The Lion's Heart: Part 7

[ravenya03]

Allan, Luke and Carter continue towards Jerusalem whilst Will and Djaq try to contact Prince Malik...


Back to Part 6

Scene: Desert

Allan, Luke and Carter are guiding their horses through the desert. All are looking rather red in the face, and have adopted makeshift turbans to protect their heads. Beneath his sunburn Carter looks very grey, and Luke is watching him in concern. He pulls his horse back so that it walks alongside Allan’s.

Luke: He doesn’t look good. I think we should stop for a while.

Allan: ‘E’s a trained soldier. ‘E knows what ‘e can endure.

Luke: How do you know?

Allan: That’s what Djaq told me. People in the army, they’re trained to shut down their minds and bodies so’s they can carry on no matter ‘ow tired or ‘ungry they get.

Allan suddenly frowns.

Allan: Unless she was ‘aving me on. I can never tell with her…

Now looking doubtful himself, Allan nudges his horse forward and reaches out to touch Carter’s shoulder.

Allan: ‘Ere mate, are you alright? Yer lookin’ a bit peaky.

Carter: I am well, brother. We’re almost there.

Allan blinks a little, unsure about the “brother.”

Allan: Almost at Jerusalem?

Carter: No…the pool.

He points with one finger that trembles slightly. Ahead of them is a break in the expanse of endless desert. Luke stands up in his saddle to see it better. The three riders have come to an oasis in the midst of the desert, though it is a man-made one. The ground is paved with stones and a flight of steps leads down under a low archway to where they can hear the sound of running water. The entire edifice appears to have been constructed out of the side of a large hill.

Luke: What is it?

Carter: The Pool of Siloam.

The three of them approach, their horses’ hooves making clip-clop noises on the stones in marked contrast to the silence of the sand. Luke and Allan dismount, and then hurry to help Carter.

Carter: Down the stairs. We’ll find water there.

With Carter between them, Allan and Luke shuffle toward the steps and begin their descent. Below them the stone walls rise up around a large lake of water that flows from a tunnel carved into the rock of the hill. Luke extends one arm in wonder.

Luke: It’s so cool down here.

Allan wipes his brow, and helps Carter to sit down by the water’s edge. Carter immediately bends over and plunges his head into the water. He comes up gasping, and the three of them use their cupped hands to drink their full. Allan fetches the horses down to drink, and passes out rations from the saddlebags. Luke still looks awestruck.

Luke: What is this place?

Carter: This is the Pool of Siloam. It’s fed by the spring of Gihon, which lies on the far side of this hill.

Luke: Yes, but what’s all this?

He gestures to the aqueduct around them, and Carter smiles.

Carter: This is the great aqueduct of King Hezekiah. Hundreds of years before Our Lord Saviour was born, King Hezekiah ruled over the City of David that was once situated on the top of this hill. When Assyrians came to lay siege to the city, King Hezekiah realized that his people’s only source of water - the Spring of Gihon - lay outside the city walls. So he sent two teams of men to dig a tunnel; one starting at the spring, and the other here, on the opposite side of the hill. They both dug through solid rock and met in the middle, creating an underground aqueduct through which the water could flow. After the spring was covered from sight, the water ran here undetected. Those in the city were sustained by it, and the approaching army was forced to give up the siege.

Allan: Is that true?

Carter: Very true. It’s mentioned in the Bible. This is the very place that Christ healed the blind man.

Luke perks up.

Luke: Healed him?

Carter nods.

Luke: So these waters are healing waters? Could they heal anything?

Carter: What do you mean?

Luke: Can they wash away sin?

Carter: I...I’m not sure.

Luke looks despondent and Carter gives him a little nudge.

Carter: Let me give you some advice. If you’ve done something wrong in your past, do something right in your present. That’s what I’m doing.

Luke: It’s not anything I’ve done. Not exactly.

Carter looks confused, and Luke hangs his head, this body language signalling that he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. Allan gives the boy a speculative glance, but decides to change the subject.

Allan: Where’s this great city now?

Carter: Not a trace of it remains. Jerusalem was built on a larger hill away to the north. It is not far now.

Allan: Well that’s summing at least.

Carter: This is the hottest part of the day. We should stay here until it gets cooler.

Allan nods his consent and the three of them settle back: Carter exhausted, Luke frowning, and Allan restless.

Scene: A shadowy corner of Bassam’s house

Will and Djaq are in quiet consultation, though Will is looking hesitant.

Will: Do you think we should take him with us?

Djaq rubs her forehead.

Djaq: No…maybe…he is right when he said I do not know the way to the Temple Mount. I have only been there once in my life, and that was as a child.

Will: But…

Djaq: I do not know how dangerous this will be. Bassam would not send me if he knew the contact wasn’t trustworthy, but I do not want Salak to take any unnecessary risks. He is all my uncle has left.

Will: Well then, we just won’t take him with us.

Djaq: What if he follows us?

Will: We’ll sneak away.

Djaq: You do not know Salak. When I left this house after my brother’s death I had to give Salak a sleeping draught just to ensure I would get away safely. When he has his mind set on something…

She gives a sad, rueful little smile, and Will straightens up a little, looking perturbed.

Will: Perhaps we can take him halfway. Let him lead us to the location and then return home.

He looks at her closely.

Will: Do you trust him?

Djaq: (slowly) Yes. But there is something different about him…or maybe it is just me.

Suddenly she looks very strained and tired.

Djaq: I am sorry. It is very confusing to be back here.

Will hesitates a little, then reaches out and gathers Djaq up into his arms. She seems a little stiff at first, and then relaxes into him with her eyes closed. They stay like that, close together, not wanting to disturb the quiet.

Scene: Bassam’s House Exterior

The front door opens and three cloaked and hooded figures emerge into the evening light. Djaq pulls back her hood slightly to look at her cousin.

Djaq: Are you sure you know the way?

Salak: Of course I do. I go to the Temple Mount every week!

Djaq: Very well. You take us there, and then you come home again. Understand?

Salak: (sullenly) I understand.

Djaq and Will exchange uneasy glances before falling behind Salak.

What follows is a montage of the three winding their way through the night streets of Jerusalem; keeping to the shadows. One by one they cross a street in the fading light, waiting for soldiers to pass before moving on, and finally arriving in the paved area that surrounds the Dome of the Rock. Djaq presses her hand to Salak’s chest, urging him back as she and Will enter the area.

A high wall surrounds the Temple; outside are all sorts of penitents and pilgrims, most of which are dispersing for the night. But against the wall, crouched over a tiny brazier, is a beggar man swathed in bandages. Djaq approaches him hesitantly, recognising the signs of leprosy. Behind her, Will grabs her cloak, feeling the terror of lepers more acutely than she does. Gently she disengages her hand.

Djaq: If I am quick, I will be safe.

Despite his fear, Will follows close behind, keeping one hand on his sword and his eyes roaming the area for any interested looks directed at them. Taking a deep breath, Djaq crouches before the beggar and pulls a small bag of charcoal from her cloak.

Djaq: Sa’alam aleikem. Please accept this gift.

One bandaged hand reaches out to grasp the small bag, and Djaq gasps as it brushes against her own. There is just a little tremble in her voice as she speaks again.

Djaq: It comes with this message from my uncle. That the pigeon flies at the break of day, straight into the hands of the sun.

The man raises his head, and lifts the bandage from his eye to reveal two perfectly functioning eyes.

Beggar: It would seem that neither of us are what we seem, my lady.

Djaq looks a bit startled, but composes herself.

Beggar: If you would seek an audience with the Prince, all you must do is follow the way.

He points to an alley that winds down into darkness between the temple wall and the houses that border it. Djaq steps back and looks at Will.

Djaq: He says we should go down there.

Will: Are you sure about this?

Djaq: No. But do we have another choice?

The two of them slip into the alley and draw their swords, eyes raking the shadows carefully.

Scene: The Pool of Siloam

With their horses watered and themselves fed and rested, Allan, Carter and Luke carefully make their way up out of the aqueduct and into the small oasis that surrounds the underground pool. Making their way toward them is a young Arabic woman with her face veiled and a large water urn balanced on her shoulder. She takes one look at them and flees in terror.

Luke: What was wrong with her?

Carter: We just startled her, that’s all.

Allan: Or maybe she caught a glimpse of this.

He pushes aside Carter’s cloak to reveal the bright red cross on his tunic. Self-consciously, Carter covers himself up again.

Allan: Our guide ‘as a big red cross on ‘is chest. That ain’t conspicuous at all.

Luke: What do we do?

Carter: Try and keep our heads down. Pilgrims are coming and going from Jerusalem all the time, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re infidels in a foreign land. We’ll head for the Zion Gate.

They have been walking as they talk, moving away from the oasis through a sandy gully. Allan is looking agitated, but Luke raises a hand in wonder. In the distance, the walls of Jerusalem rise before them, beyond which is a massive dome. Carter catches Luke’s gaze and the three of them drink in the view.

Carter: (nodding at the dome) That’s the mosque known as the Dome of the Rock. Inside is the place where Mohammed ascended to Heaven.

Allan: Who?

Carter: The prophet of the Saracens.

Looking more and more overwhelmed, Allan places a steady hand on his sword and gestures that Luke stay close to him as they near the city. As the evening falls, the three of them move around the walls of the city to the Gate of Zion, where a group of surly-looking Arab men eye them suspiciously as they pass. Carter walks confidently through the massive gates, flanked by the more nervous-looking Allan and Luke.

Scene: Alleyway

Standing back to back, Will and Djaq carefully stalk down the alley, their swords at the ready, making slow but steady progress.

Will: Anything in particular we’re meant to be looking for?

Djaq shrugs, a little helplessly.

Will: Djaq, I think this is -

He never finishes his sentence, for at that moment a group of dark figures leap out of the shadows and surround the duo. Will and Djaq burst into action, slicing and parrying with their swords, though they are severely outnumbered. They put up a good fight but are soon disarmed. Their hands up in surrender, Will and Djaq look around at their attackers, waiting for the killing blow. Instead, one steps forward and lowers his hood. Djaq stares in disbelief.

Djaq: Harold?

Harold still has that steely look in his eyes, but he seems calm enough, and well-dressed (no army pants!) in Saracen garb. His apparel includes spiked helmet and a scimitar, and he also sports a neatly-trimmed beard. He gives Djaq a little bow, and the men at his command withdraw their weapons.

Harold: (in fluent Arabic) No longer Harold, my lady. They call me Ismail now.

Will has turned and also looks astounded at Harold’s reappearance. Harold/Ismail bows to him and the soldiers surrounding them step back a little, giving them some room.

Djaq: Ismail…what are you…can you take us to Prince Malik?

Ismail smiles at her.

Ismail: That is why I have come. Your uncle sent a messenger pigeon to the prince this morning.

Djaq gives a rueful smile, but at that moment they are interrupted by the arrival of another black-clad soldier, holding a knife to Salak’s throat.

Soldier: We found this one following them.

Djaq: Please, let him go! He is my cousin.

She looks pleadingly at Ismail, who nods at his soldier. Salak is released, and rather sullenly joins Will and Djaq, rubbing his neck.

Djaq: I thought I instructed you to return home.

Salak: I thought you might need my help.

He tries to smile, but it ends up looking more like a grimace. Ismail steps forward and peers at all three of them, as if taking their measure. Will and Djaq straighten, dignified despite their defeat.

Ismail: Come. We will take you to the prince…

Scene: Jerusalem Backstreets

The black-clad soldiers silently guide Will, Djaq and Salak through the streets of Jerusalem. It is night time now and all is quiet, with only a few noises emerging from behind shuttered windows and from the cats that prowl the streets. (Are there cats in Palestine? I honestly don’t know). Ismail is leading the way with Djaq at his side. Will and Salak are a few steps behind, giving each other rather dark looks.

Djaq: So you remained with the Prince these past two years.

Ismail: I did. I owe him everything. My life, my sanity…

Djaq: You no longer have…any trouble?

Ismail frowns a bit, staring into the darkness.

Ismail: Now and then I have flashes. Of those who did this to me.

He pushes his collar aside a little bit, revealing the tattoos that still mark his chest.

Ismail: But they are fading with time. The prince found an acupuncturist who can use the helmet to its best effect.

Djaq smiles at the memory.

Ismail: Since then I’ve sworn myself to his service. We are almost there.

The group stand before what looks to be an abandoned mansion; not particularly grand, but once a beautiful place. One by one they move across the dead garden and slip in under a door that hangs by its hinges. In a room off the main foyer moonlight flows in through the wide windows, reflecting on the surface of a beautifully carved table. Upon it is a gold goblet and a shining silver dagger.

Before the window there is movement, and a cloaked figure turns around to face them. It’s Prince Malik, dressed simply but elegantly. Djaq, Salak and Ismail bow deeply to him, as do the rest of his bodyguards. Will is just one second behind, but he too lowers his head.

Prince Malik: Sa’alam aleikem.

Djaq, Ismail, Salak and Will repeat the phrase, and rise up from their bows. Malik goes to Djaq first and looks her over with interest as Ismail speaks:

Ismail: We found them, just as the message said.

Djaq: My uncle Bassam told us how to reach you.

Malik: Indeed. And now here you are.

Djaq: We have brought you a gift.

Djaq nods at Will, who brandishes his staff and unscrews the hidden compartment to reveal the Pact hidden inside. Almost reverently Djaq pulls it loose and displays it to Malik.

Djaq: We have come all the way from England, on the orders of Robin Hood, to show this to Melek Ric.

Malik takes the Pact with interest, and Will cringes just a little at the sight of such an important document being out of his hands.

Djaq: It is called the Pact of Nottingham. On it are the signatures of English nobles that support the ascension of Melek Ric’s brother Prince John to the throne. We believe that news of this coup in his own country will induce Melek Ric to return to England. With this document as proof, we can end the war.

Malik raises his eyebrows, and Djaq glances excitedly at Will.

Djaq: All we need is a chance to approach the King in safety. That is why we’ve come to you.

Malik: You believe I can arrange a meeting with the Frankish King?

Djaq: Not exactly…but your uncle can. We know that you and the Sultan were not on the best of terms the last time we met…

Malik: (wryly) No, sending a squad of assassins after me is hardly an appropriate gesture for a loving uncle to make toward his nephew.

Djaq’s face falls.

Djaq: We understand. It is just that you were our best hope, for we cannot hope to reach the Frankish King on our own. We do not know for sure where he is, and he will no doubt be surrounded by soldiers and bodyguards and decoys. If we can approach him as part of an official peace delegation, then we have more chance of being heard, and if we can only show this Pact to him, he will understand the danger that his country is in. He will understand how important peace is. That is why we came to you. Because you already understand how important it is.

Malik laughs a little and turns away from them.

Malik: You speak well, Safiyah. But even if I could get you to Melek Ric, how do you know that he would return to England with you?

Djaq: We also have a witness to Prince John’s treason. And a letter from Robin Hood, who was one of the King’s most trusted inner guards.

Malik: I do not mean that. I have no doubt that you could convince him of his brother’s betrayal. I’m afraid your problem would be convincing him to do anything about it.

Djaq: What do you mean?

Malik: For years I have petitioned for peace. I am tired - exhausted - with the effort of avoiding assassins and rooting out spies. Every organization I come across seems to want something different: to kill the King, to kill the Sultan, to prolong the war, to demand peace, to invade England, to destroy the Holy City…only one thing remains unchanged throughout.

Djaq: And what is that?

Malik: That the Frankish King and our dear Sultan are in love with fighting each other. They respect one another; they even enjoy each other’s company. My uncle once sent physicians to tend to Melek Ric on hearing he was ill, and I suppose you heard about Melek Ric’s idea of marrying off his sister to Saladin’s brother. Your intentions are honourable Saffiya, but at this stage, I am afraid that peace is impossible. Neither man wants peace. They are enjoying themselves too much.

Djaq and Will look at each other, stunned. Djaq falls silent, but Will steels himself and speaks up, glancing over his shoulder to where Ismail is standing and watching the exchange.

Will: Your Highness, Djaq and I have travelled for months in order to reach you. We’ve already found ourselves in mortal danger countless times. But I know that peace between our people is possible, because it exists between the two of us. And I can see that it exists between yourself and the man we once knew as Harold. And if that’s possible, then I know we can convince King Richard to declare peace and return home.

Malik gives him a shrewd look and then turns away, staring out the window at the shining moon, his hands clasped behind his back. Djaq shuffles a little closer to Will. When Malik turns back to them, he looks resigned, but a little pleased.

Malik: You speak the truth, Master Scarlett. It would be wrong to give up now. I can supply the two of you with what you need: clothing, food, horses. As you say, the best chance of reaching the King is to do so as part of an official peace delegation, but to do that I will need time to reach the right contacts. My power is not so great as you might have been hoping. Even coming here tonight has put us all in considerable danger.

Salak suddenly shifts nervously, glancing around the dark room.

Djaq: We understand.

She speaks seriously, but there’s the hint of a smile on her face.

Malik: I will send messages to my uncle, telling him of your plan.

Djaq gives a little bow.

Djaq: And you know where to find us.

Malik: Of course.

They bow one last time, and Ismail escorts them from the room, followed by the rest of the soldiers. As soon as the door is closed, Malik turns back to the window, deep in thought.

Scene: Jerusalem Street at Night

Harold/Ismail is leading Will, Djaq and Salak home, winding through the dark and empty streets. Salak and Will walk in silence, casting suspicious glances at each other whilst Ismail and Djaq walk ahead, deep in conversation. The rest of Ismail’s men have melted into the shadows.

Ismail: It’s much better now. I don’t get as many headaches, and the black-outs have gone completely.

Djaq: I am glad to hear of it. Prince Malik is a gifted healer. He would treat his own soldiers in battle. I remember helping him perform surgery on a wounded man.

Ismail: I had no idea you were so close to the prince.

Djaq: I was not. I simply served under him, dressed in my brother’s armour. I wanted nothing more than to serve him and the Sultan all the days of my life.

Ismail nods in agreement, clearly in awe of the prince.

Ismail: We use the acupunctural helmet each morning to calm my nerves, and he fixes me tonics every night to help me sleep.

Djaq: And so you are cured?

Ismail’s little smile fades.

Ismail: Not quite. I still have nightmares sometimes.

Djaq: Nightmares?

Ismail: Of…those women.

He stops, his eyes closed, frowning as though in pain. Djaq gently reaches out and pulls at his collar, exposing the tattoos beneath. Will and Salak stop and watch with interest.

Djaq: I remember seeing these in Sherwood, but I did not want to believe that they were true.

Will: I remember them too, but you never told us what they were.

Salak speaks up; apparently eager for a chance to speak on a subject Will knows nothing of.

Salak: Surely you’ve heard the story of the Old Man of the Mountain?

Will shakes his head, and Djaq silences Salak with a look.

Djaq: His real name is Rashid ad-Din Sinan and he’s the leader of the Hashshashins, an order of warriors who can be hired to kill people in secret.

Salak: (too excited to keep quiet) They say that a Frankish leader once went to his citadel in the hills to see how strong his defences were, and laughed to find that it was defended only by a handful of men. Then Rashid ordered one of his men to prove his loyalty by leaping from the parapets of the fortress.

Will: And he did?

Salak: Two of them did. The Crusaders never set foot there again.

Djaq: And these tattoos are their symbols. Unlike most of those that train to be Hashshashins, Ismail was not a willing recruit.

Ismail has gone pale, and raises one hand to his head.

Ismail: I don’t like to think about it. But I’ll never forget it. Those women…

He shudders, drops his head, and is still.

Will: This Rashid…he’s the same man that sent those women after Prince Malik in Nottingham?

Djaq: They were certainly Hashshashin. Their fighting style is unmistakable, and Prince Malik believed it was his uncle who hired them. There is bad blood between them, but there is no way of knowing if that is true.

She suddenly looks thoughtful.

Djaq: Ismail, I know the memories are painful, but what do you remember about your time among the Hashshashin? It could be important; we all know so little about them.

Ismail shudders again, but takes a deep breath.

Ismail: I don’t remember much. Just…a dark room. And things that hurt me. They would give me something; force it into my mouth. Bitter stuff. And the women; I could smell them coming and going. I’ll never forget their scent, not as long as I live. And the men…

Djaq: (whispering) What men?

Ismail: Other Crusaders who had been separated from their garrisons. I was left behind because of a fever. There was another one, little more than a boy. He told me he’d been separated from the others in battle. He didn’t last long in their hands. And then…the one-legged man. I don’t know what happened to him.

He’s breathing heavily and Djaq places a hand on his shoulder.

Djaq: Forgive me. I did not mean to upset you. It is over now.

Ismail shakes his head.

Ismail: I still see them sometimes…I can smell them…I must get back to my master…

He flees into the night, and Djaq looks after him regretfully. She steps closer to Will.

Djaq: You see? That is the kind of danger we are up against. People who can brainwash others into killing their own people. The Hashshashin are not to be underestimated. It was the grace of Allah that allowed Harold to triumph over those women in Nottingham.

Will unconsciously puts his arm around Djaq’s shoulder; a gesture that does not go unnoticed by Salak.

Djaq: We must be ver…vig…we have to be…?

Will: Vigilant?

Djaq: Yes, that is it.

The two smile at each other, and then break apart when they remember Salak is right there, watching them.

Scene: Bassam’s House

Will is sitting on a divan, staring at a small crucifix in his hand. There is movement beside him and he looks up to see Djaq joining him.

Djaq: What is that?

Will: Robin gave this to me before we left.

Yeah, I know it’s a strain on the memory, but Robin gave this to him way back in “Many Partings”.

Will: He wanted me to leave it here, in Jerusalem. He did some things he’s not proud of.

Djaq nods.

Djaq: I know. He told me.

The two sit in companionable silence for a while, and then Djaq rises, bidding Will goodnight. She drifts into the corridor and gets a fright when a shadow looms out in front of her. It’s Salak.

Djaq: (in Arabic) Cousin! You startled me.

Salak: Cousin? I’m not your cousin.

He takes a few steps closer.

Djaq: Yes, you are. You are my uncle’s son.

Salak: Until the day I became your betrothed.

He reaches out and gently takes her by the arms.

Salak: You’re back from the dead. And in all that time you were gone - I never wanted another wife.

Djaq: I’m not that woman anymore. You don’t know me.

Salak: I know you. You’re still my Safiyah.

Djaq turns her head away.

Djaq: I cannot go back.

Salak: Why not? There are only a few members of our family left. Your parents are gone, your brother is dead. Bassam loves you - more than his pigeons, more than me, his only son. You know it’s true. If you left again you would break his heart. He’s an old man. If you honoured our betrothal you would make him the happiest man on earth.

Djaq: And what of my happiness?

Salak: I cannot believe you are happy living in England, among their pigs and filth and heathen ways. Away from your people, your country. How long has it been since you’ve tasted a ripe pomegranate? Or smelt the scent of saffron? I always promised you that I’d never prevent you from book-learning, or from practicing medicine!

Djaq: (her voice dripping with sarcasm) How kind of you to grant me such a favour.

Djaq closes her eyes and looks away. Salak reaches out to touch her cheek.

Salak: Safiyah, I…I still…

She gently bats his hand away and he sighs angrily.

Salak: He can’t even read.

Djaq: It has nothing to do with him!

Angrily, Djaq marches away down the corridor, Salak watching her go in frustration.

Scene: Jerusalem: Inn Exterior

From out of the doorway of a seedy-looking inn stumble Carter, Allan and Luke, looking rather worse for wear. They’re tired and grubby, and Allan is stretching his stiff muscles.

Allan: That was the worst night’s sleep I’ve ever ‘ad.

Carter: My mattress was crawling with fleas. I got more bites last night than in all my years in England.

Luke just yawns and rubs his eyes, then blinks and stares down at his hands.

Luke: Do you think I’m cured?

Carter: What’s that?

Luke: You said that people who make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem are cured. So…how do you know if you’re cured?

Carter just looks confused.

Carter: Are you sick?

Luke: No, I just… (he looks distraught)…how are you supposed to know when it works? When you’re forgiven? I thought I’d feel different.

Carter glances at Allan for clarification, who is looking at Luke as though he’s getting an inkling of what’s going on.

Allan: Look, maybe you should talk to Will and Djaq about this. I think they would know a lot more about how this whole forgiveness thing works.

Carter: He’s right. We should get going.

They head around the side of the inn to fetch the horses. Around them the city slowly begins to wake.
Continue to Part 8