by D. N. Carter
1 - 17
“No and why should you unless you have an interest in courtly affairs?” Philip replied before continuing. “It was whilst away from Henry that Eleanor was able to centre her court on courtly love. Henry and the Church tried to expunge the very records of the actions and judgements of her court, but a small fragment of her codes and practices was written by Andreas Capellanus. She was the patroness of such literary figures as Wace, Benoît de Sainte-More and Chrétien de Troyes…,” Philip said and paused as he looked at Theodoric for a moment. “Henry meanwhile concentrated on controlling his increasingly large empire, badgering Eleanor’s subjects in attempts to control her patrimony of Aquitaine and her court at Poitiers. In March 1173, angered by his lack of power and encouraged by his father’s enemies, the younger Henry launched the Revolt of 1173–1174. He fled to Paris. From there the younger Henry, devising evil against his father from every side by the advice of the French King, went secretly to Aquitaine where his two youthful brothers, Richard and Geoffrey, were living with their mother, and with her connivance, he incited them to join him. The Queen sent her younger sons to France to join with him against their father the King. Once her sons had left for Paris, Eleanor encouraged the lords of the south to rise up and support them. Sometime between the end of March and the beginning of May, Eleanor left Poitiers to follow her sons to Paris but was arrested on the way and sent to the King in Rouen. Henry did not announce the arrest publicly. For the next year, her whereabouts were publicly unknown. On July the eighth, 1174, Henry took ship for England from Barfleur. He brought Eleanor on the ship and as soon as they disembarked at Southampton, Eleanor was taken away to Winchester Castle and then on to Sarum Castle and held there. Eleanor still remains there to this day. She has become more and more distant with her sons, especially Richard, who was always her favourite.”
“So how does this cause trouble now?” Taqi asked inquisitively.
“Because as of now, Henry the Young is again trying to gain power and control. He is in debt and has been refused control of Normandy. He has already tried to ambush his father at Limoges, where he was joined by troops sent by his brother Geoffrey and Philip the Second of France. Philip of France is already claiming that certain properties in Normandy belonged to the young queen but Henry insists that they had once belonged to Eleanor and would revert to her upon her son’s death. Henry has summoned Eleanor to Normandy but as yet she has not returned…but she will. If unrest and war is not averted between France and England, or even war just in France, then much of all we have done will be wasted. What happens in France and England will have implications and a direct impact upon all of you here and in Jerusalem.”[99]
“But there is nothing we can do here is there?” Paul asked, puzzled.
“There is…you simply protect all that I pass on to you for it is no longer safe in France, nor England,” Philip replied, looking serious. “Can you do that?”
Paul looked at Alisha as she shrugged her shoulders.
“I do not know…but I can try,” Paul finally answered.
“No try about it, my lad…we shall and we will,” Theodoric stated.
Chapter 59
Altar of Stone
Taqi leant against the stone balustrade of the balcony, standing beside Paul, who was already leaning against it. Paul looked at the stars shining brightly, the constellation of Orion almost appearing to sit motionless just above the horizon, the star Sirius twinkling a bright bluish colour sat on the horizon like a distant beacon calling them.
“My friend, it has been truly good to see you all again if only briefly. I did not realise just how much I had missed you,” Taqi said quietly as he looked to where Paul was staring.
“I have missed you also, my friend…truly. Tomorrow will be hard for Alisha to say farewell again,” Paul replied still looking at Sirius.
“Things are changing fast…’tis why I had to come for who knows when I will get the opportunity to visit again.”
“Much has already changed. I am here to build boats for Husam, yet I am told I must not…and though Ali has her dress making business, there is nothing else I can do…unless I patrol with Thomas and his men as a Confrere Knight…so I am at a crossroads, my friend, and one at which I have no idea which path to follow,” Paul explained and sighed, lowering his head.
“You have a job…as a guardian of what your father has entrusted to you,” Taqi remarked and looked at Paul. “My ambitions have always been simple. I have learnt much and seen much already, as you have, but my path is easy compared to yours.”
Paul turned and looked at Taqi in silence for a few moments. Alisha came out onto the balcony and quietly approached them. She clasped Paul’s hand.
“’Tis very late and you are tired. You must get some sleep…both of you,” she said softly and smiled.
“Father would be so proud of you, Ali. A mother, with another on the way and a successful business woman in her own right I hear,” Taqi remarked as he stood up straight and faced her.
“Only because of the support I get from Paul, and Nyla’s parents,” she answered and smiled at Paul lovingly as she interwove her fingers through his.
“And I see you still wear that sword always,” Taqi remarked looking at Paul’s sword strapped to his side. “I like the scabbard little Arri made for it. You are truly blessed, my friend…for you have each other and men who defend you constantly.”
“Yes…that can be a problem sometimes,” Paul replied quietly. “But we are grateful.”
“Is there not a special woman in your life?” Alisha asked.
“No…not yet,” Taqi replied.
“No…have you not been with a woman still?” Alisha asked, puzzled.
“My dear sister,” Taqi laughed. “There are some questions you do not ask, and that is one of them. But for the record, I have known a woman… and that is all I shall say,” he replied and made an exaggerated frown and smiled.
“I pray it is not too long until we meet again. I have missed our time together,” Paul sighed. “Since last we met, both Ali and I have been taught much. From deep meditation to unarmed combat…”
“What, you as well, Ali?” Taqi asked, surprised.
“Of course…you know me,” Alisha replied. “And I bet I can still throw you,” she laughed.
“That I do not doubt,” Taqi replied then leant back against the balustrade. He sighed heavily and shook his head. Alisha looked at Paul, concerned. “There is much danger ahead, and I will not be around you to protect you.”
“What danger?” Paul asked, instantly alarmed.
“The seers…our Sufi mystics, they say they can see a great conflict coming and many will perish…and there is nothing any of us can do to stop it,” he sighed as he answered. “Whatever fate awaits me, I will welcome it…so long as I know you two are safe and well,” Taqi explained, stood up straight again and looked at Paul intently. “Just swear to me you will always look after and protect my sister.”
“Taqi…need you ask such for you know I will,” Paul replied. “Always!”
“Then you will need to return to France for it is not safe here in these lands,” Taqi stated bluntly. He saw the reaction on their faces. “Please, before it is too late.”
“But my father says it is too dangerous in France also,” Paul shot back.
“Then go to Alba…or the Emerald Isle. You must trust me on these matters. At least consider it.” Alisha looked at Taqi, concerned. “I am not the same man you knew of…for I have seen and learnt so much, and it has changed me in ways I did not think possible. But trust me when I say your time here is limited.”
“Taqi…you sound…so mysterious. Why so?” Alisha asked softly.
Taqi turned to face her properly and took her hand away from Paul and held both of her hands close to his chest. He looked at her intently.
“Ali…I know you are not my blood sister but in my heart and soul you have and always will be my little sister,” he said almost in a whisper, sa
dness visible in his eyes.
“What…how do you know?” she asked surprised.
“It matters not how I know but I do. We have Sufi members who teach us much too you know,” Taqi answered and forced a smile. “They speak of many things past and things to come…”
“Taqi…” Paul started to speak but Taqi quickly shook his head no.
Taqi just looked at Alisha for several moments in total silence until she pulled him close and hugged him tightly.
“And Tenno, he has become like a father to me. I have learnt much from him,” Taqi explained and stood back from Alisha, still holding her hands. “Now I bid you a good evening. I have a long journey ahead of me tomorrow.”
Taqi kissed Alisha on the forehead, bowed politely to Paul and walked away quietly. Alisha bit her bottom lip as she pondered on his comments then put her arms around Paul and hugged him tightly. She sighed heavily, saddened. Paul kissed the top of her head as he held her and just stared out toward Sirius as the star rose slowly. He too could almost sense change was in the air.
Port of Fustat, Egypt, April 1183
Large fires were burning off rubbish from the major clearance project that was in operation. Saladin had ordered the rebuilding of the entire area near to the port, which still mainly lay in ruins after it was burnt to the ground several years earlier. Philip rode alongside Paul as Taqi, Tenno and Theodoric followed along with Thomas and his men. Lord Montferrat rode ahead with his escort and Brother Teric. Their ship was being readied as they pulled up near to it. Brother Matthew walked down the rear gang plank immediately recognising Paul. He looked at him hard.
“He still does not care much for you does he?” Taqi said referring to Brother Mathew.
“No…must have been a previous life thing,” Paul half joked back.
Quickly everyone dismounted. As Brother Mathew and several other Naval Templars took away the horses of those about to embark, Nicholas, still looking weak and tired, approached Paul with Upside assisting him. Several Mamluk guards arrived and surrounded the area near to Conrad’s vessel as another contingent arrived from the opposite end of the quayside led by Husam.
“Oh Lord, I pray there will be no trouble in us leaving?” Nicholas said and held his side, clearly in pain.
“I think not,” Philip reassured as he stood beside Paul.
“Brothers Baldwin and Nicholas…so you have decided to leave after all,” Husam called out as he dismounted.
“Alas yes my Lord…tempting as it is,” Nicholas said and bowed his head at Husam.
“We tried,” Thomas said aloud as he approached smiling.
“I hope you can understand why,” Upside said as he held Nicholas up.
“Of course…but if you should ever change your minds, you know where we are…and I pray our paths do not meet on the field of battle,” Husam said politely and looked across at Conrad, who was laughing loudly as he looked over some large trunks filled with silks. “Now I must see our mutual friend off…no less.”
Nicholas and Upside looked at each other and frowned as Husam bowed politely at them then walked over to greet Conrad. Paul noticed Brother Matthew was still looking at him directly. Nicholas offered his hand to Paul.
“Who knows when our paths shall cross again…and thank you for all you have done for us,” he said and shook Paul’s hand. “And please pass on my apologies to Alisha for not saying goodbye.”
“Tell her yourself for here she comes now,” Paul replied with a smile and nodded toward a small cart rapidly approaching driven by Alisha with Arri sat beside her. “I did tell you she would not let you leave without saying goodbye.”
Alisha drew up fast, applied the main wheel brake and started to step down from the cart. Arri jumped straight down and ran toward Tenno, Clip clop in his hands. Tenno stood up straight as Arri ran and jumped up at him. Tenno half caught him in his arms and looked surprised as Arri flung his arms around his neck tightly and closed his eyes.
“Don’t leave us,” Arri said quietly, his eyes still shut.
Paul sighed seeing that Arri was clearly upset.
“I had no choice…I think he would have taken the cart himself,” Alisha said as she stood between Paul and Philip. “And you,” she said pointing at Nicholas. “You never leave without saying goodbye,” she said and quickly hugged him, kissed him on the cheek then stood back a pace, pulling her dress down flat.
“Was it not you who said goodbyes are for funerals?” Nicholas replied as Upside held him up firmly.
“Ever leave again without saying goodbye and it will be your funeral,” Alisha joked back.
Tenno looked at Philip, bemused, as Arri still clung around his neck. He indicated with his eyes for Philip to take him.
“Come here, my young grandson. Tenno must leave…but I shall be going with him so I will make sure he sees you again,” Philip explained as he tried to take Arri but he clung on harder. “Come on, Arri.”
Arri flounced his arm back against Philip and buried his face into Tenno’s shoulder.
Alisha moved to take Arri and after a little pulling, he quickly turned his face toward her, let go of Tenno and clung onto her instead hiding his face beneath his hands as she held him in her arms. Tenno raised a single eyebrow.
“I shall see you again I swear,” he said and rubbed his hand over Arri’s head.
Arri said nothing.
“He will be fine,” Alisha said softly and rocked him gently.
“We are eternally grateful for all you have done for us. I hope we can repay that one day,” Upside said politely and part bowed to Alisha and Paul.
“No…we are only alive because of you two in the first place,” Paul replied. “Are you sure you will not reconsider and stay as Thomas asked?”
“I would stay in a heartbeat my friend…but this one,” Upside said and held Nicholas up straight. “This one insists our destiny lays elsewhere… and who else would look after him?”
Nicholas punched Upside in the chest playfully with his left hand before looking at Alisha and Paul.
“And I shall see you again too…of that I have no doubt,” Nicholas said, smiled and immediately turned around. Upside nodded at Alisha and Paul and without any further words from either, helped Nicholas walk toward the ship. He raised his hand goodbye.
“My dear son, we must leave you now too. I shall send word as soon as I am back in France,” Philip said as he shook Paul’s hand and looked at him. “Look after yourselves, do you hear me?”
“We shall, Father…and should you see Stewart, tell him I love him…,” Paul replied.
“I think he knows that by now. But I will indeed, that I will,” Philip said and then looked at Alisha, who was still watching Nicholas as he started to board the vessel. Philip kissed Arri on the head and then Alisha on the side of her face. “Nicholas will be fine, that I promise you,” he whispered.
Alisha looked at him in surprise, her face flushing red. He smiled and squeezed her arm reassuringly. He looked back at Paul once more, nodded and walked away to join Conrad and Husam.
“’Tis time to go, my friend,” Taqi said as he put his arm around Paul’s shoulders. “We have all changed so much eh?”
“Taqi…you shall always be the same to me…brother,” Paul replied, watching his father walk away. “Just make sure you stay alive whatever comes next.”
“Whatever comes next? Hmm, I like that. Whatever comes next? I shall remember that,” Taqi remarked and quickly hugged Paul. He patted him hard then stood back from him. “Do not become too fat either or you will turn into Theodoric.”
“I heard that!” Theodoric shouted out from behind Adrastos and the other horses.
“The port of Tyre will not side with Reynald,” Conrad called out loudly as he walked up the gangplank waving at Husam. Husam shook his head slightly, unimpressed with his loud remark. “’Tis a pleasure doing business with you!”
Taqi looked at Conrad very hard, his eyes narrowing. Paul noticed this and frowned at him. Taqi re
alised Paul saw his reaction to Conrad.
“He is also part of the reason I am here,” Taqi whispered to Paul. “That man is far more dangerous than Reynald. Now I must bid you all farewell.”
As Taqi hugged Alisha and kissed her on both cheeks, he kissed the back of Arri’s head, who was still refusing to look up.
“Come on, young Arri…let’s sit you upon Adrastos so you can see them off better,” Theodoric said, trying to get his attention. Arri shook his head no.
Tenno leaned closer to Arri, kissed him on his head and stepped back in silence. Eventually Arri turned to look up at him. When he noticed Tenno was still there, he quickly buried his head again. Alisha smiled and sighed at the same time. Tenno bowed his head in silence at Paul and Alisha, then at Theodoric. As soon as Theodoric nodded back at him, Tenno turned around and walked toward the ship that was about to take them all away, and for how long before they would see each other again, none of them knew.
Taqi took a few paces back, paused for a brief moment as he looked at Alisha and Paul. After a slight nod of his head, he turned around and followed after Tenno. Theodoric stood beside Paul holding the reins of Adrastos and they all stood in silence as everyone boarded the vessel. Husam came and joined them and watched as the vessel slowly eased away from the dock side and then out of the harbour, Taqi, Tenno, Nicholas and Upside stood at the stern looking back at them.
“Where is your father?” Alisha asked.
“No idea…I cannot see him.”
“Below decks…for your father hates sea travel. It always makes him sick,” Husam commented with a broad smile. Paul looked at him bemused. His father, seasick! Something else about him he never knew before. “Now then Paul…’tis back to work for us no? We have a new port to build also,” Husam half laughed as he looked around at the rubble being loaded onto carts a short distance away. “We shall restore this port to its full former glory. You and I…together.”