The inspiration of this story occurred, when some friends and I watched the movie Timeline and Kingdom of Heaven. I thought to myself, what if a group of scientist travel back in time, to Jerusalem, during the rule of King Baldwin IV. Although I am basing the personalities and actions, of the historical characters, on the movie Kingdom of Heaven, I will include some historical fact; however, it will mostly be alternate history.

All characters, except those created by me, are historical, and belong to no one but themselves.

Italicization represents internal thoughts.

I know most would like me to get right to the Baldwin/Larissa relationship, but I believe you can't rush into it. The best kind of romances, for me, takes time to build, to have the most substance. The meeting of Larissa and Baldwin will occur in the next chapter, I promise.

I would like to thank everyone who has read this story, whether they left a review or not, and hope you continue to do so.

Altering History

Chapter Two: Traveling to Jerusalem

In the Year of our Lord, 1185

Within the tent of Saladin…

"Ah, well, you see…" Larissa stuttered, "I have been trained to be a physician."

Her entire body seemed to be frozen, while she waited for Saladin's response. However, before he could respond to her offer, her father interrupted.

"Please, Great Lord, she is only a foolish girl. Pay her no heed. Her words mean nothing." As he finished, he turned and gave his daughter a very nasty look.

Saladin turned back to the professor, "No, all words, no matter who speaks them, have meaning." He turned back to Larissa, "I ask that you continue."

Taking a deep breath, to steady her nerves, she looked up at Saladin, meeting his eyes. "I have been trained in medicine, under the tutelage of great physicians."

Hey, I think I'm getting the whole lingo style down. I have to admit, it sounds beautiful, more lyrical.

Larissa continued, "I humbly offer my services, and gladly offer my help to Jerusalem's King."

All the members of the team were now staring at her in amazement, except her father, who looked very angry.

Wow, I don't think my dad's face can get any redder. He looks angrier than I have ever seen. I must be stealing his thunder.

Larissa quickly turned to her father and crossed her eyes, as she smiled at him, before turning back to Saladin. She suspected that Saladin was very aware of her actions.

"You truly have training as a physician?" Saladin questioned.

"Truly, my lord, my teachers were very learned physicians, who taught me all they know."

As Saladin silently stared at her, Larissa's father once again interrupted. "Great Lord, if you please…" he began, but was silenced when Saladin gave him a freezing look.

My respect for Saladin just increased. Anyone who can make my dad shut up with just a look, is my hero.

Once again Saladin addressed Larissa. "It is most unusual for a female to be trained as a physician. Indeed, most unusual and uncommon."

"Well, my lord, I like to think of myself as a most uncommon female; if it pleases." She risked giving Saladin a smile.

Saladin continued to look at her, with no change in his expression. Just when Larissa's smile began to falter, a most remarkable thing occurred, Saladin returned her smile; a smile that reached all the way to his eyes.

Saladin walked over to one of his silent commanding officers and spoke quietly to him. They spoke so quietly, that the conversation could not be overheard. During the conversation, Saladin motioned towards the small group, which continued to kneel.

Turing back to the group, he said, "You will follow Karim. He will provide you refreshments, and a place to rest, before you leave tomorrow at dawn."

As the group stood and prepared to follow his commander, all of them with a look of relief, Saladin said, "Not you girl, stay. The rest may go."

Larissa turned to look at the group, as they walked out. All gave her a concerned look, except her father, who shot her one last disgruntled look, before he too left the tent.

I just know he's going to make me pay, one way or another. But, that's a worry for another day. I'll concentrate on the here and now.

During the time Larissa was thinking, Saladin had taken a goblet, filled it with ice and water, and now stood before her, offering her the refreshment. Realizing she was deep in thought, he shook the goblet, causing the ice to clink against the sides of it and catching her attention.

"Oh sorry, I hope I did not offend you?" she said and accepted the cold drink.

Saladin chuckled. "You are a remarkable woman and most interesting. What is your name?"

"Thank you and it is Larissa." and she took a sip of the ice water. "I find you a remarkable man; if you do not mind me saying so." After her first sip of the cold water, she quickly drank the rest

God, I was thirsty.

Pouring more water in the goblet, Saladin smiled, and motioned for her to take a seat on the pillows.

"Indeed not; it does an old man good to hear a beautiful woman compliment him."

This remark caused Larissa to blush. However, quickly enough, the conversation took a turn to the serious.

"I will send you to Jerusalem, to their king. He is worthy of all the help that can be given."

"I accept and will do everything, within in my abilities, to help him."

Saladin nodded, "I will provide you with horses, food and guides for your trip. If you ride hard, you should arrive within two or three days."

"Thank you, but I will also need the return of my property. My medicines are in my bag." Larissa asked.

"Done." he replied, "Is there anything else I can offer?"

She thought for a moment. "There is one thing, I would like to request."

"Yes, what is that request?"

"If it is not too much trouble, would you have something not made of wool I could wear? I am about to scratch myself to death."

The laughter that rang from the tent, a deep and loud laughter, could be heard by many outside the tent.

Dawn at the edge of the camp…

The entire group met the following morning, the sun just beginning to rise, at the edge of the camp. Saladin's camp was preparing to return to Damascus, so every member of his vast army was very busy with their assigned duties.

They were waiting for Saladin to bring the horses, guards, food, and their property, which had been taken from them the night before, when they were captured.

While they waited, Larissa's father, who had been so angry he had not said a word to her since last night, finally turned to her and in a chilling voice said, "Larissa, In future, you will remain quiet. I will be the one to speak for the group, not you. Do I make myself absolutely clear?"

Pompous jerk.

"First off dad," she said, her hands clenched at her sides, "I am not your slave, or a trained dog. If you hadn't noticed, you weren't doing so well last night. I really don't think Saladin cared for you. Fortunately, he did seem to like me, and was willing to listen."

Why do I let him get to me? You'd think I'd have learned by now.

She heard snickering behind her, causing her to whirl around to face the rest of their group.

"What…" she asked.

It was her father's assistant, Josie, who answered. "Just admiring the new clothes you're wearing." She looked Larissa up and down.

Larissa looked down at the clothes she was wearing. She was wearing a robe-like dress, in a dark red, with white embroidering along the edges, and white loose fitting trousers, which tied at her waist, both made of cotton. On her feet were soft leather boots, which laced up the back, and she had a white cotton scarf, with dark red embroidery at the edges, covering her head, and wrapped over her shoulders.

Hey, I think I look pretty good. To be honest, this was much more than I was expecting, when I asked for something new to wear.

John decided to join the conversation. "Hey, we're not the ones who got all buddy, buddy, with Saladin."

My God, when did I get the bulls-eye painted on me?

Trying to stay calm, Larissa responded, "Hey, I got us out of a bad situation. A situation that could've ended with all of us dead. Last night, you all didn't say a single thing; all of you were too busy cowering. I, at least, spoke up; and if I got a new set of clothes out of it, well too damn bad. I am not apologizing to anyone."

Just as she took a deep breath, to continue, her father stepped in, grabbing her arm. "Larissa," he commanded, "If you had remained silent, I would have convinced Saladin to release us. As it is, you have compromised the situation by offering your services, where they do not, I repeat, do not belong."

Pulling her arm free, she asked, "What's the big deal. I'm a doctor and someone is sick, let me see…Oh, yeah, now I remember; I take care of them, it's kind of my job."

"Your father is right." Jamal gave his opinion. "You do not understand the history of this time, and who you offered to help."

They're not my dad's team members, they're his cult members. The cult of Professor Davidson.

Jamal continued. "You can't help anyone without the risk of changing history."

"So, if I understand correctly, if I see anyone sick or dying, and I know I can help, I should just walk on by; let them die?"

In unison the group said, "Yes."

Her father added, "You agreed to this before coming."

O.K., now I'm angry. Count to ten, no make that a hundred.

"Sorry everybody, but unlike all of you, I apparently do not have ice, instead of blood, running through my veins. Oh, and dad, I didn't agree to anything, you gave a command, but I didn't say I agreed."

"You will do nothing when we reach Jerusalem." he responded, "Absolutely nothing."

He must love the sound of his own voice.

Maggie spoke, in a quiet voice, with a slight Irish accent. "We are all scientists and mustn't do anything to change what is to come."

Feeling frustrated, Larissa asked, "So who is this king?"

"Baldwin the Fourth" John said, "Born 1161, died 1185."

"Wait a minute, that this year…" Larissa began, but soon realized everyone had stopped talking and were staring at something behind her. Turning around, there stood Saladin, with the two guards that would accompany them on their journey.

"It seems I have interrupted a very important discussion." he said.

Smiling, Larissa answered, "No, just a family disagreement."

"Ah, I see." he retuned her smile, "Families can be very trying."

Some more than most!

"I have brought the horses, and food for your journey." Saladin explained, "Your personal property has been packed on to one of the horses for you, and these two guards will accompany you."

"Thank you, Great Lord." The professor answered.

My dad is such a suck up.

"The guards will take you to the gates of Jerusalem; they will not enter the city with you. I sent a rider last night, who will reach the city before you, and notify the King and Marshall of your arrival." Saladin continued to explain. "The Marshall will escort you into the city and arrange for you to meet the King."

Within moments, everyone was on a horse, preparing to leave.

It's been so long since I've ridden. I just know I'm going to be sore.

Saladin walked up to Larissa and said, "Salaam alaikum."

"I do not know what that means."

"It means peace be unto you."

"Well, Salaam alaikum to you too." Larissa responded.

He laughed, "No, you would respond alaikum salaam."

She laughed at herself, "I am sorry. Let me try I again; alaikum salaam."

Saladin took her hand, "Promise me that you will do your very best for Jerusalem's king."

"I promise." she said with all sincerity.

"Excellent.", he stepped back and addressed the entire group, "May your trip be quick and uneventful."

Giving her a wave, Saladin turned and walked back into his camp.

One of the guards moved his horse forward and took the lead position of the group, as the other took the flank. While everyone prepared to leave, the professor walked his horse over to Larissa's and said, "I don't care what you promised, you will not interfere with what is meant to happen. You will do nothing to save the king."

As the horses and riders began to gallop off, into the desert, heading for the city of Jerusalem, Larissa thought to herself; We'll see about that, won't we dad. We'll see.

To be continued.