by D. N. Carter
Paul looked at Husam behind him as he nodded. ‘Know your enemy and study him well.’ Paul heard his father’s words in his mind as he looked at Turansha. ‘Okay, I shall play him at his own game,’ he thought just as Brother Matthew nodded and raised his eyebrows.
“For the sake of peace and out of respect for Husam, I shall put aside my own feelings and shall dine with you…,” Paul said, staring at Turansha intently, not blinking.
“This is good to hear. Very good. You will see…one day we shall be friends,” Turansha replied and placed his arm around Paul and ushered him toward the table of food. “You and I can be of so much value to each other mark my words…’tis true.”
Paul looked at Turansha as he smiled at Paul. Every instinct screamed at him to draw his sword right there and then and kill him. His heart beat faster as the urge to do so felt overpowering almost. Turansha’s overtly friendly stance was unnerving. He also recognised most of the sentence Turansha had spoken was taken from a quote made by Buddha for Niccolas had made him repeat it so many times.
“Perhaps Paul would rather show you his new boat design…it is worthy of a close inspection,” Husam said as he gently pulled Paul away from the table. “We can savour these delicacies when we have built up an appetite I am sure. Now, some drink refreshment?”
Paul stood with Ishmael and Brother Matthew overlooking the large dry dock containing a half built vessel. Turansha was laughing and talking away with Husam and Ernoul, Balian’s squire, who had just returned to the group after freshening himself up. Paul had heard of him but never met him in person yet. It was strange to listen to the Naval Templars talking and laughing with both Turansha’s men and the Mamluk guards with no hint of hostility. They were professional soldiers granted but it still seemed strange. Several female dancers filed past dressed in very little with see through garments that left little to the imagination. All stopped talking as they walked past quickly, Turansha eyeing them all up one by one as they went by.
“Tonight’s entertainment I suspect,” Brother Matthew said quietly and then leaned on the balcony balustrade to look back upon the large vessel. “’Tis good we can each check what the other is doing during these embassies. I can report back that I have indeed seen just the one vessel being constructed as per agreed terms with Saladin…but what a vessel. I have never seen such a size before.”
Paul looked down at the vessel. He knew that one of Saladin’s greatest concerns lay in the possibility of Reynald getting more ships and sailing down the Red Sea and attacking Muslim ports and towns, especially the route to Mecca. He had shrewdly written into the truce agreement the checking of each other’s ship building programmes. Ernoul was there to verify that Husam was indeed making exactly what he said he was making. Likewise, envoys had gone to several of the Frankish ports to confirm projects there. Fortunately Reynald was based too many miles inland and if he suddenly started building ships within the Frankish ports Saladin would know about it in time to intercept and engage or blockade him to stop him from carrying out his threat to attack Mecca direct.
“’Tis a fine ship is it not?” Husam suddenly said from behind Paul and Brother Matthew.
“Aye that it is,” Brother Matthew replied as several of the Naval Templars looked on. “She is what…at least three hundred feet long and perhaps a good hundred and twenty feet wide in her middle?”
“You have a good eye for she is three hundred and eleven feet long by a hundred and thirty feet at her widest. Three masted no less as you can see,” Husam explained proudly.
“And her armament?” Brother Matthew asked.
Husam placed his hand upon Brother Matthew’s back and laughed.
“You know I will not tell you that…but I am sure you can work it out. And no interrogating Paul here for he is not privy to its protection,” Husam said and looked at Brother Matthew, smiling. “But I can tell you she will carry a crew of two hundred and thirty men and seventy marines. ’Tis based upon the Byzantine Trireme Dromon, but we have put some designs taken from Paul’s ideas and incorporated them into her final build. It has the familiar central tower near the main mast, from which the marines can use their bows and arrows or throw spears and other projectiles. But this one is also equipped with flamethrowers that discharge Greek fire. The on board catapults are capable of hurling a twenty pound projectile up to nearly a thousand feet…and it is also armour-plated…against enemy rams. Like other Dromon vessels she is constructed from wood and metal, using the plank-on-frame method but she has some secrets…but Paul works upon a greater design separate from this,” Husam explained even more proudly.
“Why…do you not work upon this vessel all the time then?” Brother Matthew asked, turning to look at Paul.
“No…I work upon the conceptual and theoretical designs…for speed and distance. Not fighting vessels nor Taridas,” Paul answered.
“Ah, very shrewd of you,” Brother Matthew said to Husam.
“Come…I shall show you what he has been working upon these past many months. It may not look much, but the methods Paul has developed have enabled us to design and build our larger vessels in section out of dock and simply assemble them once at port. A brilliant method do you not agree?” Husam said, almost boastful in tone as he turned Brother Matthew towards an exit way and started to walk with him, gesturing for Paul and Ernoul to follow.
“Would you show me the method involved?” Brother Matthew asked.
“Do not be silly, Brother…of course not,” Husam laughed in reply.
“Paul, ’tis good to finally be acquainted with you,” Ernoul said quietly as he began to walk beside Paul.
“And you too. I have heard much about you,” Paul replied and part bowed his head.
“My Lord Balian sends his regards and, before I leave, I have a letter from him for your eyes only.”
Paul looked at Ernoul briefly as they followed Husam and Brother Matthew. Turansha tagged on behind Paul closely followed by the remainder of the Naval Templars and Mamluk guards.
Husam nodded at the two guards set on either side of the large mud brick building ahead of them. It stood four floors high and was covered by a sliding wooden and canvas roof. Inside the building, a purpose built dry dock had been specially constructed to house Paul’s new vessel concept. Husam had been utterly fascinated by Paul’s detailed and intricate designs and wanted to see if his concept would actually work. The two guards instantly slid open the two large doors as Husam led the way inside. The air was cooler inside and Paul felt the now familiar change in temperature as he crossed the threshold. He had come to love this place. To him it was not simply a place of work but a place to experiment and indulge his passion for boats. Husam had been a good patron to him and he was grateful for his support and faith in his work. Ishmael remained close by his side and frequently glared at Turansha and when Turansha tried to speak with him, he ignored him completely, refusing to talk or acknowledge him properly.
“Do you really need an armed escort to work?” Turansha asked as they walked toward the sunken dry dock area.
“Are you asking me?” Paul replied as Husam turned to face the group.
“Yes. Are you not safe here in Cairo?”
“I am…or I was,” Paul replied.
“My friend…I have told you…I am no longer your enemy. What has been is in the past. People who know me know that my word is my bond. I gave you mine that no harm would come to you from me or my men. I swear I shall keep that promise,” Turansha said and bowed just as Conrad came in walking fast tying up his waist band.
“Sorry…missed you all walking off,” Conrad called out as he approached looking hot and red faced.
“Yes, shagging all the dancing girls more like,” one of the Naval Templars whispered behind Paul.
Paul turned slightly and looked at the Templar who immediately grimaced realising Paul had heard him.
“Do not worry…you are probably right,” Paul whispered back.
The Templar let out a sigh of
relief and mouthed a silent thank you.
Husam clapped his hands loudly to draw everyone’s attention.
“Now this is the kind of ship we should all be working together on. It is a ship of discovery. Lightweight, fast and, if Paul is correct, very manoeuvrable and able to carry three times the water capacity of any existing vessel afloat,” Husam said enthusiastically as four men dressed in working coveralls rapidly pulled two sets of pulleys.
As they pulled down, the ropes began to pull away the large brown cotton covering sheets placed over Paul’s vessel. As they fell away, several of the Templars looked on in awe at the unique and strange looking vessel revealed before them. Turansha’s eyes lit up immediately and he rubbed his small pointed beard several times.
“What in God’s creation is that?” Conrad asked out loud.
“’Tis a marvel, yes,” Husam said proudly.
“Just hope it works and floats,” Paul interrupted as the group all moved closer to see the vessel.
“Oh I bet it works. And the water capacity…that means it can travel three times the distance of other boats…yes?” Turansha asked as he studied the vessel.
“In theory, yes,” Paul answered.
“Can we look inside?” Conrad asked eagerly.
Husam looked at Paul, who nodded yes silently.
“Paul…it was a great day Allah saw fit to spare your life. The Templar was regrettable, and your friends…with that Theodoric monk, took some of my best men too. I pray we can put that behind us for I see great potential here. Potential to change the world, Astaghfirullah,” Turansha said quietly but close enough to Paul for him to hear him. Paul looked at Turansha suspiciously. Whatever his real intentions were, he was certain it was all for his own self serving interests. “So tell me. How is Theodoric these days?” he asked turning to look at Paul directly.
“He is well. What does Astaghfirrellah mean?”
“You mean Astaghfirullah…it means may Allah forgive me. If you wish, I will be more than happy to teach you more Arabic,” Turansha answered with a grin. Paul said nothing. “Never mind. But back to your monk friend…his dressing up as an angel certainly worked the last time I saw him. Do pass on my blessings to him from me…if you would be so kind,” Turansha said, smiling even more broadly, and began to walk down the wide gangplank platform to look inside Paul’s boat design. “And not all you fight are your enemy,” he said aloud.
“Your vessel…it looks more like some kind of egg or beetle almost. Where are the sails?” Ernoul asked as he held on to the barrier railings that ran around the dry dock.
“They remain furled up inside. When the front section is hoisted upwards into position, the sails unfurl and deploy out to the sides. I have designed it so it can catch the wind whatever direction it blows from,” Paul explained as he watched Turansha step inside the vessel.
“He is a cunning man that Turansha, but he is not mad and he does pride himself on keeping his word,” Ernoul explained seeing the pained look on Paul’s face.
“I do not trust his word at all. I have sensed the evil that runs through his self serving soul,” Paul replied.
“He is a very powerful man. If he wanted you dead, you would be so by now. His actions are never personal…usually.”
“Sire, may I ask a question?” one of the Naval Templars asked as he walked up to Paul.
“Of course…and please, my name is Paul,” Paul replied.
“Sire, of course,” the Templar continued and pointed to several large wooden sections of another vessel under construction on the other side of the building. “Those…they are parts of a larger vessel, yes?”
“Yes…and please, there is no need for the sire,” Paul answered.
“Yes, sire,” the Templar said as if oblivious to Paul’s words. “Why are they made thus out of docks?”
“Ah I see a sharp mind and eagle eyes,” Husam interrupted as he walked back up the gangplanks fast. “’Tis another concept of Paul’s. ’Tis how we have managed to construct the ship outside so quickly. Paul helped design a method whereby we construct the vessel in sections on land then assemble them in the docks when all has been constructed. Making the parts laid out flat is so much more efficient.”
Ernoul looked at Paul and then the wooden sections. Paul saw him as his mind was clearly making a mental note.
“What gave you such an idea for that is quite a leap forwards in construction?” he asked.
“My wife. ’Tis how she makes her dresses and other items in silks and cottons,” Paul answered as Husam smiled broadly and put his arm around Paul.
“Do not be so modest. With your designs and ideas, I can see my ships travelling to new worlds beyond the known horizons,” Husam said enthusiastically and patted Paul’s back. “Come…come inside and check out the interior. A marvel to behold.”
Ernoul looked at Paul quizzically as he started to follow Husam back down the gangway.
“And spread the word of Islam no doubt,” the Naval Templar remarked quietly.
Paul watched as Husam eagerly showed Ernoul to the entry hatch on Paul’s vessel. Ernoul stooped slightly to step inside, as Husam waved at Paul and grinned. Was Husam really helping Paul or himself, Paul thought, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable with everything. But there was now a truce in place and his ships were designed for exploration…not war, he told himself. He turned around in time to see several of the Naval Templars looking very closely at the other ship sections and making notes. A shiver ran down his back. What was Husam doing showing off all his construction secrets? he wondered.
“Master Just Paul…just say the word and I will make Turansha vanish,” Ishmael whispered as he leaned near to Paul.
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Paul turned to face him and looked past him at several of Turansha’s men standing a short distance away.
“Ish…just…no, Paul…only Paul…and no, I cannot ask that.”
“Okay Master Only Paul,” Ishmael replied mockingly.
“Ish, you have a strange sense of humour for sure,” Paul replied.
“Paul…Paul!” Conrad called out as he rapidly walked up the gangway heading straight for Paul. “I do not profess to understand how such a vessel works but I hope you will show me in good time?”
“I am sure that can be arranged. I will make sure you are notified in time when we take her for her trial run,” Paul answered.
“Good man, good man. I trust I can count upon your support in the future when I am king. If I can, then I can guarantee you a ship yard of your own bigger than this,” Conrad exclaimed and put his hands upon his hips, smiling.
“King?” Paul remarked puzzled.
“Yes, my man. Me…king. It will happen, mark my words. ’Tis rightfully mine and I shall not war with our Muslim brothers like the Reynalds of this world continually do,” Conrad said, his manner and tone boastful almost. “And it will be men like you that will reap the rewards in our new world…together.”
Paul looked at Conrad in silence for several moments unsure what to make of his comments. As he looked at him, he suddenly sensed Alisha as if she was calling him in alarm. He turned to look toward the exit gates.
“I must leave at once. Please pardon my abruptness, but I must,” Paul replied, part bowed his head at Conrad and began to walk away fast.
Conrad pulled a puzzled face as Ishmael looked at him, raised his eyebrows and quickly followed after Paul. Husam looked up briefly to see Paul walking away.
Having ridden two together on horses to get home fast, Paul rushed through his front door closely followed by Ishmael as Thomas and his men rapidly dismounted and fanned out around the building to check it was secure.
“Ali…Ali!” Paul called out as he walked through the main entrance foyer and down the corridor leading to the main cooking hall. Alisha stepped into view at the doorway, saw him and ran toward him. “Ali!”
Alisha threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly as Tenno appeared holding Arri with Theodoric and Sister Lucy
close behind him. Theodoric looked at Paul as if to ask if he was okay.
“I wanted to come and fetch you immediately but Tenno refused to allow it,” Alisha said with alarm in her voice.
“Tenno did the right thing…thank you,” Paul replied as he put his arms around Alisha, her head pressed hard against his chest.
“Adrastos knew something was wrong. He would not settle and has injured himself trying to get out from his stable,” Alisha said and squeezed Paul harder.
“’Tis not a bad injury. Just his leg is slightly cut,” Theodoric said as he walked past Tenno. “Is everything okay?”
“For now, yes. Thomas and his men already post themselves about the property. And we have been given assurances from Husam and Turansha himself,” Paul explained, trying to sound reassuring for Alisha. Theodoric shook his head no in silence.
“You will all be safe of that I have no doubt…and look we have a letter from your father delivered this day,” Theodoric said trying to sound more positive and waved a wax sealed envelope high.
“Ali, look at me,” Paul said as he physically had to pry her away from holding him so tightly. She looked up into his eyes. He could see the sense of panic in her face, her pupils wide. “Turansha will be gone soon enough…I promise you.”
“He better had. And if he ever enters this house, he will get this,” Alisha replied defiantly and suddenly raised her three pronged dagger. “I had stopped carrying this, but I will not be without it again.”