Outremer I

by D. N. Carter

  “Yes…unlike some,” Sarah said sarcastically, looking at Simon.

  “Please tell more of this stranger,” the Hospitaller said as he pulled the jug of water nearer and poured himself another drink.

  “I can tell you that this stranger was named Tenno. He explained how he was a boat builder in the service of his country’s naval forces. He had been a navigator and charged with making detailed maps. He had set sail for mainland China as part of a peace and exchange of knowledge delegation. Then as a joint operation with Chinese sailors, who as we know are some of the best boat builders and navigators there has ever been, he became part of a team that set sail from the far eastern fringes of mainland Asia. They sailed across seas full of frozen icebergs but eventually made landfall. But whilst there, they were struck by a natural disaster which destroyed their vessel and killed most of their hands. With no other option left, and trusting the ancient maps they had, they headed east on an epic journey that lasted just over a year. But no further than walking across Christendom. Eventually they met Nordic seafarers on the eastern coast who in turn took him and his fellow surviving hands on to Greenland, then Iceland and down to Britain. It was there that he recovered his health before heading here. He has family, children and a wife he desperately wished to return to see,” the old man detailed.

  “But this information changes everything we understand and as taught by the Bible,” the farrier said and moved himself nearer the table.

  “It does…and that is why this knowledge is dangerous. It is the truth, but nevertheless dangerous for as things stand now, it would undermine the position of the Church. Yet our Bible does indeed contain details upon the exact size of our earth and as a sphere. Why do you think our Muslim counterparts mock us and call us uneducated? But the Church knows the truth of these things and it will soon have no other option or choice but to reveal these facts,” the old man explained. “Much of what Tenno explained fascinated Paul. Their common love of maps for a start. But he was also deeply interested in Tenno’s history. He explained much to him very patiently over the course of the time that he stayed as a guest.”

  “Such as?” Simon asked bluntly.

  “Well, such as details concerning the ancient Yayoi warriors who developed weapons, armour and a code of honour that became the centrepiece for the Japanese Samurai,” the old man started to explain.

  “Samurai…what is that?” Stephan asked quizzically.

  “Samurai was the name given to a class of warrior. Their early weapons included bows, arrows and swords. Their armour included a helmet that protected the head and neck, a breastplate that protected the chest, arm and shoulder protectors, and a belly wrap. Later armour included protection for the legs and thighs. They modified their armour as the type of battles changed. A big change occurred in the fifth century when horses were introduced to Japan. Tenno still had all of his weaponry and armour. Firgany and the local Templar Marshal studied it and learnt a lot from it, especially in how to construct and forge an incredibly strong sword,” the old man explained.

  “Ah, now I see where this is leading. That’s how that sword was made I bet,” the Hospitaller said with a broad smile.

  “In part…but let me first explain that Tenno’s code had developed from the Chinese concept of the virtues of warriors doing battle to the Samurai code of chivalry known as ‘Kyuba no michi’, which means ‘The Way of Horse and Bow’ to the Bushido ‘Way of the Warrior’ code. And before you ask, Simon, ‘Bushido’ actually means ‘Way of the Warrior’. It was at the heart of the beliefs and conduct of the Samurai. The philosophy of Bushido is ‘freedom from fear’. It meant that the Samurai transcended his fear of death. That gave him the peace and power to serve his master faithfully and loyally and die well if necessary. ‘Duty’ is a primary philosophy of the Samurai,” the old man explained as he looked intently at the sword on the table.

  “’Tis almost identical to our Orders, no?” the Templar asked.

  The old man nodded silently.

  “Indeed, almost. This may not be of relevance but just so you know, the Samurai rose out of continuous battles for land among three main clans: the Minamoto, the Fujiwara and the Taira. The Samurai eventually became a class unto themselves shortly after the ninth century up to our present times. They were called by two names: Samurai, who were knights-retainers, and Bushi, warriors. Some of them were related to the ruling class. Others were hired men. They gave complete loyalty to their Daimyo, feudal landowners, and received land and position in return. Each Daimyo used his Samurai to protect his land and to expand his power and rights to more land. This is how Tenno ended up being sent upon his trade and discovery mission. The Samurai became expert in fighting from horseback and on the ground. They practised armed and un-armed combat. The early Samurai emphasised fighting with the bow and arrow. They used swords for close-in fighting and beheading their enemies. They began to use their sword more and also made more use of spears and naginata. The Samurai slowly changed from fighting on horseback to fighting on foot as the tactics of war also changed, which Tenno explained to Paul and Philip in considerable detail. It was during these discussions with him that we learned about his swords and how they were made,” the old man explained and slightly pulled out the sword in front of him.

  “Did he make that sword?” asked Simon.

  “Not quite. But his influence certainly shaped it as it was already a sword long before his time. He….well he helped modify it but that I shall come to in good time. Tenno himself wore two swords. One was long; the other short. The long sword, ‘daito’ or ‘katana’, was more than twenty-four inches. The short sword, ‘shoto-wakizashi’, was between twelve and twenty inches. The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the ‘soul’ of their warriorship,” the old man continued to explain as he completely withdrew the sword and placed it in full view on the table.

  “We know of this reverence for our swords too,” the Templar said as he ran his finger along the sword’s polished blade. “The blade is surely masterful…but I see very few knocks or dents. It has hardly been used,” he stated.

  “Oh my friend, it has indeed been used. Many times…but the manner of its construction is unlike any sword you are perhaps familiar with. For this sword does not mark easily,” the old man said with pride in his eyes and voice. “Understand that as Tenno explained to Philip, Niccolas and Paul, the oldest Japanese swords were straight and had their early design in China. The Samurai’s desire for tougher, sharper swords for battle gave rise to the curved blade Tenno carried. The sword had its beginning as iron combined with carbon. The swordsmith used fire, water, anvil and hammer to shape unbelievably hard but tensile swords. Perhaps the best in the known world. After forging the blade, the sword polisher did his work to prepare the blade for the ‘furniture’ that surrounded it. Once complete, the sword tester took the new blade and cut through the bodies of corpses or condemned criminals. They started by cutting through the small bones of the body and moved up to the large bones. Test results were often recorded on the nakago, which was a metal piece attaching the sword blade to the handle,” the old man explained as both Sarah and the other serving maid grimaced at the thought.

  “This Tenno man…did he get back home then?” Sarah asked.

  “If I answer that now, I will perhaps spoil this tale. Could I therefore ask your indulgence a while longer as that too will be revealed?” the old man asked politely.

  “Of course…but I think I have already forgotten how many other facts you will recall later,” she laughed back in response.

  “I have not. I have remembered every one,” Simon interjected immediately, which solicited another severe frown from Sarah.

  2 – 26

  “Tenno only wished to return home to his family once more. That was all. He had come from a long line of noble warriors. His family tree, so he wrote down, stated his lineage came from a legendary Jimmu Tenno himself, Japan’s first Emperor around 660 BC. He set up the ruling Yamat
o State. But that soon became dominated by a clan named the Soga clan. Then came reforms during what he called the Taika period, then Taiho law codes established what became known as the ‘Great Council of State’. That gave way to the Nara rule, which began with Japan’s first permanent capital. But when the Emperor Kammu came to power, he moved the capital to Kyoto. This is when the Heian period began, in around AD 794. Eventually the Fujiwara family gained control of the Imperial Court and Tenno’s family tree became entwined with those of other ruling families until his great grandfather was involved with helping Taira Masakado revolt and proclaimed himself ‘The New Emperor’ in AD 935. Other Samurai leaders exerted their influence across the land and changed the history of Japan,” the old man explained whilst reading some notes on a small parchment to check his dates.

  “I see you have written notes…but what does this have to do with the sword other than perhaps how it was modified?” asked Simon.

  “In answer, I can say everything. The codes of conduct and way of the Samurai were much honoured, admired and respected. Many tales from their country have filtered down via the spice routes and trade into Arabic myth and legend and ultimately into ours…do you think that all Arthurian legends evolved purely from us here? The codes of conduct and chivalry for a start!” the old man replied.

  “Why are we not aware of these facts?” Peter the stonemason asked, puzzled.

  “Because to teach this would be to teach against what the Bible says…more correctly, what the Church says the Bible says,” the old man answered and shook his head slightly. “Paul learnt a lot from Tenno in a very short time. But he never once saw Tenno smile or laugh, a fact Paul wrote in his journal.”

  “A journal…now that would be something to behold and read,” Gabirol said.

  “Then behold you shall…Stephan, would you be so kind?” the old man stated and asked.

  Gabirol nearly fell from his chair upon hearing this.

  “No problem…,” Stephan replied, standing up, and headed off for the side room nearest the kitchen.

  “Journal!!” Sarah whispered to the other maid.

  All looked at Stephan as he re-entered the room carrying a sizable leather bound journal bursting with parchments. He nodded at the old man and then gently placed the leather bound parchments down upon the table directly in front of Gabirol.

  “I do not know what to say…can this be real?” Gabirol blurted out, surprised and not in his usual stiff and lipped manner.

  “My friend…you would suit good company for Tenno for you are much alike…and I know if Paul were here this eve, he would be glad to see your reaction and even more glad if you were to read from it and learn,” the old man said softly as he looked at the obvious delight in Gabirol’s face as he gently untied the bindings and opened the first parchment leaf. All around the table moved to get a better look at the pages as Gabirol quickly but carefully looked through them. The parchment pages were covered in writings, symbols, calculations, well executed and drafted pictures of people and places. “Would you like to borrow this?” the old man asked.

  “Wha…what? Would I? But you do not know me. I am but a stranger sire. How can you entrust me with this…for it is clearly a great work. Far too precious for me to borrow,” Gabirol answered still looking through the pages.

  “As I said earlier, I am a good judge of character and I can read people well. I can entrust you with this,” the old man explained.

  “Stop!” Sarah shouted almost and slammed her hand down hard on a drawing. “Who is that?…she is beautiful,” she exclaimed as she gently pulled the journal around to view the drawing better. Tentatively she moved her fingers around the edges of the image. Puzzled she looked at the old man for an answer. He sighed heavily.

  Fig 10:

  “That, my friend, was Raja…,” the old man said softly.

  “Where?” Simon said and immediately stood up and leaned across almost knocking the Hospitaller back off his chair.

  “And if you turn the page, you will see another image as Paul drafted.”

  Gently Sarah turned the parchment to reveal another drawing of a female.

  “Oh my Lord…she is even more beautiful…” Sarah said as a tear welled in her eyes.

  Fig 11:

  “Alisha, no?” the Genoese sailor stated and shrugged.

  “Is this tale truly real?” Simon asked and sat himself back down heavily.

  “’Tis true…every word of it. Perhaps I paraphrase much that was spoken, but then I have to for we will not abed alight for three more eves otherwise,” the old man replied.

  “They would be well worth it for sure,” Sarah said emotionally as she ran her fingers over the image of a beautiful woman.

  “Beautiful and beautifully drawn,” Simon said shaking his head.

  “Do you believe him now?” Sarah asked, shooting a look of annoyance at Simon.

  “I am…getting there,” he answered and shrugged his shoulders.

  The old man smiled broadly at his answer as Stephan raised his hands and shook his head in despair at Simon.

  “So what happened next? Did they all go to Egypt or what?” asked Peter, the stonemason.

  “Well. It had been a time of deaths and the start of mysteries being revealed. But let me tell you what happened next.”

  Chapter 9

  Who Knows What?

  Castle Blanc, County of Tripoli in the Levant, 1178

  Alisha awoke after a fitful night to the sounds of horses pulling up outside the Keep’s main door. It was mid morning and her first reaction was to wonder if she had missed Gerard. From her window she could only see part of the courtyard to her right but could make out several men on horseback all dressed in black. They were dismounting so not leaving. She suddenly saw Taqi pull up. Excitedly Alisha grabbed her light dress and quickly changed into it. She was still trying to tie the waistband as she slammed the door behind herself, as Stewart came walking towards her.

  “Stewart, I must run…my father is here,” she exclaimed excitedly as she rushed past him.

  Stewart stood still, perplexed, as she ran off and down the stairs fast. He smiled and shook his head and followed after her.

  Alisha ran down the main Keep’s stairs out into the courtyard to see several Templars on their horses to her left, some Hospitallers to her front and even more men dressed in black to her right. Rapidly she looked for Taqi. She caught a glimpse of him at the rear of the group.

  “Taqi!” she shouted and rushed towards him.

  He saw her and immediately dismounted. Alisha ran up to him and flung her arms around him tightly nearly knocking him over. Surprised, Taqi laughed as she would not let go.

  “Dear sister, ’tis good to see you too,” he said and had to push her off of him, her grip around him had been so tight. As he held her at arm’s length, her smile then changed to a look of concern. “What is it?” he asked.

  “Oh Taqi…where is Father?”

  “Why, what has happened?” Taqi asked back, concerned.

  “Ali,” she suddenly heard from behind her as Firgany approached. Alisha turned slowly to see her father walking towards her taking off his riding gloves. He looked tired. She felt her stomach churn and her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest and a lump swelled in her throat. She went to talk but nothing came out. “Ali…what is up, my child?” he asked softly.

  “Father…it is Raja,” she managed to blurt out as tears welled in her eyes. She tried to wipe them away quickly, aware that everyone was looking at her. She then noticed Rashid sat resting forwards upon his horse listening to her intently. “Raja…Oh Father…she has died,” she cried as Firgany reached her.

  “Died, you say?” Firgany stated not quite taking in what he just heard.

  “I am sorry, Father…Yes.”

  “Why sorry, my daughter? It is not your fault, it is Allah’s will,” Firgany said softly and pulled Alisha closer and wrapped his arms around her. Taqi lowered his head in sadness as he heard th
e news. Firgany closed his eyes and sighed, shaking his head, and simply hugged Alisha as she fought to control her crying.

  “Ah…this must be the all important great Firgany!” Gerard was heard saying loudly as he walked across the courtyard towards them, closely followed by Reynald. Firgany turned his head slowly and opened his eyes to look at him. Gerard strode up and stood just feet away. He looked Firgany up and down as Alisha shot a look of disgust at him. He feigned a smile and slightly bowed his head. “I trust you will keep your knees together this time?” Gerard said looking at Alisha.

  “What?” Firgany asked sternly, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Gerard.

  “Not what you are thinking…we had a little run in with each other yesterday,” Gerard explained.

  “A misunderstanding that is all,” Reynald interrupted as he came and stood next to Gerard.

  Alisha looked at her father as he looked at her quizzically.

  “Was my fault, Father…and I fear I owe this man an apology, for I think I heard him wrong yesterday,” Alisha said as Gerard beamed a large smile almost mockingly.

  “Remember what I said, my friend…,” Reynald whispered to Gerard.

  “’Twas perhaps my fault. I was somewhat insensitive after a long and tiring journey. Perhaps you would accept my apology instead,” Gerard said and frowned.

  Alisha did not like this man and she shook her head no whilst wanting to call him everything under the sun, but she knew she had to play the game of politeness, if only for her father’s sake. Firgany saw the look upon Alisha’s face.

  “Do you mock us?” he asked Gerard.

  “Mock you…most certainly not. I am well aware of just who you are… and of course my good friend here’s agreement to ensure your little princess’s safety and protection no less,” Gerard answered patronisingly and smiled again.

  Firgany let go of Alisha as Taqi took her arm pulling her to his side. Firgany walked up close to Gerard and looked down into his eyes.