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.
Italicizations represent internal thoughts.
I wish to apologize for taking so long to get this chapter finished. Unfortunately with the holidays upon us, it is keeping me busy. Between family, friends and everything else, it just took longer. I hope you all enjoy the story and, again, I would like to thank everyone who has read this story. Thank you so very much.
I would like to provide a bit of information on the disease called Leprosy, although it's official name is Hansen's disease. Leprosy is a disease caused by bacteria and/or germs and, even today, it is still not completely known how the disease is caught, but it is very treatable and can be one hundred percent cured. Also, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms to appear and about ninety-five percent of the human race has a natural immunity to the disease.
The cure for Leprosy is very easy and does not require hospitalization. Depending on which of the two types that the patient has, will determine the length of treatment, which will last six months or a year. The treatment is very simple, it is a pill that contains a combination of three types of medication, which kills the infection and cures the patient. The patient takes one pill a day. Once treated, the patient cannot be re-infected.
The problem with treating Leprosy is the damage that it causes, mainly to the face, hands and feet. If not treated early, a person can be left disabled and/or disfigured. Also, if left untreated, other problems can arise, which can lead to death. Leprosy occurs everywhere, not just in the poorest of countries, but even in the wealthiest. In the U.S.A. there are up to nine cases treated every year.
I hope everyone understands that, for the purpose of this story, I will not be too technical with the treatments; I don't want it to turn into a medical reference guide.
Altering History
Chapter 4: Decisions
In the Year of our Lord, 1185
In the King's sleeping chamber…
Larissa walked from the king's sleeping chamber, through the main room and up to the heavy entrance doors. Pulling one of the heavy doors open, she stepped out and faced the guards.
"Hey, you guys." She called to them, wanting to get their attention.
Both turned towards her and stared silently.
"I need one of you to either escort me to the Marshall or have him come here." She looked at them both, and wanting to get across the seriousness of the situation, followed up with, "The life of the King could depend on the quickness of your actions!"
Sometimes you have to be drama queen to get the response you need.
The two guards quickly spoke in Arabic to each other, and after a few moments, one of them quickly left.
Well, I guess that make the decision for me; the Marshall will come to me.
She turned to the remaining guard and said, "Thank you."
He gave her a brief nod of acknowledgement, before returning to his duty of guarding the doors.
Larissa closed the door and walked back to the King's sleeping chamber. Walking over to bed, she checked his breathing and arranged the pillows beneath his head. Satisfied with the current situation, she walked over to her medical bag, and located a very ornate table to place it on. She opened the bag and began to review her supplies. Checking to see if she had what was needed.
My supplies won't last forever, but they'll be put to good use while they do. The leprosy is the easiest one to treat, it's the complications caused by the disease that will take the time to treat. In fact, it will take…
Larissa froze and then began to shake. Beginning to feel dizzy, she sat cross legged on the floor and placed her head in her hands.
Oh my God, we're only here for three weeks; less considering it's already been three days. It will take longer than that to treat him.
Larissa began to shake.
If I do this, I'm making a serious decision. It means I'm staying here for the long haul. It would be cruel to only half treat him. No, more than cruel; unethical, and inexcusable.
Larissa took a deep breath and then took another, trying to calm herself.
Can I make this kind of commitment? I will have to give up my future, everything I know. Can I do it?
Larissa stood up and forced herself to continue the review of her supplies.
All right, what would I be giving up? A secure job at a hospital, and, hopefully, eventually a private practice. Either way, my hands tied by the rules and regulations of the health insurance companies and hospital policies; both out to protect themselves. I can live without that; them telling me who I can treat, and how I can treat them. Businessmen and women, not I, determining who will live and die. Yeah, I can live without that.
She started to feel more like herself; beginning to feel calm.
And my life; let me consider that. My life or lack of one. The only family I have is my dad. My dad. O.k., I don't have any family. Not the real kind. Not since my mom died. If mom was still alive, it would be different. Friends. I don't have any friends. I have lots of acquaintances, but no real friends. My life was so busy with school, and taking care of mom, when she got sick.
The King made a noise, and she rushed over to check him.
I have no family, no friends, and no pets. I don't even have a plant that needs watering. What would I be giving up, if I do this?
Assuring herself that the King was fine, she sat in the bedside chair.
Nothing, absolutely nothing. But what would I have here? If I commit to this; what would I have here?
Before she could finish that thought, she heard the main doors open and the sound of boots on the marble floor.
Larissa stood up and waited for the Marshall to enter the room.
"My Lady." The Marshall said, as he looked quickly at the sleeping King. His eyes widening at the sight of his King.
Maybe this is the first time he's seen the King's face.
Bringing his eyes back to Larissa, he continued. "What help can I offer?"
"I will need an assistant. Someone I can trust, and will do whatever I ask without questions."
"Would not one of your father's servants be best suited to help you?" The Marshall questioned.
Chuckling to herself, she responded. "I said someone I can trust and would not question me, while I treat him."
The Marshall seemed to understand. "Yes, I see what you mean."
He then walked over to the King, and stared at him silently for a few moments.
Allowing the Marshall a moment to himself, Larissa thought, he's more than an advisor or knight for the King; he views him as a son and loves him like a father.
Larissa felt tears begin to gather at the corner of her eyes. Giving a quick sniff, and a deep breath, she got herself under control.
Boy, have I turned into a watering pot or what. I've cried more in an hour than I've cried in the last few years. Even when mom died, I was so numb, and busy with so many things to take care of, I couldn't allow myself to cry.
"My Lady." The Marshall said, bringing her attention back to the reality of the situation.
"Um, yes." Larissa mumbled, gathering her thoughts.
The Marshall walked up to her. "Can you help him? Pray, tell me, can you?"
"Yes; yes I can." She answered. "Not only that, but I can cure him. Give him a chance at a real life."
"How? There is no cure for leprosy. None that any of the other physicians we have consulted could find."
O.k., how do I answer that without sounding crazy or having me accused of witchcraft or something equally icky?
"I come from a land far, far away. It's called Ohio and we have found a way to treat this terrible disease."
The Marshall narrowed his eyes. "And where is this Ohio? I have not heard of this place; what country does it border?"
Think fast. What I wouldn't give, right now, to have my dad's ability to lie and sound believable.
"Well, my Lord Marshall, it is not a country itself." Larissa thought for a moment. "It is a region in…ummm…Poland."
I hope Poland exists.
He considered her answers. "I see…Poland you say."
I don't think he believes me…
"Of course, Poland."
…but he is willing to accept my response, if it means I can save his King.
"Yes sir." She responded.
The Marshall reached out and touched her cheek. "If you have a way to save my King, then I say God bless all the people of Poland."
He walked over to the bed and touched his King's bandaged hand and leaned down to whispered into his ear.
I wonder what he is saying.
The Marshall straightened and looked at Larissa. "I will send a servant to you. One who will be obedient and faithful." He turned to leave.
"Thank you my Lord Marshall." She said to his retreating back.
The Marshall stopped and without turning around he said "Tiberias, my Lady. If you can cure my King, then I shall consider you a friend and my friends call me Tiberias."
Larissa did not know how to respond, so she said nothing as he left the King's apartment. She walked over to the King and smiled as she took his hand.
I have to wait for my assistant, before I begin anything. I'll need to prepare him or her, explain how things will work.
She released his hand and walked back over to her bag, and began to sort the surgical tools that she would need, as well as the medication that would be required.
Returning to the King, she touched his face, turning it and looking it over carefully; memorizing it and making notes in her head.
I was wondering what I would have here, if I stayed. Now I know, and I think mom would be proud. I might not know what is going to happen; my well planned life at an end, but here, I can make a difference; if only in a small way. Here I now have a…
"Friend." She said out loud.
Now I only need a plant, pet and maybe, just maybe a family. I'll finally have a chance at a real life.
Larissa laughed a loud and happy laugh.
I'm going to find my future in the past. Sticking it to my dad is an added bonus. I can't wait to see how he'll take the news that I'm not returning with them. Talk about a real Kodak moment.
The thought made her laughed until her sides hurt.
I'm going to cure a King and change the world; no, not just the world, but history itself and get myself a life out of it. Look out Jerusalem, Larissa's here to stay.
To be continued.