Outremer III

by D. N. Carter

  “Begin what?” Paul asked.

  “Preparations to deal with Count Raymond and Saladin,” Humphrey replied.

  Paul looked at him, surprised at his new found confidence. Steam rose from his soaked surcoat and mantle as heat from the nearby fire warmed him. All looked back at the main door as Master Jakelin entered accompanied by Count Henry.

  “Ah good, I have not missed anything yet then?” Count Henry asked and closed the door behind them. “Master Roger will be along soon.”

  “No…but please, make yourselves comfortable whilst I quickly change into drier clothes. I have much to explain,” Humphrey said and smiled at his mother. She looked at him pleased to see he was safe, but there was sadness in her eyes as she feigned a brave smile.

  “What do you mean make preparations against Raymond?” Paul asked curiously.

  “I will explain all when King Guy himself is present. Has he been notified of our arrival?” Humphrey asked Brother Teric.

  “Aye, sire, he has,” Brother Teric replied.

  “I must hurry and change then,” Humphrey said and walked toward the eastern wall of the room, waved at his mother briefly and left through a small side door closely followed by two maids and a young squire.

  Paul could see concern etched across Princess Stephanie’s face. She looked at him and smiled gracefully.

  “I think we shall be waiting a while for the king is presently otherwise engaged,” she explained softly and clasped her hands behind her back. “You promised me you would make another image of me…do we have time now?”

  “I have not brought my items to do so. Perhaps later,” Paul replied.

  “You will be gone before we have time again I fear,” she shot back and looked away unable to hide her obvious sadness. She looked down in silence for an awkwardly long time before Brother Teric coughed on purpose to get her attention. She shook her head and looked up directly at Paul and gulped, clearly emotional. “I am sorry. Forgive my churlish behaviour. I should be pleased my son has arrived safe and well…but it is tinged with sadness for I know it means you shall all now be leaving soon.”

  “But you are coming with us are you not?” Paul asked, surprised.

  With her hands still clasped behind her back she simply shook her head no, emotion etched deeply in her face. She looked as though she was about to burst into tears but she controlled herself just as she always did.

  “I have received word that Reynald intends to take my daughter back to Kerak with him but also, if I leave, to have Humphrey stripped of his position and titles,” she answered and took a deep breath. Brother Teric shook his head in disgust. “And yet my dear son still sides with Reynald even then and so begs I stay. He says he needs me and my counsel.”

  “Then have Humphrey and Alix come with us,” Brother Teric interrupted. All in the room looked at him, surprised at his comment. “Do you honestly think I wish to stay here when all hell is about to be let loose and we end up fighting our own brothers…against Raymond? For that is what is being planned.”

  “It will not come to that,” Stewart remarked and put his towel down across one of the large chairs. If it does, then this city, this whole kingdom will fall.”

  “So he blackmails you?” Paul asked, shaking his head, and walked over to her. When he reached her she stepped back a pace and put her hands across her front.

  “Please…do not pity me…for like you we have both lost a child and like you, I shall do all and whatever is required of me to protect my remaining children,” she explained emotionally and struggled to stop herself from crying. “No!” she said, her tone clipped as Paul reached out to take her hands. “Please…just no.” She knew if she touched Paul she would break and collapse into tears. She wished he would just hold her but knew it could not be so.

  Paul moved closer to her but she backed away further. The main door opened and Master Roger entered accompanied by his scribe and two sergeants.

  “King Guy will attack Lord Raymond if he continues to refuse to recognise him,” Brother Teric explained and looked at them each in turn. “You all know full well Reynald likes to be known as the Red Wolf of Kerak but also the chief enemy of Islam and he will do all and anything to get his war with Saladin…and men like Lord Raymond stand in his way, so by influencing the king, even if it means war with Raymond first, Reynald is looking to the next stage already.”

  Paul turned and faced Master Roger and Count Henry and looked at them, seeking their opinion. Count Henry walked over to him.

  “What Brother Teric speaks is true I am afraid,” he explained. “King Guy will indeed attack Raymond. Gerard has actually tried to warn him against it but he does not listen for as we stand this hour, Saladin masses his forces to attack Kerak.”

  “Good then I hope he seizes it for I hate that place now…and put a stop to Reynald’s madness,” Princess Stephanie remarked.

  “My Lady, I urge caution in what you speak,” Brother Teric said quietly.

  “To add to all of that, our sources tell us that both Reynald and Turansha’s men seek out Saladin’s sister Sitt al-Sham Zumurrud. She is somewhere en route from Damascus but they wish to seize her and hold her for ransom,” Master Roger explained and sat himself down. “And Alisha’s sister, Queen Tamar of Georgia, heads to meet her caravan.”

  “Why does Turansha wish her caught?” Paul asked, puzzled.

  “Because he has fallen foul of Saladin once too often now and he and his men have all been outlawed,” Count Henry answered.

  “How long until Reynald arrives here?” Princess Stephanie asked.

  “Two weeks, maybe three depending upon how successful Saladin’s assault upon Kerak proves to be…but I suspect it is a deliberate minor assault to draw us out or give Raymond more time to secure his position. I believe Saladin hopes King Guy will split his forces and try to relieve Reynald at Kerak whilst also attacking Raymond and leaving Jerusalem exposed,” Master Roger detailed as Count Henry shook his head.

  “So what does King Guy intend do?” Paul asked.

  “We have already advised him he cannot divide his forces nor let Jerusalem be so exposed…so Reynald will need to fend for himself on this one,” Count Henry replied and looked at Princess Stephanie.

  “Good…he needs to be brought down somewhat,” she stated and sighed heavily. Slowly she turned away from them and walked to the end of the room and looked out of the tall arched widow out across the city as more dark thunder clouds rolled in. She clenched her hands together and closed her eyes.

  “My Lady,” Brother Teric said and went to approach her but Master Roger stopped him.

  “How soon can we leave?” Paul asked Stewart quietly.

  “If Master Jakelin allows it, we can leave as soon as this storm passes,” Stewart answered.

  Princess Stephanie heard his reply, quickly turned around and hurried for the main door covering her face trying to hide her distress. She pulled the door handle but the door did not move. Angrily she grabbed the handle with both hands but still it would not open.

  “Open this fucking door!” she yelled and kicked the door. Brother Teric rushed over to the door and simply turned the handle as she stood staring, her hands clenched tightly into fists. Brother Teric opened the door. She looked at him briefly then quickly stepped through into the corridor and walked away fast.

  “She is torn…utterly torn,” Brother Teric remarked as he held the door open and watched her walk away.

  Paul left to follow Princess Stephanie but Brother Teric rushed after him and reminded him of what he had been warned. Through the pouring rain he watched her walk across the main courtyard and out of sight. To his right he heard laughter coming from the main stable entrance. He looked over and was just able to see Thomas standing with Percival and Master Douglas and several Templars sheltering out of the rain. He needed to check on Adrastos so decided now was as good a time as any.

  “Please go and check on Princess Stephanie,” Paul asked Brother Teric.

 
“Don’t need telling twice,” he replied and immediately ran off after her.

  Paul laughed to himself seeing him run so fast. He looked back at Thomas and the others. He pulled up his hood and ran across the open area to them. Half way across a loud crack echoed out as lightning struck just beyond the wall in a brilliant flash. Thomas waved Paul to hurry up then grabbed his arm to stop him as he ran into the shelter.

  “Out in a storm with a sword…not a good idea, my friend,” Thomas laughed as Paul lowered his hood.

  “The gods sense the pile of shit heading this way,” Master Douglas remarked with a large grin upon his face. “I have just been acquainting myself with these fine men…well, men at least,” he joked.

  “He has a sharp wit this one,” Thomas remarked, smiling.

  “Tell me, Paul…did you name this bunch of reprobates with their gospel names?” Master Douglas asked.

  “No…why?” Paul answered bemused.

  “He does not believe they already had these names…too convenient and like the disciples in the Bible,” Percival explained and raised his hand to greet him.

  “He thinks surely you must have given us our names…changed them just like Jesus did,” Thomas explained.

  “Do not be absurd,” Paul laughed and looked at Master Douglas then Thomas, who shrugged his shoulders in an exaggerated fashion.

  “Absurd you say…think on,” Master Douglas laughed. “Even Jesus… just how and where in the fuck did he just happen upon such names like Mathew, John, Luke, Philip, Thomas…in this Jewish and Arabic named fucking land?”

  Paul looked at him and went to respond, but then thought on his words, realising what he was implying. Percival raised his eyebrows.

  “I think you tease, Master Douglas,” Paul finally said.

  “Aye that I do…but still a good fucking question no less,” he laughed back.

  “So why are you all here for surely not to discuss that?” Paul asked.

  “Keeping an eye on our horses in the storm for they hate thunder,” Thomas replied. “The Destrier warhorses are fine but the palfrey and sumpter pack horses scare all too easy.”

  “We were also speaking on how we can argue our case to leave…now that Taqi is well enough to travel. Master Douglas says we should just go… for arguing with King Guy is useless and he will not permit it under the present circumstances,” Percival explained as he stepped forward, Thomas nodding in agreement.

  “’Tis true,” Master Douglas remarked. “I have said I am more than happy to add to your number for safety. But as I have explained to these…men,” he said and laughed briefly, “that arguing with King Guy is like playing chess with a pigeon. No matter how good you are the bird is still going to shit on the board and strut around like it won anyway.”

  Paul laughed upon hearing his analogy as did Thomas seeing his reaction.

  “Then argue we shall not…and leave regardless and I am sure we would all be most agreeable to accepting your generous offer,” Paul answered.

  “’Tis a deal,” Master Douglas smiled and proffered his hand for Paul to shake in agreement.

  “Okay, men…we are truly screwed now,” Thomas joked.

  “Aye that you are,” Master Douglas replied and winked with a large grin.

  “Ah my protégée no less. I told you long ago you would serve alongside an army of kings did I not?” Theodoric said as he appeared from the farrier’s tack area eating some fresh bread.

  “Theo…a sight for sore eyes…and yes you did, but I see no kings,” Master Douglas shot back joking, then held both of Theodoric’s arms and laughed. “I heard you were hiding out somewhere in this city.”

  “’Tis good to see you again too, my dear friend, very good indeed,” Theodoric replied.

  Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191

  “So when did Alisha and Paul finally get away?” Ayleth asked.

  “The weather unfortunately only got worse so it meant a lot of time was wasted for them. Paul spent many an hour alone with his thoughts, mainly pondering the comment Husam had stated back in Cairo,” the old man said quietly.

  “What comment?” Sarah asked.

  “When Husam revealed that he knew Paul had helped Reynald and Gerard escape after the naval engagement. War was coming and Paul could not shake off the deep sense of dread and guilt that it was, as Husam stated, ultimately down to his actions.”

  “He cannot take that upon his shoulders,” the Templar remarked shaking his head no.

  “We know that but it did not stop Paul from feeling it. Perhaps it was the place affecting him as he told Alisha, but either way, it played heavily upon his conscience,” the old man sighed. “’Twas the comment that Husam made that any blood Reynald and Gerard may spill would be down to his decision. But what made matters worse was that he overheard Upside talking with Theodoric and Master Douglas about Nicholas and Alisha. Upside said he had seen the look in Theodoric’s eyes and how he looked at Kratos and Sister Lucy as if they knew in advance what would happen between them. Paul felt embarrassed for Alisha and that they were discussing the matter with Master Douglas but a sense of dread also filled him. If Theodoric sensed or knew what was to come, then why had he not informed him before it happened? He felt betrayed almost by his lack of action but also very concerned for what else did he possibly know and was not telling him? That is why Paul kept himself alone for much of the time those last couple of weeks in Jerusalem.”

  “So they did leave?” Ayleth asked again.

  “Yes…yes, my dear, they did,” the old man replied and took a deep breath and sat himself up straight. “Though Paul was able to confide in Tenno and voice his concerns over what Theodoric had done…more correctly not done, Paul nevertheless even began to doubt Theodoric’s real intentions, but that was fatigue of the mind. Tenno gave him a good word of advice about people in general.”

  “Which was?” Gabirol asked after the old man had sat in silence for a while.

  “I am sorry…Tenno informed him that all people show three faces to the world and you can never second guess or truly know someone, except when you loved someone totally like Alisha and Paul did…with total openness and honesty, the bad aspects of themselves and good.”

  “Three faces? I’ve heard of being two faced,” Simon grimaced.

  “Yes…and it is quite true in most cases,” the old man replied. “In Tenno’s homeland they say you have three faces. The first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to your close friends and your family. The third face, you never show anyone. It is the truest reflection of who you are.”

  “I have to agree with that,” the Hospitaller remarked.

  “He also said that you don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have, which Paul liked and made a note of as Tenno said he should always remember that,” the old man explained and looked up at Ayleth. “Then the day was upon them when the weather finally cleared. ’Twas still unseasonably cold but Paul made sure everyone was up early and ready to leave. Alisha was not happy that she would have to travel in a different direction to Paul, who would be escorting Taqi back to Al Rashid to a rendezvous point. It meant being apart for a day at most, but Alisha did not want Paul out of her sight for even a small moment,” he detailed and sighed heavily. “It was by now March the thirteenth and the start of the Muslim year 583, in Arabic history date terms…and word had already reached King Guy that Saladin had taken his troops to the water hole area of Ras al Mai and sent letters out to neighbouring countries asking for volunteers for the forthcoming Jihad. His brother Al Adil, governor of Egypt, was preparing to lead his forces out of Cairo towards Syria within the week… and Husam al Din Lu’lu, Paul’s good friend of course, was already taking fifteen galleys down the Nile toward Alexandria, and in the far north, Taqi al Din with many troops had already reached Aleppo and was watching the frontier with Antioch. It was the month of Muharram when large numbers of Muslim pilgrims were travelling home from Mecca. Lat
er Saladin left his troops at Ras al Mai under his nephew Taqi al Din and took his own guards to protect pilgrims. In doing so he had called off his attack on Kerak as it had served its purpose of being a purely delaying ploy…and as soon as Saladin was away, Reynald and Gerard wasted no time in travelling to Jerusalem.”

  City of Jerusalem, Kingdom of Jerusalem, March 13th 1187

  Paul walked along the line of horses and men formed up in twos accompanied by Master Jakelin. All of Thomas’s men nodded at him as he passed them. Several of Master Roger’s Hospitallers were with them. The sky was blue for the first time in weeks but the air was still cold. Stewart rode into view accompanied by Nicholas, Upside, Brother Teric and eight other Templars.

  “Where is your friend Taqi and family?” Master Jakelin asked, looking around as Stewart pulled his horse into position near the front of the column.

  “He will be here shortly with Alisha and Ailia. Abi and Tenno are sorting them a cart in which to travel with Sister Lucy and Theodoric,” Paul replied just as Thomas and Master Douglas rode onto view from the direction of the main stables.

  “Paul, we have received word by heliograph Reynald has travelled through the night to avoid ambush. He is but moments away,” Master Douglas explained and leaned lower. “So we need to leave now.”

  “We are coming,” Theodoric called out as he held open the main heavy wooden door to their accommodation. Alisha stepped out holding Ailia’s hand closely followed by Sister Lucy carrying two bags and Ishmael holding their large travelling trunk. Taqi stepped down onto view wrapped in a dark Hospitaller cape. He still looked tired and squinted in the bright daylight.

  They were half way across when Tenno steered a large four wheeled caravan into view and drew up just short of them, Abi riding her horse and guiding Tenno’s horse as well as Adrastos. One of Thomas’s men, Philip, steered their water wagon into the middle of the column behind Thomas. Paul immediately realised then that they did not have a horse for Taqi.