by D. N. Carter
“Then pray tell you inform us,” Tenno said bluntly.
“Tenno, it was you who told me that a true master, a warrior who has complete control of himself, no longer requires the use of his sword. That a master can put away his armour and swords…,” Paul explained. Tenno nodded in agreement. “Then we have to move away from the secrets being guarded by men at arms. We have to find a way of organising both men and women into a society, secret if needs be to start with, where weapons are the last resort. Where all are equal when they gather regardless of position, background, wealth or religion. Where when they meet, all the worldly aspects of life are left outside. It will be made up of men who create, design, build, trade. I don’t know exactly, but a brotherhood of mutual respect and honour.”
“What happens when you get an unscrupulous individual worm his way into that group and abuses the secrets imparted to him…or her?” Theodoric asked.
“Then you set up various levels within the group, just as the Templars, Hospitallers and Ashashin do. They can only progress to the next level when and only when they have proved themselves worthy and trustful to learn deeper secrets and meanings. Father, you already do this within the Order, like the upper initiates’ circles and within the hidden codes you display so openly within your church and cathedral designs. As you once said, hidden in plain view.”
“And this group would have no religious affiliation?” Tenno asked.
“Exactly. Perhaps a single belief in a god being the only requirement, but no affiliation to one religion when in the group meeting. All of that must be left outside. To promote freedom of expression and discussion but also to learn fully and openly the secrets from our past without all the attached restrictions and dogma attached. Does that not make sense…and no weapons,” Paul explained. “And you can use the allegorical symbolism within Grail romances and similar stories surely such as you already write. We would take good men and women, and make them better men and women.”
Philip looked at Theodoric in silence for a few moments.
“But you would need to establish a totally free and neutral country to be able to carry out this venture unhindered for it to survive,” Philip commented.
“Yes, but until that time, you make all members swear to a code of honour and secrecy, just as Templars do,” Paul replied.
“I can see you have given this some thought after all,” Theodoric remarked and took another mouthful of wine.
“Oh Theo you have no idea how much time for I am haunted nightly by dreams on it.”
“You know Princess Stephanie’s father, Philip de Milly, tried to do what you are proposing,” Philip said looking at Paul. Paul shook his head he did not know. “’Tis why he resigned from the Order. He did so hoping that like you, he could found an Order on similar lines and without it being an armed one.”
“But he died in Constantinople…,” Paul remarked.
“Yes, trying to establish the very same you now propose. He gave up the sword and resigned all his positions,” Philip continued to explain.
“Does Stephanie know this?” Paul asked as thoughts of her entered his mind.
“Yes she knew, but keeps it a secret as there are many who simply cannot and will not accept what he tried to do,” Philip answered.
“Though he did have some success in setting in motion, with Count Henry, the foundations for a neutral state. That much he succeeded in doing,” Theodoric said and looked at Philip for his confirmation. He nodded in agreement. “They penned the name Switzerland, though the area in question is presently still several fiefdoms…but ripe for forming the new neutral country. You may consider that as your starting ground?”
“Then I shall write down my ideas,” Paul said solemnly. “Where the order will be made up from master builders instead of master swordsmen…or is that naive of me?”
“Philip de Milly did not think so and died believing that,” Theodoric said and raised his glass as a toast, then sipped some wine.
“We simply need find good men who would sign up to the idea and its principles of construction, to build, rather than to destroy,” Paul said, looking at his father.
“My son, of that there are many…believe me on that point,” Philip said and smiled proudly as he reached over and placed his hand upon Paul’s shoulder. “Of that I can promise you.”
“Percival…he will be one, I know,” Paul stated.
“Perhaps. Perhaps indeed,” Philip replied and winked at Paul.
“Much changes,” Tenno said and clasped his hands together as he always did when he had something to say. “Changes that I must also undertake. That is why, with your permission and hopeful blessing, I shall be leaving with Queen Tamar when she departs.”
“What?” Theodoric demanded, looking shocked, and sat up straight.
“My good friend Theo, once known as Ric,” Tenno said and nearly smiled. “I grow fat and slow here. I am an adventurer and adventure calls me to serve another now. I have done all I swore I would do have I not?” he asked, looking at Philip.
“And more,” Philip acknowledged.
“But we need you here,” Theodoric shot back.
“No. Not anymore. You are all well protected by Thomas and his knights as well as the assured friendship of Saladin himself. Queen Tamar needs my assistance now I feel. If she will accept me of course. Plus I fear I grow too fond of Arri and he of me. ’Tis a bond that should be between father and son,” Tenno commented and looked directly at Paul.
“That is absurd, Tenno. Absurd!” Paul finally replied after a long silence.
“Maybe, but still true. I will return to visit you when Queen Tamar returns or when you visit her in her lands. I shall also spend some time with Al Rashid as he requested. To get myself back in shape. My armour no longer fits I am getting so large,” Tenno explained, his face expressionless, which Paul knew he did when hiding his true feelings. “Do I have your permission?”
Paul looked at Tenno. He would miss him greatly and the very thought shot through his chest like a bolt. Arri would likewise be devastated.
“Tenno, you do not need my permission to leave. You are and always have been master of your own destiny and there are no chains here that bind you,” Paul said, his voice dry.
“Only the chains of love that bind me here. Chains that will forever remain bound to you, to you all,” Tenno said, his tone clipped as he controlled his emotions.
Paul stood up and moved to stand beside Tenno. Tenno looked up at him puzzled, almost nervous looking. Paul wrapped his arms around Tenno and hugged him tightly. Tenno remaining sat bolt upright, his arms hung in the air.
“You will be sorely missed, my greatest of friends,” Paul said quietly. “But if you must leave, then leave us knowing you are loved, admired and respected and always, always welcome in our home. Your home,” Paul said and stood up. Tenno still sat with his arms outstretched unsure what to do. He had tears in his eyes.
Slowly and silently Tenno stood up. Bowed his head slightly at Philip, then at Theodoric and then stood facing Paul. His bottom lip quivered as he went to speak but words failed him. If he spoke he knew he would cry… something Tenno did not do in public. Paul just nodded at him. Tenno nodded back, bowed and left the room. Paul turned and looked at his father and Theodoric utterly perplexed at Tenno’s sudden announcement. Theodoric shook his head sadly and poured himself another glass of wine. Philip stood up slowly and feigned a smile of support to Paul.
“My son, today you have gained a great sister-in-law…but lost a close companion. That is the way in this world. But you have also revealed a great idea for a new order. You must concentrate upon that for it shall bear fruit of that I have no doubt,” Philip said sympathetically.
“No, Father, I have not lost a great companion for he will be forever carried in here,” Paul said as emotion welled up inside him when he placed his hand across his chest.
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“Oh no! We can’t lose Tenn
o from this tale. I like him the most,” Simon interrupted the old man loudly.
“I’m liking the sound of this Queen Tamar,” the Genoese sailor remarked, grinning.
“And she actually has parchments with the bloodline of Christ?” Gabirol asked.
“Yes she does, as the Pope knows full well. Identical ones were also hidden around La Rochelle before Philip had them removed and hidden elsewhere as I explained earlier,” the old man explained.
“I sense that this new order Paul speaks of is now already in motion, yes?” the Templar asked as he held up his envelope.
“Partly…but it is in need of great men,” the old man answered and nodded at the Templar with a smile that made it obvious he was referring to him and his brother. “As I said at the very start of this tale, I would at the end of it ask of you all one request, and that request is directly related to the Order Paul helped develop, for it was not his alone, but I shall come to that in good time.”
“I’m in. Seriously, count me in!” Simon interjected enthusiastically.
“All men…regardless of background?” Sarah quizzed with a mocking face as she looked at Simon.
“All men!” the old man stated.
“And what of Percival? I am greatly intrigued about his true past. Do you know of it and if so, would you tell us?” Gabirol asked as he moved Paul’s book from Saladin forwards slightly.
“I know of it and yes I can tell you if you so desire as now would be appropriate,” the old man answered. “You see, Perceval, or Percival as most call him, as a child living not far from Queen Tamar’s capital, would often watch knights pass through the forest near his house where he lived alone with his mother. She had lost most of the men in her life to war and quests, so kept herself and Percival isolated and secluded…but it was her very explanations of the knight’s job that inspired a wanderlust in Percival. His name was Gauvin but he was sent to be the squire of a knight sent by Queen Tamar to quest in the Holy Land but also deliver important documents to the King of Jerusalem and her own subjects who resided in the city. Percival’s character demonstrated justice, eloquence and diplomacy in total contrast to the arrogant knight he was to serve. But as fate would have it, one morning on their journey together, Gauvin tried to wake his master, but he had died in his sleep. He had drunk too much wine and mead beer, vomited and choked himself to death. Carefully, Gauvin buried him, cleaned his armour and tied it to his horse, took the sealed messages and vowed to complete the task given to Percival. When he traversed the Caucasus Mountains, the cold forced him to put on Percival’s green outer surcoat and mantle to keep warm. When he finally met up with Lord Balian’s convoy, which included Guy de Lusignan, he was almost incoherent and exhausted, full of the chill and poorly. He collapsed. When he came round in Lord Balian’s tent, he was addressed as Percival. Too tired to argue, Gauvin simply slept. When he did come round, he tried to explain to Guy who he was but Guy had little time to listen and dismissed him out of hand and ordered him to join the ranks and form up. And that is how Percival came to be where he is now. He thought he would simply deliver the messages and return home. But then his path crossed Paul’s, and the rest you know,” the old man explained.
2 - 16
“So his secret remained safe with Queen Tamar. He was indeed fortunate,” Peter remarked.
“His secret remained safe,” the old man said and shook his head.
Cairo, Egypt, January 1181
The morning air was fresh as a cool wind blew in from the coast. Paul stepped down from the front step into the wide street where Queen Tamar’s escort and caravan were already formed up and waiting for her. Queen Tamar’s escort looked impressive with their lamellar armour, green surcoats and green horse covers, which had apples and wheatsheaf emblems upon them. Their kite shields were burnished silver with a large ornate cross emblazoned upon them. Philip approached on foot leading his horse along with Tenno and his horse. Arri waved Clip clop frantically at Tenno as they neared. Tenno looked even more serious than his usual self. Paul knew he was struggling to keep his emotions in check just as Queen Tamar and Alisha stepped through the large front door and into the street. Queen Tamar had changed into a lighter more comfortable dress and small head cover for her coming journey. She held Alisha’s hands tightly. Percival and Nyla followed them out smiling broadly arm in arm. Several Mamluk guards rode up breaking into two groups, one taking up position at the vanguard and the other at the rear of the small column, Queen Tamar’s small carriage being positioned near to her.
“’Tis time I must leave. We cannot miss the tide,” she said looking at Alisha. “We shall see each other again, my sister, that I know.”
“I pray the day comes sooner than later,” Alisha replied and feigned a brave smile.
Tenno moved near to Paul and Arri as Arri reached out for him to take him. Tenno wrapped his reins around his wrist and took Arri. He gulped hard as Arri wrapped his little arms around him tightly as if he knew Tenno was leaving. Philip moved closer to speak.
“My son, I shall see you again soon. ’Tis a pity this visit was so short, but I have at least seen my grandson. Keep the knight’s headband with you always on your travels. You never know when you may need it,” Philip said and outstretched his arms.
Paul stepped forwards and hugged his father.
“Safe journey, Father,” Paul said quietly, lost for words. He wanted to say something deep and meaningful but he simply could not think of anything. “I love you, Father,” he said and stepped back a pace.
“I am mightily proud of you, son. And you too, Alisha. Thank you for giving me such a beautiful grandson,” Philip said as he took Alisha’s hand and gently kissed it.
“Thank you for helping me see my sister,” Queen Tamar said and placed her hand upon Philip’s as he still held Alisha’s hand. “Now remember, my little sister, I meant what I said and I will have funds dispatched immediately for the dresses I have ordered.”
“You have ordered much. It will take Nyla and I some time to complete,” Alisha replied, smiling.
“They are fine clothes indeed and I know they will be well received,” Queen Tamar said and stepped toward her small carriage. She was just about to step up, when she turned and walked back to Percival and Nyla. “Percival…I just wanted to say you are a far better knight than the knight I originally commissioned. Never doubt that fact,” she said and placed her hand upon his forearm briefly.
Nyla listened puzzled but too happy to really take notice of what she was saying. Alisha handed her sister a small sealed envelope. It was a letter for her father. She knew what it was without any words being spoken. Quickly Queen Tamar hugged Alisha, kissed her on the cheek and immediately boarded her carriage for the short journey to the harbour. As she closed the door, she sat back out of sight but not before Alisha saw her wipe a tear away as she closed the net curtain across the window.
“We must be away,” Tenno stated as he handed Arri back to Paul.
Philip wiped his finger down Arri’s cheek gently then kissed him on the forehead. Arri kept waving Clip clop.
“Tenno!” Arri suddenly said aloud, which caught everyone by surprise as he had never spoken his name before.
Tenno’s eyes widened and Philip laughed as he patted his shoulder. Philip then mounted his horse and steadied himself as Tenno likewise mounted his horse. He almost smiled at Arri’s comment.
“Until we meet again,” Philip said, bowed his head and pulled his horse into the column behind the small carriage.
Tenno looked down at Arri in Paul’s arms. Arri smiled at him and waved Clip clop again. Tenno simply nodded his head and pulled his horse over beside Philip. With a slight nod at Paul and Alisha, the small convoy started to pull away. Within moments the whole column disappeared around the corner of the street and apart from a small amount of dust in the air, all was silent and still. Paul felt a tug at his heart both for his father and Tenno. Percival had his arms around Nyla clearly still thinking upon Queen Tamar’s words t
o him.
“Have they all gone?” Theodoric called out as he stepped down from the front door and stood beside Alisha. Paul nodded yes as Sister Lucy appeared. “Good. I hate goodbyes,” he remarked, coughed and placed his hands upon his hips. “Good!”
Sister Lucy shook her head no at Paul behind Theodoric and placed her hand across her chest indicating Theodoric was in fact saddened by their departure.
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“And just like that they were gone?” Ayleth asked.
“Yes. Just like that. Alisha and Nyla now had their biggest order for their growing business, Theodoric had made his peace with Philip and Tenno had gone from their company. It was Theodoric who seemed to miss him the most and Arri of course who kept saying ‘Tenno’ all the time. A sadness filled Paul for some weeks after they had departed. He could not put his finger upon it, but all seemed different. Alisha was the sister of a real queen, she was related to Abi and the realisation of just how privileged his life and background had actually been really began to sink in,” the old man explained.
“So what did he do?” the farrier asked.
“I wish to see the fine dresses Alisha made,” the wealthy tailor said, rubbing his hands. “We have dire need of new lines in this port.”
“My friend…when this tale is finished, I will give you a whole chest of her dresses and designs,” the old man said and winked at him.
“So what was wrong with Paul?” Peter asked.
“There was nothing wrong with him as such…and to keep himself occupied and to not think too hard on everything, especially the details about his and Alisha’s bloodlines, he lost himself in his work. He worked closely with Husam and saw Saladin frequently most of that year. He took on board what Tenno had said and made sure he spent more time with Arri. Arri learnt fast and was soon running around talking nonstop,” the old man detailed and laughed to himself briefly. “Alisha and Nyla made many dresses and their business grew and grew. Paul’s unique design for a ship threw up many problems, but Husam kept on pushing him and after several prototypes were built, he finally hit upon a workable solution that did indeed work.”