As my family’s historian, I have come across two of my great, great, great aunts; as well as a great, great, great uncle who all had published works in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Between the three of them, they collectively published over a dozen books. Most of them were in poetry and essays. The two aunts were sisters, and only the younger of the two had any real notoriety, since she worked with the Native Americans as a teacher. However, it was her husband who would be the most recognized of the three – Charles Eastman. He was the first doctor, and more notably, the first Native American doctor to arrive on the scene after the massacre at Wounded Knee. His collections of essays on his childhood before he went to American schools as well as those on the contrast between the two cultures that have proved to be able to stand the test of time.

Over a dozen books in three distinct genres! Even if they are not well known or remembered by many, that is still an impressive thing. I have to admit that it is a bit intimidating for someone who is trying to get his work published. Especially considering the fact that my two aunts had their first collection of poetry published before they were 10 years old.

I can only hope that can produce half as much, or have what I do produce be half as well remembered as what they did.

~Josh

Okay, I know I’ve been away for a bit, so let me jut update you folks on a few things.
1) I completed the novel in a month challenge, only a couple hundred words short of the 25,000 word total.
2) Currently I have broken the 35,000 word barrier and have not done a recent word count since. If it is of any help, I am working on my 76 page of 12 point font, single space.

Other than that, the research continues to make the story more accurate – both historically, and socially. While I suspect that there will be a good deal that will be offensive, especially when it comes to the religious aspects of the story.

Am still plugging away at new scenes and story threads to work in, and will post as soon as I am able.

~josh

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.”

When the world is dark
And night is deep,

Who shall weep?

When the young man dies
And his baby cries

Who won’t sleep?

When the mother tries
And daddy lies

Who’s forced to pay?

When food is sparse
Which is the farce

Who shall weep?

When the world is dark
And the night is deep

When time denies
A baby’s cries

Who will stop the reaper?

When brother says:
“You aren’t my own!”

Who will water down the mud?

When betrayal descends
From a friend

Who will say: “I know you?”

Who can see
What truth may be?

And who shall weep

When the world is dark
And the night is deep?

Okay, I know I must seem like the worst blogger ever.  And I know that I promised some new and extended scenes, especially since I’m in that novella-in-a-month challenge I told you about.  But up here in the suburbs of Maine (yes, you read it right folks.  There are suburbs in Maine.  No you do not need to get your eyes checked.)  it is finals in college crunch time.  Hopefully I will be able to get a couple of scenes posted by the end of the month.

~josh

The other day, I got a review for my story from Fanstory.com, and they apologized for their harsh comments. It seems to me that if you feel strongly about what you have to say, then you should not have to apologize. Besides, whether I am unpublished, and even when I am published, I think that as long as people do it constructively, anyone can comment as harshly as they want.

~Josh

Hi people, just thought I’d let you folks know about the novella-in-a-month challenge I’m going to be participating in during the month of May.  What it is, is those who participate mut write a novella in one month.  Since I just posted the novella I’m going to be using, take a read and tell me what you think.  I will be posting new and extened scenes when I get a chance.  Hope you like.

[i]I wonder what more could go wrong. He thinks, as he strokes his short thick, brown beard.

A rustling comes from one of the many tents behind him, and a younger man emerges.  He is thin, blond with light blue-gray eyes; he too comes to stand next to the first. The first man glances at him, but quickly returns his attention to the fire. 

The new comer takes a long look at the bearded man and says in a fatigued yet strong voice, “You didn’t actually expect me to sleep?”

 “No, I suppose not,” replies the first man, “still, you, of all people, need the rest.”

“True, but he is my brother.  And there may yet be much violence.  He is your pupil.”

“I expect there will be no need for anyone to call me sir, so you might as well get used to calling me by my first name, Sam.”

There is a respectful silence between the two.  Sam looks at the bearded man questioningly.  “You know, I don’t think I know your name.”

“My name is Ahura Mazda.[ii]”

“Ahura Mazda?  That sounds familiar.  Isn’t it a religious term or something?”

“That it most certainly is.  It is from the Zoroastrian religion.[iii]  In fact it is the name of their god.” 

“I thought it sounded familiar,” Sam replies.  A sudden gust of wind blew against their backs.  “The winds are colder then I expected.”

“Aye.”  Ahura replies.

“I suspect that winter will be coming sooner than I expected,” Sam notes, “It seems to be coming earlier and earlier of late.[iv]”

“Aye.”  Ahura says.

There comes a rustling from the tent Sam came from.  A sultry voice calls, “Oh Sam!”  Sam became fidgety.

“Go ahead Sam.  You of all people need something to distract you from all this.  Besides…”

Before Ahura could finish, Sam was gone.  All Ahura could do was smile.  Smile at Sam, at himself, even at the situation.  As Ahura stood there watching the flames, he could remember back to the day when Sam had called him to the manor.[v]

*        *          *

Ahura had been overseeing his plots of land to make sure that the peasants had them ready for planting,[vi] when a messenger had arrived on horseback.  The messenger told Ahura that the lord of the manor wished him to come directly.

Ahura had sent the messenger on his way and went into his small, earthen hut.  He was glad that he had not married, and, at the same time, saddened that no one was there to try and stop him.  Oaths are such annoying things; they bind a person utterly while giving him the illusion of freedom,[vii] Ahura thought as he stood by the fireplace.

He grabbed a couple of blunt training rapiers as well as his own sword.  Ahura hadn’t taken much else because it would only take a day or so to get to the Silvian Manor.  When he arrived, he saw a small band of Magyars.[viii]  Without a moment’s hesitation, he drew his sword and charged through the group, chopping down as many as he could.  During the fighting, a spear impaled his chestnut gelding, and Ahura was thrown to the ground.

Without stopping to figure out what had happened Ahura pulled himself up and continued fighting.  Ahura heard a Magyar battle cry, whirled around and beheaded the attacker.  The headless Magyar fell to the ground.  In his place was the lord of the manor.  There was no time for introductions.  Instead, both men hacked their way through the band.  For hours the fighting continued, until most of the Magyars were dead.  Those who could still flee were nowhere to be found.

Ahura walked over to the lord and dropped to a knee,  “My lord!  I came at your call.”

“And it is well for you to come in such haste,” replied the lord, “but it is time to put formalities aside.  I am not yet lord.”

“So your mother still lives, I had hoped it was so.” [ix]

“Rise my dear friend and teacher, and please call me by my first name”

            “Of course, Master Sam, you have grown into a strong young man since last we met.  Now tell me, why have you sent for me?”

“It is not I who have sent for you, ‘twas my mother – the lady of the manor who did so.”

“Well then, I shall have to go and present myself.  I’ll get my things and be off.”

“No need for that sir, I’ll send for one of the servants to retrieve them,” Sam said.  With that, Sam motioned a servant to retrieve Ahura’s belongings, and the two men went into the manor.

Up winding stairs, through long corridors, then up more stairs, the two men strode on until they reached the family wing.  Sam’s mother was in a large, majestic bed chamber.  Sam knocked and the two entered.  Although bedridden, she had an air of nobility that could equal any queen’s.  Bowing low, Sam gave the initial battle reports and introduced Ahura.  After Sam was dismissed to oversee the removal of the bodies, Sam’s mother addressed Ahura, “Come Master Ahura, sit next to me.  Tell me, how did the battle go?”

“It went well my lady.  Sam told everything truly,” Ahura replied, “that band seemed larger than a regular sortie, though.”

“Those Magyar mongrels are getting bolder every time, but enough of that, violence seems to beastly to me.”

“I suppose.”

 “Do you know why I sent for you?”

“To train your youngest son, I suppose.  He’s of age, or getting close to it, or perhaps there is something else my Lady wishes of me.”

“Yes, Young Paul is now of age, and I am dying, Ahura.”

“So the Lemon balm[x] isn’t working anymore?”

“It is, but I have to take it in such large amounts now that it is almost not worth doing.  Things have been going steadily downhill ever since I lost the use of my legs.”

“Indeed.  If I may be so bold, may I inquire as to who will oversee matters if you should die?”

“We are old friends, Ahura.  I would have you run things in my place.  Nevertheless, Sam will be taking my place after I am gone.  Still, I would want you here anyway.  I am getting tired, Ahura, please leave me.”

“My lady,” Ahura said, and he rose to leave the room.

“Oh, Ahura, my name is Sarah.”

“My Lady.”

Ahura left the family wing and went to the training house, near the stables.  He found Sam in the middle of a lesson.  After watching the trainer and pupils for a while, Ahura decided to take a stroll around the manor.  He stopped by the gardens where the herb master was picking some wormwood[xi]and marjoram.[xii] He wandered to the smokehouse where the cook was complaining about the lack of wild boar.  After Ahura assured the cook that he would talk to Sam about going on a hunt, he then decided to talk to the priest.  Ahura found him in the chapel going over the tithe projections.[xiii]  When they had chatted for a while, Ahura went back over to the training house and found that Sam was concluding the lesson.

After Sam had finished, he noticed Ahura standing in the doorway.  Sam introduced the students to their new master and gave a synopsis of where they were in their training.  When the pupils returned from a short break, Ahura started them on their new training regimen.  As the days passed into weeks, and the weeks into months, Ahura’s students slowly began to improve.

Each day the students rose an hour before dawn and had a sparse breakfast, after which Ahura had them help with the morning chores and activities.  When those were finished, the youths worked for an hour in one of the peasant’s fields.  Then Ahura allowed them to pick up any sort of training weapon.  Then he would not let them put it down until mid-afternoon.

Sam requested both official and unofficial reports every week.  And each week Ahura said the same thing – Paul was improving, but not as fast as his brother had or as Sam was, himself might expect or like.  “You’re losing your edge, my friend,” commented Sam one day.

“There is that chance, Sam,” Ahura had replied, “but Paul is unwilling to learn.  He knows of no reason to learn such skills, as I have to teach.  Besides, if you don’t mind me saying so, he has become what your father feared – a brat.”

“We are old friends master; you know well that you can tell me anything.”

“It is well, then, because something may have to be done if he is to learn what he needs to.”

“You fear something.  What is it?”

“I do not know for certain, I have been hearing rumors coming from Constantinople.”[xiv]

“War?”

“Shh.  Not so loud.”

“War.  With whom?”

“The Mohammedans.  The Roman Catholic Church fears they will colonize all of Europe.”[xv]

After that, there was little talk of war with the Mohammedans.  As the months passed, the rumors that had agitated Ahura stopped.  Ahura seemed to relax a little because war seemed to have been averted.

“There is always a calm before the storm.  It is no different with war.  And I doubt that it shall ever change.  I just wish I had seen it coming,” Ahura thought as he watched the flames flickering.

So the months passed, summer came and went, and harvest time came upon the manor.  Ahura had his students help harvest the crops.  Paul and the other students did not mind because it meant a break from their increasingly taxing training regimen.  They still had to rise before dawn, but now each was responsible for an entire field.  Sam did not like it, but when Ahura pointed out that Sam had been responsible for two fields, he fell silent.  By the end of the harvest, each student had gathered more than half a ton of grain.

Once the grain was harvested, Ahura had his students helped separate out the tithe and put it in the tithe barn.[xvi]  By early November, everything was stored for winter.  It was at this time that Sarah declared a day of feasting.  Ahura said that he had not been to a feast in a long time and would feel out of place, but Sam reassured him that all would be fine.  Sam was obviously anxious.  When Ahura inquired as to the cause, Sam explained that this would be one of the few times that his mother would be seen in public.  Ahura smiled, and said that she was strong yet and could handle such an event.  Nevertheless, he added that if anything should happen, he would be more than willing to help.

As the day of the feast approached, Ahura found he was focusing more on the preparations than on training.  He found himself standing at his window watching the sun set into the blue waters of the ocean.  “Peaceful times call for such things I suppose.  All a warrior like me can do is wait and hope for something to do.  Pity there are no battles to fight, or uprisings to put down.  So the tides of war ebb.  And I must ebb with them,” Ahura thought.

On the day of the feast, Ahura, Sam, and Sam’s sister, Elizabeth, escorted Sarah into the dining hall.  She was dressed in her finest silk, and her golden hair flowed over her shoulders.  Sam and Ahura were in their full dress uniforms, while Elizabeth was in a pearl-white gown, her golden hair touched with hints of red and amber in the candle light.

All of the Silvian court had turned out.  The dining hall was adorned with fine wall hangings and bathed in the warm light of hundreds of candles.  Ahura noted the different groups of people standing together in various parts of the room.  There were the priests and bishops off in one of the corners, the herb master and nurses standing by the fire, and near the main stairs the young ladies of the manor were being courted by the young men – three of whom were Sam’s younger brothers.  As usual, Sarah lit up the room as she entered.  The entire company fell silent and watched as she was carried down the stairs.  She was seated at the center of the large table, flanked by her children.  Ahura took his place in a small alcove.

The servants placed the upper crust of the bread loaves in front of Sarah and the other nobles.[xvii] After that, Sam stood and made a toast to the good harvest and to the return of their master of arms.  Sam also announced that Elizabeth was now of age and would be allowed to accept suitors.  At this everyone cheered.  Ahura lifted his glass with mock approval and drank.

As the feast progressed, one of the house guards appeared at the top of the arching staircase.  Ahura was the first to notice him, and excused himself.  Ahura soon returned and whispered something to Sam and Sarah.  Sam rose and announced that there would be an unexpected guest, and he introduced Bernard Colannas.[xviii] Bernard said that he had come for two reasons, the first of which was to court the lady Elizabeth.

Ahura pulled Sam aside, “I understand that Elizabeth is now of age, and two years older than the marrying age[xix]…Still I do not like this one.  Remember not all suitors are as fair as they seem.”

“I understand that,” Sam had replied, “but he is a Colannas, and the only heir designate.  At least let us hear him out.”

“I never said we shouldn’t, I merely suggest that we should not go with the first one.”

Sam turned to Bernard, “We know of one of your errands, pray, tell us the other.”

“I am to deliver a message to the lady of the house,” Bernard replied.

“Can it wait until after the feast?” inquired Sarah.

 “As you wish my lady.”

“After the feast then, in my quarters,” Sarah replied, “now then, you say you wish my daughter’s hand in marriage.  I say that you are bold in this – perhaps too bold.  I propose a test.  If you pass, then you may court my daughter if you wish, if you don’t, then you may not.”

“As you wish my lady,” Bernard responded, “what is the test?”

“A duel.  Face my master in arms in a friendly contest,” Sarah replied.

“I accept.”

“As do I,” Ahura responded.

Ahura then moved to stand opposite Bernard.  The two men began to circle each other with their swords drawn.  Ahura watched each movement his opponent made, He is at a disadvantage here.  He is fighting on an unknown surface.  I wonder if he has heard of my prowess. I do not doubt it. Ahura thought and allowed himself the smallest of smiles.

“You smile, sirrah,” Bernard sneered, “you think your reputation will scare me?  I tell you it won’t.  You are old, you’ve lived your glory days.  Now you will be discarded like the useless thing you are.”

They continued to circle each other.  Bernard began to shift his sword from hand to hand.  “Your Yataghan[xx] seems itchy.  Where did you get it?” Ahura asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, Master Azzolino,”[xxi] Bernard Said.

Instead of responding, Ahura continued to circle in silence.  Bernard continued to taunt Ahura to no effect.  All the while Ahura circled and observed, “He’s a talker that one.  He cannot stand silence.  There is no way he could stand against the School of the Stoics[xxii].” Ahura thought.

Then in the middle of a sideways step, Bernard leapt at Ahura.  Ahura acted stunned, but at the last moment dodged the blow and helped Bernard to the floor with his pummel.

“How dare you strike me?” exclaimed Bernard.

“Consider it an augury,”[xxiii] Ahura had replied.

Bernard lifted himself up and continued to circle.  “Perhaps he is not as incapable as I thought.  Still that was a lucky shot,” Bernard thought.

“Mother, you know Master is toying with the poor boy, right?” whispered Sam.

“There is no doubt of it.  Why do you think I wanted this to be a friendly bout?” Sarah replied, “it’s the only way Bernard won’t be killed.”

“Still, Master won’t go so easy on him.”

“I’d expect nothing less of him,” Sarah said.  After about fifteen minutes had passed and Bernard had been sent to the floor a few more times, she called, “That’s enough master.  You’ve sent our guest to meet the floor enough.  Besides, neither of you has eaten.”

Ahura stopped circling and sheathed his sword, and Bernard followed suit.  They both took their seats and ate their meals.  The main course was a wild boar that had been killed a few days earlier.  While everyone was eating, some minstrels played while their bears danced.[xxiv] Then the minstrels preformed a narrated version of the Dance of Death.[xxv] This was followed by a performance by the Green Men.[xxvi] The feast progressed uneventfully for the rest of the evening.  Minstrels played, troubadours sang, and conversations took place.  Some talked of the harvest, others of family matters, while still others talked about local issues.

As the festivities drew to an end, Sarah asked for a closing song and prayer.  A bishop led the group in singing one of King David’s psalms[xxvii], and a minstrel sang of the now deceased lord of the manor.  When the minstrel was finished, Sarah asked Ahura to say something, Ahura rose and bid the minstrel to take up a chord, and he recited a few verses from Yasna,[xxviii] “ We worship the Spirit Divine, all wisdom and goodness possessing, surrounded by Holy Immortals, the givers of bounty and blessing, we joy in the works of his hands his truth and his power confessing.  We praise all the things that are pure, for these are His only Creation, the thoughts that are true, and the words and deeds that have won approbation; these are supported by him and for these we make adoration.”[xxix]  When Ahura’s voice died out, the guests trickled out, each of them paying their respects to Sam and Sarah as they left.

Sam, Elizabeth, and Ahura helped Sarah to her room, Bernard followed a few minutes later.  When Bernard entered the bed chamber, Sam and Elizabeth were sitting on either side of their mother, while Ahura was standing in a corner, looking out a window towards the sea.

“Now tell us your message, good sir,” Sarah requested.

“I have been sent by Pope Innocent III[xxx] with a bull,[xxxi]” replied Bernard. 

Everyone waited silently for the information.  Ahura cast a quick glance towards Bernard, but soon was looking out at the sea again.

“Well, let us have it,” Sarah said.  Bernard handed her the document.  Sam and Elizabeth read over it with their mother. “Well, it seems his holiness wishes us to come to Mounte Casino to attend an assize.[xxxii]”

“I’ve been told that Caesar Fredrick II[xxxiii] and Emperor Alexius II[xxxiv] are both going to be there.  Along with the five Patriarchies,[xxxv]”noted Bernard.

“Do you know why they called this counsel,” Sam inquired.

“I am not one to make guesses to the reason,” replied Bernard.

“            Perhaps I can guess,” Ahura said, while looking out the window. “I’d wager that a large group of Mohammedans has been moving closer to one of the major cities out there.  You were asked to act as an emissary; however, you met with more resistance than expected, and were forced to return home.”

“And how, pray tell, did you deduce that?” Bernard inquired.

“How else would you have acquired that Yataghan of yours?” Ahura replied as he watched a flight of a bird.  Bernard made no reply to Ahura’s comment.

After a few moments, “A decision is of the utmost importance,” Bernard said.

“I must talk this over with my personal counsel.  We will have an answer for you in the morning,” Sarah replied.  Perceiving that he was dismissed, Bernard bowed and exited.  When she was sure that Bernard was out of earshot, Sarah said, “I do not like this.  I am a baroness[xxxvi] and my health is failing.”

“This isn’t some idle whim of Fredrick’s mother’s, sister’s aunt’s, second cousin twice removed.  This is a call from the papa[xxxvii] himself.  To refuse him is to refuse the Holy See,”[xxxviii] Sam said.

“Oh, Sam.  I know that we must go, but who would watch the manor?” Sarah asked.

“Master, of course.”

“He must go with us! You know he’s the only one here who has been beyond the manor.  As lord of this manor, you must go.  And since I am being called directly, Elizabeth must also go.”

“Then it is a simple matter.  You could just appoint one of the priests to watch over the manor.  Other barons have done it.  Besides, you do not have to go all the way.”

“Both very good suggestions.  But what of Paul and your other brothers?”

“He must continue his training, I will be responsible for him.  Besides, it is high time he took a pilgrimage anyway,” Ahura said.

“Then it is settled.  I’ll start making the arrangements tomorrow,” Sarah said.  “We leave in two days’ time.”

The next two days flew by at a dizzying pace.  Ahura continued his training, he shifted the focus to wilderness survival.  Sam and Elizabeth took charge of organizing Sarah’s mode of travel, while Sarah herself interviewed candidates for the stewardship.  On the eve of their departure, Sarah called together her personal counsel to talk about their route.  It was suggested that Sarah wouldn’t have to go all the way.  Therefore, they decided to make a stop at one of the monasteries enroute to the assize.  The monastery of Citeaux [xxxix] would be perfect.  From there they would be able to easily get to Mounte Casino.[xl]

That night, they sent out a postilion[xli] ahead to the Citeaux monastery and another to Mounte Casino.  Since they were to be traveling fairly slowly, they allowed for several days’ leeway.  So it was settled, they would leave at sunup and be at Citeaux in a fortnight.  They would stay a day or two at Citeaux, and then be on their way to Mounte Casino.  Each day Ahura continued with Paul’s training regimen.  They focused on wilderness survival while camping and did their regular training when they stayed at an inn.

“Why do you look east, Master?” Sam inquired one evening.

“I fear a crusade[xlii], Sam,” Ahura replied.

“But we have already won the crusade.  I’m not saying I wouldn’t mind another, though.”[xliii]

“I’m not complaining either, Sam, but I wish we were doing it for some other reason.  Your father felt the same way.”

“You knew my father?”

“Aye.  We fought together in the first Crusade.  He was there when King Baldwin[xliv] and Roger[xlv] took Antioch[xlvi].”

“What was he like?”

“He was an honorable man and a good swordsman.  He would have been very proud of you.  It is a pity you never knew him.”

“So I’ve been told.”

The days went by without event.  Paul grew more proficient with the sword as each day passed.  However, as he grew better, his mother’s health declined.  Ahura and Elizabeth exhausted their medical knowledge to help her.  Despite everything, the Feverfew[xlvii] and lungwort[xlviii] were beginning to lose their effectiveness, and the lemonbalm dosages became continually larger.

On the third day, they crossed the Garome River.[xlix] They then turned southward toward Barcelona.[l] While traveling mostly through thick forests, they passed through a few small towns.  On the eve of the twelfth day, they reached Barcelona.  When they were settled at a local inn, Ahura went in search of the local doctor, who came at once to their room, but said he could do little if anything.  “If the lemonbalm is barely working, then she is far beyond my abilities.  I’ve seen some horrific cases recently, but this is by far the worst.  I recommend that you get yourselves to the Citeaux Monastery as soon as possible.” After Ahura explained their situation, the doctor commented that there were many similar cases of illness from that region.  He also noted that there were many from Normandy and Bordeaux.[li]

Ahura and the others stayed in the city for about three days.  While there, they attended worship services and ate at several of the taverns.  On the fourth day, they boarded a ship bound for Corsica.[lii] It was night when they landed on Corsica, but the group made straight for the monastery with the supplies they had brought.  Despite the full moon illuminating their way, Paul clung to Ahura’s arm.  It took them a good hour and a half of trekking through boggy uphill forests before they arrived at the monastery.

As the sun crested over the tree, the group beheld a large, Fortification above which an imposing church rose out of the darkness.  Most had never seen such opulence in an ecclesiastical building, and they beheld it with a confusion of bewilderment.[liii]

“My God, that thing is no monastery, it’s a castle,” Sam exclaimed.

“No, my boy, it is very much a monastery.  It was built around the same time as the Mount St.-Michel monastery.  During the hundred year’s war, abbots wanted monastic life to go on undisturbed.[liv]”  Ahura explained, “It is a perfect example of a self contained monastery.”

Ahura sounded the outer bell, and they were soon led to their rooms.  The group walked by the guest kitchens and hostels.  When they were abreast of the guest houses, Ahura was led to the guest master’s quarters.  Paul saw that the horses were stabled, while Sam and Elizabeth accompanied their mother to the novitiate.[lv] Ahura then brought Paul to the scriptorium literary so that he could study philosophy.  After Paul was settled, Ahura headed to the novitiate to check on Sarah.  When he got there, he was directed to the leaching room,[lvi] and found Sarah with several leaches on her legs.

A nurse came over to him and said, “Ah, so you must be the weapons master, Master Sam was talking about.  I had hoped I’d get a chance to talk to you.”

“Oh really, madam, what about?”  Ahura inquired.

“I am wondering if you know any more about the lady’s disease than Master Sam or Lady Elizabeth does.”

“If you want to know if it is elf-shot,[lvii] then I can assure you that it is not.”

“I never said it was.  I’ve just never seen anything like it.”

“Apparently no one has.  How is she?”

“As I’m sure you are aware, she can’t move her legs and can barely move her arms.”

“Ah, she hasn’t been able to move her legs for quite some time now.  And now the disease seems to be moving up her body.”

“It is worse than I thought.  If it progresses up her body any more, it will take her lungs.”  The nurse replied.  Just as she finished, Sarah began to cough violently.  The nurse and Ahura rushed over to her side.  After an hour or so, she stopped and fell to sleep.

“Damn, that was the longest spell yet,” Ahura said.

“You mean this isn’t the first time?” inquired the nurse.

“No.  At first lungwort seemed to help, even stop it, but now it’s ineffective.”

“Indeed, I’ll have to talk to the herb master about this.”

“Please, I think I’ll sit with her a while.”

The nurse left without saying a word.  After an hour, one of Sam’s younger brothers came in.  Ahura told him what had happened, and excused himself.  Ahura went to the large chapel where he found Sam kneeling before the altar, crying.  For a long while Ahura watched Sam in silence.  Suddenly, Sam turned his head and said, “I’ve been praying, master.  I get no answer.  Why doesn’t he answer me?”

“Let your mind settle – only then shall you see your path.”[lviii] Ahura said.

“How can I possibly let my mind settle?  My mother is dying, and there is nothing I can do.”

“It is true that your mother is dying, but she lives every act fully.  Just as if it were her last.”[lix]

“I know that, but it is just so hard to lose the only parent you’ve ever known.”

“I can’t tell you everything is going to be all right, but I can give you some advice.”

“What advice can you possibly give me?” Sam snapped.

“Everything that has a beginning has an ending.  Make peace with that and all will be well,”[lx] Ahura said, and he turned to go.

“Master,” Sam said, “Thank you.”

Ahura closed the door behind him.  As Ahura was leaving the sanctuary, he ran into the abbot who invited him to take a walk in the cloisters.[lxi]  As they walked, they talked about various things – about Sarah, the assize, at Mounte Casino, and more.

“They’ve asked me to go,” the abbot commented.

“Really, did they give a reason?” Ahura inquired.

“No.  If you don’t mind, Master Ahura, I’d like to ask you something very personal.”

“You know you can ask me anything, Father.”

“You see, there’s been something that has been bothering me ever since you left us…”

“Continue, please.”

“It’s just that ever since that episode, you’ve changed so.  I hope that doesn’t mean that you’ve lost your faith.”

“Don’t worry, my dear abbot, I’d never turn my back completely on those who raised me.  You know that.”

“I know.  But some of the other monks believe otherwise.”

The two strolled out of the cloisters and past the latrina,[lxii] past the shops, and the threshing barn.  Eventually, they reached the Orchard Cemetery.  The two entered and walked among the headstones.

“The apples appear to be near ripe,” Ahura noted.

“Aye.  It’ll be harvest time soon,” replied the abbot, “So, you going to the papal assize, right?”

“As I said, I have no choice.  Sam was summoned, and I have to escort him at least that far.  Whether or not I will actually attend, I have not decided.”

“You should.  You’d add some sense.  Whatever the topic, I’m sure you can provide a level head and objective point of view.  Sure, there is the Knights’ Templar[lxiii] to consider, but they only take orders from the Pope.”

“I thank you for your confidence, Father.  But I really doubt I should be of any use to them.  As for the Knights’ Templar, they’re useful, but only to a point.  Frankly, they’ve become more concerned about wealth and power than the protection of pilgrims.  Poor warrior monks indeed![lxiv]  You, however, have been summoned.  You should go; you can travel with us.  I’m sure young Paul would be grateful if someone was able to give him something other than swordsmanship training.”

“Perhaps, Perhaps.  I shall consider your offer.  There is something I think you should see first.”

The abbot led Ahura over to the far right hand corner of the cemetery.  There was a large apple tree with an oblong stone at its base.  Engraved upon the stone were two crosses.  “This is where your parents are buried.”  The abbot said.

“I thought you said that you never knew my parents,” replied Ahura.

“I didn’t really know them very well.  All I know is that your mother came to us in labor, and shortly after you were born, she died.  Your father killed himself after he named you.  Before he died, he asked two things of me.  The first was that you be raised here.”

“Why did you take me in?”

“Because he insisted you get the education you were entitled to.”[lxv]

The group stayed at the Citeaux monastery three days.  While there, Sarah seemed to improve slightly, despite the fact that her coughing became worse.  Paul’s formal education became the sole concern of the abbot.  The days passed quickly in an uneventful, dreamlike state.  On the third day, Sam and Ahura gathered all who would be going together.  Sam agreed to allow Paul to continue on, only if one of the monks was willing to accompany them and continue Paul’s schooling.  Knowing that he could not refuse a papal summons, the Abbot agreed to be the one to accompany the party.  They caught a boat from Corsica and sailed two days to Lombardy.[lxvi] They landed at a port city just north of Rome.

From there they headed south to Rome.  Because of the mountains, they were forced to travel mostly by foot, but once in the outskirts of Rome, they welcomed the chance to ride.  Once in Rome, Sam made a stop at a bank to withdraw some money from the family account.[lxvii] Then the four started the trek south to Mounte Casino.  All the while, Ahura and the abbot continued Paul’s training and education.  They would alternate days to give him a break.  Paul not only improved a great deal in sword handling, but by the time they reached Mounte Casino, he had vastly improved his Latin.

They reached the monastery in six days.  For the latter part of their journey, they were traveling with the Colannas Family.  When the travelers arrived, they were shown to their rooms.  The abbot was shown the Scriptorium Library where Paul could continue with his studies, after their rooms were all in order.  Sam and Ahura went for a stroll around the abbey grounds before the court sessions got under way.  They passed the brew house, and the mill, and other buildings until they came to the beehives.[lxviii] Once there, they turned and meandered past the gardens and the infirmary.  The day wore on, and Ahura attended the last two prayers of the day with Sam and the others.[lxix]

The next day Pope Innocent III arrived with the five patriarchs.  Caesar Fredrick II and Emperor Alexius II followed soon after.  Once the rooms were in order, the Pope called for the assize to begin.  “It is good that all you have come.  It gladdens me to see so many familiar faces.  As I am sure you all have guessed, I have called you together to discuss the increasing Mohammedan problems.  Before we begin, I’d like Master Ahura to recount the taking of Antioch during the first crusade,” the Pope requested.

Ahura rose, “Thank you Papa.  As many of you know, the Frankish King Baldwin was the first to lead attacks against the Mohammedans.  Baldwin’s kinsman, Roger, said that the best plan was to take Jerusalem.  So we moved to Syria from Constantinople.  From there Baldwin went on to attack Antioch.  However, Yaghi Sivan[lxx] would not yield the city. Instead he made a deal with the Christian invaders.  He retained rule over the city, but he would protect the Christians and allow them to stay.”

Ahura gave a detailed description of the fall of Syria and the taking of Jerusalem.  After he was finished, the Pope rose and said, “We thank you, sir.  You are a noble man and have indeed brought honor not only to yourself, but to the lord you serve.[lxxi] Now, despite the heroic endeavors of master Ahura and others, the Mohammedans are once again posing a problem.  The question is, what do we do?”

A man rose and presented himself, “My name is Pier della Vigne.[lxxii] I am a minister to Caesar Fredrick II.  It seems to me that now that the work of claiming Jerusalem is finished, it is only a matter of dealing with the people who are causing the problem.  May I suggest that we send a small force to Jerusalem and remove the Mohammedans?”

“This council hears you, Master della Vigne, and your suggestion shall be taken under advisement,” Pope Innocent III said.  A bell sounded outside, “It is time for the afternoon meal.  Let us adjourn for now, and take this question up after we have eaten.”

The people present remained seated until the Pope exited.  Then they all followed according to their station.  Once outside, Ahura and Sam walked side by side to the rectory.[lxxiii]  After the meal, the assize reconvened.  The discussion on what to do continued through the night and into the morning.  As the day progressed, the discussion turned into a debate, and by midday neither side was able to agree on a single point.

Finally, Ahura rose, “My friends, it is obvious that we must do something.  I say while the Mohammedans are a problem, we cannot just go there and kill every single one of them.  As one of the veterans who fought against them before, and survived, I say that we send a small party to act as ambassadors.  And if that does not work, we can just do what we did before.  We were able to drive them before us once, we can probably do it again.”

“But Master, how many times have you said that violence should be the last resort?” Sam inquired.

“Master Samuel, while it is entirely true that violence should be the last resort, what are we to do?” returned Ahura, “If we do not do something now, when shall we do it?”[lxxiv]

“They have not openly done any act of violence to any Christian yet.  I am sure there is another way.”

“No one is more sure of that than I, Master Samuel!  But you yourself said that you craved the honor that being a crusader will bring.  And as a vassal of yours, [lxxv] I am merely trying to give you that opportunity.”

“Then as my vassal, I say desist in these attempts, and try to find another way.”

“And as your teacher and weapons master, I say that to find another way, I go to Jerusalem.”

“Then it is settled,” announced the Pope, “Master Ahura is going to Jerusalem.  And he will not be going alone…” everyone looked directly at the Pope in shocked silence, “I, Pope Innocent III, say that the result of this assize at Mounte Casino is hereby ended.  The result being that a group shall be sent to Jerusalem to deal with the Mohammedans.”

“And who orders it thus?” demanded Emperor Alexius II.

“The Holy Pope of Rome orders it,” challenged Caesar Frederick II.

“We of the Byzantine Empire[lxxvi] do not listen to any Pope in Rome,” retorted Emperor Alexius, “I agree that the Mohammedans are a problem.  But I shall only give aide if the Patriarchs of Constantinople, Antioch, and Jerusalem request it.”

“I, the Patriach of Jerusalem request your aide,” said the Patriach of Jerusalem.

“And I, the Patriach of Antioch request it,” said the Patriach of Antioch.

“As do I,” the Patriach of Constantinople said.

“Then I shall give my aid to this endeavor.  But I do not like it,” replied the Emperor Alexius II said.

The assize was then disbanded on its fourth day.  The Pope had formal documents made up so that the lords could take them as they returned to their lands.  On the fifth day, the Pope told Sam and Ahura to start off for Constantinople, where they would meet wit the others.  On the sixth day, Ahura and Sam began to make ready to begin their journey.  Because of his oath, Ahura brought Paul and the abbot of the Citeaux monastery along.  On the seventh day, they traveled up the Lombardy coast to Venice.[lxxvii]

From Venice, they hired a boat to cross the little of the Adriatic Sea[lxxviii]  that was left, after which they began to traverse the Julian Alps.[lxxix]  After a six day hike, they found themselves on the other side of the mountains and in the town of Zagreb.[lxxx] It was there that they rested for four days. 

On the fifth day, they traveled northeast to the town of Buda.[lxxxi] From Buda, they would hire a barge to take them downriver to Volkovo.[lxxxii]  From there they intended to board another boat that would take them to Constantinople. 

The group reached Buda at the end of the fourth day. The next day they hired a boat to take them to Volkovo.  The Abbot and Ahura continued to train Paul.  Both knew that his sword might be needed before the end, so they wanted to make sure that he knew how to use it, as well as having the knowledge of how to use to responsibly.  For the first few days, their ride was smooth.  However, they soon reached a set of rapids, so they were forced to travel slower.  By night, the sky opened to them.

“Master, what are those lights up in the sky?”[lxxxiii] Paul asked one night.

“Those are Mithra, Sraosha, and Rashnu.[lxxxiv]  They are sending us a sign,” replied Ahura as he gazed up at the sky, “They can be either good or bad.”

“Which is it, sir?”

“I do not know.  Let us pray that they are good.”

            The barge traveled both day and night when able.  At noon on the fifth day they reached Volkovo.  At dawn the next day, the barge left the port and made their way down to Constantinople.  At noon, they arrived in at the city.  Moments after Sam disembarked, a messenger came up and gave him a message.  Sam read it and called Ahura over when he was finished.

“She was a brave woman,” Ahura said, “truly noble to the last.”

“Thank you, sir.  But why her?  Why now?”

“You knew she would die eventually.  I’m sure she went with all the dignity and nobility that a member of her family is entitled to.”

Turning to the messenger, Sam said, “Tell my sister that I give her complete rule over the manor until I return.”

The messenger bowed and left.  Ahura took Paul and the abbot to help him find a room.  About half an hour later, Ahura returned to find Sam sitting on the ground surrounded by their equipment.  The days passed by in a blur for the four while they stayed in Constantinople; Sam spent most of his time in the church, while Paul and the abbot studied different texts in the libraries.[lxxxv] This left Ahura to tend to making arrangements and attending councils.

When the ninth day came, other groups began to arrive in Constantinople from various regions.  Bernard led the company sent by Caesar Fredrick II, while another lord led the group from the Byzantine Empire.  After four days of rest, all the crusaders boarded ships and crossed the Sea of Marmara.[lxxxvi] They then sailed out into the Aegean, and began to round Anatolia.[lxxxvii]

“Master, I’ve been thinking,” Sam began one day, “where do you think my mother is?”

“What would you have me say,” Ahura asked, “I’m sure she is in heaven, or has been reincarnated as a Brahman.”[lxxxviii]

“I thank you sir.  But I’m not as reassured as you may have hoped.”

From their boat, they could see the Tarsus Mountains[lxxxix] as they rounded the horn of Anatolia.  A warm desert breeze brought dust and an odd smell from the land. 

“Master, what is that smell?” Paul asked.

“That would be a smoking weed[xc], Paul,” replied Ahura, “It’s supposed to be exquisite.”

It took them close to a month to round Anatolia.  The group then sailed to the island of Cyprus.[xci] When they arrived, they spent two days gathering. Bernard sent word to the Pope, that they were preparing to set out for Jerusalem.  After having done so, the leaders of the various groups met, and agreed to split into two groups.  One would sail south, and approached Jerusalem head on, while the other would sail for Beirut[xcii], and march down.

Sam and Ahura were two members of the group that traveled to Beirut, then to Jerusalem on foot.  As one of the highest ranking nobles, Sam was an acting leader, but Bernard often contested him.  On night, Sam called Bernard into his tent.

When Bernard entered, he found Ahura in one of the corners, not really paying much attention to anything, “Why have you called me, sir?” Bernard inquired.

“I am curious as to why you have had people sacking Jewish settlements?”[xciii] Sam replied.

“We’ve needed food, and we did ask politely, you know that.”

“I also know that once one settlement is attacked, word travels, and others will turn the aggressor away.  Besides, we have enough food if we ration it.”

“You actually expect me to live on rations.  I am nobility.  Just as you are.”

“You must be willing to set an example for the lower classes if you want them to do anything.”

“I cannot believe that you are willing to lower yourself like that.  It just goes to show that your family isn’t from a noble line.”

Without a warning, Ahura drew his sword and had its blade edge resting against Bernard’s neck.  “My friend here may not be so forgiving this time.” Sam laughed.

“What do you mean?” Bernard asked, while eying the sword.

“My mother was willing to spare your life, but after such an insult, I may not be willing to do the same.  However, if you leave now, I am willing to let you go,” replied Sam.

“Tell your man to withdraw,” Bernard responded.

“All is foreseen, but free will is given,”[xciv] Ahura said as he sheathed his sword.

“Explain yourself.”      

“Simple.  You will die.  Everyone does.  But I made the decision not to be the instrument of your death.”

“It is obvious that neither of you are of patrician[xcv] lineage.  However, I am willing to overlook that for now.  I bid you both good night.”

It took them six days to get to Jerusalem.  Traveling through deserts in sweltering heat by day and trying to sleep through frigid nights.  When they arrived, they found that the group that had traveled by sea had arrived three days earlier.  Paul told them all about what he had seen and learned about Vedas[xcvi] and Dharma.[xcvii] After everyone finished recounting their journeys, they got to the matter at hand.  Sam, Ahura, and Bernard went to confront the Mohammedan leaders.

At first, everyone was willing to talk reasonably.  But it soon turned into an outright argument.  “This is the Christian Holy City,”[xcviii] Bernard exclaimed, “none of you have any justifiable reason to claim it.”

“How dare you claim it as solely yours,” the Mohammedan leader replied, “the prophet Muhammad is sleeping within these walls.”[xcix]

“So your little pagan prophet is buried here.  That is a mute point!  Your rural religion[c] is heathenistic at best.”

“Don’t speak so quickly, friend.  Allah[ci] sent the Angel Gabriel[cii] to speak to Muhammad.  Even your so-called Messiah’s[ciii] mother spoke to Gabriel!”

            The argument moved from topic to topic, insult to insult, and hour to hour, until both sides stormed off in a huff.  It was obvious that a fight was now inevitable. 

“Trouble is, the Mohammedans didn’t even start this one,” Sam commented.

“The trouble is, Bernard thinks he still has time,”[civ] Ahura replied, “I wager Bernard hasn’t even been in a real fight.”

“I am inclined to agree with you master.  Still, I feel we should try to do something.”

“All we can do now is avoid Bernard’s company whenever possible.  And if you cannot, we should keep our own council.”[cv]

“Very true.  That still won’t stop what is going to happen.”

The fight did come.  It took place on Jehpsaphat.[cvi] For three days and nights it continued.  By the end, more than a hundred people were dead, and several more where injured, including Sam and Ahura.  Ahura helped set up tents for the injured and those who were helping clean up.  After he was treated for his injuries, Ahura helped pick up the bodies.  One of the first he found was that of Bernard.  His Yataghan stuck through him

“Killed by his own sword.  His problem was that he never learned to respond.  He only knew how to react.[cvii]” Ahura thought.

As the days wore on, Sam and Ahura became worried that they were unable to find Paul.  Each Morning, Sam would look through the piles of bodies that the undertakers had made during the night.  Ahura kept an eye out for Paul while he helped bring in the dead and injured.

*        *          *

As Ahura was gazing at the fire, he heard a sound.  Ahura turns and watches an undertaker pulling his cart up alongside the fire.  “Mind if I share this fire, sir,” the undertaker asks.

“Not at all,” replies Ahura, “tell me, are there any living on that cart of yours?”

“None that I know of, sir.  Its pretty dark out, so there is a chance of it.”

“Thanks.”

“What’s the trouble?  If you don’t mind me askin’.”

“I have a pupil out there.”

“Oh.  I didn’t know the Pope had sent priests out there to fight.  Guess he ain’t so innocent anymore.”

“I am not a priest.  I’m just a hired sword.”

“Not yours to finish the task, nor are you free to desist from it,”[cviii] mumbles the undertaker.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that.  What did you say?.”

“Sorry sir, I was just sayin’ that it isn’t up to you to finish the task, but you aren’t free to desist from it either.”

“I suppose so.  But in times such as these, if I’m not for myself, then who will be?”[cix]

“I’m not one to be answering such questions.  However, it seems to me that if you are only for yourself, then what are you?[cx]  If you really want to talk to someone on such matters, you should go talk to that Master Ahura Mazda.  Not only do I hear he is really wise on subjects like this, but I also hear that he is here in the city as well.”

“Damn, my reputation really does precede me, even all the way out here.  I really have got to go into retirement or something, maybe a quiet hermitage or something,”  Ahura thinks.  “Perhaps I’ll do that.  But I wouldn’t be so fast to call yourself an idiot, if I were you.”

“I’m only a simple undertaker.  I have no right to even be talking to a learned noble like yourself, and thank you for allowing me to warm up a bit, the nights are bitter cold here in these parts,” replies the undertaker, as he moves off.

Ahura turned back to the fire.  He heard some rustling from the tent behind him.  Ahura smiles to himself, he knew that it has only been a few minutes since Sam heard, and listened to the voice from his tent.  Sam emerges.  Ahura pays no attention to the prideful way Sam hikes up his pants.  “Any word?” Sam asks.

“No,” replies Ahura, “Paul is a bright boy.  He’ll put what the abbot and I taught him to good use.”

The two men stand quietly together for a long while looking out over the valley, “What do you think will happen, sir – ah, Ahura?”

“I do not know, Sam, but whatever happens, we can be sure on one thing…”

“What is that?”

“If we win, people will hate the Catholics.  If we lose, there will be untold suffering.  And I doubt anyone here is wise enough to strive for neither victory nor defeat,”[cxi] Ahura says as he let his hand rest on the pommel of his sword.

Epilogue

Somewhere out in the valley, a hand pushes up from under a pile of bodies.  Paul drags himself.  He rolls onto his back, and gasps for breath.  He looks up to the sky to see the last of the stars fade from sight.  Paul watches as the sun crests over the hill of the valley. 

*        *          *

Ahura and Sam watch the sunrise.  After the sun is full up, Ahura says; “Shine on our gardens and fields, shine on our working and weaving, shine on the whole race of man, believing and unbelieving, shine on us now through the night, shine on us now in thy might, the flame of our holy love and the song of our worship receiving.”[cxii]

End

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