"Wait, I don't understand, Eric."
"I was thinking..." Just as Eric was about to speak, Philip excitedly cut him off.
"Do you know what I've done? I've secured you an opportunity to study in Paris. At the Divinity School!"
The Divinity School in Paris was the most prestigious seat of learning in all of Western Europe. Even the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Lanfrank, studied in Paris.
England had long been on the periphery of Europe, and those who had studied in Paris were few and far between. If Eric were admitted, what with his Norman Identity, the position of Bishop would be his for the taking.
It was glory within arm's reach.
"Hasn't the King sealed off all of England? Is it even possible to leave now?"
"This is the will of the Church. The Church may not have an army as mighty as the King's, but it ensures its people are in every corner of the land."
"I want to live a secular life, Philip," Eric sighed.