by D. N. Carter
“What kind of magic was that?” Taqi asked, confused.
“’Twas not magic, my friend…’Twas a messenger of our Lord,” Paul answered as he stood up. “Is that not so, Percy?” All looked at Percival as he nodded yes in reply. Taqi and Al Rashid both looked at Paul, perplexed. “You may not have heard her, but we did.”
“Was it a bad message?” Taqi asked and put his hand upon Paul’s shoulder, looking him in the eye.
“No, my dear friend, ’Twas not at all.”
“Are you sure you are all right?” Al Rashid asked as Paul appeared to smile.
“No, not yet…but I shall be,” Paul replied and nodded his head as a sense of purpose and an inner strength started to grow within him that he could feel as a tangible force. He stood up straight, walked over to Percival’s horse and removed his sword. As he gripped the handle, he felt a surge of energy pulse through his veins. He took a deep breath again and looked out over the plain below.
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“So Arri was buried within the ruins of the ancient city of Gamla?” Peter asked.
“No, not within the ruins, but above them set at the top of the hill overlooking the ruins and out across the plain towards the Sea of Galilee. The place is sometimes called the Camel’s Back,” the old man answered.
“And the woman of light. Was that real?” Ayleth asked.
“As real as either you or me…or it certainly was to Paul and Percival.”
“What did they do after they had completed the burial?” Gabirol asked.
“Paul wrote a small poem and laid it upon the covered grave. Seeing the woman and hearing her words, confirmed by Percival, I think I am safe in saying, gave him great comfort and the strength to carry on. Without doubt he would have broken completely I am sure,” the old man explained and sighed. “I wish I could have said the same for Alisha for she was not afforded that comfort.”
“Why?” the wealthy tailor asked.
“Well, by the time Paul reached Tiberias, she had already left for Kerak. This hurt Paul deeply. Count Raymond welcomed Al Rashid and his men openly, as perhaps our friends can confirm,” the old man said and looked at the Templar and Hospitaller.
“Yes I can. I recall the look of them as they entered. Percival in green especially for he was a striking individual. And the one I now know was Paul…you could see it in his eyes he had been in a serious fight. Though his shield was not painted like this if I recall,” the Templar recounted.
“Ah, that was my mistake for I forgot to mention Paul had his shield covered with sackcloth. One to stop it getting scratched, Ishmael’s idea, but also to hide his colours,” the old man quickly explained. “Paul wanted to move on immediately and catch up with Alisha, but Raymond talked sense into him and assured him Balian, who had gone with her, was more than capable of escorting them safely along with a contingent of Templars plus they had Abi, Thomas, Ishmael, Mathew and Luke with them. Paul was exhausted, his horse Adrastos was still hurt and needed time to recover…and besides, Alisha needed some time without his presence to think. Rightly or wrongly a large part of her did blame Paul for the parchments and ultimately Arri’s death…irrational but understandable.”
“I do remember they stayed three days as much rumour was spread about them and secret dealings taking place between Raymond and the Ashashin, though we called them Assassins,” the Hospitaller remarked.
“That was an unfortunate consequence of Al Rashid staying over for it led to many accusations later when Raymond had to defend his honour, which led to delays and ill advised decisions being made that would ultimately lead to the disaster that was coming and would befall them all,” the old man answered and pulled the shield closer to look at it. “But one thing Paul did discus with Al Rashid was how they could find a way to deter, frighten or scare Reynald away from making any more reckless and hostile attacks upon anyone in the region…after which Al Rashid left swearing loyalty to Paul and that he would help in finding Turansha and eradicating him and his fanatical followers for everyone’s sakes as well as sort Reynald.”
4 - 10
“What about Tenno and Taqi?” Sarah asked.
“Tenno and Taqi…,” the old man repeated and smiled. “Tenno decided to stay with Paul to escort him to Kerak, but Taqi, his fate lay with Al Rashid still and he left with him. But not before Paul had drawn an image of him…and Princess Eschiva,” he said as he removed two vellum sheets with images drawn upon them. “It kept Paul’s mind busy whilst there.”
Fig. 64: Taqi.
Fig. 65: Princess Eschiva.
“My Lord, that is uncanny,” the Templar remarked as he looked at the images. “That is most certainly the Princess…look, brother,” he said and turned the image so the Hospitaller could see it properly.
“My Lord, Taqi is handsome,” Ayleth remarked as she studied his image.
“I know that this meeting with Al Rashid caused my Order to question Raymond and Balian’s loyalties…to the point that it actually became more overtly hostile toward him…all of them. It did not go down well when my Order set up its headquarters at al-Marqab, less than thirteen miles northwest of al-Qadmus, which left Rashid with no alternative other than to ally himself with Saladin in later years… is that not so?” the Hospitaller asked.
“It was but part of the reason Al Rashid eventually came to align himself with Saladin,” the old man answered.
“How was Alisha when next she saw Paul in Kerak then?” Gabirol asked.
“If of course they met again in Kerak,” Simon stated.
“Alisha…let me explain,” the old man said, sitting up, and clasped his hands together. “Though what I speak of next I would ask you to hold any judgements on her. Do not condemn her for her actions.”
Crac de Moab, Oultrajordain, Kingdom of Jerusalem, December 3rd 1186
The sun was low on the horizon, the main courtyard cast in shadow. It was cold and empty except for a few guards on the parapets and watchtower. Princess Stephanie stood alone in the centre bolt upright, her hands placed across her tummy, waiting expectantly. The furs of the thick full length cape blew gently in a wave like fashion in the light wind. Word had reached them of the imminent arrival of Alisha and her escort. She had assumed that included Paul, whom she eagerly awaited. She looked on anxiously as Alisha rode in, Ailia sat with her on the same horse. Ishmael rode beside them as Nicholas led Balian and several of his knights into the courtyard. Abi was instantly recognisable as she rode alone in front of eight Templars who followed behind. Puzzled, Princess Stephanie walked over to them as several of her men helped steady the horses.
“Lord Balian, Alisha,” she said and bowed her head to greet them. “Where are Paul and your son? Do they follow?”
Alisha looked down at her and shook her head no. Immediately Princess Stephanie saw the pain in her eyes and her heart jumped fearing the worst had happened to Paul. She put her hand to her mouth. Nicholas dismounted quickly, walked up to Alisha and held up his arms to take Ailia. She was still asleep wrapped up in a leather travelling blanket. Carefully Alisha passed her down. As Nicholas acknowledged Princess Stephanie, Alisha dismounted, brushed herself down and stood in front of her.
“Oh my dear Lord what has happened?” Princess Stephanie asked and took Alisha’s hands in hers, tears welling in both their eyes. Alisha went to speak but was too emotional, tears beginning to fall down her cheek. “Come inside. It must have been an arduous trip on horseback all the way,” she said and put her arm around her and ushered her towards the main keep entrance door. “And fear not for Reynald is away in Montreal…probably whoring and killing so will not be back for many days.”
Balian dismounted and removed his thick gloves as Nicholas carried Ailia and followed them as they started to walk up the small flight of stone steps. The courtyard echoed to the sound of heavy wheels upon the drawbridge as a cart crossed it. Princess Stephanie turned to look just in time to see Theodoric and Sister Lucy entering s
at upon a heavy transport cart followed by the remainder of Thomas’s men in escort. Alisha turned to see them. Theodoric applied the main brake and without hesitation jumped down and ran across the open courtyard toward them. He had lost weight and two of Princess Stephanie’s men stood in his way.
“Let him pass,” Balian ordered.
The two men looked at Princess Stephanie. She nodded yes. Alisha stepped down to greet Theodoric and before he could even speak, she flung her arms around him tightly. Theodoric could see Ailia was safe. With alarm he stepped back a pace from Alisha and looked her in the eye. She shook her head sadly, the tears falling silently.
“Where are Paul and Arri?” he asked, concerned.
For a minute Alisha could not speak and she hesitated as Sister Lucy walked over, her neck still visibly bandaged. Only when she stood beside Theodoric, Princess Stephanie waiting with concern in her eyes, was she finally able to speak.
“Paul…he is following….but we, we…,” she could hardly say the words. “But we lost Arri.”
Princess Stephanie gasped in shock and cupped her hand over her mouth.
“What do you mean, woman, you lost Arri…where?” Sister Lucy demanded, sounding unsympathetic.
Alisha took a deep breath and composed herself, gulping several times trying to do so.
“’Twas Brother Matthew and Turansha…and Arri…he is dead,” she finally blurted out and buried her face in her hands.
Theodoric and Sister Lucy looked at each other, stunned. Theodoric blinked several times as the full enormity of her words cut into him. He staggered back a pace, shocked. His eyes fell to Nicholas. He simply nodded confirming her words. Theodoric took another step backwards looking unsteady on his feet. He put his hand to his chest and tried to catch his breath. Sister Lucy grabbed his arm to steady him and looked at him intently until he nodded he was okay.
“Right…let’s be getting you all inside and sorted…come on, move,” Sister Lucy ordered and ushered both Alisha and Princess Stephanie up the steps, supporting Theodoric as she gently pulled him to follow.
Just as they were all entering the door, Thomas, Mathew and Luke rode in having travelled some distance behind Alisha and Balian’s convoy in order to react to any potential problems or ambush.
Alisha sat on the edge of the large four poster bed with Sister Lucy beside her and Princess Stephanie kneeling on the floor in front of her. Ailia was lying on her side at the head of the bed surrounded by large clean pillows sucking her thumb but sound asleep after her exhausting week. They remained silent apart from the odd sniff from Alisha as she wiped her nose and tears. Two maids finished lighting the fire and lit two more candles on the main table near the window. They curtseyed and left the room without a word being spoken. As soon as they had left, Alisha broke down in tears again trying her hardest to cry quietly so as not to wake Ailia. She was inconsolable as Sister Lucy clasped her hands around Alisha’s. After a while, Alisha looked up and across the room at the parchment tube placed in full view on the sideboard. She shuddered and Sister Lucy rubbed her hand across Alisha’s shoulders to calm her down.
“I cannot tolerate nor endure this pain inside…,” she cried shaking her head no.
The door swung open and Abi stepped inside the room closing the door immediately. Quietly she walked across the room seeing Ailia asleep. Alisha looked up at her.
“I will not mix my words nor shall I soften the words that need to be said,” she started to speak firmly until Sister Lucy shook her head slightly not to. “I am sorry, Lucy…but at a time like this, ’tis only truth that will carry her through this,” she explained and knelt down in front of Alisha. She looked into her eyes intently not blinking or looking away once. “Death is never the end…you of all here present should know that… and feel it.”
Alisha looked at Abi, half stunned. Princess Stephanie stood up shocked at Abi’s words.
“Abi!” she protested.
“She knows I speak truthfully. Ali, you do not have the luxury to grieve long,” Abi continued and nodded toward Ailia. “And you cannot and must not blame Paul for all that has fallen upon you…that is wrong.”
“Now I think we have heard just about enough this eve,” Sister Lucy protested and stood up frowning hard at Abi.
“Lucy, you need tend to Theodoric. I know of his condition,” Abi replied looking just as stern. Alisha looked at Sister Lucy, concerned, and sniffed, wiping away another tear. “His heart!”
“His heart!” Alisha repeated.
“’Twas the shock of seeing me half murdered…it has affected his heart greatly,” Sister Lucy explained. “But we had wished to keep it private.”
“You cannot hide such matters for the implications could affect all of us at any time. Now, Ali, your heart breaks, but do not wallow in this state. It is not what Arri would have wished for or approved of. You dishonour his memory if you let his death be the ruin of you.”
“Have you lost all reason and compassion?” Sister Lucy demanded, getting angry.
“Ladies, please,” Princess Stephanie interjected hesitantly.
Alisha coughed and shook her head. She ran her hand through her hair, took a deep breath and slowly stood up looking Abi directly in the eye.
“She is right of course,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion. She fought to compose herself and stand up straight. “I shall not shame the memory of my son.”
Abi leaned closer to Alisha and stared into her wet eyes as if looking for something hidden. Alisha frowned and recoiled back a pace, the bed stopping her.
“I know your heart. You must do whatever you have to, to live through this,” Abi said, her tone softer.
“But how do I get over this?” she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes again.
“You don’t…you never get over it. You learn to live with it and you start by taking every day as it comes. But you breathe, and you keep breathing no matter what.”
Abi stood up straight and backed away toward the door silently. She simply nodded at Alisha, then at Sister Lucy and Princess Stephanie and left the room, closing the door quietly.
Alisha shivered as she lay in the large bed, Ailia tucked up close beside her, going over and over Abi’s words. The room was dark, the only light a single shaft of moonlight coming in through the part opened curtains. The fire was just a red and orange glow of embers. She did not know if she was shaking from the cold, tiredness or the constant ache in her heart that felt like a real pain that seemed to punch inside her taking her breath away. As Abi’s words kept running through her mind and despite what she had said, and knowing it to be true, she could see no way of coping with the pain. Quietly she got out of bed and put on a thick night gown, tied it at the waist and stepped out of the room into the small adjoining room which led to Sister Lucy and Theodoric’s smaller room. She jumped with fright as a figure sat at the small table moved, sniffing and obviously crying.
“’Tis only me,” Sister Lucy whispered. “I cannot sleep,” she sighed, her voice full of emotion. She sniffed again and wiped her nose with a small wipe cloth.
“Nor I. I need some air for I feel like I am suffocating and cannot breathe properly.”
“Then walk to the night kitchen…fetch us some rosehip if they have any. That will calm us and help us both sleep,” Sister Lucy whispered. “Go on, I shall keep an ear out for Ailia.”
7 - 19
Silently Alisha walked barefoot along the stone floored corridor. She hugged herself, still shaking from the cold. The corridor seemed long and dark, like the path she now felt she was walking in her life. When she reached the end and looked down into the reception hall area, a small glow from the night kitchen shone through the gap where the door was not shut properly. She could hear the faint mutterings of the guards inside. Quietly she walked down the wide stone staircase and over to the door and gently pushed it open. She opened her eyes wide in surprise to see Nicholas and Upside sat opposite each other, a wooden tankard of warm milk each in their hands.
Thomas turned around to face her holding a fresh tankard and offered it to her.
“Come in, you look perished,” he said softly.
“Here…please sit,” Upside said and stood up immediately, Nicholas just looking up at her, surprised.
“I cannot sleep…I thought others would be on guard this night,” Alisha explained.
“No, we volunteered as we are all restless…and we trust no others. ’Tis why Percival, Mathew, Luke and my other men patrol this very hour,” Thomas explained and handed her his wooden tankard of warmed milk. “I shall make another.”
Alisha sat down on the bench beside Nicholas. He sat up straight and leaned toward her concerned. He just looked at her until she faced him and feigned a smile.
“I can never thank you enough for all you have done for us these past years,” she said softly. She stared at the tankard with her hands wrapped around it, the warmth upon her hands registering slowly. She looked up at Upside, then Thomas, but when she turned to look at Nicholas, his eyes searching every aspect of hers, she could not speak. She went to say more, but the words would not come. She gulped and shook her head, part embarrassed. “I cannot…I, I do not know what I am supposed to do,” she finally blurted out, turned on the bench to face Nicholas fully and looked at him, her eyes welling with tears again. Without thinking or hesitation, Nicholas reached out with both arms and pulled her close, her head resting upon his chest as she broke down and sobbed uncontrollably in his arms. He took the tankard she was holding and placed it on the table, returning his arm immediately around her. Upside took a deep breath as Thomas nodded it was the right thing to do. Nicholas held her tighter and rested his chin upon her head and closed his eyes to hide the tears that were welling in them. He lowered his face upon her hair and gently rocked her as she cried. She put her arms around him and hugged him tightly, her tears soaking into his surcoat. Upside shook his head and looked at Thomas. They both knew full well how he felt about her, but now in her moment of greatest need, they would not deny him this simple act of comfort no matter how inappropriate some would argue. After a few minutes Alisha pulled herself away and sat up straight. She wiped her eyes and let out a nervous laugh. “I am so sorry to unburden my grief like this on you,” she said softly and stood up. Nicholas stood up immediately.