by D. N. Carter
“But then if that was the case, I could do anything I wanted…as I would be doing it to myself. And that means I am marrying myself and…and,” Simon started to say but stopped, thought for a moment and shook his head utterly perplexed.
“I am not saying that is how it is, but I ask you start to consider such things,” the old man remarked in response. He noticed the Templar and Hospitaller whispering to each other.
“Sorry,” the Templar said after Miriam nudged him. “This uncle of Paul’s…Elek you said his name was yes?”
“Yes,” the old man answered.
“Then…am I correct in saying he is one and the same Master Elek Alden, of my Order?”
“That is correct, one and the same,” the old man replied.
“’Tis sad news indeed to learn it was him then for we both knew of him,” the Templar explained and shook his head in sadness. “We did not realise you were speaking of him.”
“How do you know of him then?” the farrier asked.
“He was a legend in my early years of my service for his travels and adventures to the east…and for being very wise and a protector of the poor and weak,” the Templar explained as his brother nodded in agreement.
“Last we heard he had gone missing in the orient at the ends if the silk route many years ago,” the Hospitaller said and folded his arms.
“If he is Paul’s uncle, from his father’s side, does that mean that Paul’s real surname is Alden, with his mother being Keys as you said?” Gabirol asked.
“No…Elek was given that part of his name by Kratos himself after he had taken him,” the old man answered solemnly. “’Twas Niccolas who called him Alden remember.”
“It means something doesn’t it?” Ayleth stated.
“Very perceptive Ayleth, and yes it does,” the old man replied and smiled before explaining. “Alden actually means ‘Old wise protector’ and Elek literally means ‘defender of mankind’. He would often just sign his name as EL which as you all know is an identification for a god…”
“As in Elohim?” Gabirol remarked.
“Are you saying this Elek was Elohim…for that would mean so too is Paul and his father,” Peter said, looking concerned almost.
“I did say that Elek was…how shall I say, partially created. That is all I can tell you…but the sacred bloodline, as I have explained already, runs through Paul’s veins, yes.”
“And his father’s?” Gabirol asked, pushing for a definitive answer.
The old man looked at him for several moments in silence before finally answering.
“To a lesser degree, yes.”
“You mentioned Vedic and Rigveda. What is that?” Sarah asked, sensing unease in the old man.
“Rigveda is a Sanskrit compound word from Rc, meaning ‘praise or verse’, and Veda, meaning ‘knowledge’, and is the word given for an ancient Indian sacred collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. It is counted among the four canonical sacred texts, or śrut of Hinduism known as the Vedas. It is one of the oldest extant texts in any Indo-European language,” the old man answered.
3 - 15
Simon nodded and smiled as if he now fully understood as Sarah turned to him and pulled a face. The old man laughed at her response.
“Hey, I have learnt something too,” the Genoese sailor announced proudly. “That Lugh character…he journeyed in a boat like Mary had, you know, without oars or sails.”
“So the legend states,” the old man replied and bowed his head slightly.
“Before I forget…you mentioned women knights and female Druids. Did I hear correctly…that women could be Druids too?” Sarah asked.
“Yes you heard correctly. Templars have women in their ranks just as Druids did, so never be misled that only men could be Druids or bards,” the old man answered. “’Tis a sad fact that this secret remains so…this misconception can be placed firmly upon Roman historians who reported on Celtic culture, even as they decimated the Druids. The Romans deliberately ignored the true status of the women of the tribes. But even Christian monks still ignore and downplay the status of Celtic women, even while recording and copying their tales and oral histories. The role of powerful women in ancient Celtic times has been and is there for those who care to find it.”
“So to get this right…the word Druid derives from ‘deru’, which carries meanings such as truth, true, hard, enduring, resistant and tree,” Gabirol stated and checked back over his notes. “And deru evolved into the Greek word drus, also meaning oak and referred over time to all trees as well as the words truth and true. Id comes from wid, to know, related to both wisdom and vision. A Dru-id is a truth-knower and a true-knower, one with solid and enduring wisdom, a tree-knower, and an expert. So as dru meant oak, so Druid also means oak-knower,” Gabirol stated, checking over his notes again closely.
As the old man nodded in agreement, Peter leaned forwards and raised his finger.
“I finally see…Oaks are the most balanced of trees…their roots grow as deep as the tree is high. They give the hottest fire excepting the ash tree, and provide medicine via their leaves and bark as well as food…their acorns, for humans, pigs and deer,” he explained, pleased with himself.
“But how would you or anyone else know these facts if all the Druids’ traditions were only given orally?” the wealthy tailor asked.
“Yes the Druids preferred to keep their teachings in oral form, feeling they were too sacred to write down, but writers like Tacitus gave us vivid accounts of the slaughter of the Druids by Roman soldiers on the island of Mona (Anglesey) in Wales. Black clad women defending the island were also noted down. Described just like a typical witch no less. The island was the most sacred stronghold of the British Druids and we can confidently state that these women were Ban-druid, female Druids. In Irish traditional accounts there are references to Ban-druid female Druids and Ban-filid female poets. Fedelm is a female seer and Accuis, Col and Eraise are female Druids mentioned in the Tain. We also know that Celtic women wore trousers, and remember,” the old man explained and looked at the wealthy tailor, “it was the Celts who invented trousers. Gallic females went to war with their husbands and fought alongside their men. In some Roman reports they said the women were even fiercer than the men!”
“No surprises there then,” Simon joked and looked at Sarah.
“In the first century AD Tacitus wrote that the Celts made no distinction between male and female rulers and powerful Celtic women appear in the tales. By tradition Macha Mongruad founded Emain Macha (Navan Fort) in Ulster. The two most famous warriors in Irish history are Finn MacCumhail and Cú Chulainn, who were both trained by women. Finn was raised by two females, a Druidess and a warrior woman, who taught him the crafts of war and of hunting while Cú Chulainn learned the arts of war from Scáthach, who had her own Martial Arts school,” the old man explained.
“So what happened? Why did an indigenous culture that had educated and powerful women devolve into a culture where women are now demoted to the status of chattel?” Gabirol asked.
“Yes…what he asked,” Simon said.
“Because by the first century in Britain, the Romans deliberately suppressed the Druids, who were the intellectual elite…the advisors to the nobility and the glue that held the kingdoms together. Romans claimed the Druids were perpetrators of savage superstitions and of horrific human sacrifice, yet this was at the same time the Roman Circuses were going on. Druidesses were described as seers who were working on their own, rather than as powerful Royal advisors and clergy. A policy of deliberate extermination was carried out, brought to its catastrophic conclusion by the terrifying slaughter of the Druids at Anglesey. But the Romans never conquered the Emerald Isle and the worship of the pagan gods continued there officially until the death of King Diarmat in AD 565. Unofficially it still continues. As Christianity gained power in all areas Roman, ideals of matronly behaviour and womanhood began to wane, though in the few centuries that it was allowed to flourish the Celtic Church continued
to exalt powerful priestesses such as Brighid of Kildare and Beaferlic of Northumbria. But then as the Roman Christian Church gained more prominence female Druids were labelled evil witches and sorcerers as a way to smear their reputations and make people fear them. Religious orders founded by women were systematically dissolved upon their founder’s death, preventing continuity of female centred orders. The Druids were demoted in the laws to figures of ridicule, mere magicians, stripped of their sacral function and status. Women in Celtic areas were forbidden to bear arms and their status dropped in most areas of life and society.”[98]
“Bastards!” Sarah said out loud and folded her arms in disgust as Ayleth sniggered at her words. “Oh pardon my language. Lord it makes my blood boil…so we women suffer now eh?”
“I think not with you, my dear,” Stephan said smiling.
“So going back to Paul then…did he question Theodoric or his father about his uncle?” Gabirol asked.
“Oh yes, that he did…that he did,” the old man answered.
Cairo, Egypt, April 14th, 1183
After a light breakfast with Alisha and Arri, Paul went outside to check on Adrastos. He noted that Luke’s and Ishmael’s horses had already gone. Thomas and Mathew were adjusting the tack on their horses as Percival came running over carrying his chain mail armour and surcoat under his arms. He apologised for being late and got himself dressed rapidly. Within minutes Paul was waving them off as they set out for another day’s escort duties on the western approaches. Paul patted Adrastos and checked he was okay. After a few minutes brushing him down, he heard a very faint sound behind him. He paused and strained to listen. He looked around but the yard was empty. He put his hand upon his sword sensing something was wrong. His heart began to race as he turned himself around. Movement caught his eye as the shadow of the main paddock block roof had a small protrusion pop up and vanish just as quickly. Could be a cat or a bird he told himself as he slowly stepped out from the building to check up on the roof. As he shielded his eyes, he strained to look up into the glare of the rising morning sun. He could see nothing but his senses were screaming at him there was someone about. He looked back at the kitchen hall doorway. It was closed. He then looked back toward the stable building, the sun now blocked from view as two large figures dressed in black stood motionless and silently directly in front of him as if they had appeared out of thin air. Paul instinctively jumped backwards drawing his sword at the same time. The kitchen door opened and Arri appeared smiling. Without hesitation he started to run toward Paul.
“No…get back inside!” Paul called out raising his left hand toward Arri but he kept running toward him. The two men remained perfectly still, their faces covered, just their eyes visible. Paul held his sword up pointing at them and grabbed Arri up in his arms as he reached him. Arri kicked his legs and struggled.
“Tenno! Tenno…Put me down, it is Tenno,” Arri said loudly and wriggled.
Stunned, Paul looked harder at the two men. The taller of the two men stepped closer. As soon as Paul’s eyes met his, the familiar shape of Tenno’s eyes became obvious and as he winked and raised his eyebrow, Paul knew it was indeed Tenno. He put Arri down who immediately ran to Tenno. Tenno pulled the black dust mask down from his face and pushed the hood back and scooped Arri up in his arms as he leapt at him. Arri wrapped his arms around Tenno tightly. Tenno almost smiled.
“My, you have grown so much,” Tenno said and walked toward Paul.
Paul lowered his sword, bemused, and looked at the other man. Slowly he lifted his mask and hood away, shook his head, his long thick curly hair covering his face momentarily. As he flicked his hair back, he smiled broadly. The man sported a tight beard and looked very familiar.
“Hello, my friend,” Taqi said softly.
“Taqi!” Alisha almost screamed with delight making both Paul and Taqi look toward her as she came running from the doorway. “What are you doing here?” she asked as she stopped in front of him. “Look at you…all… all grown up and…different.”
“’Tis truly wonderful to see you again,” Taqi replied and part bowed.
Paul re-sheathed his sword, his heart still beating fast.
“I feared you were Turansha’s men…I almost struck you,” Paul said and shook his head, pleased to see them.
“Fear not, you would not have succeeded,” Taqi joked back as Alisha wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.
“I bet I can still beat you?” Paul joked back as Taqi kissed the side of Alisha’s face, stepped away from her then opened his arms to greet Paul.
“Bet you can’t,” Taqi answered and hugged Paul. “’Tis truly great we meet again, my friend.”
“What brings you here…and how?” Alisha asked as Arri clung to Tenno.
“Business and pleasure,” Tenno answered, holding Arri in one arm. “We came via Malta, with your father.”
“My father?” Paul said, surprised.
“Yes…he follows with your friend Husam…but also Conrad I am afraid. We had to pick him up yesterday. ’Tis why we are a day late,” Tenno explained as Taqi nodded in agreement.
“How…I mean why?” Paul asked, bemused but pleased. “And look at you two…you both look so different.”
“Is it safe for you to be here?” Alisha asked, suddenly looking concerned.
“Yes, we are under the protection of Husam…and Conrad is here to negotiate trade and a treaty from his port at Tyre…and guaranteed non involvement with Reynald,” Taqi explained.
“I assume Reynald is safe then?” Paul asked.
“You know Reynald…more lives than a cat,” Taqi replied and smiled. “And your father knows Stewart is safe too.”
“Oh thank the Lord for that,” Paul sighed with relief.
“I knew it was Tenno,” Arri said aloud and put his arms around Tenno’s neck again. He looked at Taqi, puzzled. “But I don’t know who he is.”
Taqi walked over to Tenno and Arri and ran his finger down Arri’s cheek and smiled at him.
“I am your uncle…your mother’s brother,” Taqi said and looked back at Alisha.
As soon as Taqi said brother, Paul immediately recalled his dream and of his father’s brother Elek. He would have to ask him about that when he arrived. He looked at Tenno and wondered where his usual armour was. But for now he was just pleased to see them both again and relieved to learn his brother was alive and well.
Alisha was serving Tenno and Taqi some refreshments in the cool kitchen area when several horses pulled up in the rear courtyard. Paul immediately saw Ishmael and Luke dismount. Paul recognised Conrad immediately behind them with Husam riding by his side. He then noticed his father following behind him alongside Brother Teric. Several Mamluk escort guards held their positions just short of the rear entrance gate. Paul was surprised to see Brother Matthew with them. Paul stepped down into the courtyard as Husam dismounted and rapidly approached him.
“Paul…my apologies for our delay but we had to pick up Lord Montfferat and his delegation. I wish to speak with you in private before you speak with the others,” Husam said as he took off his riding gloves and quickly looked back at his escort. Paul stood still somewhat confused for a moment. Husam turned and faced him again. “Paul, I am so glad you survived the naval engagement…but I must warn you now, do not speak of your involvement with Reynald’s escape…along with your brother…do you hear me?”
Paul took a sharp intake of breath. Husam somehow knew he had helped Reynald. His heart missed a beat. Should he deny it? Was he safe or was Husam here to arrest him? He clasped his sword instinctively.
“I do not…,” Paul started to say.
“Sssh…there are those here this day that would have you arrested…all of you if they knew. There are too may spies amongst us. I will speak with you later on this matter do you hear?” Husam said quietly and pulled Paul close and greeted him. “Assalamu Allakham,” he said loudly.
“Wa Allakham Assalam,” Paul replied nervously and confused. He looked toward t
he kitchen doorway as Alisha stepped out.
“Fear not, my friend…for a friend you are. She will be safe,” Husam whispered and stood back and immediately walked toward Alisha with his arms outstretched.
Many questions ran through Paul’s mind as he turned to face his father. He approached slowly closely followed by Brother Teric. Philip stopped just in front of Paul and looked at him intently for a few moments in silence.
“Your brother is safe…that I can tell you,” Philip said and then hugged Paul tightly, which caught him by surprise. Brother Teric smiled and nodded at him. “And we are here to negotiate on Conrad’s behalf. ’Tis good to see you, my son.”
“And take Brothers Baldwin and Nicholas back with us,” Brother Teric explained. Paul frowned, puzzled. “Oh we received word they were here.”
Paul stepped back from his father still holding his arms.
“Father…Brother Baldwin wishes to stay here…Brother Nicholas is still weak and,” Paul started to say and paused. “You had a brother also didn’t you?” Philip scowled momentarily caught off guard with the sudden question. He looked at Brother Teric for a second then back at Paul. He feigned puzzlement and shrugged his shoulders. “And Mother…she is with him for I spoke with them both.”
Philip’s face turned almost white, his eyes widening. He took a deep breath and stood back a pace letting go of Paul’s arms. He stared hard at Paul with a look he had never seen in his father’s eyes before. After what seemed an age, Philip’s stare softened as he saw the genuine look in Paul’s eyes.
“Then we have more to discus than I thought,” Philip finally replied and put his arm around Paul and ushered him toward the kitchen door where Alisha was laughing with Husam.