by D. N. Carter
“’Tis true, Paul,” Upside remarked. “I know of many brethren who have seen and experienced too much or simply lost faith who were allowed to leave, or retire as we say. Most were given a horse and weapons to keep, and even given coinage. Should I leave, I will receive all these things in good standing and with appreciation and gratitude from the Order.”
“And what of the Church…does it not condemn you for breaking your vows to serve?” Paul asked.
“No…you see it is a fact that the Order was founded under the sovereign royal patronage of King Baldwin the Second and then King Fulk of Jerusalem… the Vatican did not give its additional sovereign patronage until eleven years later. If the Church ever suspends its patronage of the Templars the Order will simply and legally revert back to its original sovereign patronage from the kings of Jerusalem, which will never be terminated,” Upside explained.
“There is so much I do not know of the Order…,” Paul sighed and thought of his father and brother. He shook his head, tired.
“Paul,” Theodoric said quietly. “The Order serves the Church with dedication, and voluntarily. It never has nor ever will be dependent upon recognition nor sovereign patronage from the Papacy for it already has its own pre-existing sovereignty from the Templar Kings of Jerusalem, and its own ecclesiastical authority from the Ancient Priesthood of Solomon as restored by the Templars in AD 1118, which in turn carries a direct succession from the biblical and most ancient Magi Priesthood of Melchizedek.”
“And that I can prove dates back to at least 10,068 BC…,” Attar stated as a matter of fact.
Upside frowned and looked at Attar quizzically. He simply smiled and nodded back as if to confirm what he was stating as a fact.
“Under Canon law, the history of initiatory Magistral Succession combined with doctrinal succession makes the Ancient Priesthood of Solomon of the Templar Order a religious institution in its own right, having full legitimacy. Nevertheless, true to the traditional Templar style of modesty and humility, hence ‘Non Nobis Domin’, the Knights Templar have never relied upon their own authorities, happy to serve other established Churches for the greater good,” Theodoric continued to explain. “This is why it would be permissible for Muslims to join the Order as Saladin knows and approves of.”
“Yet Gerard wishes to destroy him,” Paul sighed again.
“The original knights of Solomon were holy warrior monks, highly trained skilled soldiers, who strictly followed religious and spiritual pursuits of esoteric knowledge and communion with God. The Order does not independently use autonomous military force. They do so strictly under sovereign authorisation at the request and by permission of a king, pope or leader of a country, thus serving as an official military force adjunct to a government’s official army. And do not forget Knights Templar irrevocably and undeniably openly welcome and encourage the full participation of women, whether as priestesses, knightly spiritual warriors or actual combative knights.”
“But I do not understand how, if my father was and is a Templar, how he had me and my brother?” Paul asked puzzled.
“Celibacy as Count Henry and Brother Jakelin tried to explain to you in Jerusalem is not an absolute prerequisite to join the Order…especially when you reach the higher ranks. In reality, as I am sure Upside will confirm, the celibacy rule really only applies when serving.”
“Aye, ’tis a misconception that we are all celibate following Vatican rules for clergy and monks under Canon law, but as far as I am aware we have never been prohibited from marrying and having wives, nor having offspring and descendants,” Upside said. “Think about it, the majority of knights joined direct from their dynastic families of nobility, and if not permitted to continue their family lines through heirs to preserve their heritage, most would never have joined and served in the Order as their lineage would die with them.”
“I am surprised your father or Stewart did not tell you all of this,” Theodoric said, a little perplexed.
“Because my father never wanted either Stewart or me to join,” Paul replied.
“Well, in practice, most knights do have wives and raise families just as you saw Brother Jakelin with his wife. Written within Templar protocols, if a knight is married or engaged to be married, his lady is required to wait for him while living in a Roman Catholic monastery. Thus, joining the Knights Templar is a joint decision by the couple, which means holy service of both spouses, the male in military campaigns, and the female in monastic religious service. This also ensures the safety and monastic protection of the female spouse during the knight’s active military service, giving all knights confidence and peace of mind that their beloved ladies would be waiting when they return home. But this was something your mother, God rest her soul, did not adhere to,” Theodoric explained.
“How do you mean?” Paul asked, surprised.
“She refused to go and live in a convent. Oh the fun we had with your mother,” Theodoric answered and shook his head smiling to himself.
“This Islamic Templar lot…please I would like to know more on that,” Thomas asked curiously.
“Attar!” Theodoric said and gestured for him to answer.
“What can I tell you?…I can say that Saladin wishes to formally approve of the formation of a Muslim contingent of Templars to follow the same Codes of Honour as the Knights Templar. You must understand that the original Templar Order found unity and brotherhood with many Muslim knights for both are united in combat and also united in the ancient faith. One day this dream will be realised…of that I am sure,” Attar explained.
Paul’s heart raced at hearing this. It would make his life so much easier without the constant sense of being torn between his Christian origins and his love of so many aspects of Islam and his Muslim friends.
“’Tis simply that a bond exists that is oft created between enemies during and after battle, which is called the Warrior’s Code,” Upside explained as Thomas nodded in agreement.
“Saladin knows and understands this rule,” Attar commented.
“As does Balian and Count Raymond…,” Theodoric started to say and paused for a few moments. “In a much more profound sense, the rules of the Warrior Code are there to protect the people doing the actual fighting. ’Tis designed to prevent soldiers from becoming monsters…all battlefield behaviours that erode a soldier’s humanity…Most warrior cultures share one belief. There is something worse than death, and one of those things is to completely lose your humanity. Most on the battlefield can recognise the common humanity of their enemies, especially when face to face…and that respect starts at the top where the leader sets the tone and manner.”
“I have known men who feel more bonded with their enemy than those of their own kind back home,” Thomas remarked.
“This is true,” Theodoric said in response. “’Tis why the likes of Reynald with his lack of humanity risk so much more than he realises.”
“We understand this in our Order. ’Tis all part of our ‘Code of Chivalry’, for it is all about preserving one’s humanity. ’Tis about having honour by accepting the humanity of one’s enemy, and respecting them. The highest mark of a true Templar following the Code of Chivalry is the ability to be gracious and merciful to a worthy opponent who is even of a different faith, and to accept, forgive and even assist or cooperate with that opponent as soon as hostilities have ceased,” Upside explained and took a large mouthful of his drink.
“These knights of Saladin…it sounds like a good idea, but will it ever happen?” Ishmael asked.
“Thought you were asleep,” Thomas laughed.
“Was resting my eyes but I heard all,” Ishmael replied.
“It is a possibility…,” Attar replied.
“And you all still pronounce his name wrong. Perhaps if you get that correct it may happen…’Tis spoken Salahadin…,” Ishmael said as he sat forward and rubbed his tired eyes.
“Why then, why are Christians and Muslims so at odds with each other?” Paul asked.
&
nbsp; “For the same reasons as Christians fight Christians and Muslims fight Muslims…,” Theodoric started to explain. “The First and Second Crusades were never intended to be a war against Islam, at least that was never the motivation nor mission of the Knights Templar. ’Twas the Vatican that authorised the Templars to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to and from Jerusalem, not to conquer nor eradicate any other religion. But escorting pilgrims could have been done by any number of other knights, which was indeed the case anyway. But by becoming the best and strongest force to meet that apparent need, the Templars were able to advance their research and excavations, preserve the ancient knowledge and heritage of humanity, and influence our entire European civilisation. Plus the only true purpose of fighting against Muslim armies was strategic, and not motivated by religious differences. It is necessary for Templar and Vatican missions to secure access to Jerusalem for Christians, to maintain protective military outposts, and to defend those strongholds against attacks or isolation. Saladin knows this and he too rejects all claims that the Crusades are purely against Islam, for he knows it is about the strategic importance of Jerusalem.”
“Indeed,” Attar remarked. “For genuine Christianity cannot logically nor ethically reject or oppose Islam, a religion which fully recognises Christianity, considers Christianity to be a part of the Muslim faith, and considers Jesus the Nazarene to be one of the most honoured Prophets of Islam next to Muhammad, peace be upon him. ’Tis madness fuelled by the likes of Reynald and Turansha for in reality Christians and Muslims are natural allies in spiritual faith.”
“’Tis why I cannot follow someone like Reynald any longer,” Upside remarked and sighed heavily and lowered his head.
“You have much to consider, my friend,” Thomas said and patted Upside on the shoulder. “Much indeed.”
“If I were not now sworn to protect Paul and his family, I would consider this knights of Saladin myself,” Ishmael said as he leant down and lifted up his dirty chain mail. “But now I would beg my leave to sleep.”
“Ishmael…you know there are no binds that chain you here should you ever wish to leave to follow another path,” Paul remarked as Ishmael stood up.
“I know…and that is why I stay…and there are chains that bind me,” he replied and bowed his head slightly. All watched as he walked over and opened the rear exit door then turned to look back at them all. “The chains of love that bind me to this brotherhood I am blessed to be a part of…I bid you goodnight,” he stated and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
“Oh Lord,” Paul sighed. “Where does this all lead to and where does it leave me?”
“With the weight of history…and the future upon your shoulders, my boy…and that you will surely find out soon enough,” Theodoric said as he stood up and looked him in the eyes. “Remember…your mother’s maiden name was Keys and she came from Gizors in France though her parents were both British. And you are now here near to the original Giza where it all started. Work that all out and we all may just have a future…and with that I shall be away and bid you goodnight.”
Thomas and Upside likewise called it a night and left the dining hall leaving Paul sat alone with just one small ceramic candle holder, the candle almost burnt away. He untied his sword and placed it upon the table and unsheathed it enough to see the image patterned onto it the blacksmith had etched so delicately. He moved the crimson cord lower that was permanently tied around it. He smiled tiredly as he rubbed his fingers over the leather scabbard. He rested his head forwards in his hands and thought back over how far he and Alisha had come since leaving La Rochelle. He closed his eyes.
“Paul,” a soft and gentle female voice called out.
Paul shook his head slightly and tried to open his eyes. He sat up quickly and leaned back pulling his sword closer as he shielded his eyes from the bright light before him. As he blinked, he could see what appeared to be the image of some standing stones. Puzzled he rubbed his eyes with his left hand just as a tall slender female stepped into view walking slowly toward him. She wore what appeared to be a full length dress made of a shimmering silk but it was neither blue nor purple but shone somewhere between them. She wore a single diamond looking pendant that hung in the middle of her forehead on a very delicate silver chain. Her eyes stayed fixed upon his as she stepped ever closer and outstretched her right hand. Without thinking he raised his left hand and she clasped it softly. Paul stood up slowly. The woman had blue eyes that reflected the clouds as they passed overhead. Paul looked around seeing that he was standing in a lush valley…one he knew to be a Scottish glen.
“Dare I ask where I am?” he asked quietly.
“Paul…it has been a very long time since last I saw you,” the woman said and smiled gracefully at him but her eyes full of emotion. “And even longer since I last saw that,” she remarked and looked down at the sword held in his right hand. “You are in a place special and sacred to me…and I wish for you to meet someone,” she explained and stepped aside to reveal a man standing behind her. He looked familiar, Paul thought. The man bowed his head and smiled as he stepped closer. He held the woman’s left hand and the moment he did, it was as if a surge of energy ran through his arm, up through the woman’s and down her left arm into Paul’s. With a jolt the sudden realisation and knowledge hit him and in an instant he knew the woman was his mother. But just as quickly as that realisation hit him, so did the fact that he then instantly recognised the man was the Templar Knight who had been so grotesquely beheaded beside him…but also a realisation that this was also his uncle. Confused, Paul let go of his mother’s hand in alarm. He looked at the man.
“This is not my uncle…what manner of a dream is this?” Paul demanded and feared it was some trick perhaps orchestrated by the old woman who constantly hung around.
“This is no trick, my son, my beautiful youngest son,” his mother spoke softly and clasped his hand again. “And this, this is indeed your uncle, your father’s eldest brother,” she explained and smiled.
The man nodded he was.
“But…but how, I do not understand it!” Paul exclaimed, confused.
“Your grandfather and grandmother, their first born, was taken from them as an agreement. For his own protection, but Elek, for that is his name, he found us again but the one you know as Kratos…he took him away again,” his mother explained.
“Well it did not do him any good for I witnessed your death,” Paul answered and stepped back, again suspicious this was some kind of trick. His father had never once mentioned he had any brothers or sisters. He would not hide such a fact.
“Paul…I lived a very long and fulfilling life…and it was my fate to die in the manner I did and of my choosing,” Elek explained and moved closer to Paul.
“But you cannot be, that is how I know this is just a dream…for as Kratos and Abi explained, you were as old as Abi, if not older,” Paul snapped back.
“My son…there are many things you do not know and have yet to learn for know this, time as you perceive and understand it is truly but an illusion. I cannot explain it fully to you now but try and understand that I met Elek a long time before I even met your father. As you will learn, some people can see as well as move across the cycles of time. All you need understand now is that Elek did,” his mother said and stepped closer.
Paul’s throat tightened as he looked at her and fought to hold down suppressed emotions. He had never met his mother and yet she now stood before him appearing as real as he could imagine. Elek smiled.
“And this place…where are we?” Paul asked and coughed emotionally.
“Look around you. ’Tis a place your father and Theodoric know of well,” she replied and motioned with her hands to look around. “’Tis Glen Lyon.”
“Paul. This place was once the stronghold of the ancient Picts…’twas the original centre of their kingdom, not that of Scone as some now believe,” Elek explained. “You shall perhaps one day visit this glen for it is more sacred than mo
st know of…in Fortingall near Loch Tay, the glen itself is void of megalithic monuments for it is the site of the Creator Goddess and the solar deity, Lugh, and is sacred by its own nature. Truly sacred sites are left untouched by human hands.”
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“Then what is that?” Paul asked as he pointed to two upright stones that appeared split.
“They are these days called the ‘Praying Hands of Mary’. They sit aside the conical hill of Creag nan Eildeag, the two huge stones rise sideways, with a narrow split between them as if they were two hands, held together without the fingertips touching, as if in prayer. The Praying Hands ‘pray’ towards the conical Creag nan Eildeag. Like all conical hills, they are the symbol of the ‘primordial hill’, the first hill created on earth, the navel of the earth, its shape mimicking the shape of the belly of a pregnant woman. In Egypt, the conical hill was identified as a ‘primordial hill’, on which the solar deity masturbated, to create the world. In Celtic countries, a very similar event occurs, though it is more correct to say that the solar deity Lugh had impregnated the Cailleach, hence the conical shaped hill expressing her pregnancy,” his mother explained patiently as she looked around lovingly at the scenery.
“’Tis a dream,” Paul said aloud to himself and closed his eyes for several moments. When he opened them, both his mother and Elek were stood just looking at him smiling.
“’Tis no dream,” Elek remarked.
“All ancient dolmens and stones sit across natural faults in the earth. They strengthen and increase the energy to keep the lands fertile, including all that lives. All are aligned to a great web of lines that interconnect to maintain balance and stop illness and decay…and all converge on the navel of the world…in Giza!” his mother explained.
“All areas have different heights in waves of energy, but they can be tuned like the strings on a lyre, to balance the energy by cutting in various sized cup marks in them. From one to eight, and sometimes nine,” Elek explained.