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 would like to thank everyone who has read this story, whether they left a review or not, and hope you continue to do so. All reviews, no matter how short or long, are much appreciated. Once again, thank you.
I would like to explain my time travel belief. There are two theories; one is that, if the past is changed, it will not change our future, but create an alternate future; much like branches on a tree. The trunk would be the primary timeline, we live in, but the branches would be timelines created by altering the past. I do not subscribe to this theory. I believe in the second theory, the linear timeline, that there is only one timeline and that all changes in the past will affect the future. Like a domino effect; whether they are good or bad…
Regardless of which theory you believe in, and it is still debated today, I hope you will enjoy the story.
Altering History
Chapter Three: Jerusalem
In the Year of our Lord, 1185
At the gate of Jerusalem…
The journey to Jerusalem was, as Saladin had hoped, uneventful. During the journey, little was said between the team members, for fear of what would be overheard and understood by their guides, the two soldiers sent to escort them to the city. After two days of riding hard, with only quick breaks to sleep and eat, they finally arrived at the gate of the city of Jerusalem.
Wow, I never imagined the city was so big.
They brought their horses to a stop, at their guide's command, at the city's gate. Waiting at the gate were five knights, all dressed in chainmail and blue surcoats, sitting upon horses that also wore light armor.
People and their animals do begin to resemble each other.
Larissa began to giggle, which drew the attention of her fellow team members.
"Larissa," Her father said, "please be quiet." He was watching their guides, who were now talking to the knights.
Biting her lip, Larissa managed to stop her giggles and watched their guides and the knights too.
Dad really needs to get a sense of humor. A full personality overhaul would be nice.
From the group of knights, their leader, an older man with a scar running down the right side of his face, moved his horse forward and began to address their guides in Arabic.
I'm the boss is written all over that man's face.
"Jamal," The professor began, "what is being said regarding us."
The knights and Saladin's soldiers were merely ten feet in front of them, so Jamal did not have to strain to hear what was being said during the conversation.
"Saladin's men are explaining that we are the ones that he promised to send to the king." He was silent again, listening. "In fact, they are saying, they bring the promised physician and the physician's servants."
Everyone turned in their saddles, to stare at Larissa.
"Servants…" muttered Josie out loud. "I don't think so."
"This is unacceptable." The professor said. "Completely unacceptable."
"Hey, I never referred to anyone as my servants." Larissa said defensively.
They still continued to stare at her, with expressions ranging from disgruntled to offended.
I just get more and more popular with everyone. Don't I feel special?
During this time, Saladin's soldiers and the scarred knight had ridden directly up to their group. The knight addressed them all.
"I am the Marshall of Jerusalem. These soldiers have transferred your protection to me." He looked all five of them over, before continuing. "You will follow me."
With a formal wave to Saladin's soldiers, who immediately rode away from Jerusalem, returning to their home, he turned his horse back towards the gate and rode through, expecting them to follow unquestioningly.
Yep, this guy is in charge and expects to be followed. No questions allowed.
As they rode behind the Marshall, the other knights took positions around them, as they rode through the gate and into the city of Jerusalem.
In the city of Jerusalem…
The city was very crowded; filled with people of all nationalities and speaking many different languages.
There were merchant selling everything one could imagine, from all types of foods to silks and furs. All manner of people, from servants, dressed in plain, sturdy clothing, to great lords and ladies, dressed in their finest walked about, interacting with each other. The air was filled with all kinds of smells, not all pleasant, and everything from bargaining to gossiping could be heard.
A real melting pot, if I don't mind saying so.
Every member of the professor's group was fascinated by what they were witnessing, as they wove their horses through the busy city.
I can almost feel their need to explore. For once I can understand where they're coming from.
Within a short time, they came to a massive stall, where they were commanded to dismount and follow the Marshall.
I guess this is the medieval version of a parking lot.
Larissa wanted to giggle, but held it back; not wanting to be the center of attention again.
The Marshall dismissed the other knights, and walked down a hallway, with them following, which led into a large open room that was dominated by an equally large desk. The Marshall motioned for them to take a seat, in one of the many chairs scattered in the room, before taking a seat behind the desk and addressing the professor.
"Saladin has sent you to treat my King." he began. "He said you were a respected physician and would do your best to treat him. If I suspect at any time you are not what you seem, I will kill you; make no mistake about that."
Ha, he thinks dad is the physician and it looks like dad isn't correcting him about it. Dad's such a snake.
"Excuse me, sir." Larissa said. "I am the physician, not him. He is my father."
The Marshall turned to face her, amazement written on his face and said, "You, a mere girl?"
"This mere girl was sent by Saladin himself, to help your king." Larissa defended herself. "I can assure you, that if Saladin had confidence in me, so should you."
The Marshall narrowed his eyes and gave her a hard look before responding. "Then I will trust Saladin's wisdom in sending you, but remember, if you do him any deliberate harm, I will not consider your gender in rendering any punishment."
"I understand and would not expect you to." She narrowed her eyes in return.
This guy really does scare me, but I can't let him know that. I'm not going to back down.
"I see," he replied, "so he is your father and these are your servants?"
All the team member's eyes turned toward Larissa.
"Well, he is my father, and if anything, they are his servants, I guess. I don't have any servants."
"Hmmmm, interesting. Most physicians come with servants. I suspect I will have to assign someone to you." He turned towards the professor. "If your daughter is a physician, what do you do?"
"I am a teacher of history, and my servants, if you will, help in my study and recording of history." The professor explained.
Wow, he spoke the truth, without revealing anything. He could get a job as a used car salesman or a politician.
The Marshall addressed Larissa again. "You come from a very educated family."
"Yes sir." She nodded. "If I might be escorted to the king now, I would gladly tend to him."
"Indeed." He motioned to a servant who had remained unseen and spoke in Arabic.
"Your father and his servants will follow Murad. He will take them to their rooms, where they might rest and refresh. You will come with me."
"My Lord Marshall," Larissa's father interrupted. "If it is not imposing, I would like to accompany my daughter, as she sees the king."
My dad is going for the loving father voice; it's nauseating and kind of creepy.
"Of course; both of you, please follow me, as my servant attends to the others." The Marshall turned, and once again expecting them to follow, walked from the room.
Definitely a leader; Larissa thought, as she and her father followed.
In the presence of the King…
After following the Marshall through hallways, rooms and up stairs, the finally came to a large, heavy door, guarded by soldiers dressed in Arab robes.
I love the mix of cultures in this place.
Upon sight of the Marshall, the soldiers bowed and open the heavy doors, to allow the three visitors entrance into the King's rooms.
The first room was an elegant, large open windowed room with a balcony, and appeared to be more of the sitting room, with chairs and tables. Everything in the room was of the richest, most elegant design and material, and was filled with exotic smells.
Wow, this king sure does know how to live the good life.
The sitting room had several open doorways, which led into other rooms and Larissa and her father followed the Marshall through one, and into the sleeping chamber of the king.
Upon the high canopied bed lay the king. He was fully dressed in dark brown robes and a headdress, with a silver mask upon his face. The right hand was gloved and the left wrapped in bandages, both in the same dark coloring. Not a single piece of flesh was exposed.
He's already dressed for his funeral.
Tending him were two servants, who could do nothing but watch; waiting for their King's death.
"Oh my God." Larissa whispered under her breath.
This is a lot worse than I expected.
The Marshall touched her shoulder, drawing her attention away from the king, to him. "Can you help?"
"I do not know. I will have to examine him first." She looked back at the king. "I will do my best. I promise."
The Marshall nodded. "Is there anything you need?"
"Yes, I will need my bag of medicines. It was on our pack horse and is the largest of the bags, with straps on the back. If you could have it sent to me, it would be much appreciated. Please handle it carefully."
Turning to one of the two servants, he commanded one of them to fetch the requested item. One immediately left, to do his bidding.
"I will leave you, and your father, so that you might tend to my King." He bowed to her. "If you require anything, just ask."
The Marshal turned and walked from the King's room.
Tending a King…
With only her father and one of the servants remaining, Larissa walked over to the King's bed, intending to do a brief examination, and gently lifted his mask, setting it on the table next to the bed.
Oh dear God, his face.
Larissa gasped and turned away; trying to compose herself.
Her father watched her for a moment, before addressing the remaining servant. "Leave, I wish to have a private moment with my daughter."
Intimidated by her father's voice, the servant fled the king's room.
I think he wanted to get out of this room. People have a hard time with death, when they feel there's nothing they can do. I understand that feeling.
Larissa waked into the sitting room and out onto the balcony, taking deep breaths.
"Do nothing Larissa." Her father, having followed, said behind her. "As you can see, he is suffering from leprosy and dying. He is meant to die."
"I've never seen someone with such an advance stage of leprosy."
"See, my dear," Her father placed his hands on her shoulders. "I was only trying to protect you."
He's so full of it and probably thinks I'm falling for the concerned father act he's putting on.
Shaking his hands off, and turning towards him, she said, "Dad, I can still help him. He's not beyond hope. Leprosy is one hundred percent curable, regardless of the state. It's other complications that are killing him."
In a stern voice, he responded, "You will do nothing. Do you believe you have the right to change what is meant to be? Do you?"
Could he be right?
"I have no problem with you easing his suffering, making his passing more comfortable, but do nothing else. You do not have the right."
The doors opened and the servant, who had been sent by the Marshall, walked in with her medical bag. He bowed and handed it to her.
"Thank you." Larissa said.
"Boy." Her father commanded. "Take me to my room."
"Yes, my lord." The servant bowed and said, "Please follow me."
As her father followed, he said one last time, "Think on what I've said Larissa."
As the door closed behind her father, Larissa was now alone with the dying King of Jerusalem. Picking up her medical bag, she walked back into the King's bedroom.
Setting the bag on a chair, she walked over to the bed and stared upon the face of the King.
The leprosy has done major damage to his face. His nasal passages have collapsed, which is why he can't breathe properly; his nose partially caved in, due to the damage. His mouth is distorted, on the right, and it must be difficult to eat. There are lesions on his face, and there will be nerve damage.
Larissa walked over to her bag, and took out a stethoscope. Walking back to the bed, she used the stethoscope and listened to his chest.
His lungs are very, very congested and he's running a high fever. Probably a very bad chest infection and what's killing him. Easily treatable things in my time can kill in this one.
Larissa sat down in a chair next to the bed, her eyes filling with tears that she refused to let fall.
What do I do? Can dad be right? Do I have the right to change what is supposed to happen? Should I just ease his passing, but do nothing to stop it?
She heard a gasp come from the King, and standing up, she leaned over to check on him. She adjusted the pillow beneath his head, helping him breath a little easier.
Without any conscious thought, she gently caressed his cheek, and whispered to herself, "What should I do with you?"
Before she could think about an answer, the King's eyes opened. Bright, shinning blue eyes, which looked deep into her tear filled dark green ones.
"Hello." He said in a beautiful, quiet voice. "Are you an angel?"
Larissa gave a sad smile. "No, not an angel." She continued to caress his cheek.
"I think, perhaps, that you are my angel." he replied, as his eyes closed and he fell back into a deep sleep.
Larissa's tears now fell freely from her eyes and she grasped his wrapped left hand in both of hers.
I know what I have to do and dad is not going to be happy.
To be continued…