One day, as the group was floating down the river, they came to a port town. Since they needed supplies, they tied up to the dock, and disembarked. It was late in the day, so the group rented some rooms at the local inn. That night it rained.
The following day, Ahura, and the others returned to the vessel, and found that others had made port to get out of the rain. As they approached, they found that a lone man stood on the docks.
“Hail,” Ahura called out, “are you friend or foe?”
“Hail good sir,” the man called back, “I am not but a pilgrim headed for the holy city of Jerusalem.”
“Ah, a fellow pilgrim. I should have guessed when I saw that look in your eye.”
The two shuck hands.
“And you are one as well I see,” the man said, “and what of them?” He indicated Sam, the abbot, and the others with his chin. Ahura looked back at the ragged bunch.
“They are my companions on my road. We too are headed to Jerusalem, by way of Constantinople, then by ship to the coast, and then inland. By what road do you go?”
“The same.”
“Tell me, is this your first time to the city?”
“It is. But from what I have heard tell, there is trouble on my heals. I have heard that the crusaders are on the move again. And the Templar Knights are swelling their ranks. I hear even Ahura is on the move again.”
“Indeed. I have heard of the Templars. But to hear tell of Ahura. That is an omen indeed.”
“Indeed.”
“Since this is your first time, and my second, I offer to act as guide to you, and all in your company. As a fellow pilgrim, there is no charge, or course.”
“Before I answer, what kind of pilgrim are you – one who seeks to aid such troubles, or one who would avert them?”
“I am a pilgrim of peace. As I have always been. And always will be.”
“ In that case, I am alone, and help would be much appreciated. Which vessel is yours?”
Ahura indicated the one they were using, and asked Paul to help the fellow transfer his belongings.
“Master,” Sam said approaching the two the other man moved off, “Is it wise to take on another?”
“Do not worry, Master Sam. We are simple pilgrims to this fellow. As long as we keep your brothers quiet to the truth, we will be nothing more.”
That night, when the seven had been underway for several hours, Ahura stood outside watching the night sky. For the past few nights, he had watched multicolored lights dance across the darkness. Sometimes even covering the stars.
“What is it like?” a voice asked from behind Ahura.
Ahura turned, “What is what like?”
“Jerusalem,” their new companion said.
“It is all that they say it is. Perhaps more. It will be a shame to see trouble come to it again.”
“And if it does?”
“I at least will answer the call, if it is offered me.”
“I thought you were a pilgrim of peace.”
“I am. But even those who seek peace may need to take up the sword every now and again. It seems to be the way of things these days.”
“And if you should die?”
“Then I will see that eternal sunrise, upon the bow of that great ship. The waves are like nothing you have ever heard. It is enough to cleanse the soul.”
“That magnificent?”
“That transcendent. So it is said.”
