The Moon Worshippers

by Aitor Echevarria

  “I don’t know,” replied Angel.

  “See if you can find out more, Angel.”

  “I will do my best.”

  “And now for your mission, Angel. It is the wish of His Holiness that all the Basques are brought the word of God. By this means we will not only save their souls but more importantly curb their warlike tendencies. I will write you a letter and you will go to the court of Inigo Aritza and ask him to help you establish a monastery of Benedictines in Navarra. From there, you are to send missionaries into the rest of the Basque provinces and see to their conversion into the Holy Roman Church.”

  “Much has been done already but I will see to it that all are brought into God’s grace,” Angel said.

  “I know you will, Angel. Now go with God.”

  Angel hesitated, and said: “Before I go, can I ask you one last question, My Lord Alcuin?”

  “What is it, Angel?”

  “Why did Charlemagne send for me personally?”

  “Don’t you know, Angel?”

  “No.”

  “Charlemagne can hardly read and he cannot write. He had to hear it from you, the horse’s mouth so to speak. He trusts very few people.”

  He then added an after thought.

  “Never, never, underestimate him. His memory is outstanding, his intelligence is great and he remembers everything that is said to him. His military mind is the best in the world.”

  Angel nodded and was about to leave when he turned slightly and said over his left shoulder: “By the way Alcuin, was there not a Roman Senator very much like these Basque captains? As I recall the story, he was ploughing his fields when a deputation came to tell him that he had been elected dictator of Rome, so that he could raise and lead a Roman army against a terrible enemy. And did he not defeat that enemy, disband the army and returned to his farm a humble man without title, denouncing and rejecting the title of dictator and thereby the most powerful position in all Rome?”

  “Yes, Angel you are right. The Roman’s name was Cincinnatus, as you well know. Are you suggesting that this makes the Basques less dangerous by making this comparison?”

  “Oh, no! It was just a thought,” he said with a wide and mischievous smile.

  He was about to leave, when Alcuin said, “I have distressing reports that Norsemen are in Britannia burning and destroying churches and monasteries. I fear that unless we have Charlemagne to protect us and spread the faith, we and our Church will perish. Remember that we have many enemies, Angel. Charlemagne is our protector.”

  “I meant no offence, My Lord.”

  “I know, Angel, but we must be careful. We live in uncertain and turbulent times. One other thing, the Pope and many of us, believe that Heaven sent us Charlemagne.”

  “That I do believe, for it was the Basques’ intention to kill Charlemagne and I believe that they would have succeeded if God had not sent down his angels to protect him.”

  With those words echoing in Alcuin’s mind, Angel left. Alcuin sat in thought. He was pleased with himself. He had Angel. Einhard would not have him now. At least for some years he would be employed in work directed by him. Later that day, Charlemagne came to see him, accompanied by his latest concubine. He rose as Charlemagne entered his room. He bowed deeply to the king and waited for the king to tell him why he had come to see him.

  “I have work for that Basque Abbot,” said Charlemagne.

  Alcuin heart sank.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Itxarkundia. The Awakening

  Inaki had been outside his house playing with his new baby son, when the news came that Arostegi, the wounded warrior he had left behind with the Moors, was coming home. There was much excitement as he arrived with a stranger of startling appearance. The news had spread like wildfire and so Inaki was not surprised to be told that Arotegi was entering the village with the stranger at his side. Inaki took his son in his arms and went to meet them. Storm followed a little behind them. He found Arostegi and Isaac, the Jew, sat by the oak tree. A number of people had gathered round them and Arostegi sported a black silk, eye patch over one eye. Next to him was Isaac in a robe of green silk, embroidered with gold thread. Arostegi stood and embraced Inaki.

  “It’s good to see you again,” said Inaki.

  “It’s good to be home!” exclaimed Arostegi.

  “Come,” said Inaki. “You must be hungry after your journey and have much to tell.”

  He led them to his house, with half the village following, and when they had eaten he asked: “How did they treat you in Zaragoza?”

  “Extremely well. You are quite a hero, you know,” replied Arostegi.

  “Oh, why is that?”

  “You saved My Lord’s son,” interjected Isaac, “and I have gifts for you.”

  Isaac reached down and brought up a bundle which he placed on the table. He untied the bundle and exposed three items.

  “This sword of the finest iron is for you.” He handed it to Inaki. Next he gave him a bag of silver and gold coins. Finally, he held up a collar, studded in fabulous jewels.

  “This is for Cerberus,” Isaac said.

  “Who in the name of the Gods is Cerberus?” asked Inaki.

  “Why your dog, of course,” replied Isaac.

  “My dog is called Storm. Why do you call him Cerberus?”

  Isaac chuckled, “Because that is who the Sisters of the Moon thought he was.”

  “Explain!” Inaki demanded, with some irritation.

  “Before Isaac begins. It’s a long story,” Arostegi said. “Have you some wine?”

  “Yes, my friend.” He called his wife Olatz and asked for wine. “Now Isaac, if you will be so kind?”

  Isaac explained how the Moors had captured some of the Sisters of the Moon, after Inaki had returned to the Basque country with his Moorish escort. Under torture they had revealed that in the battle of the caverns they had taken Storm to be Cerberus, an animal of both Greek and Roman mythology in whom they believed.

  “To the Sisters, Cerberus is the guardian of the lower world, and caves and caverns are the entrances to that lower world where the spirits of the dead go. Cerberus is the guardian and watchdog of the entrance for the Gods. You are able to pacify him with honey cakes, but they didn’t have any,” Isaac continued.

  “Much good it would have done them,” Inaki grinned.

  “Faced by a dog that they believed they could not kill, they were thrown into confusion. The confusion was added to, because he seemed to be in two places at the same time. For what Arostegi tells me, he saved your life, Inaki, your men and the boy.”

  “Not for the first time and the reason they thought he was in two places at the same time was because there were two dogs. The other was Roka his son, who looks exactly like his father, Storm,” Inaki replied.

  “That is why, My Lord wishes to honour Storm with this collar of jewels.”

  Inaki was touched, but he knew that Storm would never allow anything around his neck. He could only thank the Jew and hoped that he would never ask to see Storm wear it.

  Over the coming days he and Patxi learnt much from the Jew, and Isaac from them. There was an open and frank exchange of information. They had a common interest in healing and each had this own special knowledge of plants and herbs. As they talked it became clear to all of them that their religious beliefs, although different, had similarities. Inaki found that Isaac had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. The man pounded him with questions, but he found that he learnt as much as he gave and a true friendship had developed between them. The days grew into weeks and Isaac did not seem to be in any hurry to return to Zaragoza.

  One night at supper he made a request.

  “I have noticed that you and Patxi spend a long time in the stone round hut. Do you go there to talk to your spirits and Gods?”

  “Yes,” Inaki replied.

  “I would like to join you,” Isaac said, simply.

  “That’s not pos
sible. We do not wish to offend you, but it would be too dangerous.” The words had left Inaki’s mouth before he could retract them.

  “Ah,” said Isaac, “so it is more than mere talking?”

  Inaki thought quickly. “It is part of our religion. Therefore since you are an unbeliever, I must decline your request. I’m sorry Isaac.”

  Isaac smiled. “Would part of your ceremonies entail the releasing of the spirit from the body?”

  “Yes,” Inaki said with more than just a hint of caution in his voice.

  “I can do that too, Inaki. So you see, it would be bad manners not to let me accompany you.”

  “Isaac, I don’t know if you can. But even if you could it’s the return that is dangerous. For some even impossible. You are too good a friend for me to even risk it with you,” Inaki had a condescending smile on his face.

  “Will you do me the honour of letting me take my own risks, Inaki?” Isaac said.

  Inaki was totally flustered. “Let me think on it.” He hoped that Isaac would forget the whole idea.

  “Of course. Can I ask you, one more thing?” asked Isaac cheerily. “Why are your homes built so far apart? Why do your people have no cities with walls and towers to protect them?” Isaac had expertly changed the subject.

  “That’s two questions,” Inaki said, but he was glad that Isaac had changed the subject and so he answered.

  “We have some cities with walls and towers, but only a few which we inherited from the Romans or the Visigoths. There are good reasons why we do not favour them.”

  “And the reasons are?” prompted Isaac gently.

  “Many and complex. But basically they all stem from our independent spirit and our love of freedom, and the respect we have for individual liberty. We have a favourite saying or motto which is, ‘we will be neither slave nor tyrant.’ So you see if we all lived in cities, someone would want to rule that city.”

  “That has happened in Italy. How are your cities guarded against this happening?” asked Isaac.

  “They have democratically elected assembles, the Iberians call them ‘juntas.’ Great care is taken that they are secured by honest elections and it is the same with our military structure. If we are threatened and have to go to war, captains are elected. Once the war is over, they revert to common men; thereby ensuring that no one has an army with which to subjugate others and thus our freedoms and rights are protected.”

  “Many in the world would find your ideas and way of life dangerous to them, especially the great noble families of Europe.” Isaac reflected. “How did these ideals come about?”

  “Through our family structure,” Inaki replied simply. “You see the law of primogeniture is of great importance to the Basque people and the permanence of the family structure. This brings us nicely back to towns and cities. Freedom and families need space and air in which to flourish. This is reflected in the appearance of our homesteads, which differ markedly from town houses. The typical Basque house is built on a site that includes a vegetable garden, vineyard, pasture and woodland. It has space, an air of dignity and stability. You can’t get that in a city or town.”

  “Fine, but what about defence? You know that we live in a world of constant war and invasion. Your towns, cities and people are few.

  Your homesteads are so spread out that you can be picked off like flies!” Isaac replied, with a wicked grin.

  Inaki smiled. “You would think so, but you are wrong. We have several advantages that our enemies have not. Because we are so spread out, there is no centre to attack. There are few cities you can lay siege to and no large army to engage in battle and defeat. Warnings of incoming peril are longer and then we have our beloved mountains to shelter and protect us.” Inaki stopped and thought for a moment.

  “Have you ever seen a shoal of small fish attacked by a large fish, or partridges attacked by a hawk when they come to a pool of water to drink, Isaac?”

  “Of course I have, but what is the meaning?”

  “Well,” said Inaki thoughtfully, choosing his words carefully, “the meaning is this. We are like the little fish or birds. The hawk thinks he has a large target to hit, but cannot focus on one amongst so many. As they scatter he invariably misses, because he is confused and chases too many at once, instead of focusing on one only. When a stronger force attacks us we scatter into the mountains. The larger invaders are forced to break into smaller armies to follow us. There are places up there where a handful of men can hold off an army. If they follow us, we lead them higher into the mountains, to places were only goats and Basques can go, and then when they are exhausted and lost, we descend upon our enemies and destroy them, like wolves descending on a flock of sheep. In this way we have withstood the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and now Charlemagne.”

  “The way you dealt with Charlemagne was a little different for the rest, was it not Inaki?”

  “The principle was the same. Hold the heights. Hit him hard. And use the element of surprise. Then withdraw quickly.”

  “How did you learn to fight like that?”

  Inaki laughed. “It’s in our blood. From father to son and through games and dancing. In particular, a very strenuous game called Jai Alai. Now tell me Isaac, how is it that a Jew manages to live amongst the Moors with impunity?”

  Now it was Isaac’s turn to laugh.

  “By being useful to them. We lend them money, provide medicine and knowledge. In return we keep our religious beliefs and live under their protection. It’s a form of symbiosis.”

  “What sort of knowledge do you have that is so useful to the Moor, Isaac?” Inaki asked.

  “Well we, the Jews, are a much travelled people and have learnt much from other people. We are great collectors of books. The best way to explain it is if I give you and example.”

  “Go on then,” Inaki said.

  “Take your dog. Did you know that there are people who think that such dogs are sent by Gods to guide the spirits to their resting places?” Isaac asked.

  “No,” Inaki said.

  “Have you heard of the Norsemen?” Isaac asked.

  “Yes, our brothers in Aquitaine, report that they are raiders who attack from the sea. That they are fearsome and come from lands somewhere in the North Sea,” Inaki replied.

  “Well, they believe that black dogs are not only man’s close companions, but also provide a close very specific spiritual guardianship. The Greeks believed that the Goddess Hecate was a black dog, who watched the entrance to Hades, but I digress. The Norsemen have a hunting song that goes:

  Behold, sitting beside Odin

  Black as the night

  Who goes pointing the path?

  And blazing the trail

  Marking the sides of the path

  Straightening planks over swamps

  He slashes a trail upon the slopes

  That this fool may feel the way

  This utter stranger may know!

  That the black dog has led him home.

  “The dog is showing the pathway to the Gods. So, you see Inaki, to some people your dog appears in their religious beliefs and is to be revered,” Isaac said.

  “He’s certainly been revered by some people I know,” Inaki said laughing. “But the only guiding he has done is to show me the way home at night when I have been too drunk to find it myself!”

  “I think you do him an injustice. There is more to your relationship with that dog that you care to speak of, but it is late and I must rest my old bones. One thing more before I retire. The men of Aquitania will call for you. It will be your awakening to some great deed that you must perform and the raising of a Basque nation.”

  Without another word he wished Inaki ‘goodnight’ and retired.

  That night, as he prepared to go to bed, he told Olatz what Isaac had said about Storm. As she placed her clothes on the chest by their bed she listened and then turned.

  “Inaki, why has he stayed with us so long? Do you not fin
d it strange?”

  “No, why do you ask?”

  “I don’t trust him, Inaki. He wants something for us. He has stayed for a purpose.”

  “For what purpose, Olatz. Do you think he is a spy?” Inaki was clearly angry.

  “I don’t know,” she said firmly. “All I know is that there is a reason for him to be here and you had better be careful!”

  Inaki did not utter another word. He never argued with Olatz. She was right too many times. But her words troubled him, as had Isaac’s last words and he didn’t get much sleep that night. Early the next day he went to Patxi.

  “Do you think Isaac is a spy?” he said, as he marched into Patxi’s house.

  “Well good morning to you, my young bear!” said Patxi, a little taken aback by Inaki’s entrance. “Why do you ask?”

  Inaki spent ten minutes explaining the conversation that had taken place the previous day between himself and Isaac and what Olatz had said. Patxi thought for a moment. “A woman’s intuition is not to be ignored, especially not Olatz’s. However, if it’s any consolation, he has told me that he is leaving in a few days.”

  “Then that’s all right,” said a relieved Inaki.

  “No it’s not,” Patxi said firmly. “If he is a spy, we need to find out. You say he asked to join us in the ritual?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we will grant his request.”

  “But that could kill him, Patxi.”

  “If he is a spy, it will, but if not you and I will safely bring him back. Now go and get him. I need to ask some questions of him.”

  Some time later, Inaki returned with Isaac. Patxi very courteously welcomed him into his house. When the formalities were over Patxi began; “I understand that you wish to join us in our rituals?”

  “Yes,” replied Isaac. “You would do me a great honour, which I know I don’t deserve.”

  “What do you know of our rituals and our Gods?”

  “Correct me if I am wrong, but you believe that all things have potency. Your Gods represent those things that have the most powerful potency. Like the Sun, Moon and Earth. I am sorry, but I don’t know all your Gods.”