“Come in, Fritz,” said George. “Have you heard from the president? When will it start?”
“Nothing yet. I think they need to plan things a bit more. He only left a few hours ago.”
“How are your classes?”
“Frankly, if one day is a foreshadowing, it's going to be a busy, challenging year. The kids in all my classes are ready to go. There's a different attitude about the work. They're just, well, different. I love it.”
Bouncing on his toes, George said, “That seems to be going on everywhere. Mr. Larsen was just telling me how quiet his classes had been. Imagine.”
“George, the teachers are all going to have to be ready for this, I think. Which leads me to what I want to discuss with you. I want to explore the portal.” When he heard that, George sat down. Looking at the principal's head above the stacks of files, Fritz tried to determine his reaction. “Since I know how to get in, I can check it out ahead of time. If I can find places to go without putting the kids at risk, I want to try.”
“Lois and I discussed this throughout the summer, Fritz. As you know, I'm reluctant to have a repeat of last year. Lois said you would want to use it. But I'm not sure. So much could go wrong.”
“George, if I were reckless, and I'm not, I would agree. I'll check out the spots before I take a class in. In fact, if you want to come with me, you can see for yourself. We need to fine tune how the portal works. I think we can count on the president wanting use it a lot.”
As he rounded the corner returning to his classroom, Sandy Horton almost collided with him.
“Sorry Fritz. I wasn't paying attention.”
“Hi, Sandy. No damage done.”
“I still want to talk to you about Shakespeare. Are you staying for a few minutes after school?”
“Stop by. I expect I'll be around.”
“Okay. See you later.” As she walked away, Tom Jaffrey stopped him.
“Hi, Tom.”
“Fritz, Sandy mentioned yesterday that she wanted to see Shakespeare. Would you put me on the list too? I'd like to do something with Albert Einstein.”
“Tom, I don't control this. George doesn't want to do it. And I don't know if my friend can put special requests on his schedule. But if I can do something, I'll let you know.”
“Thanks. That gives me something to hope for. See you later.”
Fritz waved and headed to his room. He shook his head and chuckled. Tom's as bad as George. As the bell rang ending homeroom, Fritz reminded himself to take attendance. He had a few more faces to learn.
“Okay.” They were ready. “I have to say, you're all remarkably quiet. Anything I should know about?” No hands. “Then let's get started. Did you all do the reading? Raise your hands.” All of them. “Good. On the board is today's outline and homework. Copy it down. And pass the lists I asked you to make to the front.” Papers rattled as they went forward.
Fritz began to talk. “The Middle Ages began in the fifth century as the Roman Empire was dismantled, with three relatively defined periods.” Outside, the wind had changed, throwing rain at the windows. “Barbarian invasions characterized the early period. The mid, also called high, is what we recognize as the era of social and political structure know as feudalism. King, nobles with manors, the peasants living in villages and paying rent to the nobles.
“During the High Middle Ages, English began to evolve, cobbled together from Anglo-Saxon, Latin, and German.” He stopped. “When you think that English is the world's most widely spoken language, it's hard to believe it's only been around for a thousand years or so. The later part of the Middle Ages was the time of the Black Plague, which killed roughly a third of the entire European population. It was also the time of the explorers.
“I want you to pay close attention to what I'm about to say, and take notes on the handouts. Don't be surprised if it's on a test. It will give you perspective on some of what's going on around us today.” Pens and pencils were in an upright position. “During the early Middle Ages, a countering force to European developments was the founding and establishment of Islam. The prophet Mohammed's teachings spread through today's Middle East, and North Africa, and into Eastern Europe. From Africa, it traveled across the Mediterranean to Spain. Knights went off on the first Crusades.
“The expansion of cultures involved an expansion of trade. During the Middle Ages, trade routes stretched from Europe to China and other parts of the world, like Persia and India. Can anyone name a product that trade brought to Europe?”
“Spaghetti.”
“Don't make me hungry yet.” He grinned at them. “Anyone else?”
“Silk.”
“Right. I watched a YouTube video about making silk last night. It's pretty cool.”
“Mr. R, we had silkworms in third grade. We planned to make a scarf, but the worms all died.”
“Thanks for that, Joan. Anyway, when people began to settle, they formed nation-states. The Middle Ages were a time of constant war, often between relatives, you know, like Thanksgiving.” With no laughter in response, he resumed pacing in the front of the room. “Intermarriage between royal families from different countries was common. It actually continued into the twentieth century. One of the most famous wars was the Hundred Years' War between the kings of France and England.”
“Mr. R,” interrupted Dennis Rogers.
“Yes, Dennis,” said Fritz, standing still.
“I read all this stuff last night. I even looked up some of it on the internet. Why do we have to learn this?”
“Dennis, everyone, it's not random that there are thousands of books about this period. One reason is that important threads run from the Middle Ages to today. Follow those threads, and you learn a lot about how our society developed. For example, one we can all relate to, European countries fighting with one another, didn't happen just once. What's another war that comes to mind?”
“Yes. Albert, right?
“Right, Mr. Russell, but everyone calls me AJ.”
“OK. AJ, tell us.”
“World War II.”
“Good. Any others?”
“World War I.”
“Spot on. That's just one of the strands that runs through to the present. We're not going to spend a long time on the Middle Ages, but you can't understand what comes next without it. War, countries, architecture, religion, trade, education, laws, technology.”
Joan Dark asked, “Mr. R, does technology back then have anything to do with computers today?”
“Joan, no one would make a direct link, but would we have computers if we never had a printing press? Guys, I've jumped all around today. Remember that these changes took place over hundreds of years and at different rates in different places. We don't have time to cover anything in depth. So let's consider one thing as an example before class ends. Architecture. During the Middle Ages, what kind of housing did most people live in?”
“Wooden huts?”
“So where did big churches and castles come from?”
“Learning how to build stuff,” Roger Carpenter answered.
“Good. Keep going, Roger.”
“Building materials.”
“How did they get those materials to the building sites?” asked Fritz.
“Roads.”
“And?”
“They needed wagons and horses?”
“What else. Give me one more thing.”
“Builders?”
“Labor. Good.” The bell rang. “We'll cover more tomorrow. Think about how to build a cathedral.” Fritz recognized he needed his own serious review of the Middle Ages. He hoped the next class would be easier.
“Good morning, everyone. Did you all do the homework? Hands.” Everyone.
“Mr. R,” said Eric Silver, “I know you said we can't take any trips, but maybe we could try to create scenes like last year ourselves? You know, like everyone takes a subject and creates parts for everyone else? I think it would be interesting.”
Bob Bee said, �
��That would be tons more work, Eric.”
“It would, Bob,” Cheryl See said, “but maybe we could do it in teams, Mr. R?”
“You have me flabbergasted,” Fritz said, putting both hands on his heart. “Are you asking me if you can do extra work?”
Eric said, “Well, you could give us extra credit.” The class agreed.
“How many of you would like to try to do something like that?” All hands went up, some more slowly than others. Everyone? Something's happened. “I've been surprised by classes before, but you guys are really amazing. Okay, here's what we'll do. By next Friday, I want a plan outline. That gives you a week. If we're going to do this, everyone in the class needs to be included and involved.” Eric was taking notes. After class, Fritz stopped him on his way out.
“Where did that come from?”
“Well, Mr. R, I've been thinking all summer how to create that projection system, and even if I can't duplicate it, I think we can make a presentation that's just as interesting.”
“It's a great idea. Can't wait to see what you come up with.”
“Thanks, Mr. R. See you later.”
The next two classes sped by. In his third period class, Steven Chew asked, “Mr. R, are we going to meet Robert E. Lee this year?”
“I hope not, Steven. He's been dead since 1870.” The class appreciated his sense of humor, but Steven had more to say.
“You know what I mean, Mr. R. When we get to the Civil War, will we have a show like last year's class? I read two books about Lee during the summer. I think it would be awesome to speak to him.”
“Steven, I don't think Mr. McAllister will want me to do it again, so probably not. I'm glad you read about General Lee though. He was a fascinating man.”
Fritz looked around at this class. Dejected looks all around. They've all been anticipating trips to the past. Maybe I can think of a way to do it. “Don't be grumpy. This is the most important year of high school. College apps are just a year away.”
In his next class after lunch, a new student spoke up.
“Mr. Russell?”
“Yes, uh…?”
“It's Ben, Mr. Russell. Ben Levine.”
“Sorry, Ben, I still have some names to learn.”
“That's OK. My parents took me and my sister to France and Italy over the summer. We visited lots of churches and museums. Could I bring in some of the stuff I brought back? Stuff that fits what we're studying, I mean. I took a bunch of pictures of famous paintings, and I've been photoshopping them.”
Fritz, again surprised, said, “That would be great, Ben. You can tell us about the details of your trip, too. Stop by after class, and we'll discuss it. And thank you.”
When the end of class neared, Fritz said, “Okay guys, you have your homework, and we have a long year coming, so let's get to work.”
Ben stopped at Fritz's desk. “Hi, Ben, my name is Fritz Russell,” he said, extending his hand. “Glad to meet you. Tell me a little about your trip.”
A little surprised, Ben said, “Hi, Mr. Russell. Nice to meet you too. You had my twin sister last year.”
“Brandy? I have her again this year.”
“Uh-huh. Anyway, my parents said it would be good for us to get what my mom called 'a little culture'. We went to Paris and Rome, with some side trips for two weeks in July. It was pretty neat.”
“What did you like best?”
“I think Paris. But the weather was better so maybe that made a difference. Rome was really hot. I liked the Louvre a lot. But I really liked St. Peter's and the Vatican, too.”
“You said you took pictures. Why don't you put a presentation together and let me know if you need any equipment.”
“I have everything I need, Mr. Russell. I can use my laptop and my projector. All I need is a wall. Or a screen if you have one.”
“Okay then, Ben, when it's ready, bring it in.”
“Sure, Mr. Russell. I'll get right on it.” As the next class started to enter, Ben said, “See ya,” waved, and walked out.
After his final two classes, Fritz thought about the long weekend of work ahead of him. Not only his notes, but his lectures needed updating. He determined more homework and reading would tell him how hard he could push his kids early in the year so they would be ahead of schedule by Christmas. This is only the second day. We're already ahead of last year. They haven't complained. They've all done homework. They're attentive. I need to be as prepared as they are. When he turned the corner returning from the office, Sandy and Ashley were standing in the hall, waiting for him.
“Come on in,” he said, as he reached the door.
“I can't stay long,” said Sandy. “I still have some cleaning to do before tomorrow.” She glanced at Ashley.
Leaning back on his desk, Fritz said, “I was just talking to George. He still doesn't like the idea of using the portal, but I think Lois is changing his mind.”
“So you're going to use it before the troops come in?” Ashley asked.
“Troops?”
“I'm sorry, Sandy, I can't give you details. The president has a problem. I know how you feel, Ash. But if I go first and check things out, I might find out if there's a problem. I also think it's possible to fine tune where I go. I just have a feeling we're going to need to be accurate.”
“If you go to see Shakespeare, I want to go with you. I already have the book.”
“Sandy, I know. I'll consider it. We know about the key and the books on the desk, but when I visited General Lee, a day had passed for him but it was only five minutes later here. I need to find out how time moves.”
“Man, you're playing a dangerous game,” said Ashley. “Even if you can get out, you don't know what's going on here while you're gone. You found that out too when you went to see Lee. You really need to think about it.”
“You know I will.”
“I've got to go. But, Fritz, I disagree with Ashley. I think you'll be cautious. And it might be a great way to keep the kids paying attention. Bye.”
When the door clicked, Ashley said, “Have you lost your mind? You're gonna have a kid. Linda will be way past upset. You really shouldn't do this.”
“Ash,” said Fritz, his tone like a rock. “I'm not playing. I'm experimenting with history and I won't, repeat won't, do something stupid with this. Right now, I'd like to find out if the portal even works. The weather is right. I'll go back to see Lee at his school. Do you want to meet him?”
Chapter 4
FRITZ PUSHED THE KEY into the desk lock and laid the Lee book on the left side of the desk. With a pencil, he marked the outline of the book on the desktop. “Now I know exactly where the book is when and where we arrive on the other side, so we can track our trips. Let's go.” Back in the hall, the door closed, Fritz grabbed the doorknob.
“The portal is open. I got the shock,” he said. “Are you ready?”
Ashley said, “Lead on Macduff.”
Fritz opened the door, and they both walked through to Robert E. Lee's office. “Mr. Russell, nice to see you again,” said the general, rising and extending his hand.
Fritz said, “Hello, General. Glad to see you well. May I introduce my friend, Ashley Gilbert, who is also a teacher at my school?” Ashley shook Lee's hand and looked at the gentle face of the man he had heard such bad about. Fritz grinned when Ashley glanced at their clasped hands.
Ashley looked around the room, and from his expression Fritz saw that Ashley understood why he was thrilled. Out the window, above their heads, he saw dirt and grass. He looked at Lee, and noted the university had stuck him in a basement. A small table covered with a patterned cloth served as Lee's desk. Behind him stood a credenza with some book shelves. Placed at its side, a cabinet that looked like a small writing desk sat, neatly arranged with quills, an inkwell and a small stack of paper. No wall decorations were hung, no memorabilia were displayed anywhere.
“That's an interesting piece, General,” said Ashley, pointing to the credenza. “Are the legs origin
al?” The claw feet looked like lion's paws but didn't match the credenza's color.
“Why, thank you, Mr. Gilbert. We are making do with what we find these days. Won't you sit down? May I get you a cup of tea?”
“No thank you, General,” said Fritz. “We can't stay long. School has just begun again after our summer vacation, and I wanted to see if the portal still functions.”
“Well, it seems that it does,” said Lee, joy in his voice. “But you say you've been on a summer furlough? For what length of time, may I ask?”
“From the end of June to now, early September, so more than two months.”
“Mr. Russell, that is most interesting. Only two days ago, in my time, we had tea together.”
“Really?” said Fritz. “General, that is very surprising. You remember that a day had passed the last time I visited when it was only five minutes in my time.”
“Of course, I remember.” He unfolded his spectacles. “It was only two days ago. Your portal seems to have a watch of its own, Mr. Russell.”
Fritz thought a moment. “General, I'm still not sure of everything about the portal. Would you be willing to be a guinea pig?”
“A what?”
“Sorry, General. I'm asking if you would experiment with me to determine some of the portal's finer points.”
“Well, I'm glad you're not thinking of turning me into one of those … guinea pigs. What do you have in mind?” Lee twisted the arm of his glasses between his thumb and finger. “Mr. Russell, your smile is saying something. What is it?”
“General, you are twisting your glasses. I read that you did that when you were thinking. It seems the writer was correct. But let me explain what we found. Entry into the portal needs a thunderstorm, the key to my desk in the lock, paperclips on book pages, and the book located on my desk in the proper place.”
Lee interrupted. “You mean that the lightning and your desk key open the portal? That sounds like Dr. Franklin's experiment. But what is a paperclip?”
“It's a wire that's looped to keep pages of paper together. Ash, do you have one?” Ashley checked his pockets, a regular source of junk.
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