by D. N. Carter
“This troubles me greatly to hear…for does that mean I have sworn my life to a lie… to a contrived story?” he asked.
“No…far from it, my friend, as I will reveal, I promise.”
“Hope you got that too, Gabi,” Simon said loudly to Gabirol. Gabirol shook his head at him as he continued to write notes.
“Understand that Christianity, just like Islam, Hinduism and any religion in fact, can be a comfort to some, it can also be very damaging and repressive, an insidious form of mind control that has led to blind acceptance of serfdom, poverty and war throughout history. To this day, especially in Outremer, it is used to create support for war in all the eastern countries. That has to change,” the old man explained as his eyes squinted and he sighed.
“Then pray you continue to tell your tale that we may understand what really plays out here,” the Templar said as the old man smiled again and simply nodded he would.
Chapter 21
First Kill
Paul sat in the back of the caravan watching Alisha as she slept with Arri tucked in close beside her on the main bunk. The caravan swayed and rocked gently as it carried on along a wide, and in places partly flagstone covered, track. Alisha was exhausted after a fretful night with Arri. The previous day’s journey had been long and slow as the convoy had taken the more direct cross country route heading for the coastal town of Korykos in Cilician Armenia rather than the longer coastal route around. It was 120 miles from Alanya to Korykos and the small castle of Kizkalesi, where they would rest, but as they had made only eighteen miles the previous day, it was looking increasingly likely the journey would take longer than anticipated. Already the skies had turned dark and lightning could be seen on the horizon ahead of them and to the south. For that, Paul was relieved they had not gone by boat. Sister Lucy and Theodoric had spent the previous day with Princess Stephanie in her caravan catching up on each other’s lives. Tenno and Taqi had sat up front all day. Stopping every hour for ten minutes had unsettled Arri and hence the sleepless night. Paul could not catch up on his sleep as his mind was full of questions.
The noise outside from all the horses changed to a louder pitch as they moved onto a more solid track, part of the old Roman road route. With each knight having at least two horses, a Palfrey to travel upon and their main Charger for battle, the noise was quite loud. Alisha stirred but Arri remained sound asleep. Without oxen pulling several of the carts or other caravans, the mounted forces could have managed at least thirty miles in a day, but with them, they were slowed to just twenty miles maximum. Paul had heard from Theodoric that they would be meeting up with a larger caravan coming from the north that included some of Princess Stephanie’s extended family as well as one Guy de Lusignan, and forming up to travel as one from Tarsus onwards. Safety in numbers Theodoric had explained. As Paul was looking at Alisha he heard Theodoric muttering outside as he tried to step up onto the moving caravan. When Paul leaned over and unhinged the door, he was just in time to see Theodoric slip and land in some wet mud on the side of the track. Paul could not help but laugh at the ungainly sight as he rolled over, but just as quickly, he jumped back up embarrassed and waved at the caravan driver following. His eyes met Paul’s as he rushed up again, this time checking his footing before jumping up. Paul helped him as Alisha opened her eyes, awake.
“Sorry…I have had enough of women’s talk these past hours. Thought I would seek refuge in here,” Theodoric exclaimed as he wiped the dust and mud from his tunic and shuffled along the opposite bench. “Sorry…did not mean to disturb you,” he whispered as Alisha sat up rubbing her eyes.
3 – 25
“’Tis okay. Sleep is rare these days but almost impossible inside a moving caravan,” Paul replied.
“We shall be stopping soon, early so a full camp can be struck. Looks like a bigger storm will hit us soon. Stephanie has said she will send one of her grooming maids over tonight to clean out this caravan for you,” Theodoric explained as Alisha looked puzzled.
“Why?” she asked as she swung her legs around to move down from the main bunk and adjusted her dress. “Does she think our caravan filthy?”
“No,” Theodoric laughed. “She knows you tire and offers her larger caravan for the night to rest properly. She will sleep here. Besides, with all the muck being kicked up, bugs too, it makes sense to always clean out everything on these trips. We do not want little Arri there catching anything nasty now do we?”
“I do not wish to use her caravan,” Alisha replied as she moved to sit next to Paul.
“Alisha…she is a kind woman. You need the rest,” Theodoric explained and smiled at her.
“Do I look that dreadful?”
“Of course not, Ali,” Paul stated and held her hand.
“Look,” Theodoric said as he pulled out a small child’s cloth toy from inside his tunic and handed it to Alisha across the table.
“What is it?” she asked as she looked over the little toy.
“Well, it was supposed to be a cuddly comfort toy for Arri…a horse!” Theodoric explained and pulled a mocking grimace as Alisha looked over the toy.
“I can see it has four legs…a tail and I am guessing this end is obviously its head?” Alisha laughed.
Paul took it from her and studied it. It was stitched together and made from fine brushed linen and silk. It was stuffed compactly with sheep’s wool with its nose and eyes made from stitched on black fabric.
“It was a joint effort. My stitching I am afraid at least made for much merriment for Stephanie and Lucy,” Theodoric explained.
“It is lovely. A wonderful gesture. Thank you. Arri will love it,” Alisha commented as she took the little horse from Paul, looked at it again then gently placed it next to Arri. As she tucked it closer, Arri stirred momentarily, outstretched his right hand from inside the swaddling, his little fingers touching the horse. His hand then wrapped around the back leg of the horse and he squeezed it tight and immediately settled again. “It gets his approval,” Alisha smiled and looked at Theodoric, who was staring at Arri.
Paul smiled as Theodoric just sat staring at Arri for several moments before he became aware he was being watched.
“Lucy always made them for children. She challenged me to see if I could remember how they were made…and that I am afraid is the result,” Theodoric explained.
“We are grateful. Please tell us how it is you know Princess Stephanie so well,” Paul asked.
Theodoric paused for a few moments as he looked at Alisha and Paul.
“’Tis truly a long and boring story. So can I just say for now, I was once in the service of her first husband, Humphrey the Third of Toron. ’Tis how I first met Lucy…and her husband,” Theodoric detailed before trailing off and looking at Arri.
“His name was Paul also…yes?” Paul remarked, drawing Theodoric’s attention back to him.
“Yes. A great man. A better man than I for sure,” Theodoric sighed.
Alisha sensed the tension in Theodoric and sadness in his face and nudged Paul’s leg under the table.
“I do not believe that…for you are a great man yourself,” Paul commented.
Theodoric clasped his hands together and nodded whilst looking down. Eventually he looked up at Paul direct.
“Paul, you do not fully know me. If you did, perhaps your opinion of me would be different.”
“Hey…I go by what I see and what I sense…and to me, you are a great man…whatever your past deeds,” Paul replied.
“If you can make a toy for a child, you are a good man in my eyes,” Alisha said softly just as a loud clap of thunder sounded out.
“He does not agree with you,” Theodoric joked pointing upwards.
“Perhaps you will tell us more about yourself…but we do not sit here in judgement of you,” Paul said as Alisha looked at Arri checking he was not woken by the thunder clap.
“Paul, Alisha…I have done many things I am not proud of. In time, I shall explain all to you. But I can tell you t
his…I swear this day, I shall do everything that is in my power to protect you both. That is the least I can do,” Theodoric explained in all seriousness.
“Theo…you do not need to swear such to us. We are neither royalty nor family. You owe us nothing,” Alisha said gently and sighed as she looked at him. She could sense the hurt and anguish he was clearly feeling.
“My dear child…you truly have no idea of what I speak, so know this, you are family to me. I have been blessed with being united with Lucy…a wondrous miracle I thought would never happen again in this life. And I have a purpose again.”
“A purpose. What purpose?” Paul asked puzzled as the Templar, Brother Matthew outside, started to shout orders to halt and make camp. The caravan slowly pulled up and stopped.
“To watch over you three. To protect you and educate you…if you are in agreement of course?” Theodoric replied.
Alisha looked at Paul quizzically, bemused as Arri started to move.
“We would love to learn from you. But you do not need to watch over us and protect us,” Paul stated as Alisha leaned over and gently picked up Arri.
“Sorry. I speak out of turn. But please humour an old man like me. Just know that I would consider it a great honour to assist you both in any way I am able to. Always…do you understand that?” Theodoric said again in all seriousness. “But never let Arri call me grandfather,” he then joked trying to lighten the tone of the conversation.
All turned quickly to look at the small door as it swung open and Tenno leaned in.
“We make camp now. After…you challenged me to archery competition… you now have chance,” Tenno said looking stern and fierce at Theodoric then closed the door before he could respond.
“He challenged me. Said I boast but never prove things. Bit of an odd fellow really,” Theodoric explained and shrugged with a smile.
High mountain pass near Gumuskavak, Cilician Armenia (Turkey), 1179
With the sky rapidly darkening from the black gathering clouds, the knights of both Orders, the Hospitallers and Templars, set up their respective camps at either end of the convoy and posted sentries. Brother Matthew had recommended they not pitch their full tents as the wind was gaining in strength as the storm approached. The horses and caravans were all moved into positions just inside a thin tree line that ran alongside the main track just short of the steep rocky edge on the north side the stretched up and away several hundred feet at least. The mountain track was winding with very steep sides to the southern edge. Anyone falling over the southern side would undoubtedly be killed as the drop fell many hundreds of feet in some sections. Having been inside the caravan most of the day, Paul had been oblivious to the dangers of the route. He looked at the stunning scenery that revealed many more hill tops beneath them. Dark rolling clouds folded in upon themselves as they loomed ever nearer appearing to engulf the other mountain tops as they covered them. It reminded him of the recurring dream he often had of the rolling waves of destruction. Paul felt weary from several sleepless nights and the prospect of yet another was not welcome. Sister Lucy came running towards him holding her head scarf as the wind blew. An ox growled loudly as it was manoeuvred backwards into a makeshift corral.
“Paul…Paul,” she shouted as she approached. “Paul. Princess Stephanie wishes you and Alisha with Arri to stay in her caravan this night. You will rest so much better for it,” she explained, her voice raised above the wind that was rapidly increasing.
“’Tis kind of her but we are fine where we are,” Paul replied.
“Okay but you go and tell her that yourself,” Sister Lucy shouted and rushed away.
Quickly Paul made his way towards Princess Stephanie’s caravan. He knocked on the side door just as Brother Matthew approached him. Paul glanced over at him.
“He is fine,” Stephanie said loudly from inside.
Paul frowned at Brother Matthew as Princess Stephanie opened the door and quickly beckoned he enter. Brother Matthew shook his head disapprovingly and turned away. Paul stepped up and pulled himself inside the caravan. He was immediately struck by how light and spacious it was. He stood still whilst Princess Stephanie pulled some shutters down and locked them in place as the wind picked up force outside. Paul could smell her perfume already as she swung around, pulled her cream coloured tight fitting dress straight and clasped her hands together. She smiled broadly at him and quickly flicked her hair with her finger back under the thin gold head band.
“Should I really be in here alone with you…humm…Your Highness… is it?” Paul asked awkwardly.
“Do not be silly. Please sit. Call me Stephanie when we are alone,” she said as she proffered her hand towards a seat for him to take. Hesitantly Paul sat down. “So tell me, young Paul, will you be staying here tonight?”
“Er…that is why I have come. To thankfully decline your very generous offer. Alisha feels more comfortable with everything to hand. If that is okay with you?”
“Of course it is okay. I cannot force you to stay here. I just thought it would be more comfortable for you all and to rest. I am a mother too so I know the burdens of early motherhood. A place I am in no rush to repeat,” Stephanie explained with a laugh and moved across the caravan. “Though I fear I may be already too late on that point,” she whispered and patted her tummy. She sat down next to Paul and studied his features as he sat feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. He began to blush. “I am so sorry. Forgive me for I embarrass you.”
“I…I am not exactly sure how I am supposed to behave. You are the first princess I have ever met.”
“Do I scare you?”
“No. I just do not wish to offend or act inappropriately.”
“I see no chance of that. Theodoric and Lucy have told me much about you and Alisha already. I hope you do not mind?”
“No. Why should I?”
“Some people are very guarded about their private lives.”
“I, that is we, have nothing to hide and if they say we can trust you, then I for one have no problem in doing so.”
Princess Stephanie looked at Paul in silence for a few moments. The caravan rocked slightly as a gust of wind blew against it. Outside Brother Matthew was shouting orders to be heard above the wind. Paul could see that Princess Stephanie was looking at him intently. She looked radiant and far younger than her years he could not help but notice. She sat straight and dignified, her hands together upon her knees. She bit her bottom lip then smiled at him.
“I envy you and Alisha,” she said softly. Paul looked at her, puzzled, and shook his head. “You married for love and you have a beautiful son made out of that love,” she sighed.
“Erm…huh…yes I believe so,” Paul remarked awkwardly.
“Am I embarrassing you again, Paul?” she asked and tilted her head slightly.
“In truth…partly.”
“Please…do not be so. I have heard nothing but good things about you and Alisha. I could do with couples like you in my homeland,” she said quietly and continued to study Paul. “You are so very much like your father.”
Paul looked at her directly, her eyes not moving from his gaze. There was warmth and a sense of deep affection conveyed in the look she gave him. The longer he looked at her, the less embarrassed he began to feel and she, less like a distant princess of royal lineage. She was just a woman. Her beauty was not lost on him.
“I see you…,” she said very quietly and smiled.
“Do you know my father well…for he never mentioned you?” Paul finally asked, not sure what she meant.
“Oh, yes. Very well,” Stephanie replied and shook her head quickly as if to shake herself inside mentally. She stood up and turned her back to him. Paul could not help but notice her slender figure. He looked down shaking his head for even thinking such a thing. “’Twas your father who once arranged for me to meet another great man…a Muslim man,” she started to explain as another gust of wind made the caravan move.
“Was that Firgany perchance?”
> “No…though I knew him also. Sister Lucy explained what happened. Gerard will have much explaining on that account. Such a sad loss. Very sad. No, your father…Philip…he was able to introduce me to a man who was once very selfish, reckless and even careless, but who changed and became a very wise and noble man. He is a Sunni Muslim from Kurdish origins yet now already holds great power at his fingertips. You would be very wise yourself to learn about him. I knew him as Selahattin Eyyubi, but most people in Europe know him as Saladin! Do you know of this man?” she continued then paused for what seemed like an age. Paul moved to stand up but as he did, she swung around and looked at him. Her eyes were searching his and she looked emotional. Paul went to speak but she raised her finger as if to silence him. “Please, I know we have only just met…and you here in my caravan I know some will pass idle gossip on, but I feel I know you so well already. Forgive me if that sounds too familiar. As for your father…there was once a time when I would have given up a kingdom for him,” she sighed.
“I know of Saladin, but my father never mentioned that he knew him in person…and pardon, what did you say about a kingdom?” Paul responded, not sure if he had heard her properly.
“Paul,” Stephanie said softly and stepped closer to him. “You say your father never mentioned me. That does not surprise me…for I once hurt him deeply. But,” she paused and grabbed Paul’s right hand with both of hers. “But I never intended nor wished to! If we are granted the opportunity to spend some time together, I will happily explain.”