Disclaimer: Harry Potter and any characters within the movie or books belong to NBCUniversal. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley are their characters and anything you recognize belongs to them. I own my original characters and my plot. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement. Also, I am not profiting off this work other than the practice of writing.


12. At the City Gates.

The caravan was off to another quick start as they came closer to Constantinople. Hermione still had the words of both Talib weighing on her mind and the story she saw from the tapestries. She leaned against the handrails of her assigned part of the caravan just watching the scenery buzz by her. She didn't know how close they are to the great city, but the landscape turned mountainous. After a few moments of zigging and zagging the mountains gave way to smaller foothills. Who was this Empress she was to meet? How was she going to find her? Almost as suddenly as they began their speedy journey, she could tell that the caravan was slowing down. Where they at the city already?

Hermione wasted no time in giving out orders for the men to stand by for departure. She then made her way to the lead cart, but she didn't want to waste more time so she apparated to them. She knew it was a risky move inside the shield, but she needed to know what the next step in their journey was.

She approached the map cabin and she ran into Maon. "Pardon me sir. I did not know you were coming out."

"Think nothing of it, Captain. I need you to send word to the General Dax and Questa to come here and also bring young Liam. We need to speak with him as well." Maon smiled as he stood with his hands on his hips.

"Yes sir, but what would you want with Liam?" Hermione knew he was the most recent topic of interest to the command staff. Yet, what could he do that she or the other couldn't?

"We have decided to give him a test at a big responsibility. Now, if you would retrieve Dax and Questa please, I would appreciate it." Maon folded his arms across his chest.

"Yes sir." Hermione bowed. She then apparated to Dax's cabin and told them they are needed up front. She then found Liam. He was cleaning a stable and putting away some riding gear. "Liam, Eralina has called for you."

She could see his eyes get wide with surprise. "Me, Captain, did she say why?" Liam dusted himself off of any straw.

"No idea. Come, take my hand and I'll bring you there." Hermione extended her right hand. She watched as Liam nervously put his hand into hers. They apparated to the front cart. She knocked on the door and was met by the calm eyes of Sigmund. He opened the door and stepped aside as the pair walked in. "Reporting as ordered with Liam Welcrest, sirs." Hermione really didn't like the military aspect of her new role, but she was always a stickler for the rules.

Eralina looked over and smiled at them. "Thank you Captain. Just have a seat over there." She pointed to a corner by the tapestry. The pair made their way to the bench then sat quietly and listened.

Maon walked into the room with Dax, Questa, and Aalish following closely behind. He walked directly to Eralina, "I have the men who will accompany us emptying five carts. They will attach two horses to each cart. I figured I could drive one, Dax one, Questa one, Sigmund another, and then you and Aalish could drive one. Heather could ride with you to rest. We will have men in each of our carts. So, what were you discussing?"

Eralina didn't answer him right away as she looked at the map, "That sounds like it will work. How long do you think it will take before they are ready?"

Maon smiled, "Within the hour."

Eralina turned toward Liam and Hermione with a smile on her face. "I am making you a general for a day, Liam, and I am leaving you in charge of the men here. Your job will be to protect the caravan with your life. I have a feeling it has some defensive possibilities."

Hermione was just as surprised at what she heard when she turned to look at the wide eyed man stutter out the words. "Yes, my lady."

Hermione watched as Eralina looked back at the map. "Look at what I discovered."

Hermione stood up to get a better view. She was again surprised by this 'extraordinary' map. It could produce images, like a television. Everyone looked over Eralina's shoulder and stared at the crystal clear image viewable on the table. Hermione watched as Aalish ran to the table and examined the image. "How is this possible? Oh, I see. That makes perfect sense. I can't wait until that vision is achieved."

What makes sense and what kind of vision did she have? Was it related to their conversation they had at the village these days back? Was she a seer like Luna? Her heart thumped for a moment longer. What was it about Aalish that seemed familiar, but something completely different than what she attributed to her? Why did she get the feeling that Aalish was somehow associated with another person? Did she know her from her universe? Was there a counterpart that lived in her magic infused universe? She was brought out of her thoughts by a frustrated Eralina.

"Did you get an answer from Talib last night, Maon?"

Hermione held in the gasp. Of course they were in contact with the peculiar God of Knowledge. It was so unlikely that he would only bother her in his telepathically constructed TARDIS. Her mind stopped for a moment. She knew that thought construct wasn't completely correct. As Eralina didn't know about that other universe Talib who's consciousness existed in futuristic time traveling ship hidden under a famous Neolithic Monolith. The Talib they meant was the current universe's counterpart.

Maon shook his head no and folded his arms across his chest. "Do you think he did his part?"

Eralina shrugged, "Time will tell. You never know what to expect with that wily god is concerned."

Heather slapped her hand down on the table, "I forgot to tell you. He interrupted my dream last night. He said that he visited the Pope and the king. They know to expect us and that we're sent by Jesus. He really didn't elaborate. You know him. He said quite a bit, but without revealing too much."

Yup it was the real Talib and why did they need him to talk to the Pope, unless they had to do something to get into the city with no issues? Her mind flited to the effects of Patriarchal society had on women in a non-magical universe. In her knowledge of Muggle history in her universe, women were not looked upon as anything more than chattel. The history was different in the Wizarding World, as women were working alongside their peers to build the first magic school in Scotland.

Maon nodded, "He was true to form then. So, let's go check on the men and prepare to leave."

"Sir, if I may ask. Can I, Harry and Ron be part of the men going to the carts? I really want to see the city as it was in this time."

Maon looked over at Eralina who nodded her approval. "Very well Captain, You can ride with Eralina, Aalish Questa, and Heather. Captains Potter and Weasley can ride in the cart behind. Will that suffice?"

Hermione bow and saluted. "Yes sir, thank you sir." She couldn't wait to tell Harry the good news.


Hermione had joined in the preparation of the carts and made sure the men lined them up along the roadside nearest to the lead caravan. She held the cart steady with Questa at the reins, as she watched Eralina walking toward them. The two black stallions were getting excited as they moved the cart back and forth. Eralina climbed in followed by Heather and Aalish. Eralina looked back and watched as the men, including Harry and Ron, climbed into the remaining carts. Hermione saw that each cart sat five chainmail clad Knights except for her cart which would hold herself and Eralina's company. Eralina looked at visibly tired Heather, "Before you nap, could you give the signal that we are ready to proceed?"

Heather nodded and picked up the green flag on a pole and waved it. Hermione looked down the line and watched as each cart responded with their flags. When all five carts had their flags raised, Hermione climbed onto the bench next to Questa as she cracked the reins spurring the horses to go. She was marveling at the scenery as the group continued down the heavily treed lane. Hermione was trying to remember how this area looked in her time and aside from some additional weathering to the road it was mostly the same. The road was a mostly well-worn dirt path, yet she could see the occasional cobblestone here and there that were laid out in ancient times. She was a bit surprised that a Roman Road had fallen into such disrepair.

Hermione came back from her drifting thoughts as group was upon the main gates of the city. She was in awe by heavily fortified stone walls. They were clad in white marble, which to her spoke of the city's wealth. She noticed the damage to the causeway near the marble slab exposing the stacked brickwork beneath. Hermione didn't know if this was just the first checkpoint before they would reach the gates of the Great Palace or one of several.

She noticed that two guards came out of as small niche in the gatehouse with long spears pointed at them. Hermione noticed they wore a uniform of a blue leather tunic over a chainmail and matching pants. They wore pointed, shiny, silver helmets. They each had a sheathed sword affixed to their left sides. One looked older and most likely in charge with the younger one appearing as his subordinate. Hermione wondered if this was the standard look for the ancient city's soldiers. The two walked to the middle of the road and stood in front of Eralina's cart. The older man rested his spear on the ground and raised his right hand and in old Greek demanded, "Who are you? What business do you have in the city?"

Questa stopped the cart when Eralina stood behind her and Questa keeping her helm down with Aalish standing right next to her. Hermione understood the old languages. It was one of many that she spoke. She looked up at Eralina, her emerald eyes focused on them, "My name is Eralina Ruadair. With me are Aalish, Questa, Hermione, and Heather. My remaining companions are in the four horse carts behind us. We've traveled from distant lands. We come to Constantinople to offer you our services in aid of the siege of Jerusalem."

Hermione turned to look back at the old soldier. The man looked her up and down with a scowl on his face, "Are you telling me that you lead all these men?"

Aalish spoke up before Eralina could answer. "She leads these men much like your former leaders Theodora and Zoe Porphyrogenita. I wonder why you're so surprised when yer own city has had female rulers within the last fifty years. Is your city's memory that short?" Hermione almost questioned how she knew this, but then she remembered that Aalish knew everything

The man turned his nose up at Aalish's comment. "It was different with them as they were the last Macedonians. How does she compare to a lineage like that?"

Hermione knew this old man wasn't someone to trifle with, but she is sure Eralina would show him a thing or two about her linage. Hermione watched Eralina clenched her fists at her side, "I may not be a Macedonian, but do not question my lineage. Now, if you would be so kind to send a messenger to your king letting him know, we are here."

"I will send your request to Emperor Komnenos. You will have to remain here until we receive a reply." The older soldier turned toward his subordinate. The young man nodded and mounted a horse tied to the other side of the gate and rode into the city.

Hermione heard Eralina groan as she sat back down in the cart. She heard her mutter to Aalish and the recently awoken Heather, "Emperor Komnenos? Their arrogance is almost on par with past Emperors. Now, we will see if Talib's dreams worked."

Aalish cleared her throat, "Well, you can't blame them for being a bit cautious. They have endured this crusade of theirs for the past three years. While I am sure they will welcome our help, you need to consider the other untrained murdering rabble they have encountered before us. I am sure they will employ some form of treachery, as they know no difference with their constant conflicts with the Turks."

Eralina shook her head. "Well, that goes without saying. Not that you would know from experience, but Heather would. Whenever we have offered our help to the country in order to attain peace, there has always been some form of treachery."

Heather groaned holding her chest, "That horrible Whitepine in Kupfer Stadt." Hermione's memory flashed back to the tapestry. The image of Heather being stabbed played in her mind like a nightmare.

Eralina nodded, "Not to mention Tukdra in Troy."

Hermione didn't get to see how Tukdra betrayed them, but she got the feeling the emotional wounds were greater than the physical ones.

Eralina sighed once more. "We have to remind our men that we are only here to defeat Tukdra and spoil his goals. The rest of the battle we will leave to the humans."

Hermione acknowledged her words with a nod. She smiled at her, "Make sure all the captains know this as so all the men. I will not accept any looting or needless murder done by the hand of any of my men."

Hermione stood and nodded, "Understood." She climbed out of the back of the cart to spread the message. She made her way quickly down the other four carts and when she got to Harry and Ron's cart they stopped her.

"What's going on up there? Are we going to be let into the city?" Harry's green eyes looked intently at her. Ron just stared down at the floor of the cart, but had an ear turned to hear her reply.

"We met up with the city guards. He sent his subordinate to get permission to enter the city. Listen once we are in, most likely the Emperor will want to meet with Eralina. That is when we look for this Empress of the trees."

"Empress of the trees, who is that?" Ron piped in as he turned to look at her.

"She is one of Eralina's people. She will have some important information for us on how to get back to our time." Hermione felt exhausted talking to him. Keeping herself from an emotional break was taxing.

"Ok, but how will we know her when we see her?" Harry was on top of it like always.

"Talib told me she would find us. I have to get back to my cart and remember what Eralina said about the coming battle." Hermione quickly turned and ran back to the lead cart. The younger soldier hadn't returned and she could tell it was beginning to irritate Eralina. After a few tense moments, she could see the younger soldier back at high speed on his horse. He stopped, jumped from his horse, and jogged over to his commander. He handed him a letter, which the older man read.

Hermione watched as the man's brown eyes widened in surprise before turning his attention to Eralina. "It appears you are expected. Please continue down the road where you and your men will find a palace guard. Once you reach the Palace, he will escort the leaders of your group to meet with the Emperor."

Eralina smiled and bowed her head, "Thank you for the information." She turned to look at Heather, "Please send a signal to the men it is time to move."

"Yes, m'lady." The small girl turned and grabbed the long pole with the green flag and waved it before setting it back down. Hermione was getting excited! This will be her first time to see living history. The sights, the smells, the people! She knew she would create a new wing in her mental library just to this city alone.

Questa snapped the reins and the horses pulled their cart down the road. Aalish smiled as she looked over at the seated Eralina, "Well, the plan is going as well as well as we hoped. Emperor Komnenos is hopefully a reasonable person. Let's just hope he's not as unstable of a man as those you have faced before, eh?"

Eralina smirked and shook her head. "Whatever his condition, he will agree with us joining his forces. Even the most insane men believe in the afterlife."

Hermione was busy looking around, but noticed how Eralina kept her eye on the road. Hermione was so excited to have the opportunity to observe a city lost in history, as they made their way down the cobblestone path. The buildings were made of stone but had white marble facades. Many people stood on the pavements staring at their carts as they went through. They progressively made their way toward the south-east portion of the city. Hermione saw the palace off in the distance and taller it grew so did her excitement.

The scholar in her noticed that the Palace wasn't one building but a complex of many. The curtain wall of white marble covered stone rose out of the city buildings. The gate flanked by two square towers with notches for archers at the top. On the other side of the open iron-gate, Hermione noticed more gardens than buildings. There were many flowers, trees, and stone paths everywhere she looked.. Within the gardens sat several haphazardly placed buildings of all different shapes. She could tell it was built by generations of Emperors rather than just one. Hermione's mind went to the many readings she did in primary school trying to determine what the city would've looked like. She forgot how her interest first developed, but as soon as she'd heard about the hidden Christian history of a modern Muslim city she knew she was hooked by the mystery.

What caught Hermione's attention was that some buildings were different shapes. Rectangular, cross-shaped, and octagonal structures with many sporting golden domes, which Hermione had always associated with the Romans and Muslims, surrounded their journey. They had several terraces and porticos scattered throughout. The disorder of the grounds had Hermione wondering if they were supposed to depict the chaos of nature. The palace was more organic than most planned fortresses. She knew the palace grew over the years with the rulers and influential people of the city. She stopped staring only when they reached the gate.

"You will have your carts pull into the courtyard. We will take leadership of your group to see the Emperor. All weapons shall remain in your carts before the meeting." Another armored knight, who appeared to have a higher rank than the first one they met at the gate commanded.

Hermione remained silent and watched as Eralina nodded. She couldn't keep her eyes off of their surroundings as carts followed the Knight's direction. They corralled the carts in the courtyard. Hermione remained in her seat when Eralina decided to leave several men to guard them. She left Questa and Aalish in charge. Hermione looked over at the worn out and sleeping Heather. She watched as Maon, Dax, and Sigmund met Eralina in front of the carts. They ascended the small set of steps before they were stopped by the same commanding Knight, who prevented their entry.

Hermione quickly cast the hearing extension charm. Something about the Knight told her that he was going to do something spectacularly stupid. Hermione wanted to hear every word of the upcoming confrontation. The Knight looked at Eralina and raised an eyebrow before he addressed Maon in Greek. Hermione was a bit surprised when her mind understood it clearly. She held back a smirk at all the ancient language studies she'd done as the Knight demanded, "What is your relationship with this girl?"

Maon looked at Eralina, which Hermione could only assume was hiding some hidden mental conversation. Much like how she and Harry would slip into each other's minds from time to time.

Hermione quickly grabbed her omnioculars hoping that she could gather clues about their conversation by their body language. Eralina raised her eyebrow as if saying what do you think?

Maon turned back to the guard while Eralina remained silent. He answered in flawless Greek, "She is my life mate."

The Knight's eyes widened, "Life mate? Are you two married?"

"Yes, we were married by a Black Monk before we left our home to come to your aid."

The knight shook his head, "You were married by a monk in a faraway land? How do you plan to prove this actually happened? You were not married by the bishop in our own city. For all we know, you could have lied about the marriage vows."

"Our marriage was registered with the Pope by that same Monk. He is a truthful and knowledgeable monk. He would never do as you suggest." Maon glared at the man. Hermione could see his ears reddening. She was sure he would snap soon if the Knight continued on with his current line of questioning.

The Knight gasped as his eyes glanced downward, "She's with child! She cannot enter."

Hermione groaned from her seat in the cart. The poor Knight had no idea what he had done.

Maon growled, "Your Emperor wanted to meet with the leaders of our group. She is our leader."

The knight shook his head in disbelief. "You expect me to believe a pregnant girl is your leader? Impossible, she will wait here with the rest of your men."

Maon moved to argue some more, but Eralina stopped him when she rested her left hand on his shoulder and smiled at him. She then took a step to stand in front of him. Hermione watched Maon, Dax, and Sigmund take a step back. She smiled realizing that they knew things were about to happen. You never angered a pregnant woman, especially one as powerful as Eralina was.

Eralina smiled at the man, "My good Knight, is it my understanding that I am forbidden entry because I am pregnant or because I am a woman?"

The taller knight stared down at her. Hermione noticed the Knight's body trembled for a moment before he finally spoke, "It is both of these factors that are sacrilegious. No women, especially those who bear a child out of wedlock, are allowed to meet with the Emperor. The thought of it violates our sacred morals."

"I see, so you are disregarding our marriage because it wasn't performed in your city? Your sacred morals are derived from a man who was born to a woman out of wedlock. Was his mother Mary married to God when he placed a child in her womb? I think not. You really don't know who you are messing with. But, you will soon understand."

Hermione noticed that Eralina's controlled emotions were just about to snap. She held in a gasp as Eralina exploded in emerald fire. It was far stronger than any normal flames. It was as if she had managed atomic fusion producing a very strong thermonuclear reaction. It was like Eralina was surrounded by a newly ignited emerald sun. Hermione could hear the creaking and turned her omnioculars toward Eralina's mail-clad feet. The marble at the woman's feet was cracking under the pressure and heat of Eralina's power. She then turned her sight to the awestruck face of the knight.

Hermione let out a slow breath as Eralina moved at a speed that she was sure she'd have to use the playback mode at a much slower speed to understand what she was witnessing. Hermione moved her sight away from Eralina as she was nothing but a blur even to her magical recording device. Instead she focused on the shocked Knight. His face filled with fear and he reached for his sword. However, Eralina's gloved hand landed on his before he could pull his sword from his scabbard. Eralina's crest embossed gantlet shimmered under the emerald light of her own sun. She was but a hairsbreadth from the Knights face. Hermione noticed he was nothing but a trembling mess as he lost his footing on the ruins of the steps and fell backwards landing like a upside down turtle.

Eralina still held the Knight's hand as hostage as she growled, "I am no mere girl, Good Knight! I am Sundra Redoak. I have fought for the survival of humanity for millennia. If you wish to survive to see another day of your angry, paranoid life, I suggest you grant me entry!"

"My great lord, forgive him, he was merely testing you." A voice sounded from Eralina's left, which quickly gathered Hermione's attention. Hermione zoomed in on a man wearing a gold crown dressed in regal garb. His brown hair reached his shoulders and sported a trimmed beard. They were both peppered with grey here and there. He was surrounded by six knights and held a scepter in which he leaned on as if it were a cane. Hermione noticed that Eralina's rage quickly faded under the man's arrival. She could only assume he was the current Emperor of Constantinople.

Hermione wondered again what Eralina was going to do when the pregnant warrior turned her attention to the still shuddering Knight. She looked down at her hand that still held his, and the emerald flames quickly retreated. "I must apologize for my reaction, my good knight. I anger easily these days the further my pregnancy goes. It is quite a different experience."

Hermione couldn't stop the chuckle that broke from the throat. Eralina was stating the obvious in only the way a man going through the experience for the first time ever could. She watched as Eralina stepped to the side and offered to help the knight stand. He shook his head and stood on his own. Hermione wondered how his pride was as he dusted off his dirtied tunic. She noticed a bit of a dripping liquid from his mail-clad leg. Did Eralina make him pee himself?

Hermione watched as Eralina shrugged then turned to the Emperor. She walked gracefully towards him with Maon at her back and curtseyed, "Greetings to you, Emperor Komnenos, I am Eralina Ruadair. I am the leader of my men. These gentlemen are my Captains, Maon Williamson, Dax Saule, and Sigmund di Aosta. We come to offer our services in your fight to regain the sacred city of Jerusalem."

"Forgive me for saying such, but isn't there something you are forgetting to tell me?" The Emperor took a few steps forward, getting closer to Eralina. Did Talib tell him she'd do something else?

Eralina's reply sounded a bit coy to Hermione, "How do you mean, Great Emperor?"

"Three nights prior, I was visited by Jesus Christ while I slept. He told me a pregnant woman who leads many strong men would come. He said you are here to help and not to fear you. He said you would show an example of your great strength." Hermione could see by the Emperor's face that he was looking for any answer to confirm his dream.

Eralina turned her head slightly where Hermione could see her smile, "That is interesting, Majesty. I think the unfortunate incident with your commander was example enough. So, do I frighten you, Great Emperor?"

"Well, after what I just saw, I did not feel fear. Instead, I felt a newly found sense that we will be victorious in this fight for Jerusalem. Come, walk with me. I will counsel you on what has transpired over the last few weeks." The Emperor gestured for her and her group to follow him.

Hermione could hear Maon whispering to her while they walked up the white marble steps that led to the entrance of the complex. "Well, so much for not trying to frighten them. I think it worked. I wonder what news he has to share."

Eralina shrugged, "I wonder how he will react when we tell him about my brother helping the Turks."

Hermione wished that she could follow them to see what would happen, however, she really needed to get Harry and Ron together to find those healing supplies. She was also curious how this Empress of the trees will find them. Soon she was lost in thought staring at a fabric merchant that set up shop outside the gates. It had several tapestries for sale that hung over a wooden post. Something about that direction was pulling her toward it. Was it the unseen threads that blended into an image? Surely, the tapestry weavers were just displaying tales of ancient stories and had no bearing upon her current situation. Hermione has always believed that she makes her own destiny. She never wanted to believe that some unseen force would rule her every action in some benign concept of fate. The constructs of time, when it came to the future, were fluid. They were the results of choices made. They were the only things that created one's future. She had seen how it works, but she didn't get that wrong, did she?