Outremer I

by D. N. Carter

  “Yes you can say that again…for when they fight, they fight with a bravery and selfless disregard for their own physical being…truly for I have seen this with my own eyes. They do not fear death as we do…but embrace it,” he explained as his brother nodded in agreement.

  “That is true, but I have too seen the same behaviour of Christian knights. But the Qur’an repeatedly draws our attention to the fact that the time we spend in this world is short and unpredictable, and what really counts is our character, how we treat others, and what we do with the blessings God has given us. In this context, home and family are of paramount importance, since stable families are essential to the rearing of well-adjusted children who will transmit their faith and values to the next generation. According to a well-known Arab proverb, ‘the mother is a school’,” the old man said and sat back to rest awhile.

  “See…told you. It is us women who know best,” Sarah joked, looking at Miriam.

  “In Islam, femininity is appreciated, and Muslim women may seek a higher education, work outside the home or volunteer their services to benefit the community as long as their primary responsibilities are taken care of. Any money that a Muslim woman earns is her own, to spend as she likes; men remain solely responsible for maintaining the family. To that end, as Firgany had arranged early in Alisha’s life, but able to change it later, her arranged marriage, most Muslim parents traditionally play an important role in arranging introductions and helping to choose marriage partners for their children. Both husband and wife must freely agree to the marriage. The Prophet granted girls who had been forced into marriages against their will the right to have their marriages annulled,” the old man explained.

  “Why are we not taught these things?” Miriam asked quietly.

  “Because it is of Islam. Simple as that. You will not hear a Christian priest explain the relationship between husband and wife in Islam as an interdependent one, based on love and tranquillity. The Qur’an says, ‘and of his signs is this: He created spouses for you from among yourselves that you might find comfort in them, and He put between you love and mercy’. But our Bible has almost identical teachings and deep insights. ’Tis just a pity that rather than focusing upon our similarities, we are all too quick to only see the differences…In order to safeguard the moral integrity of family and society, Muslim men and women are expected to observe certain guidelines of behaviour that we often find restrictive. Both sexes are expected to dress modestly in loose, non-transparent clothing and avoid situations that would put them alone with members of the opposite sex, or lead to temptation or misunderstandings.”

  “Perhaps someone should have reminded Sister Lucy of that fact,” the farrier remarked.

  “Sister Lucy knew exactly what she was setting in motion…,” the old man said softly and paused, waiting for a response from the farrier. The farrier eventually shrugged his shoulders in silence. “Muslim women, additionally, cover their hair, since women are ordinarily considered to be the more attractive of the sexes. These restrictions are not observed at home among close family members, but serve to protect women’s honour in public and draw attention to their personal qualities rather than their looks. In Islam, the sexual urge is considered to be natural and desirable as long as it is confined to expression within marriage,” the old man explained, clearly getting tired and weary.

  “But Muslims are allowed many wives…that won’t be happening any time soon here I can tell you,” Sarah joked and laughed.

  “Yes, as many people are aware, Muslim men are permitted to marry more than one wife. What is not generally known is that strict conditions of equal treatment in terms of time and money are imposed on men who do, or that women may stipulate in their marriage contracts that they have the right to divorce if their husbands take another wife. In reality, monogamy is the norm and polygamy the exception; it has never been common among Muslims except in areas where it was already practised, and it is seldom successful unless the first wife agrees. Islam did not introduce polygamy; in reality, some form of polygamy, whether with legal marriages, mistresses, prostitution or extra-marital affairs, occurs in every society. Rather, it allowed and regulated it in order to protect the women and children who might otherwise be taken advantage of. In certain cases, such as when the first wife is chronically or mentally ill or unable to bear children; when there are many widows and orphans due to war; or when a marriage has effectively broken down but the wife would prefer to remain married; open and legalised polygamy can be a workable second-best solution. Remember, the Prophet Muhammad was married to his first wife, Khadijah, for twenty-five years, and he did not take other wives until after her death. His marriages to several widows and divorcees in later years were primarily contracted for political and humanitarian reasons, as was expected of a man in his position. His home life was characterised by love, consideration, kindness and respect,” the old man said quietly.[10]

  “You appear tired, my friend. Would you like to retire and call this a night?” Stephan asked as he stood up to approach him.

  The old man looked at him and nodded.

  “Oh no please we beg of you continue for as we said earlier, we leave on the morrow’s tide…actually…today’s tide as we are past the midnight hour,” the Templar Knight pleaded.

  “I am honoured and touched you still wish to hear for I was sure I must have bored you by now…,” the old man replied.

  “No…Not at all,” the Templar replied instantly as Miriam clasped his forearm.

  “Let me rest a short while…perhaps an hour and I shall be okay to continue,” the old man said as he slowly struggled to get to his feet. Stephan immediately rushed to help him and took his arm. “I shall leave the sword and a copy of this,” the old man said as he raised another envelope. “’Tis the letter Philip wrote to Alisha and Paul for their wedding. After their wedding meal, Sister Lucy and Firgany escorted both Alisha and Paul to their prepared chambers for their ‘official’ first night together as husband and wife. Paul had looked out from their window and could still see the lanthorn flickering away in the distance at the point, its two candles still burning away brightly inside. Paul read his father’s letter only once they were alone and both were sat upon the bed. Here,” the old man explained as he passed the envelope to Miriam. “I shall be back in about an hour.”

  Miriam gently opened the envelope and unfolded it completely so they could all see it.

  To my dearest son Paul and new daughter Alisha,

  With a heavy heart and with great sadness expressed I must apologise for not being able to attend this special day for you both. But know that in truth I cannot be happier for you. My gift to you this day is to simply tell you to always be truthful with each other and seek always truth in all things. Truth can be an elusive goal, yet it can be the greatest reward when understood for what it is. It is in some respects the Grail of life itself. It is well known that you value something far more when you have to work hard for it, possibly fight for it, sacrifice for it or journey far to acquire it. How diluted the elusive prize is when given to us all too easily; for something very profound and deep is lost in the very act of just getting it for nothing. The value of the truth is greatly magnified by the very act of the sacrifice, the journey, the years of searching, and the joy of discovery; so look, listen, search and find together. And remember, there is a concerted effort being made to raise our awareness and educate us all. The only limits to your understanding will be the self-imposed barriers that you put in the way, as there are none so blind as those who will not see. Now travel forwards together and know you have and always will have my blessings and eternal love. Both of you and the little boy I know that grows within you, Alisha.

  Philip.

  At the base of the note was an embossed and pressed image of a fleur de lys. Miriam ran her fingers over the image and looked up puzzled as Sarah wiped a tear away.

  “So he knows it’s going to be a baby boy, eh? I must be tired too…getting all emotional and the
like,” she said jokingly.

  “Yes, definitely not like you,” Stephan joked back as he helped the old man across the room.

  After settling the old man in a room to rest, he and Sarah made drinks for everyone. All noted how friendly and close Miriam was getting to the Templar as Gabirol showed his notes to the Hospitaller. The wealthy tailor and Simon took the break to go outside and check on the lanthorn burning away on the circle of white stones on the point. Less than an hour later the old man came back into the room. He looked remarkably refreshed much to the surprise of everyone.

  “What have you taken this hour to be so awakened?” Simon asked impolitely as the old man walked to his seat.

  “I have taken nothing…I just needed a short break to meditate and rejuvenate myself a little. For do you not still wish for me to continue?” the old man explained softly with a smile as he sat himself down.

  “Yes we most certainly do!” the Templar replied and looked at Simon and nodded his head.

  “Well, I am ready to continue if you all are,” the old man stated and waited as everyone took their seats around the large table again, Miriam sitting even closer to the Templar now.

  Chapter 14

  Loyalties Torn

  La Rochelle, main road north, March 1179

  Along the main path that headed north from La Rochelle, Alisha and Paul walked arm in arm next to Adrastos, holding his reins. It had been a beautiful warm spring day with little cloud and they were dressed in their summer clothes as it was so mild. The long tree lined track seemed to stretch off in both directions for miles without anyone else in sight, the trees awash with colour as buds and various blossoms began opening and new grass rapidly grew up along the central section of the track where the cart wheels failed to run over it. The bump on Alisha’s tummy was very much in evidence now beneath her summer dress. They had been for a picnic and were heading for home. The past two months had flown by with Paul finalising all the documentation of his father’s remaining parchments and items. Together with Firgany they had packed most of it away ready for shipment by sea to Alexandria. Paul and Taqi had even managed to go out deer hunting on a couple of occasions sleeping out overnight. Firgany had that day received word that Philip was to return by the end of the month having almost completed his work in London. Paul stopped and listened out and pulled the reins on Adrastos to stop him.

  “What is it?” Alisha asked softly.

  “I can hear horses…coming our way.”

  “How can you hear that? I cannot see nor hear anything,” Alisha exclaimed and held his hand tighter as she looked one way then the other along the track.

  They started to walk again. After a few minutes they both heard the rushing hooves of many horses. They looked behind to see a whole column of Templars rapidly approach from the north. Paul led Adrastos off the track and up the raised embankment as Alisha stepped across and onto the grass next to him. They waited so the column could pass. As it drew nearer, Paul recognised Gerard immediately at the front, his hair flowing behind him free in his usual manner. Stewart rode next to him holding the black and white Beauseant banner high. As they trotted nearer, Gerard smiled broadly, recognising Paul and Alisha. He raised his right arm stopping the entire column just a few feet from them.

  “Well isn’t this a pleasant surprise. Did you come specially to greet us?” Gerard asked aloud as he leaned forwards resting his elbows upon the pommel of his saddle. Paul looked at Stewart, who was simply staring ahead ignoring him. Gerard noticed this. “Brother Stewart…don’t be so rude and do say hello to your brother,” Gerard said almost mockingly.

  Stewart very slowly turned his gaze to look at Paul, his eyes narrowed. His horse bucked briefly and he had to jostle for a moment to steady it as the column behind him lined up in formation in pairs.

  “Stewart,” Paul said and gave a wave as Alisha held onto his arm tighter. The sun was making her squint as she tried to focus on Gerard and Stewart. The column pulling up behind them was the longest either Paul or Alisha had ever seen. They briefly looked down the track as many more horses and carts were coming into view.

  Stewart said nothing as Gerard looked back at all of his troops. He smiled as he turned to face Paul and Alisha again.

  “I see you are with child,” Gerard said loudly to be heard above the increasing noise of horses and equipment being moved. Alisha immediately covered her tummy protectively as Stewart shook his head with a look of utter disgust. “How did that happen?” Gerard asked with a bigger grin.

  “Master Gerard…you are a man of the world…surely you must know how!” Paul replied, which solicited some laughs from behind. Stewart glared at him. Alisha felt uncomfortable and looked away embarrassed.

  “You know, young Paul…you are most certainly not like your well trained and well mannered brother here are you…,” Gerard laughed. Stewart looked up and ahead and pulled the Beauseant standard upright.

  “Where is Master Odo?” Paul asked.

  “Ah, have you not heard…he has returned to Outremer. He has been there this past month at least. He is overseeing the construction of the Chastellet fortress. Its position and impregnability makes it a right royal thorn in Saladin’s side.”

  “But are things not peaceful in Outremer?” Paul asked hesitantly.

  Gerard let out a loud laugh and looked at his forces behind him. Alisha moved closer to Paul more and he put his arm around her.

  “Saladin is keen to prove his worth after Nur al-Din and has offered considerable amounts of money to have it destroyed. So much for truces, eh, young Paul. So be warned…these are increasingly dangerous times to be out and about alone in the countryside if you are Muslim…especially if pregnant and unmarried,” Gerard stated as he sat upright again. Stewart shook his head and shot a look of disdain at Paul and then at Alisha.

  “Master Gerard…Alisha is now my wife. You would have learnt of this if my brother had so bothered to read his letters and respond…so I shall not take offence at your comments…this time,” Paul replied in a slow deliberate tone.

  “Hah…Young Paul I have to confess a certain begrudging respect for your bravery…or is it just plain stupidity you exhibit…and just how exactly did you manage to marry a Muslim woman for it is forbade in their religion?” Gerard shot back, still smiling broadly.

  Paul said nothing but stared back at Gerard. He had to be careful with what he said next. He had Alisha next to him and he could not afford to risk any harm coming to her.

  “Maybe he has converted to Islam, Master, for that is the only way it would be allowed,” the sergeant behind him shouted. Paul looked to see who had shouted as Stewart looked at him hard. Paul recognised Brother Teric directly behind Stewart positioned next to the sergeant who had shouted. Teric shook his head no and feigned a smile at him.

  “No! Oh this is priceless. Seriously not?” Gerard roared with laughter.

  “Can we just leave now,” Alisha whispered nervously.

  “Master Gerard. Yet again you demonstrate your total lack of understanding in these matters. But for the record of all of you here present,” Paul said back loudly and looked directly at Stewart, “we are legally married and have the papers to prove it…as authorised by this Commanderies Marshal, as well as that of the Knights Hospitaller Marshal…and I am still very much as Christian as you, Gerard!” Paul explained, his voice going deeper with tension. Paul could feel the anger rising within him but fought to control it for Alisha’s sake.

  Gerard rubbed his chin as he pondered his next comment looking Alisha up and down. Alisha moved behind Paul.

  “I shall seek advice on this issue for ’tis a new one on me for sure… but tell me…is that the same horse I sold you last year?” Gerard asked changing the subject totally. Surprised, Paul recoiled briefly and simply nodded yes. “Thought so. Told you that was a fine horse. I was right about that…so listen to me, young Paul, carefully,” Gerard said with a clipped tone as he moved his horse nearer to him. “There is a war coming…a war
unlike any that has ever been seen before…and when it does break upon us all, you will need to decide which side you are on… for I believe it is not ours,” Gerard grinned with a menacing look written across his face. He looked at Alisha. She turned her gaze away from him in silence. “Motherhood suits you, girl. Perhaps it will calm your fierce temper.”

  “Perhaps when your war does break upon you, it will teach you much too,” Paul heard himself say back. Quickly he shook his head, closed his eyes briefly and looked directly at Gerard.

  3 – 36

  “Oh I and war are indeed good bedfellows do not worry on that account…and there is nothing new I can learn that I do not already know about it. Now good day to you both,” Gerard smiled again, pulled on his reins, raised his right arm and moved off.

  Stewart looked down at Paul and Alisha as he passed them, Alisha looking away. He looked hard at Paul and shook his head again as if in disgust.

  “I am still your brother, Stewart! That will never change!” Paul shouted after him just as Brother Teric rode past and gave him a quick thumbs up gesture and smiled. Alisha let out a long and deep sigh and tried to breathe in a controlled fashion. “Ali…are you okay?” Paul asked, alarmed, and held her arms quickly. She nodded yes as she breathed carefully, aware of the knights staring at them as they filed past.

  “Get me home, Paul. Just get me home, please,” she said quietly.

  Paul tied Adrastos’s reins to the wooden hand rail nearest the back door of the house and quickly moved to help Alisha down from him. Gently he ushered her inside the door and down the step as she held her hands across her stomach. She winced in pain as she stepped down.

  “Simon…Simon! Thomas, anyone!” Paul shouted as he sat Alisha down on the nearest bench. Simon came running in looking puzzled. “Quick… can you go and fetch Sister Lucy and Firgany…fast…please!” Paul knelt beside Alisha concern etched across his face. Alisha breathed slowly.