The Chronicles of Anjou | Book series
The Chronicles of Anjou
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25.01.2022 Page 306: The Monk is back; he has been away at Lourdes, taking the waters! The Ptolemy map was a beautiful creation with the most astonishing details. Ptolemy believed that the world was round and showed his map on that principle. North Africa, the Holy Land, Europe including the land of the Anglo Saxon’s and the Baltic Sea to the far north and more astonishing to the far east, the lands that Alexander the Great had conquered as far as the land of the Indus Valley and beyond... to the land of the Chin, faraway Cathay. There was a large body of water to the south of the Indus and Chin region that I could only assume was another sea but I had never heard of it. The map face was white but the seas were shown in a beautiful deep blue colour. The many rivers were drawn in black ink but the writing was in gold. Arius suddenly concerned, asked Are you feeling alright Father Philippe, you looked rather flushed? Sweating profusely, I replied I am feeling fine Arius. It is just that I had no idea that such papers and documents existed. I am somewhat overcome with both joy and exaltation. Arius with a smile, said Then I must show you this final map before you become light headed! See more
24.01.2022 Page 308 continued: I wondered about the wisdom of Captain Dolceto stabbing the man in the throat thus rendering him unable to speak but I soon remembered that it was not I doing the dangerous knife fighting. The fact that the assassin bled to death didn’t go unnoticed either as I thought that it could have been me bleeding to death in the Suuq. Thank you both for saving my life! It is usually Sir Thomas that I have to thank for that I said. The Mamaluk scoffed with a grun...t at that comment of mine but Captain Alberto Dolceto beamed his Italian smile, his teeth glittering in the light. I do not belittle the Captain when I comment so, it is just how the man appears to me, very animated and full of life where the Mamaluk is inanimate almost showing no emotion. I now had the task of balancing the three egos but what else was a mere Monk to do. A chart room! the captain quietly mused. I must introduce you both to my friend Arius I announced turning around to find that Arius was gone. Which friend was that Father Philippe, the shadow? the Venetian scoffed with laughter. See more
23.01.2022 Page 298: I also guessed that we could be perceived as spies because after all we were on a fact finding mission and my copious Chronicles held a plethora of knowledge both old and current. I then felt a little guilty about my lack of faith in the young prince but he was learning much about the art and the deceptions that war brought with it. I was happy in my understanding that Saladin was simply using his extensive brain to the full and would mean us no harm. We were given ...access to the most beautiful rooms that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. I was pleased to have the luxury of my own room again and looked forward to making many more entries into my beloved Chronicles. I also knew that Thomas would want to seek out the company of women, so least involvement I had in the matter pleased me immensely. As it would turn out we would stay in Egypt a long time indeed. I was to have the pleasure of exploring the wonderful library along with many wonders of Ancient Egypt. See more
21.01.2022 Page 305: The young Greek, Arius had been clearly recommended from somewhere and was comfortable working on his chosen field of scholarship amongst the Arabic scholars. It was a wonderful sight to be amongst, as tables and benches appeared to be covered with charts. I was anxious to look at some of them. What is this that you are showing me Arius, these three documents are very large, it’s the length that fascinates me the most? I expressed in astonishment. These three lon...g documents are a copy of an ancient Roman road map called The Peutinger Table. The details are impressive. The Roman Empire appear to have not appreciated one of my great ancestors Ptolemy’s work because they seemed to look at distance in a flat way, hence these maps. To indicate what I mean Father come with me and look at an original map, no less than by the hand of the great man himself! the proud young Greek gloated. I was astounded as Arius went to a shelf at the side of the map room and withdrew a scroll and placed it upon a large table The colours are beautiful and yet you say that this document is an original of the great scholar Ptolemy? Yes I do Father Philippe, this map was found with a cache of other maps and document buried here in Alexandria. A cluster of Vandal weapons, clothing and jewellery were also found with them. We therefore believe that someone from long ago buried these items with the intention of coming back for them, but never did. See more
21.01.2022 Page 302: The Mamaluk Osman was a big man, not as tall as Thomas but thick set, very strong looking. He was not as dark as the Egyptians in his complexion and I was told much later that Osman came from the lands where the Turkish Steppes are, near the land of the Rus. He was a slave before he entered training to become a Mamaluk warrior. Would you like to join me Philippe as I am going to the Library? Master Moses asked. Not just any library I hoped The Library of Alexandr...ia, do you mean the great library Moses? Yes Philippe, there is much to show you and I have been given permission from the Emir himself to allow you free access. You can wander around at will Master Moses added. I would be thrilled, it is a dream come true for me I said rather boyishly but truthfully. Moses Maimonides, Osman and I set off on a wonderful walk through the streets of Alexandria. The buildings being mostly stone and several stories high reflected the heat and the many lanes and alleyways that seem to thread their way through the stone structures were narrow and full of life with peddlers carrying their wares to market and many other people going about their business. It appeared to be a long walk to the library but I felt safe with Osman by my side when the unthinkable happened. See more
18.01.2022 Page 300 continued: I thought that Thomas and Osman should enjoy each other’s company as they are both trained to kill Then my constant companion you will be Osman, welcome I added thinking again that these two warriors may just not like each other and maybe, just maybe develop a distant respect for each other. You have seen the ancient Pharos Philippe? I have been down to where the old harbour must have stood and looked in bewilderment at the fact that Cleopatra’s Palac...e has sunk into the sea along with the harbour and merchant buildings. I look forward to discovering more in time I added. You must not travel alone again master Osman suddenly expressed. Now I have you as my friend and companion Osman, you have my word that I will not travel alone again. The young Prince has told me that he sensed a great distrust for the Hospitaller Knight from both you my master and the Christian Knight Osman explained. You mean Sir Thomas, Osman? I queried. Yes master, I said the Christian Knight! Osman replied with a slight grimace. See more
16.01.2022 Page 300: I was approached one day by Master Moses Maimonides who was in the company of an impressive looking man, armed to the teeth with a sword and a number of daggers tucked into his belt I am pleased to have found you at last, for I have someone for you to meet. I have been instructed by my Prince to introduce you to Osman, your new companion and helper. Osman is a Mamaluk warrior. The word Mamaluk means Slave Soldier and he will serve you honestly and faithfully even... if it costs him his life. The Mamaluk’s are the finest warriors and most feared in all Islam the master added. The memory of us losing so many of our trusty companions crossed my mind along with the ever present thought of the shadow being about. I am pleased to meet with you Osman I responded holding out my hand to shake his. Master the pleasure is mine. I am now your servant and protector, I will protect you with my life, that is what I am trained to do the powerful looking man explained as he touched his stomach, then his chin followed by his forehead as he in turn bowed toward me. He will not shake your hand of welcome Philippe for the only time he will make contact with anyone would be to kill him. The Mamaluk’s are a well trained warrior and live for killing. That is all they know, to serve and protect. He is to accompany you everywhere, my prince has instructed and will stay in your room the master explained further. See more
16.01.2022 Page 301: I clearly could see that there would be no love lost between the Archer and the Mamaluk Will you not serve both Sir Thomas and me Osman? No master, I am to serve you and you alone. I will fight alongside the Christian Knight if need be to help you and if ordered by you but he will not command me the proud warrior explained. Thinking that Thomas would not also be ruled by the Mamaluk, I clearly had work ahead of me to keep the peace Very well Osman your wishes w...ill be respected. Thank you my master. You will call me Father Philippe or just Philippe in private I advised as I started to amuse myself with this rigid man. Only if you order me master but it would be very difficult to do as I am trained to serve my master and only my master! the persistent man continued. Feeling as though I was going to lose this battle I decided to leave matters to rest Then a pair of companions we will be I added feeling rather pleased that I had another protector at last. See more
16.01.2022 Page 308: I listened with interest as to what Captain Dolceto had to say Greetings once again, Father Philippe. Greetings Captain I replied as I watched the Venetian begin to wave his arms frantically. Sir Thomas was unaware that you had been provided an armed escort by the young Prince, so he acquired my services to follow your every move to make certain of your safety. As Osman has stated I was following when I saw the arrow plunge into the wall beside your head and im...mediately jumped into action. I saw the assassin and moved to capture him. He was unaware of who I was so I was able to approach him without warning. I sprung upon the man but he was strong and threw me off. A knife fight then ensued but he was no match for a Venetian sailor’s knife. I stabbed him in the throat and he bled to death. Osman located me without much trouble as I assume that word spreads fast through the Suuq the crafty seaman explained. See more
14.01.2022 Page 305 continued: How can you be sure that the weapons were from the age of the Vandal raiders? I asked rather curiously. I didn’t find them Father Philippe, so I like you was skeptical but after reading the provenance that had been provided, I discovered that these items were found in the time the Byzantines ruled Egypt before the coming of Islam. The notes state that the weapons were neither Roman nor Asian nor Greek but came from across the great sea from Europe! So h...ere the maps remain Arius explained. I can clearly see what you mean Arius by the Roman map being created on the flat but the map of Ptolemy is clearly on the curve almost to the point of being round I commented in astonishment. The notion that our earth is round is an old theory and I don’t need to tell you Father Philippe that in some circles it is considered a heresy to say so! Arius stated with a wry smile. That is so Arius, you are correct but I have never heard of this idea of a round earth I mused as I decided to sit and think about what I was hearing and seeing. See more
12.01.2022 Page 306 continued: The Greek, who was clearly a gifted scholar for someone so young, showed me to his work table It is written in Arabic and presented in the round, what is this map? I queried. This map is the work of the renowned scholar Ibn al-Wardi of Balkhi and is mysteriously written in both Arabic and Geometric writings. The map reflects the Islamic wisdom of the Grand Architect of the Universe. The Arabs originally used Poetry as an art form but found that expres...sion through the gift of the written word brings one ever closer to God. My task here has been to decode the intricate details of the map to Islam and the greater world. I clearly have my work cut out Father Philippe the young man reflected. Why doesn’t the library use an Arabic scholar for the task? I ignorantly asked. An independent mind I was told when offered the opportunity by the Master Map Maker, Mohammud Yousuf. The master said that the task, in his opinion, required a lack of any preconceived ideas of either Islam or the wider world and that I suited his needs perfectly. Why, I am not sure but one should never turn away an opportunity to educate oneself, don’t you agree Father? the ever wise young fellow espoused. Most definitely I replied. See more
12.01.2022 Page 302 continued: An arrow appeared out of nowhere narrowly missing my head This way master Osman calmly called as he pushed me gently but firmly through a doorway into a massively roofed Suuq. You must do as I say master and I will keep you safe. It appears the clever young Prince was correct in sending Osman to protect you and not a moment too soon the old scholar said as he ducked behind Osman and I for cover. The Mamaluk was amazing as he took charge of our safety.... He reminded me of Thomas in full flight. Osman directed us into a clothing stall, flashed a ring on his finger toward the stall keeper then proceeded to take some cloaks from the wall and directed both Moses and me to cover ourselves. Osman then guided us both while continually watching our rear through the maze of stalls in the Suuq to an exit area that brought us to the back of the Library of Alexandria. Moses and I were ushered through to safety while the Mamaluk quickly slipped back out of the door to look for my attacker, I assumed. I was a little short of breath with the rushing about but not as much as the old master scholar. I think I will rather meet you Philippe at various destinations rather than travel with you in the future. I have no enemies that I know of, so I must assume Philippe that the arrow was meant for you! the old man said. See more
12.01.2022 Page 303 continued: So you must be the Christian Monk that we were told would be visiting us a voice softly spoke. I would have no idea if I am or not I replied slightly confused. I am Arius, the map makers apprentice and everyone working in the library was told that a visiting Christian Monk of learning may come to look about our hallowed walls, so I assume that a welcome is in order the young man confidently spoke. A Monk of learning, I know not what, but I am a Cath...olic Priest and Arius, I have most certainly come to see this most famous of places of learning I replied very enthusiastically. Greeting me with a warm hug and the kiss of peace on both cheeks, the young man continued It is a place of bewildering sights with so much knowledge in one building, don’t you think? You are a Greek are you not? I asked. You are a Frank are you not? Arius retorted. You are a little arrogant are you not? I retorted in turn. I must apologise Father. I have been told many times that my arrogant tongue would get me into trouble. Yes I am Greek and I have been a scholar at the library for two years now under the sponsorship of the Master Map Maker, Mohammad Yousuf. I welcome you to the map room the contrite young man said. See more
12.01.2022 Page 299: I knew that I had to be cautious, now that our shadow had found us and that he wouldn’t take the same care and respect at the Sultan’s court that Thomas and I would undertake. I didn’t like the idea that I might end my days in Egypt either strangled or stabbed to death. I remembered that GUI Vaugeaux didn’t hold to his side of the truce that we had given to him at the siege of Lisbon, so here I was in mysterious Egypt, half frightened to death. I knew that Thomas wo...uld do his best to protect me but as we were in a foreign court his hands were tied, or so I thought. Knowing the Archer as I did, I should have known that he would be prepared to make the first move and that he wouldn’t wait for the shadow to attack. It was a clever move on Thomas’s part as it put GUI Vaugeaux on notice that he was prepared to hunt him down before he could move to harm us. So it was to be that a game of cat and mouse ensured in Alexandria with, I think, me as the bait! See more
12.01.2022 Page 307: Arius went onto explain in more detail his perceptions so far in relation to the map. The advance of Islam had made the Mediterranean Sea nothing short of a Moslem Lake not unlike the Romans had done a thousand years before. Islam which literally translates Submission to God’s Will, the young Greek continued, spread firstly along the trade routes and then by conquest. A unique form of Cartography grew out of the religion and as the Koran demands through the word o...f the Prophet Mohamed to seek knowledge as the enlightened path to God, a special form of map has developed using Poetry, Hellenic Mathematics, the use of the Indian numerals which include a new number Zero O, Geometry and a new Arabic form of mathematics called Algebra. The Arabic scholars have been cautious not to offend the Imam’s by upsetting the sacred order of nature, so by the use of these various methods of scholarship they have hoped to retain a balance between the Celestial regions and those of the Terrestrial. It was a lot for me to understand but I felt that if I was given time I would master this new form of scholarship. See more
10.01.2022 Page 304: Thank you Arius, I am Father Philippe-de-Trelaze and I have travelled from Anjou in Northern France. I serve my Master, Count Geoffrey of Anjou. I come to Alexandria in search of knowledge. I have already seen that there are more texts within these walls than I could ever have dreamed of. The answer to your original question is yes, the sight of all of this knowledge is overwhelming. This map room contains much of interest, does it not? I enquired as I looked abou...t the room. It does indeed Father Philippe, come closer and look at this extraordinary document Arius suggested. Maps were a rather special item and to my knowledge to hold a detailed map of a particular place was a key to conquering it. I now was presented with a most unusual situation, here I stood in a map room at the Library of Alexandria, with a Greek, and being given access to what would normally be secret to any kingdom. I was puzzled. I was also surrounded by Arabic scholars who were working within the map room and were not the slightest bit distracted by my presence. I obviously would be unable to leave this room with any documents but I was generously being given access to the work within. I was speechless. See more
08.01.2022 Page 296 continued: The famous Library of Alexandria had been sacked and burned by the Vandals in the dark times but many manuscripts had been hidden and with the coming of the enlightened Moslems some literary treasures were taken to Fez. The rest were returned to a new library that was built some years after the conquering of the Egyptian people. Thomas and I were rushed to the Emir’s palace upon our arrival in Alexandria and were met by the beaming smile of the young Princ...e Saladin. The term Prince to the Moslems was a great sign of respect because under Islamic Law, the title King was banned, so the term Prince was taken to mean, one of high office. You have returned successfully to Alexandria my Prince? I asked tentatively. You sound unsure of our success Father Philippe? the shrewd young boy replied. Remembering my mistake of previously not being direct and honest with Saladin, I was straight to the point with my reply I was being diplomatic my Prince as I was indeed unsure of your success! You are a clever man Philippe as you have clearly remembered our conversation at Suluq, as I have obviously remembered it as well! I applaud your directness, it is refreshing to hear. Both mine and my uncle’s armies were very successful, we destroyed the Berber army with ease. See more
07.01.2022 Page 307 continued: Arius also told me that he believed that Ibn al-Wardi’s map held information about the sacred places of Islam along with the far distant regions not easily accessible by the west. The young Greek was passionate about his work and I became equally impassioned as the map was more than a curiosity but a source of great knowledge. The fact that my discoveries so far were so highly significant was almost lost when what happened next turned out to be just as ast...onishing. The Mamaluk, Osman returned to my side in the map room and by him stood the Venetian Captain, Alberto Dolceto. The powerful Mamaluk then explained Master, the assassin has been captured and killed. Captain Dolceto had been following us on the orders of the large Christian Knight and happened upon the scene when the arrow was loosed. As the assassin was watching us he was unaware of the presence of the Captain and let his guard down. I will let the captain tell the rest Osman explained. See more
05.01.2022 Page 303: It could only be one person Moses but without evidence I can’t prove my theory. The Frankish Hospitaller is whom I believe is behind this attempt to kill me. He would not act alone but hire assassins to carry out his dirty work. He is very shrewd, devious and dangerous. Are you alright Master Moses that was a dangerous moment for us all? I inquired. Yes Philippe I am alright but I will need to rest a while. You wander about freely and safely here while I gather m...y breath. I left the old scholar to his rest and quietly began my wanderings about this most famous of places in disbelief that I was actually here. The building was shaped by a grid of corridors and from each corridor a number of rooms were placed and within were treasures of documents as far as you could see. Shelves of folded vellum's, parchments and paper scrolls, with each no doubt, containing wondrous amounts of lost or hidden knowledge. I looked on as scholars worked through scrolls translating material that had possibly not been looked upon for a millennium. Not knowing where to start my search for materials I wandered further along the many passageways until I happened upon a room that was very different. See more
02.01.2022 Page 299 continued: There was a small glimmer of light to the present predicament I found myself in and that was the appearance of the Venetian Captain, Alberto Dolceto who had arrived in Alexandria on a trade mission from Venice. I had remembered from our first encounter in Tunis that the captain was a jolly soul, full of life and always waving his hands as he spoke, a fascinating but distracting habit that I slowly grew to understand and respect. We presented our lord and p...atron, Count Geoffrey of Anjou’s credentials to the Emir’s court and the Emir explained how pleased he was that our master Count Geoffrey had played little or no role in the so called Second Crusade on Damascus, not like Sir GUI Vaugeaux’s master King Louis. It was pleasing for me to notice the discomfort that the shadow felt at these comments by the Emir but I inwardly worried that eventually information would surface about Count Geoffrey’s donations to the Second Crusade, that, I was convinced, he most certainly would have made. See more
02.01.2022 Page 298 continued: I longed to investigate the remains of a structure I could see from my window, the Pharos of Alexandria. This ancient lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Saladin would however enjoy the company of Thomas for most of our stay as he had much he wished to learn from the famous Christian Knight. The young Prince was clearly very intelligent and was anxious to understand the mind of a Christian Knight. We were given a special audience ...with the Prince’s uncle, the Emir and he was enthralled to hear about our adventures so far. Unfortunately it was at one of these dinners that we were shocked to the core of our very bones. Before our eyes stood a vision of horror! The Hospitaller, GUI Vaugeaux was present at the Sultans court as an Ambassador for the King of France, King Louis VII. Both the Archer and I knew different, he was in fact here to spy for Abbot Suger and had guessed correctly, that Thomas and I would travel to Egypt. I was totally sickened to see this man as he had caused us so much sorrow and heartache. He had murdered a number of our companions or had them murdered and I could clearly see that the Archer was using every part of his strength to resist from attacking the evil creature. The Sultan and his followers had already given the grace of hospitality to the Hospitaller and therefore under Islamic Law, GUI Vaugeaux was under their protection, protection I must add that would only apply whilst the beast was at the Sultan of Egypt’s court. See more
