by D. N. Carter
“You are going to your wedding not your execution,” Luke joked and patted him on the shoulder as he passed.
“But I have lied to all of you,” Percival whispered.
“We have all lied at some time about something. We are only interested in what you do now and have done since we met you. Now shut the fuck up and marry Nyla,” Thomas whispered back.
As Percival neared Saladin, he turned to face him and part bowed his head. Queen Tamar turned slightly and looked at him. Percival quickly smiled nervously and looked away to his right as hard as he could and nodded at Philip. Theodoric motioned for Percival to stand to his left with his back to the assembled members. He stood bolt upright and dared not look left at Queen Tamar. Paul looked at her as she smiled and bowed her head slightly. It was the first time he had seen her himself. His father had spoken of her and her beauty. As she smiled at him, the thin lace head cover blew back but held in place by a single silver head band, her dark hair blowing back gently, Paul thought it was Alisha. He blinked and had to look again. Even her smile was the same as Alisha’s. Paul bowed his head slightly as she looked at him intently. His father had explained that Saladin had Queen Tamar visiting him and that all women love a wedding and had basically invited himself and her along. Percival remained frozen with his hands clasped across his stomach. When Nyla started to approach from behind escorted by her father and Sister Lucy, Alisha beckoned Paul to stand beside her next to Philip. Looking at Alisha and then back at Queen Tamar, Paul could not escape the fact of the clear similarity between them. He clasped Alisha’s hand tightly and kissed Arri on his cheek quickly before turning to watch Nyla approach. The hues of yellow from the afternoon sun added a warm and gentle feel to the setting and she looked beautiful in a long simple cream dress and head veil. Her father could hardly contain the large grin upon his face. It reminded Paul of his marriage to Alisha. He studied her face closely as she stood holding Arri in her arms. Her cheek raised as she smiled knowing Paul was looking at her. As soon as Nyla was positioned beside Percival, Theodoric looked at everyone to make sure all were silent. Several of Thomas’s men and Mamluk guards formed up in a semi-circle just as the knights had done for Paul’s wedding. Paul looked at everyone and thought how wonderful this moment was and what exalted company they were in. Theodoric and Philip had gone to a lot of trouble to make the event as special as they could. ‘Very surreal,’ he mused just as Percival turned to look at him. Paul winked and smiled as Percival returned a nervous smile then turned to face Nyla. As Theodoric started the service, Paul looked across at Queen Tamar as she studied Percival, looking puzzled. Paul had many questions he wanted to ask Percival but they could wait. Queen Tamar looked at Paul and their eyes met. She had an absolute air of authority about her and confidence for someone so young. She raised an eyebrow as if to acknowledge Paul and smiled, holding her stare. It was like looking at a double of Alisha. Philip noticed them looking at each other.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Nyla’s mother cried supported by Sister Lucy as Percival and Nyla threw into the lake their Oathing Stones. Nyla’s father could not have been prouder as he looked on. Paul could not help himself from looking at Queen Tamar. Her escort and guards stood some way back but ever watchful. After Theodoric concluded the ceremony, Percival lifted Nyla’s small white veil and kissed her, which was immediately met by loud applause from Thomas and his men. Thomas tried to calm them as Saladin watched on bemused. Percival led Nyla back towards the main house followed by several Mamluk guards and then Saladin and his escort with Queen Tamar at his side. Paul went to move when Philip held him back. Alisha looked at him, puzzled.
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“Alisha, please. You go with Arri and Sister Lucy. We shall be along presently,” Philip explained and held Thomas back also.
Within minutes, Philip stood surrounded by Paul, Thomas and his men. Theodoric stepped forwards with a small leather satchel and started to unbuckle it. He took out a handful of yellow and black knight’s headbands that had a thinner Crimson Thread running throughout the pattern. As he handed them to Philip, Thomas looked at him then Paul bemused. Paul shrugged his shoulders just as puzzled.
“Gentlemen. It has not gone unnoticed the dedicated and loyal service you have shown Alisha and Paul these past two years,” Theodoric explained as he handed Philip the last headband.
“Indeed, gentlemen. And in gratitude for that service, and as approved at the highest level within the Order, and if you are willing to accept of course, it is my great privilege to bestow upon all of you here present the band of the Crimson Thread,” Philip explained.
“The what of what?” Luke asked, confused.
“’Tis a great and rare honour very few are given. ’Tis only awarded to knights considered worthy,” Theodoric answered.
“Worthy of what?” Thomas asked, just as confused.
“As guardians and real protectors of a great secret,” Philip replied.
“Must be a great secret then for we have no bloody idea what you are on about,” John interrupted as he pushed himself forwards.
“You watch over and protect Alisha and Arri. You have done so and do so for no gain without question or having been asked. You do it willingly and at great risk for there are those who wish them dead, yet you remain. And the Order sees that as a great service and one which must be recognised. Now I know that personally you all swear no allegiance to any single king or order, but as a show of respect I am asked to present you with knightly headbands to wear if you so choose. It does not make you affiliated nor bound to us, but shows you accept our thanks. You may do with them as you see fit afterwards and should you ever require the Order’s assistance, present the band and it will be given freely,” Philip explained and handed Thomas a band.
Thomas took the band and opened it fully. It had a small leather strap at each end and a clasp. It was thick enough to rest his Great Helmet upon just like his own leather headband. After a few moments looking at it, he raised his chain mail coif up and fitted it in position before affixing the headband around his head and adjusting it until it sat securely, the yellow and black band looking bright against the dark chain mail. The thin Crimson Thread was just visible. Thomas looked at his men in turn as they looked at the new addition.
“We are turning all fancy now…I like it,” Luke joked and put his hand out to Philip for one.
Philip smiled and handed out the remainder to Thomas’s men. As they all adjusted and tied them in place, Philip looked at Paul and offered him one. Paul looked at his outstretched hand where he was holding two more headbands.
“There are two there,” Paul remarked.
“Yes. One for you and one for Percival,” Philip replied.
“But I am not a knight,” Paul said instantly.
“This is not about being a knight. This represents much more, my son,” Philip explained and smiled as Theodoric nodded. “This band is recognised by Saladin as well as the king in Jerusalem. Even Reynald acknowledges what it stands for and what it affords the wearer.”
Paul looked over as Saladin and Queen Tamar walked through the rear entrance to his home. He would need to be with Percival he thought if the queen was to question him.
Inside the rear courtyard, Alisha beckoned guests into the main living area, the doors swung wide open. Arri sat with Ishmael looking at the large fish in the net covered pond as Saladin spoke with Queen Tamar. Philip called Paul over as Percival affixed his own knight’s headband assisted by Thomas and Luke pushing and pulling him about in an exaggerated fashion. Alarm registered in Paul’s face as Queen Tamar walked towards Percival, his face dropping instantly and turning a pale ashen colour. Quickly Paul moved to stand near to Percival as Philip turned Saladin away and engaged him in conversation. Just as Paul stood near to Percival, Queen Tamar stopped and put a finger to her lips and looked at him, puzzled. Percival gulped and Nyla held his forearm tightly looking up at him concerned.
“Queen Tamar,” Paul started to say as she raised her
finger.
“Please…ssh! I am still just a princess really, but reign jointly with my father…but I simply wish to express my thanks at being invited to this special wedding day. Very different ceremony, but very nice. So much more enjoyable than sat around a large table,” she said softly and smiled. She placed her hands across her stomach just as Alisha came and stood beside her. They exchanged a brief look at each other and smiled. “Now young sir, I am certain you were of my court. You were charged with delivering papers to Guy de Lusignan to pass on to the king in Jerusalem,” she explained, looking at Percival intently. He gulped, his throat dry. His eyes met Paul’s.
“Sorry to interrupt, but yes he did that. That is how we came to acquaint ourselves with Percival,” Paul said trying to draw her attention away from staring at Percival as Thomas stepped closer.
“I may be young, but I am no fool,” she replied clipped, but then smiled again. “I do not recognise you as the Percival that was sent from my court… the Percival I knew was taller, older…arrogant and boastful. A distasteful character…but perhaps I am mistaken?” she said and paused as she stood closer to Percival. Nyla held his forearm tighter looking concerned. “The Percival I knew was a self serving knight of greedy manner. But you sir… you sir, from what I have been told, are of a pure heart and intent. You serve for the benefit of others I am reliably informed by impeccable sources,” she smiled and looked across at Saladin and Philip who both nodded at her as if to confirm her very words. “I care not for the circumstances that bring you here but know that you have my blessing and should you ever decide to return to my court, you will be made welcome for I have need of men of your true calibre,” she said softly and offered her hand up.
Hesitantly Percival looked at her hand. Thomas kicked him in the shins hard drawing his attention and focus back. Percival took her hand and kissed the top of it gently. He looked at her closely as her eyes searched his. He looked to Alisha and then back at her again.
“My Queen…I am for ever indebted to you for your understanding and kind offer…and…and you look identical to Alisha,” Percival replied, his voice dry and shaky.
Queen Tamar looked at Alisha. Both shrugged their shoulders and laughed lightly. Thomas kicked Percival in the shins again and coughed loudly and indicated with a nod that he should let her hand go now. Percival let go of her hand and bowed his head slightly.
“You have another queen this day,” Queen Tamar said and smiled at Nyla then back at Percival. “I would like to speak with you before I leave… alone if that is acceptable?”
Percival looked at Nyla quickly as she nodded her head yes. He nodded at Queen Tamar in silence, his heart pounding so hard he could feel it pulsing in his neck.
Queen Tamar bowed her head slightly and looked at Alisha again. Both stared at each other for a few moments until Alisha laughed. Queen Tamar stepped closer to her and both studied each other. Paul looked on bemused and a little surprised at just how similar they looked. Philip noticed them together and looked on. Queen Tamar placed her hand against Alisha’s back and ushered her along and started talking quietly. Both giggled, which surprised Paul. As they entered the main living area out of the sun, Paul looked at Percival. He was holding his breath and looked as though he was about to be sick.
“Breathe,” Thomas said and kicked him again. Percival let out a deep sigh and half laughed as he put his arms around Nyla and kissed the top of her head. He winked at Paul, relieved. Thomas stood beside Paul. “Every man’s ultimate fantasy eh…two identical twin sisters,” he commented indicating towards Queen Tamar and Alisha.
Paul shot him a look of shock but Thomas just winked and smiled broadly and folded his arms. Before Paul could reply, his father tapped him on the shoulder. Quickly he turned to face him to see Saladin stood before him who was holding out a wrapped package. He offered it to Paul to take.
“’Tis a simple gift,” Saladin said politely. Paul took the wrapped package. “I hope it will help you in your chosen path. It is my way of saying thank you for today. It is far easier that I am able to speak and negotiate with Queen Tamar in these more informal surroundings.”
“I, I thank you,” Paul replied looking bemused as Philip laughed. Thomas’s remark was still echoing through his mind.
“You look troubled, my son,” Philip remarked as Paul looked at the package in his hands.
“Sorry. I am fine. I am just a little overwhelmed…that I am given a gift by the great…” He paused as he looked at Saladin.
“The great, the merciful, the mighty Saladin,” Saladin laughed mocking himself and patted Paul’s arm. “Your father here is a greater man than I,” he said and nodded at Philip, who shook his head no, smiling. “And far too modest as always. Know this, young Paul, your father may wear the armour of a Templar, but his head and heart are those of a truly free man… unbound. And you, like your father, are no enemy of mine. I have greater enemies within my own ranks and own religion to contend with. I trust your father completely and that is something I value. I see you are cut from the same cloth. My door shall remain always open to you,” he finished and bowed his head slightly, stepped back a pace, nodded at Philip and then turned and walked away.
“Father…you never cease to amaze me.”
Alisha sat down at the main dining hall table as Queen Tamar paced up and down clenching her hands. Her fine dress was well made and that fact had not escaped Alisha’s attention. The sun shone through the large windows flicking between her head dress as it flowed behind her.
“Is everything all right?” Alisha finally asked.
Queen Tamar stood still, clenched her hands across her chest, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Quickly she walked over to Alisha and sat on the chair beside her and clasped her hands over hers. She looked into Alisha’s eyes with an intensity and full of emotion, which took her by surprise.
“What is the matter?” she asked, concerned.
“Alisha…I have no easy way of explaining this or the time to wait so I must come straight out with what I must say. I am here to discuss terms with Saladin so that my people can travel safely and securely on their pilgrimages to Jerusalem, but in return I must swear to keep my forces firmly in my homelands and not join with the Kingdoms of Outremer against Saladin. This is not a problem for me and my father, but,” she hesitated and looked down and shook her head.
“But what?”
“Alisha,” Queen Tamar said quietly, almost in a whisper. “Percival, whomever he really is, for he is not the same man I sent to meet Guy, but he is a better man, and clearly honourable…so I make decisions that could have his head removed or remain.”
“Percival…but he is a great man. He has saved Paul’s life before and yes, Paul has always known he carries a secret, but…”
“Do not fear, Ali, for his secret shall remain safe with me. All I have heard of him is nothing but good and godly. Besides, we all have secrets.”
“I don’t,” Alisha shot back.
“Ali…I hope you do not mind me calling you that?” Alisha shook her head no. “Good. But yes we do all have secrets…even you.” Alisha frowned hard, which made Queen Tamar laugh. “You even frown as I do.”
Both sat in silence for several long minutes just looking at each other.
“What is this between us?” Alisha asked puzzled.
“You know a man named Kratos, yes?”
“Yes. Why?”
“He is known in my lands also, but under a different name. I know him well and Abi Shadana.”
“Abi!” Alisha said excited.
“Yes. Now did not Kratos ever tell you a secret he swore you to keep?” Queen Tamar asked and smiled. Alisha shook her head no. “Are you sure for he told me many…but one in particular. Please, think again.”
Alisha struggled to recall her conversations with Kratos. Then suddenly it entered her mind like an explosion the last time she had seen him. He had taken her aside to speak with her in private. She recalled instantly now the secret he ha
d imparted as he left. Her eyes widened immediately as emotion flooded her body with the realisation of what he had told her. She looked at Queen Tamar, her eyes beginning to glisten over with tears as she smiled and shook her head.
“He…he told me I have an elder sister,” Alisha blurted out as a tear ran down her face.
“I know….me,” Queen Tamar laughed emotionally as a tear ran down her cheek. “’Tis the main reason I sought to meet with Saladin here for I knew you were now here.”
Alisha shook her head, the reality of what Kratos had told her appeared to be true after all. A deep sense of knowing it was true enveloped her. A million questions flooded her mind. She laughed as tears streamed down her face. Queen Tamar clenched her hands tighter then pulled her close. As they hugged each other, they both sobbed with tears of joy. A connection had been made and there was no undoing it ever.
Paul stepped into the dining hall and saw them in each other’s arms crying and laughing at the same time. Slowly and quietly he moved nearer, concerned. Queen Tamar opened her eyes and smiled at him but did not move. After a few minutes Alisha sat up straight and started to wipe her eyes. Only then did she notice Paul standing nearby. As Paul looked at them, it was nearly impossible to tell them apart in the bright sunlight shining upon their tear filled faces. Philip entered the hall and walked over to them. Paul looked at him puzzled as he smiled at them.