by D. N. Carter
“There is much history here, Paul…much indeed,” Theodoric said aloud and nodded toward the main doors.
Alisha looked at the friendly smiling face of the woman again then back up at the building before her. She clasped Paul’s hand and led him toward the doors.
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“The house sounds to me like a small palace,” Sarah commented.
“It was a grand house indeed. Bigger than the one in Alexandria even…and built in the area once known as Heliopolis,” the old man explained. “Once inside, Theo took Paul to what was once Philip’s study as Alisha and Sister Lucy looked around the huge house…very pleasantly surprised. Percival…well he spent an awkward hour trying to make conversation with Nyla,” the old man chuckled.
“And the house was Philip’s?” Gabirol asked.
“And Theodoric’s too.”
“Does he tell Alisha and Paul it is part his also?” Peter asked.
“No…no he did not,” the old man smiled.
“Why not?” Ayleth asked instantly.
“Because a home can only have one master at a time. As I told you before, Philip, Firgany and Theodoric had invested in several properties during their travels. They had left them all in capable hands who administered them and rented them out accordingly by trusted agents. Theodoric knew it would best serve them all well if they all believed the house to be just Philip’s, and by rights Pauls accordingly,” the old man explained.
“And built upon ancient Heliopolis, yes?” Gabirol asked.
“Yes indeed. ’Tis why it was purchased in the first place,” the old man replied.
“This Heliopolis…I have read much from old sources on the area. Can you tell us more for it greatly interests me for I know it is connected with the ancient firebird, the Phoenix,” Gabirol asked.
“You are certainly well read, my friend,” the old man remarked. “Let me tell you that the house was situated in an area of Cairo that had a cosmopolitan population that included Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. Very much like Alexandria. But what most of them fail to realise is just how sacred the ground is beneath their feet… or what still lies beneath them!”
“Such as?” Simon asked bluntly.
“And who is the girl again?” the Genoese sailor asked.
“Her name was Nyla as said. She was the daughter of the agent Philip had commissioned to manage his estate in Cairo many years previous. When word came from Theodoric they would be returning within the month, it was she who helped move out the previous occupier, clean the home completely and have it ready for their arrival. Percival certainly took a shine to her. Paul had likewise written to his father explaining they would be moving to Cairo whilst he worked with Husam designing boats.”
“So Paul found his career path thanks to Turansha,” the wealthy tailor remarked.
“For then, yes,” the old man answered.
“For then! That can only mean his career changed,” Gabirol noted.
The old man simply nodded in agreement.
“’Tis by understanding our history that we will guarantee our future,” he said quietly, paused as he took a sip of rose water and continued. “For thousands of years Egypt was home to a series of important Jewish communities. These groups are a vital part of the pluralistic society that characterises Egyptian life. One of the most significant Jewish communities is that of Fustat, a city founded in the seventh century BC on the east bank of the Nile. Cairo was founded north of Fustat in AD 969 and became the political and cultural capital of the Muslim province of Egypt and has been ever since. Today, Fustat comprises an area of Cairo known in Arabic as Masr al-Átiqa, or ‘Old Cairo’. Some of Judaism’s most distinguished figures spent time in Fustat. Among them is the philosopher, rabbi and physician Moses Maimonides, who has written both his major philosophical works, ‘The Guide for the Perplexed’, and his fourteen-volume anthology of Jewish law, the ‘Mishneh Torah’, there. Located in the heart of Fustat, the Ben Ezra Synagogue is a centre of prayer, study and celebration for Egyptian Jews from at least the last century. The panel of the ark door on that synagogue dates back to the last century too with its dominant carved decoration at the centre of the door that also reflects the direct influence of Islamic, specifically Mamluk and Ottoman design while the Hebrew inscription on the panel, ‘Open to me the gates of righteousness’ is based on verses from Psalm 118. The ark door has a fascinating story to tell, as the face of the Holy Ark, which holds the Torah scrolls and marks the direction of prayer, it was the threshold to the most sacred place in the synagogue. At the same time, the door faced outward toward the broader community. Its absorption of Islamic vocabulary reflects the synagogue’s place in the larger Mediterranean world. I tell you these facts to add weight to the fact that in Cairo as well as Alexandria, all creeds could, and they did demonstrate, how they could all live together,” the old man explained.
“If Paul was to work upon designing ships…what was Alisha to do?” Ayleth asked.
“Keep a home, look after Arri and make new friends. Exactly the same as she did in Alexandria,” the old man answered.
“And Thomas and his men?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“And what about Paul’s horse, Adrastos?” the farrier interjected loudly.
“Thomas brought his men overland…with Adrastos,” the old man replied and smiled at the farrier. “And Alisha employed the agent’s daughter Nyla to help Sister Lucy around the home, especially in regard to Thomas and his men…and she in turn introduced Alisha to a lot of women who were involved in the very profitable textiles business. She would in time turn her designs into clothes much sought after.”
“A woman of her own means then?” the wealthy tailor stated.
“Yes indeed. She would make more than enough of an income by her trade and new found interest. You see, the social interaction with textiles and their production formed, literally and physically, the fabric of life for most women in Cairo. The Fatimid dynasty that ruled Egypt from AD 969 to 1171 famously intensified and perfected the production of textiles and the tiraz style in particular. Alisha took that style and made her designs based upon it far more practical. Cairo is perhaps the most important centre for the export of this precious commodity across the Mediterranean and beyond and I would not be surprised if you were to find one of her garments in Paris or London. The textile business in Cairo had a life-changing impact on most men and women, as women became not just consumers of textiles, but also producers, traders and investors. As ladies-in-waiting in charge of the wardrobe of the royal household, they acquired both prestige and visibility. Women belonging to the upper echelon of society could display publicly their status and authority through what they wore but also through the fabrics they gave as gifts just as Turansha had offered Alisha when she had first arrived in Alexandria as a gift if you recall?”
“I recall all right. Wish I could have access to such textiles,” Sarah joked and laughed, looking at Stephan.
“In furnishing their houses with silks or wools women from all walks of life could assert their styles and aspirations. In death, lavish shrouds or simple wraps served as the ultimate mark of respect to accompany women in their final journey and Alisha introduced vibrant and colourful styles that quickly became popular. Cairo was at the centre of a rich, cosmopolitan cultural society and it was there that Alisha discovered her talents for both design and a business woman.
“I went to Cairo once when I was very young…with my father,” the wealthy tailor said glumly. “All I can recall is that it was a warren of streets just bustling with life. There are mosques at every corner, Coptic churches, huge gates and bazaars selling everything from silks to perfumes, to slaves and camels. My father did take me to what he said was the oldest university in the world, but it looked just like any other mosque to me.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“You mean the Al-Azhar mosque which does indeed house the oldest university in the world…from AD 970 ro
ughly?” the old man said as the wealthy tailor shook his head, unsure. “During the earliest Crusades, a man named al-Mustafa, who lived in Alexandria, helped the Crusaders by rescuing Jerusalem from the Ortokids, which ultimately led to its conquest by the Franks in AD 1099. He later tried to undo the fact that he had helped the Crusaders advancing into Palestine himself, but he was defeated at the battle of Ascalon, and retired to Egypt. Many of the Palestinian possessions of the Fatimids then successively fell into the hands of the Crusaders. In AD 1118 Egypt was invaded by Baldwin the First of Jerusalem, who burned the gates and the mosques of Farama, and advanced to Tinnis, but then illness forced him to retreat. In August AD 1121 al-Afdal Shahanshah was assassinated in a street of Cairo, it is said, with the connivance of the Caliph, who immediately plundered his house, where fabulous treasures were amassed. The vizier’s offices were given to al-Mamn. His external policy was no more successful than that of his predecessor, as he lost Tyre to the Crusaders, and a fleet equipped by him was defeated by the Venetians. In AD 1153 Ascalon was lost, the last place in Syria which the Fatimids held, and its loss was attributed to dissension between the parties of which the garrison consisted. In April AD 1154 the Caliph al-Zafir was murdered by his vizier Abbas, because the Caliph had suggested to his favourite, the vizier’s son, to murder his father and this was followed by a massacre of the brothers of Zafir, followed by the raising of his infant son Abul-Qasim Isa to the throne. In December of AD 1162, the vizier Shawar took control of Cairo. However, after only nine months he was forced to flee to Damascus, where he was favourably received by the prince Nureddin, or Nur al-Din as I have called him previously, who sent him to Cairo with a force of Kurds under Asad al-din Shirkuh, at the same time Egypt was invaded by the Franks, who raided and did cause much carnage on the coast. Shawar recaptured Cairo but a dispute arose with his Syrian allies for the possession of Egypt. Shawar, being unable to cope with the Syrians, demanded help from the Frankish king of Jerusalem, Amalric the First, who hastened to his aid with a large force, which when united with Shawar’s forces, besieged Shirkuh in Bilbeis for three months. At the end of this time, owing to the successes of Nur al-Din in Syria, the Franks granted Shirkuh a free passage with his troops back to Syria, on condition of Egypt being evacuated in October AD 1164.”
“What, did I hear you correct that a Muslim commander helped Franks take Jerusalem…and then they in turn helped Muslims take Egypt! Why are we not told of these facts?” Peter asked.
“There is more, my friend. For just two years later Shirkuh persuaded Nur al-Din to put him at the head of another expedition to Egypt, which left Syria in January AD 1167 and again a Frankish army hastened to Shawar’s aid. At the battle of Babain April 11th AD 1167 the allies were defeated by the forces commanded by Shirkuh and his nephew Saladin, who was made prefect of Alexandria, which surrendered to Shirkuh without a struggle. In AD 1168 Amalric invaded again, but Shirkuh’s return caused the Crusaders to withdraw. Shirkuh was appointed vizier but died of indigestion on March the 23rd AD 1169, and the Caliph appointed Saladin as the successor. The new vizier, Saladin, professed to hold office as a deputy of Nur al-Din, whose name was mentioned in public worship after that of the Caliph. Nur al-Din loyally aided his deputy in dealing with Crusader invasions of Egypt, and he ordered Saladin to substitute the name of the Abbasid caliph for the Fatimid in public worship. The last Fatimid caliph died soon after in September, AD 1171,” the old man explained in detail. [81]
“I think you already explained that previously,” Gabirol stated and looked up.
“Thank you for pointing that out. I do try not to repeat myself unless it is necessary.” The old man smiled as he replied. “And so it was into this at times crazy world of constantly shifting alliances, truces and engagements that Paul found himself commissioned to work upon new ship designs. Of course he would receive tutelage by the best ships draughtsmen Husam had at his disposal.”
Husam’s residency, banks of the Nile, Cairo, Egypt, July 4th 1180
“And you are sure Alisha is okay with this?” Theodoric asked Paul as they approached the impressive columned entrance to Husam’s home and also his operational headquarters in Cairo.
“I have the letters from Turansha, plus he did invite me personally as I reminded Alisha. She worries too much I fear,” Paul replied as two Mamluk guards blocked their way. Paul looked behind at Tenno, who was following close behind them. “At least she and Sister Lucy can sort the house out without us getting in the way.”
“Until Thomas and his men arrive today,” Tenno stated as he studied the two Mamluk guards.
“If we are not here too long, then perhaps we can visit the pyramids on our way back afterwards. There is so much to show you,” Theodoric remarked.
“I promised Alisha I would not go exploring just yet,” Paul replied as he caught sight of Husam walking towards the gated entrance accompanied by Gokbori and Saladin’s deputy, Karaksh.
Two other Mamluk guards appeared from behind the walls and proceeded to open one of the large metalled gates and swung it outwards. The two guards stood near to Paul moved aside as Husam greeted Paul with a large grin.
“Assalamu Allakham,” Husam said and bowed his head slightly at Paul.
“Wa Allakham Assalam,” Paul replied and grabbed Husam’s forearms.
“We are so honoured you have taken up our offer. We aim to make your stay here in Cairo as enjoyable and productive as possible,” Husam said and shook Paul’s arm.
“’Tis good to see you again. This is a long way from Abrahams Oak, yes?” Gokbori said and stepped closer, part bowing his head. Paul bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Husam tells me you are to design us new ships…I look forward to seeing what you plan. I am as you know a lover of ships and the water,” he explained, smiled and looked across towards a jetty set parallel to the main building.
“That it is…and I do not think I ever thanked you properly,” Paul replied and broke his grip with Husam. “Alexandria did not afford me that chance either as Alisha was with me then, but I offer it now.”
“No thanks are…how you say, necessary. I simply did what was right. And your wife…she is indeed a rare beauty. I hope I will be acquainted with her again soon. But if you really wish to thank me, then between you, put a ship there for my next return,” Gokbori said and pointed to the empty jetty and dry dock beside it.
“But I am not trained yet,” Paul replied and looked at Husam.
“Not yet, but you will be and you have the mind and eye for it I am told… reliably,” Gokbori said and looked at Husam as Karaksh stepped forward.
“I shall make sure you both have all you require to accomplish your task,” he said in a low voice, almost a whisper.
Tenno looked at Theodoric quizzically.
“Task?” Theodoric said aloud as if to question the point.
“Task indeed,” Gokbori laughed.
“If you help design and build ships here, does that not put you at odds with your fellow Christians?” Tenno asked bluntly as Theodoric put his hand across his face and shook his head. “’Tis a valid question no?”
“’Tis valid indeed,” Gokbori replied. “But this is not about choosing sides, ’tis about working together for that is the only way our peoples will ever prosper. Together.”
“And you have our assurances of protection. You are safe in Cairo no matter what happens elsewhere,” Karaksh said and paused. “We know that you are no enemy of ours during these testing times…with Reynald.”
“We are far from perfect neither, but we try,” Gokbori said and gestured for Paul, Theodoric and Tenno to walk through the gates.
“And it would appear the path is followed again,” Theodoric said to himself, smiling as he placed his hands behind his back.
Tenno looked at him, suspicious of his remark, and frowned.
Chapter 50
A Queen, Camelot & a Land of Dolmens
Cairo, Egypt, July 4th 1180
Paul sat himself down at the mai
n dining table as Theodoric settled himself into the chair opposite him. Tenno sat at the head of the table having beaten Theodoric to it. It had become a new daily game between them. Sister Lucy brought over two plates of hot food as Alisha served out another.
“Is that all for dinner?” Sister Lucy asked aloud as she placed a plate in front of Paul and Tenno in turn.
“Erm…yes. Percival dines with Thomas and his men tonight, and I believe Ishmael is sourcing some materials with Nyla still,” Paul answered.
“You mean they are all in the town again?” Alisha laughed as she picked up two more plates of food and approached the table. “So tell me…how was your first visit to work?”
“It was…interesting. Both Theo and Tenno were allowed to accompany me,” Paul replied as Alisha placed a meal in front of Theodoric, the other beside him and promptly sat down next to Paul closely. “Arri sleeps well. I think he missed you today,” she said and rubbed his arm gently before looking across the room at the small baby crib in the corner.
Sister Lucy started to sit down when Attar knocked on the rear entrance door. His face was just visible above the closed half of the lower stable type door as he pushed himself past the long strings of hanging beads. He feigned an apologetic grimace when he realised they were all about to eat.
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“Please, enter,” Paul said and stood up. “You are just in time if you have not eaten.”
Sister Lucy opened the latch and swung the half door open and beckoned Attar to enter.