SILENCE!" The Pope bellowed and stood up. "I hear all of you judging the young Bard by his age, forgetting to see beyond his achievements! Fine, if age is the case, then tell me, you're all old. Have any of you converted two hundred thousand barbarians to the faith of Solis? If yes, then I will accept the refusal to vote. If not—"
The Pope didn't finish speaking as the threat would have gone too far. But he did make the message clear.
