by D. N. Carter
“If I wish to see Ali and Arri again, I must remain focused at all times,” Paul said aloud.
Percival nodded in agreement as they approached the vessels. Both were filled with a deep sense of anticipation and excitement. Both laughed nervously at each other. Paul’s eyes fell upon the large ropes that secured the vessels to the dock side. Several larger metal chains glistened beside a pool of water. They reminded Paul of the words Tenno had said about the chains of love that bind.
“Here we go then,” Percival said.
Chapter 54
Baptism of Fire and Water!
Port of Aydhab, Egypt, western shores of the Red Sea, March 1183
A blood red sun shimmered on the eastern horizon reflecting on the calm waters of the Red Sea as it slowly broke above the far shore. Paul stood beside Percival and Husam on the foredeck of Husam’s Dromon command ship. Several other ships were tied up alongside with Paul’s ship secured stern on next to Husam’s ship.
“His fleet is out there and this day we shall put an end to that mad man’s rampages,” Husam said quietly as he grasped the wooden balustrade and strained his eyes to the horizon.
Paul could see the determination in his eyes.
“And we are good with this…attacking our own kind?” Percival asked.
Husam looked at him, his eyes narrowing quizzically.
“’Tis not your kind we are about to stop. ’Tis an animal that needs to be tamed…if not, he will bring death upon many of both our kind. If you cannot see that, I suggest you stay behind. No one will think any the less of you,” Husam said politely.
Percival started to unfasten his outer surcoat. Quickly he removed all of his chain mail as Paul looked on bemused.
“What are you doing?” Paul asked.
“I fight to protect what I love and care about. I know what Reynald does and intends to do…and if we are to stop him this day…then we need to ditch all of this heavy gear,” he explained as his chain mail fell to the deck with a heavy thud. “I would advise you the same in case we end up in the water…look,” Percival said pointing to Husam.
“He is correct. You will see that I too wear none on board,” Husam replied, motioning his hands up and down himself and pulling his surcoat open to show he only wore a leather padded gambeson. “We have thirty ships at my disposal, thirty-one including yours, and as Saladin fights on several fronts, his reputation is everything…and I am commanded to resolve this matter with Reynald and keep our pilgrim routes open and free. This port, ’tis a gateway for many pilgrims travelling to Medina and Mecca. Reynald knows this. Plus he would love to take this port for its close proximity to all the old Egyptian gold mines at Wadi Allaqi a short distance from here.”
“I knew gold would come into the equation somewhere,” Percival commented.
“I am not sure what my vessel can do this day for she is not a fighting vessel,” Paul said as he started to help Percival unfasten his chain mail chausses.
“If you are willing, with the speed of your vessel, I would ask that you patrol the waters and pass back and forth messages, for my fleet will be spread out. I need to know I can regroup them all fast when we locate Reynald’s fleet. Can you do this?” Husam asked.
“We can certainly try,” Paul answered as Percival nodded.
“Do you require more men?” Husam asked as two of his naval officers approached.
“No. It was designed to be sailed by just one person if needs be. Plus less weight and we can move faster,” Paul replied.
“My Lord,” one of the naval officers said and bowed his head briefly. “We have word Reynald intends to intercept the next ferry crossing of pilgrims, which is full of women and children. Shall we delay their departure?” he asked.
Husam looked out across the open water to the horizon.
“If we hold them back, we just delay the inevitable and Reynald will wait until another day. No…they must sail and we shall shadow them. Let Reynald come to us.”
“How did you find this out?” Paul asked, puzzled.
“One of Turansha’s men…of course,” the naval officer answered, looking surprised that Paul had even asked such a question.
Paul shot a look of shock at Percival. Husam saw his reaction.
“Fear not, Paul. Turansha himself is in Syria. But his network serves us well.”
“So long as it is not a trap for I know his men also work hand in glove with Lord Montferrat and Reynald when it suits him.”
“Indeed they do, but Lord Montferrat also hates Reynald, with equal measure,” Husam smiled.
Paul looked out toward the horizon, the sun now a deep golden yellow as it rose quickly. He thought of Princess Stephanie and that, today, Reynald’s days could end. Would she be sad? he wondered momentarily.
“My Lord, the Red Wolf of Kerak has already sunk sixteen more ships… most of them pilgrim vessels. Can we afford to risk another?” the naval officer asked.
“Regrettably yes we must risk it. We lose this route and fail to keep it open, then Saladin breaks his promise and risks losing much support. More depends upon today than you appreciate,” Husam replied.
“Sorry, my Lord. We shall do as you command,” the naval officer replied and bowed.
“Much piracy and instability in the Persian Gulf has moved much trade into the Red Sea. The steady southerly winds make it difficult for large ships to travel further north with any ease, and Reynald knows that too. Last year he managed to sack this port but he did not have the manpower to hold it. This time he intends to seize it and stay. That cannot be allowed. After burning those sixteen ships he then went on to capture a pilgrim ship and caravan at Aidab, which he still holds to ransom,” Husam explained and paused as he looked out toward the horizon. “But it is his threats to attack Medina and remove Muhammad’s body and relocate his tomb to Crusader territory so Muslims will have to make a pilgrimage there that causes us the greatest concern for he is mad enough to try it.”
“How many ships did you say you have in total now?” Percival asked.
“Thirty-one including yours. Fortunately al-Adil ordered most of his warships moved from Fustat, as you saw, and Alexandria to here and placed directly under my command. That is why we must defeat Reynald comprehensively and decisively. I appreciate the position this puts you in, for there will be men amongst his forces whom you know, but all the other lords, such as Balian and Count Raymond, they have not joined with him in this mad venture.”
“No, but Gerard has,” Paul remarked and sighed.
“And your brother serves with him. That is why I will understand if you wish to remain here. There is no shame in that,” Husam said sympathetically.
“No, we shall attend. Our ship has much room to pick up survivors from both sides should the need arise.”
“Then at least fly a neutral standard, my friend, for that is perhaps a better idea than the one I had for your ship. In fact I demand it of you,” Husam said and smiled. “I will not turn brother against brother. ’Tis just unfortunate that yours finds himself aligned to a mad man.”
Paul looked at Percival. He nodded in agreement it was a good idea. Paul thought of Stewart and wondered with concern if he was indeed still with Gerard. He had no idea where he was having not received any word from him in over two years. He prayed he was elsewhere. All turned to look at a contingent of heavily armed marines boarding followed by lighter armoured oarsmen armed with bows and crossbows.
“Fear not, their armour has quick release links…in case they end up in the water,” Husam remarked, seeing how Percival was looking at them. “Tell me, you have been present at all of our briefings. You have studied hard these past two years, so what is your assessment of Reynald’s fleet from what you know?”
Percival coughed and faced Husam, a little surprised that he was asking for his opinion. Husam raised his eyebrows.
“Well, Reynald’s fleet is mainly made up of galleys. They can only sail when the waters are calm for they do not handle well in roug
h waters and are easily swamped by waves. He only has between now and September to accomplish what he wishes and his vessels are further restricted by the amount of supplies they can carry. Water in particular. His ships can only carry about four days’ worth of water. Effectively, this means his fleet is confined to coastal routes, and has to make frequent landfall to replenish his supplies. None of his ships have battering rams, the only truly ‘ship-killing’ weapon he still has available, as that book Saladin gave you states, is surprise and for his men to physically board other ships or set them ablaze. But I fear his greatest asset is his acquisition of accurate intelligence, often through the use of spies who pose as merchants.”
“And you think he has this intelligence?” Husam asked.
“I would stake my life on it, but I would urge extreme caution this day,” Percival answered.
“You just have, my friend, for we sail within the hour. If we have to chase the Red Wolf all across this sea, then so let it be. This day one of us will be defeated. Pray it is not us,” Husam said and bowed at Paul and Percival before turning to his fellow officers. “Send the pilgrim vessel out first and follow at a distance. If Reynald’s fleet attacks, we shall see the flames, then we shall attack him.”
“What…you are using the pilgrim vessel as bait?” Paul asked, alarmed.
“Yes, my friend, yes I am. Reynald has to see that it is indeed a pilgrim carrying vessel so there is no way of faking that. Once he engages, then we shall cut into him like a knife and finish this matter,” Husam explained. Paul sighed and shrugged his shoulders. “By all means shadow the pilgrim ferry and if it sinks, you can rescue those you can. But if Reynald sees you, he will treat you as spies…and he will not hesitate in executing you. I know this does not meet with your approval, but…but sometimes we have to sacrifice a few to save many more. Unless you have a better suggestion, either of you?”
Percival looked at Paul then at Husam.
“In any specific action we always have the choice between the most audacious and the most careful solution. Some say the theory of war always advises the latter. That is false,” Percival stated. “If the theory does advise anything, it is that the nature of war favours the most decisive, that is, the most audacious. Theory is just theory but in practice it is down to the military leader to act according to his own courage…according to the spirit of the enterprise and his self-confidence to make his choice, according to his inner force…and never forget that no military leader has ever become great without audacity.” Both Husam and Paul looked at Percival surprised at his insightful comments. “I read all that in your book,” Percival smiled.
“We shall run up a neutral flag. Husam is right,” Paul said and nudged Percival.
Paul looked at Husam. He knew what he said made sound tactical sense, but it did not sit well with him. He looked across the harbour to the small pilgrim ferry as many young children, old men and women boarded. Paul part bowed his head to Husam and headed for the main gangplank. Percival feigned a brave smile at Husam as he followed after Paul half dragging his chain mail along with him.
“Paul,” Husam called out. Paul turned to face him. “Reynald will not recognise any flag of neutrality. Be guarded for he will sink you just as quickly.”
“He has not seen how fast our ship can move,” Paul replied and smiled at Husam. “May Allah be with you this day and protect you.”
“And you, my friend…and Paul, ’tis my ship,” Husam replied, winked and smiled broadly.
Paul looked at Percival and both laughed. He looked over at his vessel and returned a smile to Husam.
“My ship,” Paul said and waved as he started to walk down the gangplank. Husam laughed. His face then turned serious as he faced his officers and men on deck. A rivulet of sweat ran down his face as the heat of the day started to rise. It angered him greatly that Reynald alone was the cause of so much hostility. He turned his gaze to the pilgrim vessel.
“Today, Red Wolf of Kerak, you will have your claws severely clipped, if not cut off completely,” he said quietly to himself.
Within moments Husam ordered his squadrons to form up. His fleet consisted of the main body, composed of oared Dromon warships, and several baggage train (touldon) sailing vessels and other oared transports, which would be sent away in the event of any direct engagements of battle. But if Husam had to chase Reynald’s fleet around, then he needed resupplies to be on hand. The main battle fleet was further divided into smaller squadrons, and orders transmitted from ship to ship through signal kamelaukia flags and lanthorns. He gave the order that boarding actions and hand to hand would be the preferable order of the day. To capture Reynald alive would be a massive psychological blow to Crusader forces and allow Saladin to make a public example of him. Paul and Percival pushed off ahead receiving many strange looks from a bemused and quizzical pilgrim population who had never seen such a strange vessel before. As Percival winched the main mast to its fullest erect position, Paul lowered the main sail enough to catch the wind and move the vessel out of the harbour. Everything both Paul and Percival had trained for and learned, they were now alone in putting those skills into practice. Paul convinced himself he was doing what was right and that at least he could use the excuse that his vessel was purely a fast rescue ship. But deep down he knew he was kidding himself. He was sailing with Husam’s fleet, under his Muslim command. Percival gave Paul a wave and smiled as if he was out on a small boating trip on Lake Tannis. Paul laughed and was secretly impressed and glad he had Percival along. Apart from Taqi, Percival was the nearest thing he could call a close friend. Paul furled away the sails and halted the vessel and waited as the pilgrim vessel slowly began to make its way out of the harbour. It was followed by a three-masted vessel from the Balearic kingdom of Denia, and two smaller feluccas, a traditional wooden sailing boat used in the protected waters of the Red Sea. Its rig consisted of two lateen sails and was easily recognisable. Their sails would block the view behind them, Husam hoped, as his fleet followed at some distance.
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“How did Paul get his ship design passed off as seaworthy for I know how stringent and meticulous the Muslim regulations are?” the Genoese sailor asked.
“That is true…but as the ship was of a whole new concept, and would only require two people to safely handle her, Husam was able to push through most of the legalities required to allow it to set to sea,” the old man explained. “As you probably know, the ship occupies a unique position in Islamic tradition. Even the Qur’an counts it among the ayat, miracles of God, and devotes twenty-eight verses enumerating its benefits to mankind. The generic Arabic word for ‘ship’ is markab, meaning a conveyance or riding vessel. A typical seagoing merchant vessel had to carry on board many anchors, appropriate hawsers and ropes, canvas and/or cotton sails, masts, oars, rudders and drawbridges, for greater ease in embarking and disembarking, in addition to nautical instruments, pilot books and charts.”
“We always had trouble with Muslim harbour masters or whatever they were called. Always so meticulous on paperwork and rules,” the Genoese sailor said and shook his head.
“Yes they are, especially oversized vessels which had to have service boats on board for the transport of goods to the quayside. But identical rules applied to ship sales and purchase contracts. Both parties to the contract had to specify the vessel’s tackle and navigational instruments in the bill of sale. When signing a contract to lease a specific vessel for the conveyance of cargo, shippers were most concerned with the seaworthiness of the ship, besides other considerations such as the freight tariff. Seaworthiness of a ship was associated with the equipment and amount and proficiency of the crew it was required to carry. The design, structure, condition and equipment of the ship had to be suitable for carrying goods of a particular kind and bringing them safely to their destination. Meaning, it had to be technically able to encounter the ordinary perils of the voyage. Concerning the crew, bringing the carriage into
completion required a licensed lessor to recruit a competent master and professional complement to navigate the vessel under various circumstances; a ship that was powered by unskilled mariners could certainly be regarded as unseaworthy. It fell to the office of Islamic muhtasib, a sort of market superintendent, who supervised, among other duties, the construction of ships at the shipyard and carriage by sea.”
“Yes, muhtasib…that’s what they are called. Nightmare lot to deal with,” the Genoese sailor interrupted.
“The muhtasib is helped by assistants called ‘urafa’ al-sina‘a, (arsenals’ inspectors), whose main task is to ensure the shipwrights’ observance of technical standards and prevent them from using inferior and inadequate raw materials. Exacting and thorough inspections are carried out to avoid human and financial losses. Whoever violates these regulations is punished. While the ship is still in the yard, a comprehensive technical inspection has to be carried out by the muhtasib, the captain and the ship’s scribe. This is one area that Paul paid very close attention to detail on. Islamic law entitled sailors and lessees to not honour a leasing contract if a technical defect was discovered in the ship. The working hours of carpenters, including shipwrights, began late in the morning and ended before evening. Thus the inspection of commercial ships took place between sunrise and sunset, but not in the evening and prior to the loading processes. The amount of cargo the ship could properly carry was determined by the muhtasib. When the cargo was stowed and placed appropriately and the ship was ready to depart, an official examination to prevent overloading was requested by the muhtasib, or his representative, and the captain. The hisba manuals plainly state that ‘a ship can be freighted with cargo as long as the waterline (plimsoll) alongside the outer hull is visible. Islamic law requires that each ship be marked with a load line to indicate how deeply the ship could legally be submerged. The waterline mark along the outer hull could not lay more than a certain depth below the surface of the water. The provision against overloading was intended to prevent not only sinking but also the overexertion of the rowers. Types, dimensions and technical constructions of ships varied in accordance with their purposes and bodies of waters they plied.”