Outremer I

by D. N. Carter

  Paul raised his eyebrows, smiled broadly then pulled her close and started kissing her and then simply held her tightly.

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

  “Oh my Lord…I think I need to go and stand outside in the cold,” Sarah joked as she fanned her face with a square wooden place mat.

  “You are not the only one,” the maid sat next to the Templar remarked and smiled as she moved herself on her chair. The Templar looked at her and smiled. Immediately her face flushed red with embarrassment.

  “Are you going to tell me your name per chance?” the Templar asked her.

  “’Tis Miriam. I thought you knew already,” she replied, smiling.

  “That Sister Lucy is one very strange and unique nun…is she not?” Gabirol stated.

  “Yes, she was indeed that…and more. So much more,” the old man exclaimed.

  “Would not Firgany have killed them, or at least Paul, for what they did? Any man who did that to my daughter out of wedlock, I would indeed truly flail alive,” the farrier asked.

  “Firgany would not find out. Not for a while at least. And his response may shock or surprise you…but that I must reveal later too. Sorry, Simon,” the old man explained.

  “Oh that is okay…Gabi whatever his name here is, is writing down all the ‘laters’,” Simon replied with a broad smile and gave a thumbs up before folding his thick arms.

  “Oh I am just so glad they sorted things out and got together. I do like happy endings,” Sarah said and pulled a jug of mead near and began to pour herself a drink.

  “Well, in truth it was not really a happy ending, for it was just the beginning of a whole new set of trials, tribulations and major life changes that were about to befall all of them,” the old man explained quietly.

  “How so?” the Hospitaller asked.

  “Well, Firgany was a man of the world as was Philip. When Paul and Alisha were picked up and returned home, it was written all across their faces, that clearly something had happened and changed between them. The unbreakable bond between Firgany and Philip ensured that no accusations were thrown or made out of place. They had to accept as truth what Sister Lucy had told them, but Niccolas, he too had been present that eve, unbeknown to her and had heard and seen everything also.”

  “Oh no! He didn’t tell them did he?” Sarah asked.

  “No…he did not. But he…. some may say foolishly, he made a note of the time and date. For his own records.”

  “But why would he do that?” Gabirol asked.

  “In his mind, he wanted the date and time marked…in case Alisha became with child,” the old man explained.

  “What…for his charts?” Gabirol remarked and quickly wrote a note of it.

  The old man nodded yes.

  “Huh! Why…what does he think it will be? Another Messiah?” Simon joked and laughed out loud. The old man looked up at him slowly as did the Templar and Hospitaller. They kept their stare fixed upon him until he felt awkward and uncomfortable. “Seriously?” he squirmed.

  “I knew it. I knew there was something far more to this tale,” the wealthy tailor said loudly, breaking the silence.

  “You clearly do not understand the real meaning behind what Messiah stands for, do you?” the Templar stated, looking at Simon hard.

  “Clearly,” Simon answered and raised his hands questioningly.

  “’Tis okay Simon. It is an all too common problem…not knowing what Messiah stands for. But no, any child born of Alisha and Paul was not going to be a Messiah,” the old man said as he sat up straight.

  “Then what? And all this is all related to that!” Simon said, his voice raised as he pointed at the part sheathed sword still placed on the table.

  “Yes. Yes it is. Let me tell you also that as a consequence of Alisha and Paul making up their differences, clearly, Firgany and Philip were able to rearrange their plans that would enable Philip to travel to London and start his contribution to the new temple being designed there for the Order, but it also gave Firgany time to fully list and document all of their joint papers, scrolls and bound books prior to departing for Alexandria in the spring. Taqi was not best pleased as it meant he would have to wait a while longer before he could set off on his life’s chosen path. It also gave Alisha and Paul plenty of time to get to really know each other and they spent every waking moment they could together. They walked along the beautiful beaches and quiet country lanes. They talked about marriage. Paul joked how Muslim men were allowed up to four wives, for which Alisha immediately put him in his place by saying he would never be allowed to convert to Islam. The fact that they could joke about such things showed how much they had come to trust each other feeling secure enough to say such things. Alisha did explain that Muslim men, though permitted to have four wives, it was still preferred if they had just one. Women were expected to marry as a matter of course and duty and if not it was viewed as a sin. They talked at length about how and when they should get married, especially the religious difficulties…as a Muslim woman is not allowed to marry a Christian…period!” the old man explained.

  “So what happened to Stewart, and Taqi?” the farrier asked.

  “Taqi actually spent most of his time being taught various skills by the Hospitallers. He was happy for Paul and Alisha and felt that he was often intruding upon them. Sister Lucy would often take Alisha away for a few hours to teach her ‘women’ things. Philip seemed to distance himself from everyone and kept busy in his studio working upon new architectural details for the commission in London. Firgany likewise spent hours making an inventory of all their papers, maps and household items. Which ones they would take to Alexandria, which ones they would leave behind and which ones to sell. Often Firgany and Philip would attend meetings with both the Hospitallers and Templars. They enjoyed those meetings, especially as Gerard was away in Paris. And that is where Stewart went. Stewart had grown up physically in so many ways, yet he was not as quick at maturing emotionally or intellectually as Paul had,” the old man explained.

  “So what exactly did they go to Paris for again?” Gabirol asked.

  “They had gone to seek favours, funding and new recruits for the Order as well as visit Chartres Cathedral. Something Gerard had desired to do. Gerard was very shrewd and politically astute. He was even then planning and building his network of influential connections, and during this time, Paul had put a distance between him and his father. I think more out of embarrassment and shame for what he had done. More correctly, thought he had done,” the old man said and shook his head.

  “Did Alisha and Paul get married then for surely it was a great risk, their intimate relationship out of wedlock?” Sarah asked.

  “Not immediately…though they did agree with their fathers that as soon as they arrived in Alexandria, they would arrange the marriage as soon as possible. It would be a celebration to look forward to,” the old man stated and turned his face away momentarily so no one could see him screw up his eyes with emotion.

  Port of La Rochelle, main harbour, 1178

  The large black dockside stones appeared to shine as their wet surface reflected the early morning sun. A market was being set up and the whole area was a hive of busy activity with sailors and merchants going about their business. Alisha and Paul walked arm in arm both wrapped up in all their heavy winter clothes to stay warm against the winter chill, Alisha wearing a full wrap-around fur lined head-over hat, the sides framing her face. Seagulls squawked loudly above. No one gave them a second look and they did not look out of place among the many people both on the dockside and harbour market area. Paul eyed all the various ships and boats tied up. Alisha noticed this.

  “Do you still have aspirations and dreams of being a Templar in their fleet?” she asked softly as she looked at him. Paul stood still as he looked at them.

  “Things change. I have changed,” he answered and faced her. Her eyes were wide and clear, the blue flecks in them appearing to reflect silver glints. “I choos
e you any day over an old, large, stinking, creaking old boat,” he stated.

  “Hey, you may regret that when I am also old, large, stinking and creaking,” Alisha laughed as Paul looked back towards all the boats.

  “I now see those as vessels that would take me from you…so no, I will not join them.”

  A young half clothed girl walked slowly toward them. Paul immediately recognised her from the top she was wearing. It was the top Taqi had given her months previously. She looked tired, cold and hungry. She wore sandals despite it being winter. The girl stopped still directly in front of them, her eyes sunken and dark. She was no more than eight or nine years old. Alisha knelt down to her eye level.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  The little girl said nothing and looked up at Paul and stared at him.

  “She is cold and hungry,” Paul remarked.

  Alisha looked at him and back at the girl just as she shivered. Quickly Alisha took off her fur hat and placed it upon her and adjusted it so it would fit. Then she unfurled her silken scarf and wrapped it around her neck and tucked it into what was once Taqi’s weatherproof top. When she had finished she stood up straight as Paul looked at her with a broad smile. The little girl ran the end of the silk scarf through her fingers bewildered then looked at Alisha. Her tired sunken eyes appeared to almost change before them and she broke a small smile as her eyes welled with tears, but she controlled her emotions. Alisha placed her hand across her chest. She looked at Paul.

  “What…what more can we do?” Paul asked.

  “Here,” Alisha said as she put her hand inside Paul’s jacket and reached for his inside pocket. She removed a small leather purse, opened it, and removed several coins before putting the purse back inside his jacket. She looked at him, smiling broadly. Paul said nothing but simply smiled back at her, her hair now blowing freely in the cold breeze. How could he argue with her? he thought. Alisha knelt down again and looked at the little girl. Gently she held the girl’s hand and opened it. Her hand was cold to touch and filthy, her finger nails broken. She placed the coins in her hand and gently closed her fingers over them. “Buy yourself something to eat and that is warm,” Alisha whispered.

  The little girl looked up at Paul as if waiting for his approval. Alisha nodded at him.

  “Of course…you must. We are just sorry we cannot do more for you,” Paul replied and knelt down next to Alisha and looked at the girl.

  She looked at her closed hand then back at them in utter puzzlement. Her eyes were filled with tears but she would not blink and let them fall. Alisha sighed. The little girl looked around to see who was watching, but no one was paying any real attention to them. She went to speak but could not. She just opened her mouth. Quickly she turned around and ran off as fast as she could disappearing into the market area and people. As Alisha and Paul stood up straight, they both saw the old woman who sat on her barrel every day walking towards them. She stopped just a few short paces from them and studied them.

  “I am really sorry…we have no more coinage,” Alisha explained softly.

  “’Tis not coinage I need…I have enough already. But what you just did…that, my children, is why they watch you. God bless you both,” the old lady said in her deep gravelly voice and turned away before either of them could reply.

  Alisha looked at Paul puzzled. He shrugged his shoulders.

  “Who watches us? Surely she does not know about Abi?” Alisha asked.

  “Who is Abi?” Paul asked immediately.

  “Ah…have I not told you?” Paul shook his head no. “In that case…you know that dagger I have? Well…let me explain,” Alisha began to tell and held on to Paul’s arm as she started to walk him away.

  Later that evening, Philip, Alisha, Paul and Firgany sat eating together in the main kitchen. Firgany kept looking quizzically at Alisha sat next to Paul. Philip said very little as he ate. Several candles lit the long table, the main stove part opened to allow heat out.

  “Father, why do you keep looking at me?” Alisha asked.

  “I am just pleased to see you happy, for that you clearly are,” he replied as Philip looked at Paul. Alisha blushed.

  Philip placed his spoon down on his metal plate hard drawing everyone’s attention. He folded his arms and looked at Paul and Alisha for several minutes without saying a word.

  “Father…what is it?” Paul asked sheepishly.

  “I have held my tongue long enough. Look around this table. What is wrong here?” Philip asked as Firgany feigned a look of puzzlement. Paul and Alisha looked at each other and shook their heads with no idea. “Taqi…where is Taqi?”

  “I have no idea,” Paul answered.

  “Exactly. No idea. And he is supposed to be your best friend, yet you neglect his friendship.”

  “Father…that is so not true,” Paul argued back defensively.

  “Is it not? When was the last time you spent more than ten minutes with him. When was the last time you tended to your horse, Adrastos?”

  “What…where is this coming from? The horse is not just mine.”

  “Is it not? It certainly is not mine for it will let no other ride it, not I, Firgany, Taqi.”

  “What? How so?”

  “See, you do not even know or are even aware that we have tried.”

  “Father. What point are you trying to make here?” Paul asked, confused, as Alisha grabbed his hand beneath the table.

  Firgany coughed lightly and rested his elbows upon the table.

  “I think what your father is trying to say, is that you two have become so wrapped up in your own world to the exclusion of everyone else…and your own studies,” Firgany explained.

  “That is not true. I have attended lessons with Niccolas just as Ali has with Sister Lucy,” Paul argued back.

  “Rubbish. It has been over two weeks since you both last attended either. And Taqi…he has asked you several times to spend time with him…to go hunting or riding…but you have simply said yes but never resolved to arrange it. Now Firgany and I have spoken of it, and we are in agreement, you will resume your educations…and you will make time for others starting with immediate effect,” Philip said sternly.

  Alisha grasped Paul’s hand tighter and looked at her father.

  “We have indeed agreed this. We have given you enough time. You have the rest of your lives together but you must strike a happy balance. Besides, too much time together, you will begin to tire of each other’s company fast,” Firgany explained.

  Alisha and Paul looked at each other, alarmed. Both wanted to spend all their time together. Both shook their heads no that would not ever happen.

  “Taqi this eve spends the night with the Hospitallers learning about medicinal procedures. He asked you to go with him,” Philip said, looking at Paul sternly.

  “He did not ask me,” Paul replied sharp.

  1 – 11

  “He did…and you did not even respond this morning other than a slight wave of acknowledgement. You did not see how he stood and stared at you both sadly as you were too busy looking at each other,” Philip continued to explain.

  Alisha looked down sad and embarrassed and gently shook her head.

  “’Tis true, young Paul. We understand what you two are going through…but if you spend all your time looking at each other only, you will miss seeing what else is happening all around you. And right now, you will have to start being far more aware…than ever before…especially if you are to become a father yourself,” Firgany said watching their reactions closely.

  Alisha shot up and looked at Paul, her face red with embarrassment fearful their secret had been revealed. Paul looked at her as he felt his own face burn with embarrassment and fear. Their hearts raced. They looked at each other nervously. Firgany and Philip were both quick to notice this and looked at each other and frowned. Firgany leaned further forwards and looked at Paul directly.

  “Do not force us apart,” Paul said defiantly, his voice shaky.

  “That
we have no intention of doing. But you will as of today, not spend so much…nay all, your time together. You will appreciate the time you do have together more,” Firgany stated.

  Alisha looked at Paul, clearly upset.

  “’Tis for your own good. I leave tomorrow for England. Whilst I am away, you will assist Firgany whilst, Alisha, you will be assisting Sister Lucy more. She has much to sort of your father’s remaining stock of female clothing which we must sell before we leave for Alexandria. It is not right that you two spend so much time together, unaccompanied and often alone. Besides, distance never separates two hearts that really love, nor time! You understand what I am saying do you not?” Philip asked and stood up.

  Paul looked at Alisha then at Firgany as he stood.

  “I agree. Starting tomorrow. I will simply say this of you both, for it will serve you well in the years ahead and with your children. Love each other fearlessly and with open hearts for there is no power greater than two human souls who feel they are joined…who strengthen each other…to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories. True love does not mean inseparable…it means being able to be separated and nothing changes. Oh…and you will go hunting at some point with Taqi,” Firgany said, his tone deep as he moved to leave. He looked at Philip, placed his hand upon his shoulder. Both nodded at each other then left leaving Alisha and Paul alone.

  “Oh my word. I thought your father knew something…that we had laid together,” Paul whispered closely to Alisha as he held both her hands.

  “So did I?” Alisha whispered back and let out a small nervous laugh.

  “I thought he was going to say you were with child or something.”

  “So did I.”

  Paul sat up straight and looked at Alisha intently.

  “You are not are you?”

  “No…of course not. I would know if I was…,” she whispered back. “Would you mind if I was?”

  “No…well…only that your father would kill me,” Paul joked back.