Canterbury Abbey was quiet that evening as Archbishop Thomas Becket made his way through the silent halls. The only sounds he heard occasionally was the crackling of a candle, the soft whisper of his garment against the floor, or the click of his staff. He enjoyed these quiet moments as he felt most at one with God at these quiet times.
As he turned a corner, someone reached out and grabbed him. The staff clattered to the floor as he was pulled against a hard body and a hand clamped firmly against his mouth. Becket struggled as best he could, but then he heard a soft voice say, "Be at ease, Thomas." He was turned and saw a feminine figure in the shadows. The woman was hooded and walked out of the shadows, accompanied by two guards. She pushed her hood back as a golden coronet glittered in the light.
Becket was released and fell to his knees in front of her. "Your majesty," he whispered. Eleanor raised her hand in greeting, smiling and said, "Be at ease Thomas. I have come to aid you." Thomas sat back from his kneeling position, regarding her with a question on his face. "I don't understand." Eleanor sighed and raised Thomas to his feet. "My husband, I fear, has gone to far in his rage. Just a few days ago, he flew into a dark mood, and shouted 'Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest!' After hearing, I left with a few of my knights to come here immediately. Thomas, we must get you out of Canterbury, and England preferably." Thomas made to shook his head. "But your majesty..."
Eleanor raised her hand to silence him. "It is better to live to fight another day then to die a martyr, Thomas. I have brought an extra horse and provisions with me. My knight here is to guide you to the coast, where there is a boat waiting for you. Take it and go to France, then make your way to Rome. You will be safe there. Come, there is little time." She took his hand and pulled him out into the courtyard of Abbey. A strong black stallion stood in the courtyard alongside a smaller brown horse. The mountain of a man behind him mounted the stallion. Eleanor indicated the smaller horse and Thomas mounted. In the dark cold, he clutched his robe to him. He regarded Eleanor and said, "God bless you my queen." Eleanor bowed slightly and said, "You as well, Thomas. Now go!" The two horses turned and vanished into the night.
The next day, a group of four knights arrived at the Abbey. They stormed in and ransacked the place, looking for the Archbishop, but could find him nowhere. Dissatisfied, they returned to the King, their errand not complete.
What happens if Thomas Becket escapes Henry the II and goes to Rome, whether with or without Eleanor's help? How does history change?