Outremer III

by D. N. Carter

  “But what force could make machines fly?” Miriam asked.

  “Several types…but according to the Indian writings, it was a form of levitation connected to the ‘laghima’, that unknown power of the ego existing in man’s physiological makeup, a force strong enough to counteract all the forces that pull us downwards. According to Hindu Yogis, it is this ‘laghima’ which enables a person to levitate. Many writings detail how men could be sent to other worlds as well as reveal the secret of ‘antima’, ‘the cap of invisibility’ and ‘garima’, ‘how to become as heavy as a mountain of lead’. One of the great Indian epics, the Ramayana, does have a highly detailed story of a trip to the moon in a Vimana, or ‘Astra’ and in fact details a battle on the moon with an Asvin airship. But if we go further back in time, to the so-called ‘Rama Empire’ of Northern India, they developed at least fifteen thousand years ago, on the Indian sub-continent, a nation of many large, sophisticated cities, many of which are still to be found in the deserts of northern and western India. Rama existed, apparently, parallel to the so-called Atlantean civilisation and was ruled by enlightened Priest Kings who governed the cities. The seven greatest capital cities of Rama were known in classical Hindu texts as ‘The Seven Rishi Cities’. According to ancient Indian texts, the people had flying machines which were called ‘Vimanas’ as explained already. The ancient Indian Epic describes a Vimana as a double-deck, circular craft with portholes and a dome. Have you ever wondered why so many holy buildings are designed with domes? Anyway, these flying machines flew with the speed of the wind and gave forth a melodious sound. There were at least four different types of Vimana; some saucer shaped, others like long cylinders. The ancient Indian texts on Vimanas are so numerous, it would take volumes to relate what they had to say. The ancient Indians, who manufactured these ships themselves, wrote entire flight manuals on the control of them, many of which are still in existence, and some have even been translated into English.”

  “And this is all true?” Ayleth asked.

  “Every word I swear it. The Samara Sutradhara is a scientific treatise dealing with every possible angle of air travel in a Vimana. There are 230 stanzas dealing with the construction, take off, cruising for thousands of miles, normal and forced landings, and even possible collisions with birds. Other writings, many hidden by the Church, deal with the operation of Vimanas and include information on the steering, precautions for long flights, protection from storms and lightning and how to switch the drive to another form of free energy. The Vaimanika Sastra or Vymaanika-Shaastra has eight chapters with diagrams, describing three types of flying machine, including apparatus that could neither catch on fire nor break. It also mentions thirty-one essential parts of these vehicles and sixteen materials from which they are constructed, which absorb light and heat for which reason they were considered suitable for the construction of Vimanas. Vimanas took off vertically, and were capable of hovering in the sky. Bharadvajy the Wise refers to no less than seventy authorities and ten experts of air travel in antiquity. Vimanas were kept in a Vimana Griha, a kind of large hall, and were sometimes said to be propelled by a yellowish-white liquid, and sometimes by some sort of mercury compound, though writers seem confused in this matter. It is most likely that the later writers on Vimanas wrote as observers and from earlier texts, and were understandably confused on the principle of their propulsion. It was a liquid that could burn, similar in a fashion to the liquid used within the flame throwers used in naval warfare. According to the Dronaparva, part of the Mahabarata, and the Ramayana, one Vimana described was shaped like a sphere and borne along at great speed on a mighty wind generated by mercury. In another Indian source, the Samar, Vimanas were iron machines, well-knit and smooth, with a charge of mercury that shot out of the back in the form of a roaring flame. Another work, called the Samaranganasutradhara, describes how the vehicles were constructed. It is possible that mercury did have something to do with the propulsion, or, more possibly, with the guidance system. Curiously Paul was shown a device like a hemispherical object of glass or porcelain, ending in a cone with a drop of mercury inside. This is why as man again learns how to harness machines that will fly, they will discover all over this world writings identical to those of ancient India. ’Tis but a matter of time. The ancient Hindu Veda writings speak of aerial chariots,” the old man paused. “But sadly, as is the way of man, the machines were turned to use in war. If Indian texts are to be believed, the Atlanteans, known as ‘Asvins’, were apparently even more advanced technologically than the Indians, and certainly of a more war-like temperament. Certainly the Ramayana, Mahabarata and other texts speak of the hideous war that took place, some ten or twelve thousand years ago, between Atlantis and Rama using weapons of destruction that cannot be imagined, but caused explosions with the brilliance of the sun…it melted walls of stone to glass…”

  “Seriously?” the Hospitaller asked rather incredulously.

  “Yes. The ancient Mahabharata, one of the sources on Vimanas, goes on to tell the awesome destructiveness of the war for it is written,” the old man started to say and opened his small notebook and flicked to a page near the back. “It reads… ‘the weapon was a single projectile charged with all the power of the Universe. An incandescent column of smoke and flame as bright as a thousand suns rose in all its splendour…an iron thunderbolt, a gigantic messenger of death, which reduced to ashes the entire race of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas. The corpses were so burned as to be unrecognisable. Their hair and nails fell out; pottery broke without apparent cause, and the birds turned white…After a few hours all foodstuffs were infected…to escape from this fire the soldiers threw themselves in streams to wash themselves and their equipment…’” [112]

  “Then there would be evidence of such events,” the farrier remarked.

  “And indeed there is. Everywhere if you look. From ancient cities whose brick and stone walls have literally been vitrified, that is, fused together, found in India, the Emerald Isle, Scotland, France, Turkey and other places. In Mohenjo-Daro, a well planned city laid out on a grid, with a plumbing system superior to those used even today, the streets are littered with black lumps of glass. These globs of glass were once clay pots that had melted under intense heat!”

  “So where did they all go?” Sarah asked, perplexed.

  “With the cataclysmic sinking of Atlantis, though remember Atlantis is really a word that covers a whole world civilisation, and the wiping out of Rama with weapons as powerful as the sun, the world collapsed into a ‘lost age’ of sorts.”

  “As in the end of the last age of man?” Gabirol asked.

  “No…these events I have just detailed happened within this age of man,” the old man answered.

  “And you say that the Atlantis world, which was worldwide in its reach and influence but its centre lay upon lands far to the south, upon a continent sized land now covered in snow and ice…yes?” Gabirol asked as he charged his quill.

  “Yes, that is correct. I am glad to see you have remembered much of what I explain.”

  “So some of these ancient flying machine still exist?” Peter asked.

  “Yes…they have led many to see them as dragons, breathing fire as the heat from some of them is seen and when seeing an individual enter thinking them devoured… the Vimanas and Vailixi of Rama and so-called Atlantis are not all gone for they were built to last for thousands of years, evidenced by Ashoka’s ‘Nine Unknown Men’. They were the ones that initiated many so-called secret societies or brotherhoods of exceptional, enlightened men and women to preserve the inventions and knowledge of the ancients.”

  “But this is all so ancient…too far back in history,” the wealthy tailor remarked.

  “Then know that even Alexander the Great when he invaded India, his historians chronicled that they were attacked by flying, fiery shields that dived upon his army and frightened the cavalry. These flying vehicles did not use any weapons though, perhaps out of benevolence, and Alexander went on to conquer I
ndia.”

  “And this is what Paul travelled in?” Ayleth asked.

  “I cannot answer that for he never spoke of it. Nicholas, as you know, he refused to leave the spot Paul had been taken from, totally convinced and believing that by whoever and however Paul was taken, they would return him to the same place… as he was in fact.”

  “So where do these machines go or stay out of sight?” Gabirol asked.

  “Some say great caverns in Tibet, or some other place in Central Asia, and the Lop Nor Desert in western China…or the great landmass to the south. But what Paul did say, regarding these machines, is that prior to them appearing or leaving, he always felt and heard a ringing in his ears…and he was also told that the machines could be made to look like anything the viewer was conditioned to see.”

  “Like the old hag who was not really an old hag?” Miriam asked.

  “Paul did write a few notes explaining that in the last hundred years of this age of man, people will again remember the ancients and their ways and as you now know, would recover items specially sealed and hidden. Great scholars and teachers would once again also reveal, by way of stories, though in truth what they write believing it as pure fantasy is in fact a recollection of events past. Much of what is now written within such books as the ‘Exeter Book’ known as ‘Christ I’, secret truths will again be copied word for word into new epic tales that will touch the souls of men.”

  “Such as?” Simon asked.

  “Oh I know of just one…for Paul and Stewart were taught it oft times. It was the same language as Thomas and his men used, Elfdalian, and which Nicholas sought to learn. Perhaps you should all learn it.”

  “Then pray speak it and I shall write it,” Gabirol replied.

  “Eálá Earendel engla beorhtast Ofer middangeard monnum sended,” the old man said and paused.

  “So you know the language of the forest?” the Templar asked.

  “Aye that I do.”

  “What did you just say?” Ayleth asked as Gabirol tried to write down what he just heard.

  “It means, hail Earendel brightest of angels, over Middle Earth sent to men.”

  “Sounds lovely…and you say such words and language will be used again in the future?” Peter asked.

  “Oh yes, that I can assure you…and with great success as I have said for it will speak to the souls of men and women.”

  “So can I ask did Alisha and Paul move back here to France before the calamity that befell the kingdom…or what?” the Hospitaller asked.

  “Let me tell you…for Reynald returned three days after the ceremony Princess Stephanie put on for Alisha and Paul…and rapidly things developed,” the old man sighed.

  “And Paul really was okay with Alisha?” Simon asked.

  “Yes…he told her simply that whatever their souls were made from and wherever they came from, they were both part of one and the same and they would rebuild that cathedral they both saw together…of a new Church…a Church of love, learning and understanding.” The old man paused briefly. “Or at least lay the foundations.”

  Chapter 69

  Fists of Iron & Godspeed

  Crac de Moab, Oultrajordain, Kingdom of Jerusalem, January 9th 1187

  The afternoon air was cold and crisp, the sky a clear deep blue. Ice and snow patches still dotted the forecourt as Paul and Ishmael walked toward the Templar guard room, Percival already waiting outside the door blowing into his cold hands.

  “Paul,” Princess Stephanie called out, rapidly walking toward him.

  Paul stopped and waited for her. She was dressed in her finest cream coloured dress with a fur lined cape pulled over her shoulders, her hair tied up and back in two large plaits and a single head necklace suspended a pearl in the middle of her forehead, the white lace head scarf framing her face beautifully.

  “Are you going anywhere?” Paul asked seeing her dressed so formally.

  “With you if you would take me…to France,” she replied quietly and smiled. She clenched a small sealed scroll in her hands tightly. “Reynald returns this eve. I received word earlier…hence why I am dressed like this,” she explained and feigned a brave smile clearly not looking forward to his return. “I must prepare my daughter Alix for his arrival,” she said and hesitated. “But I beg of you take this back. Burn it afterward if you must…and I know it upset Alisha, but somehow I cannot burn it myself, and with Reynald returning, if he reads it, he will know it does not refer to him. So please,” she pleaded and held it out for him to take.

  Paul looked at Ishmael, who shrugged his shoulders non committal.

  “I will take it back, but I cannot keep it, you know why,” Paul replied and took the small scroll tube.

  Princess Stephanie held his hand tightly as he took the tube, her eyes searching his, the desperation clear for Paul to see. She was shaking both from the cold and with emotion, her breath condensing into a whisper white cloud toward Paul as if reaching out for him in the cold air.

  “You plan this hour your departures…’tis a departure I will struggle to bear for I will be alone again, save for my remaining daughter. If you can find a way that we could come with you, I pray you find it and fast. This land, this castle…it will fall if Reynald continues his madness.”

  Paul looked at her, her eyes glistening moist as tears welled in them. How could he possibly take her along? he wondered. Her hands gripped his tighter as she stared at him. Suddenly behind Paul the main gate guards rang the bell and called out to stand to.

  “’Tis Lord Reynald’s banner!” one of the guards shouted down.

  “You must find an excuse to travel to Constantinople as you did before… do so and I will have Thomas and his men come and fetch you to France. But you know Reynald will come after you,” Paul said quickly as the sound of the heavy portcullis gates being raised echoed around them.

  “Paul…my heart will always whisper to yours,” she replied quietly and stepped back a pace. She took a deep breath and stood up straight, placed her hands together across her stomach and stood proud.

  As several Templars rushed from the guard room, Percival moved to stand beside Paul and Ishmael. Stewart appeared with Nicholas and Upside as they hurried themselves to form up as the vanguard of Reynald’s squadron of Templars pulled into view, the forecourt echoing loudly to the sounds of many horses. Turcopoles and several sergeants rushed forward to help steady the horses as Reynald and Gerard rode into view, both covered in blood as were all the mounted knights and sergeants. Princess Stephanie shook her head saddened at the sight for she knew, as did all, what it meant. Reynald saw her and immediately steered his horse toward her. She took another deep breath and forced a smile as he drew up almost beside her.

  “My Lord…you are early,” she stated and smiled again.

  Reynald dismounted and handed the reins to a young squire. He took off his filthy gloves and stood in front of her. He looked at Paul briefly, frowned seeing he looked different then looked back at Princess Stephanie as Gerard dismounted.

  “What a sight for sore eyes,” Reynald said aloud, put his left arm around her waist and pulled her close to him, instantly kissing her on the lips hard. She bent backwards caught off guard and he simply kissed her harder then pulled her up straight, broke the kiss and laughed. “You and I have some catching up to do,” he laughed again before turning to look at Paul directly. “And I see ‘you’ have clearly been enjoying the comforts of my home these past months.”

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  “My men have served this castle well, but I have not been here most of that time,” Paul replied.

  “Your men…so you have your own men now do you?” Reynald asked and moved away from Princess Stephanie and stepped closer to Paul. “I see you have grown a beard too…it suits you.”

  “My Lord,” Gerard interrupted and stood beside Reynald. “Remember what was agreed,” he said quietly.

  Ishmael stood closer to Paul as Tenno appeared with Abi walking straight for them. The smell of blood and iron
pervaded the air mingled with sweat and body odour despite the cold air.

  “I forget my manners…it has been a while since last we met. I am sure my good and godly wife has been the perfect host in my absence?” Reynald said and looked at Princess Stephanie. Her heart was pounding as Paul still held the scroll tube in plain view.

  “That she has,” Paul replied.

  “You will never call me Lord, will you?” Reynald asked, looking back at Paul, his eyes wide, his pupils large.

  “If it pleases you I shall, I have no issue or problem in calling you Lord any time you wish,” Paul answered.

  “Ha! You see. That is what I like and admire about you. You do not fear me do you?”

  “As I once said years before, need I have fear of you?” Paul asked in response.

  “No…no you do not. You have honoured me and,” Reynald started to say then paused. “No. We know the debt I and Gerard owe you,” he continued quietly, his tone softer. Gerard nodded at Reynald and smiled. “And I too know and understand the grief and loss you have recently suffered. Death…’tis a great leveller and makes us all equal. I have lost both a daughter and our young son.”

  Paul looked at Reynald as he stared back at him. Reynald was a formidable character and it saddened Paul to think that Reynald could do so much more if only he stopped his blood lust. The mention of the loss of his and Princess Stephanie’s youngest son clearly upset her as she gulped and shook her head slightly, closing her eyes at his mentioning.

  “So, Master Paul,” Gerard stated and smiled. “We hear you are to return to France. Is this true?”

  “Yes…just as soon as we are able to secure safe passage.”