Kate Mosse - Labyrinth

He was a skilful storyteller, weaving tales of his life in Chartres and Beziers with memories of his life in the Holy Land. The time passed quickly as he talked of the hills of Judea in springtime, told them of the plains of Sephal covered with lilies, yellow and purple irises and pink almond trees, which stretched like a carpet to the ends of the earth. Alais was captivated.

The shadows lengthened. As it did so, the atmosphere changed, without Alais being aware it was happening. She was conscious of a nervous fluttering in her stomach, an anticipation of what was to come. She wondered if this was how Guilhem or her father felt on the eve of a battle. This sense of time hanging in the balance.

She glanced across at Esclarmonde, her hands folded in her lap and her face serene. She looked composed and poised.

“I’m sure my father will be here soon,” she said, feeling responsible for his continued absence. “He gave me his word.”

“We know,” said Simeon, patting her hand. His skin was as dry as parchment.

We may not be able to wait much longer,“ said Esclarmonde, looking to the door that remained firmly shut. ”The owners of this house will soon return.“

Alais intercepted a look between them. Unable to bear the tension any longer, she leaned forward.

“Yesterday, you did not answer my question, Esclarmonde.” She was amazed at how steady she sounded. “Are you also a guardian? Is the book my father seeks in your safekeeping?”

For a moment, her words seemed to hang in the air between them, claimed by no one. Then, to Alais’s surprise, Simeon chuckled.

“How much did your father tell you about the Noublesso ?” he said, his black eyes twinkling.

“That there were always five guardians, pledged to protect the books of the Labyrinth Trilogy.”

“And did he explain why there were five?”

Alais shook her head.

“Always, the Navigataire , the leader, is supported by four initiates.

Together, they represent the five points of the human body and the power of the number five. Each guardian is chosen for their fortitude, their determination and their loyalty. Christian, Saracen, Jew, it is our soul, our courage that matters, not blood or birth or race. It also reflects the nature of the secret we are pledged to protect, which belongs to every faith and to none.“ He smiled. ”For more than two thousand years, the Noublesso de los Seres has existed – although not always under that name to watch over and protect the secret. Sometimes our presence has been hidden, other times we have lived openly.“

Alais turned to Esclarmonde. “My father is unwilling to accept your identity. He cannot believe it.”

“It flies in the face of his expectation.”

“It was ever thus with Bertrand,” chuckled Simeon.

“He would not have anticipated the fifth guardian being a woman,” Alais said, coming to her father’s defence.

“It was less remarkable in times gone past,” said Simeon. “Egypt, Assyria, Rome, Babylon, these ancient cultures of which you have heard tell, accorded more respect to the female state than these dark times of ours.”

Alais thought a moment. “Do you think Harif is right to believe the books will be safer in the mountains?” she asked.

Simeon raised his hands. “It is not for us to seek the truth or to question what will or will not be. Our task is simply to guard the books and to protect them from harm. To make sure that they are ready when they are needed.”

Which is why Harif chose your father to carry the books, rather than either of us,“ continued Esclarmonde. ”His position makes him the most suitable envoi. He has access to men and horses, he can travel more freely than either of us.“

Alais hesitated, not wishing to be disloyal to her father. “He is reluctant to leave the Viscount. He is torn between his old and his new loyalties.”

We all feel such conflicts,“ said Simeon. We all have found ourselves struggling to choose what path to take for the best. Bertrand is fortunate to have lived so long without having to make his choice.” He took her hands between his. “Bertrand cannot delay, Alais. You must encourage him to fulfill his responsibilities. That Carcassona has not fallen before does not mean that it cannot.”

Alais felt their eyes upon her. She stood up and walked over to the hearth. Her heart was racing as an idea took shape in her mind.

“Is it permitted for another to act in his stead?” she said in a level voice.

Esclarmonde understood. “I do not think your father would allow it.

“You are too precious to him.”

Alais turned back to face them. “Before he left for Montpelhier, he believed me equal to the task. In principle, he has already given me leave.”

Simeon nodded. “That’s true, but the situation changes daily. As the French approach the borders of Viscount Trencavel’s lands, the roads every day become more dangerous, as I saw for myself. It will not be long before it is too perilous to travel at all.”

Alais held her ground. “But I will be going in the opposite direction,” she said, looking from one to the other. “And you did not answer my question. If the traditions of the Noublesso do not prohibit me taking this burden from my father’s shoulders, then I offer my service in his place. I am more than capable of protecting myself. I am an excellent rider, skilled with sword and bow. No one would ever suspect me of-”

Simeon raised his hand. “You misinterpret our hesitation, child. I certainly do not doubt your courage or your resolve.”

“Then give me your blessing.”

Simeon sighed and turned to Esclarmonde. “Sister, what say you? If Bertrand agrees, of course.”

“I beseech you, Esclarmonde,” Alais pleaded, “give your voice to my request. I know my father.”

“I can promise nothing,” she said, in the end, “but I will not argue against you.” Alais let a smile break out on her face. “But you must abide by his decision,” Esclarmonde continued. “If he will not give his permission, you must accept it.”

He can’t say no. I won’t let him.

“I will obey him, of course,” she said.

The door opened and Sajhe burst into the room, followed by Bertrand Pelletier.

He embraced Alais, greeted Simeon with much relief and affection, and then paid more formal respects to Esclarmonde. Alais and Sajhe fetched wine and bread while Simeon explained what had so far passed between them.

To Alais’ surprise, her father listened in silence and without comment.

Sajhe was wide-eyed to begin with, but soon grew sleepy and curled up against his grandmother. Alais took no part in the conversation, knowing Simeon and Esclarmonde would plead her case better than she, but from time to time she threw a look at her father. His face was grey and lined and he looked exhausted. She could see he did not know what to do.

Finally, there were no more words to speak. An expectant hush fell over the tiny room. Each of them waiting, none sure of the way the decision would go.

Alais cleared her throat. “So, Paire . What is your decision? Will you give me leave to go?”

Pelletier sighed. “I do not want you put at risk.”

Her spirits sank. “I know that, and I am grateful for your love of me.”

“But I want to help. I am capable of it.”

“I have a suggestion that might yet satisfy you both,” said Esclarmonde quietly. “Allow Alais to travel ahead with the Trilogy, but part of the way only, as far as Limoux, say. I have friends there who can provide safe lodging. When your work here is completed and Viscount Trencavel can spare you, you can join her and make the journey to the mountains together.”

Pelletier scowled. “I do not see this helps at all. The madness of undertaking such a voyage during these unsettled times will draw attention, which is the one thing we most wish to avoid. Besides, I cannot say how long my responsibilities will keep me in Carcassona.”