CHAPTER IX
Haldora’s journey was now many months old and had taken her through many towns. She sold some of her remedies and made many dresses to support herself, but she could not stay in one place for too long. She was sure someone would find out what she was. The symbol around her neck was no longer her safety. She could hear people talking about the cross bearers who were killed because they lied. Haldora was sure she would be next. At one of the towns she entered the house of the new god. She mimicked the gestures of the people and tried to understand why those four stone walls were the house of this new god, why didn’t he live outside as hers did. She heard the readings of the priests in this new language and after a while she began to understand this new language. The teachings of this new god were strange to her. He spoke in riddles and she was unable to grasp the complete sense of what he wanted to say. She soon was gone from that place but the new teachings remained fresh in her head. If she would encounter people she wanted to make sure she could speak as they did and pass for one of them.
In between towns, Haldora stopped by a river and as it was an exceptionally sunny day, she found a remote, hidden, place, removed her clothes and jumped in for a swim. As she dove into the black cold waters, the sound of the splash caught the attention of some soldiers stationed near. They came close, slowly to arouse no suspicion. Behind some bushes they observed as Haldora swam. Her pale white body contrasted with the darkness of the waters and her long hair wrapped around her body like a weed as she turned in the water. She swam like a mermaid, remaining below water for the longest of times. The soldiers remained observing long after she had noticed them there. She swam to shore, where covered by her long hair, she concentrated her energy to make the land slide. Down the hill came the two soldiers, landing in the water. She quickly dressed and ran away, as the two soldiers tried to come out of the water. They left the water and began to chase her. Haldora thought she would be safe as soon as she entered the woods, but as she was close a horse crossed her path, throwing her down. On the ground she laid as dead, the horse immediately touched her with his nose, as if wandering if she was dead.
- I am alive, little one. – She spoke to the horse as she lifted herself.
As soon as she did the two soldiers grabbed her. She looked at the men on the horse and the crown on his head denoted him as a king. She lowered her head. He was curious about her.
- Bring her with. – He ordered.
Haldora was pushed to run behind the king’s horse. The horse kept on trying to look back at her and she smiled at him. The king noticed this behavior which formed his opinion of this woman.
Haldora was brought to a grand hall in a castle. She kneeled as soon as the soldier let her go. The king was unimpressed. His knights began to appear from the different doors around the hall, they all stared at Haldora with curiosity, looking at the king waiting for his explanation.
- Did you know that it is a crime to god to expose yourself? – The king asked.
- Yes, sire, I do. I beg yours and god’s forgiveness. – Haldora responded.
- You should be flogged for your sin. – One of the knights suggested.
- I watched you in the river. – The king explained. – I saw you dive and not come up. How did you do that? – Sounds of gasp and amazement were heard.
- I hold my breath, sire. – She explained in fear.
- I know of no Christian man who can do that, why should you do it?
- I do not know sire.
- Maybe if I bring a tin of water you can show me how you do that.
- My Lord Jesus Christ did not prove himself to the one’s who doubted him. – She crossed herself as she said these words.
The king came close to her and made her get up. He grabbed her face and looked her right in the eyes.
- You heathen bitch. You are not worthy to say the name of the lord.
- Thou shall not take the Lord’s name in vain. – She automatically responded.
The king slapped her. Haldora threw herself on the floor to seem weak.
- You may wear the symbol of Christ around your neck, but I can see God is not in your heart. You had the audacity to compare yourself to Him. How dare you? I should kill you where you stand.
Haldora got up and stared the king in the face.
- Before you do, allow me to say this. If you want to win the next tournament, I suggest you rest your horse and ride another till then. Your horse complained of a sore leg, he has not healed since you fell from that great ravine. He will heal in time if you stop ridding him. You will have victory if you do.
The king paused for thought as the knights commented this new information between them.
- How did you know?
- Sire as declared me a heathen, then I must be so. I do only my heathen duty. – Haldora explained.
- Insolence. How entertaining. If you lie you will be killed.
- And if I tell the truth?
The king sat on his throne and thought, many of the knights shouted she should die and others that she should be close to the king.
- Let her be converted. – One voice sounded from the back.
The knights turned and so did Haldora. Sitting on a chair, her warrior looked at her, healed and well. He rose from his chair and walked over to her. She looked him in the eyes half praying to be recognized, half praying to be a stranger. His eyes denoted some familiarity and as he drew near she could swear he knew who she was. He ripped the cross from her neck.
- If she wants to wear this symbol so much, why not make it real? - He explained.
The king smiled at the idea. Her warrior looked at her one more time and she could smell his skin again.
- We shall baptize you and you shall live in a convent till you are a child of Christ.
Haldora bowed in gratefulness.
- Your name shall be… -, suggested the king.
- Isabeaux. – She immediately answered.
The warrior looked at her surprised.
- Isabeaux? That is a beautiful name. You shall be baptized as Isabeaux.
She was taken away by soldiers and her basket was taken as well, as it passed by the warrior he sniffed a familiar smell and turned his head. Memories were raised.
As Haldora foresaw the king’s horse healed and the tournament was won.
She was taken to the convent that very day. As soon as the heavy door closed behind her, she was taken away and stripped of her heathen clothes, and then she was dressed in her new Christian clothes and taken immediately to her cell. The heavy key turned the lock and she cried knowing she had lost her chance with her warrior. Her new companions were a bed, a candle and the bible, other then that only her friend the darkness.
Darkness… Crying… Echoing silence…
