Chapter XIX
Of Djinn and Men
Yazid peered through dark glasses at the man in front of him, his ageless eyes were trying to fathom who it was that stood there; and usually under such close scrutiny any normal man would have recoiled in fear, but this one did not waver, instead he stared defiantly back.
“Since I have now introduced myself and since you carry a Sacred Seal I must assume that you are not what you seem either.”
Callinicus loosened his grip on his impotent charm, and realising that there was no room for pretence, and that the two of them were quite alone, he chose to be more open about his identity, “I am a Watcher.”
The Djinns eyes narrowed, “A Watcher here, you are certainly not the Merovingian: I know of him, he is a Frank and cannot change form, being born to this realm; which makes you someone who's off-world or a Watcher from a different seed. I suppose for you to be here now means that you must know what I am after, so if you’re looking for the Codex, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait in line.”
“So what is a Djinn doing having dealings with a Watcher; I thought you kept to yourselves?" asked Callinicus as he edged closer to Yazid.
“I know him through an uncertain ally, you know, Charon, and if you ask me why I am having dealings with Charon, I think there's an obvious answer to that. This is an interesting turn of events, I’d have you arrested but that would require too much explanation, and I don’t suppose I’d be able to convince you to join with us; and since the Saracens are about to take the City of Constantinople anyway. I’m inclined just to let you go, and you'll either have to seek some shelter away from here, in which case you'll most likely live, or enter the city and help defend it, in which case you'll most likely die. The main thing is, that the Equilibrium will remain unbroken.”
“I don’t suppose the fact that they don’t have the Codex would sway your thinking.”
He paused before speaking and placed his goblet down on the table, “I see, so you’re actually from the City. If you'd got to me earlier say a couple of years ago, it would've done, especially if I had known you were in there; that is proof enough if any were needed, that you don’t have it, or you’d be long gone. Unfortunately I just assumed they didn’t know they had it. It’s a pity, all this needless killing, are well can’t be helped, and they’re only human after all.”
“Spoken like a Djinn.”
“Why thank you.”
“That wasn’t meant to be a compliment.”
“I know, but thank you anyway, ”Yazid leant over the table and picked up the Holy Qur’an. “Interesting, I’ve managed to explain quite a bit of it to them. Hence the reason we are now outside the City. I’m afraid things have been set in motion that cannot now be turned back, and once the City falls, I’m sure it won’t be long after that, that we find the Codex. They may not have it, but I have a feeling that they have information locked away in those vaults of theirs, as to its whereabouts, and by the look on your face, I see I've cut close to the bone on that one.”
“And what of the Equilibrium?”
“It will remain unbroken. In fact the reason why I am here is to make sure it remains intact; and if you are referring to my interpretations of the Book, I have not altered any of the writings, I’ve merely encouraged them to think more on what the verses might mean, and to act more in keeping with the way humans behave.”
“When the Mufti comes, I’ll have to set them straight, make them see the light.”
“Ah, you do appear to be suffering from a deplorable case of human pride, ‘set things straight, see the light,’ well I’d certainly like to see you try Imam, if that’s what you’re supposed to be. In fact we can debate the good book together, and we’ll see who is believed, you have read it at least; I hope.”
“I have; I just finished it about an hour ago.”
“Really and you dare to debate it.”
“Yes I do.”
“As I’ve said human Pride, it’s like a contagious disease; even a Watcher can catch it, so anyway since you are a Watcher exactly who are you?”
"In a previous time I went by the name of Black Buffalo, and lived on Turtle Island."
"What the Black Buffalo. Only joking, I am still none the wiser as to whom you are."
"I am descended from the first Watcher."
"What the Great Kerikesh? For you to be here means that you're immortal once more. Indeed, this certainly adds spice to the proceedings."
Yazid turned back to the table with a shake of the head and a smile, took a sip of his water and plucked off a date and ate it, “Please help yourself, I think you’re going to need all the sustenance you can get.”
“Thank you, don’t mind if I do, I must say, I am disappointed in finding the Djinn here,” Callinicus picked up a fig and began eating it.
“Really, why?”
“I thought that they were trying to keep out of the War.”
“Believe me if we were at war, all would have known about it. I’m just here to make sure the Codex is returned to its rightful place, as you well know, it was entrusted to our safe keeping eons ago, and we hid it in the most secret of places, or so we thought, and for many a millennium it remained unknown of, until now that is. That’s why we forged this loose alliance with the Merovingian and Charon. The Codex cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of any faction of the Angelos; the consequences would be catastrophic for the entire universe. And as for the Djinn, we shall return to the periphery of these events and do what we've always done, which is to guide our own destiny and keep the chaos to a minimum.”
“But I saw the Djinn take sides in a previous incarnation.”
“That would have been a rogue element. Some, it is true have been seduced by the Dragon, but not so many that you need worry about our neutrality. We will still remain hidden from view, and watch, so to speak, the War unravel from outside.”
“At the moment maybe you'll try to keep out, but what if more of you are taken in by Azazel, and then what if you are forced into the war, which it appears for all intents and purposes that you have been; then surely, you keeping the Codex would be very bad.”
“We’ve thought of that, there’s only one solution should that happen, we will destroy it once and for all.”
“The Codex of War, I thought only the Angelos had the ability to do such a thing, and we are referring to one of the mighty four, with all of that incredible power, and you think you can just snuff it out. Well good luck with that, and please when you try, I don’t want to be anywhere near; not even in the next Universe across.”
“You Watchers always have a flair for the dramatic; the energy released will be contained and thank you for confirming to me that you know which Codex we are after.”
“You're the Djinn, what you are after is, as you would say obvious, and if you do intend to destroy it, well as I’ve said; good luck with that. And I think there'll be one or two of your new allies that won't appreciate your intentions, so tell me, can you contain the Wraith, the Rageon and the Sirens?”
“There not that bad, okay they’re worse than that bad, but they wouldn’t dare move against the Djinn, the consequences would be too severe for them to contemplate.”
“I feel so relieved, that after all these ages, you've made them finally see the light, that's got to be it; you must have changed them; either that or perhaps you're the ones that have changed, and you just can't see it,” replied Callinicus.
The two glared at each other in silence. Yazid picked up an apple and began tossing it in the air and catching it. As he did this, his smile soon returned to him. Early light had begun to filter through the opening of the tent; a cool fresh breeze had picked up that brushed against the tent, bringing it to life.
“I believe the Mufti and the Vizier will be here soon; we shall then see whose interpretation of the Book they believe; I have a feeling that you’re going to be disappointed; but I’m sure by now that’s something you’re used to.”
“You
know something, I expected more from the Djinn than idle prattle.”
“You’re about to get that,” Yazid gestured to the opening of the tent where voices could be heard.
The Vizier and the Grand Mufti entered with a small retinue, they looked at Yazid and then back at Callinicus, and then sat themselves down on large cushions. They were both dressed in the finest silk robes of red with gold trim, their turbans were high, with ribbons that ran down their backs.
Yazid introduced Callinicus as the Imam of Syria.
“He wishes to discuss the writings of the Prophet.”
“The revelation of Gabriel to Muhammad is divine, and deserves the utmost respect.”
The Vizier beckoned a servant forward; he carried a large jug with which to wash their hands with, before he touched the Holy Book.
“So you are an Imam. Then you are learned in the good Book; perhaps you can help us to get closer to the wisdom of Allah, will the Emir stay to listen?”
“Yes, I wish to learn also from the wisdom that maybe imparted here.”
The Grand Mufti opened the Holy Book and began to read, “3:92 ‘Never will you attain true piety unless you spend in the cause of Allah that which you greatly cherish and that which you spend is surely known to Allah.’ Let us first consider this Sura in relation to our current circumstance. Lord would you first explain this.”
“In our current situation it is the great sacrifice the people make in the name of Islam, giving up their lives if necessary to spread the holy word.”
“And you Imam what is your understanding of this?”
“I believe it means that mercy begins in the heart, if your heart is not filled with compassion then how can you be a merciful person, and Allah who sees the hearts of all men knows if you truly give out of love and compassion, or whether you give so that people can praise you, in which case it is done out of your own selfish desire to be glorified, rather than the praise that should be given to Allah.”
“So how does that relate to our current situation?”
“Perhaps it means we should feel sympathy in our hearts for the Infidels; for to feel forgiveness for one that angers you is a great effort indeed; and shows a deep love and sacrifice on the part of the one who forgives.”
Yazid scoffed at this, “Please, may I recite from the Holy Book.”
The Vizier passed him the Book; at once he began skimming through the pages.
“Explain this Imam, Sura 8:69 ‘so consume what you have taken of war booty as lawful and good, and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is forgiving and merciful.’ Surely this says that we should feed off the enemies of Islam and if we take from them, then it is right and just to do so.”
“This is both a spiritual book as well as a physical one, the enemy of Islam is the lack of mercy, love and compassion that lies within mankind, the war written of here, is a war of the heart. So this Sura means that each of us must consume the anger and hate within us, once that is done we shall be good and right and close to Allah who is Merciful and Forgiving.”
“Very interesting,” the Grand Mufti took the book and turned a page to a new chapter, “Tell me Imam, what do you think of Love and Marriage, should the woman be the subject of the man. Is this not what Chapter 4:34 says?”
He passed the Book to Callinicus who took time to read the verse, “I believe this means that a woman should be loved by her husband, for in this instance charge means ‘to care for’ and here where it is written that 'women are obedient guarding in secret that which Allah have guarded.' This means Women are the keepers of love for the secret of Allah is true Love, Mercy and Compassion: and so a Woman should be obedient to Love, as must a man be. And to ‘rebel’ against love; is any act that is one of a selfish hateful manner. Where the person thinks only of themselves, and when it is written that such people should be ‘scourged’ for behaving selfishly, it does not mean anything physical but spiritual, you must try to bring them to the right path, by teaching them the way they should love, by being kind to them, so that they neither harm themselves or others by behaving selfishly within their hearts, and by doing so, in the end, the hate within them becomes 'Scourged'.”
The Vizier now took the book; the wonder of what they were hearing was not lost on them, given that the book was one of mercy and compassion it was only right that it should be interpreted in the terms of Love. “I’m curious what do you think of Chapter 4:36.”
The Vizier held the book out, pointing at the chapter and verse.
Callinicus read it deeply, “My Lord this is an affirmation of the key doctrine of the Christians also ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’.”
Yazid now turned to the Vizier and the Grand Mufti, there was a strange burning to his eyes; “This is all very interesting but the book needs no explanation but should be taken literally. The Infidel must be converted, if they desire not to be converted then they must be placed under the heel of Islam. This Imam, though obviously a wise and philosophical man, cannot banish our foes with his words of peace and love. Perhaps there will come a time when such thoughts will have power to sway the people of the Book, but this is not the time. Constantinople will fall, and we shall turn their greatest church into a Mosque, for that is the will of Allah.”
The Vizier and Grand Mufti seemed transfixed by Yazid, his eyes never strayed from theirs, their mouths closed up as if they were prevented from speaking, a strange silence descended as the Djinn grappled with their minds.
“Our Emir is right, if it is in the power of any true believer to bring about the end of the Infidels then they must do that.”
“But God the Merciful and Beneficence does want people brought back to him, but through the greatness of his spirit, which is mercy; and why? Because God is love, is he not, and love conquers the spirit, not the body,” replied Callinicus.
Yazid smiled the type of self-assured confident smile that comes with knowing the nature of people; “You’re right, we shall show them Mercy once they accept Islam as their guide.”
There was the sound of a trumpet and a dispatch runner entered the tent, “Your most excellent highness, I am pleased to report that Abdallah ibn Qais the Admiral of your navy has arrived from Crete, and is waiting your orders. You now have over two thousand ships at your disposal.”
Yazid stood, as he did so, the grand Mufti and the Vizier rose from their cushions, “I’m afraid Imam we shall have to discuss these matters another time, pity, people like you are rare indeed. Leave me a moment with the Imam.”
The Vizier left, closely followed by the Grand Mufti and their retinue; Yazid watched them go, and when he thought he could not be overheard, turned to Callinicus.
“My fleet has arrived.”
“My time here was wasted; you already intended to make your move against the city.”
Yazid smiled once more, “Of course.”
“And so this whole exercise was for nothing.”
“You made some really good points Watcher; unfortunately you and they are out of time. I assume you intend getting back into the City. Before you do, think on this, in three days there will be an assault from both land and sea, you have until then to save as many of your people as is possible.”
Yazid turned and left leaving Callinicus alone in the tent. As he stood there he could feel a tightening in his stomach and a sense of frustration; what was to become of them now.
Outside the tent Arzealous and Petron had been waiting patiently. The morning light had been heralded by a Cockerel and the camp was certainly coming to life. People had been coming and going by the well for some time, and with guards pacing around, making sure no one stole the water, it had been an uncomfortable time. The Saracens had been eyeing the newcomers with suspicion and looked ready to confront them when Callinicus appeared.
He gestured for them to join him, “We’re leaving, I’ve seen enough, and what’s more I’ve heard enough.”
“Interesting, so what do they intend?” asked Arzealous.
“Firstly that was
no Wraith; the Emir of this grand adventure is one of the Djinn. He is in league with Charon, in fact they are all in league with each other and they are after; well, you know what they are after. But that’s not the worst of it.”
“Yazid of the Djinn, of course, that makes sense for him to be here now, and for them to make an appearance, but you say there’s worse?” replied Arzealous his face becoming stern.
“Much worse; they intend in three days to storm the city, by sea and land.”
“And he told you that?” replied Petron.
“The Djinn fear no one, so of course he told me.”
Grimly Callinicus shook his head, “Also he’s brought the mightiest fleet ever assembled, two thousand ships or something like that. I think perhaps that is something new to worry about.”
Petron stopped in his tracks, “You must be mistaken, if they had such a fleet we would have known about it, the fleet I had news of was at least a fifth of that size.”
“I'm afraid you've been duped; it was assembled in Crete, a perfect launching point, and this time they are coming and they have no intention of failing.”
“And what of the Djinn and Charon?” asked Petron, “we cannot fight both the natural and….”
“And the unnatural,” said Arzealous, “I’m afraid my dear Petron, we’re all about to find out just how limited everyones understanding is, of what’s natural and what’s not, we need to get back to the city.”
At the first opportunity Callinicus removed the garments that made him appear as an Imam. The three needed to sneak out of the camp without appearing suspicious, which was not going to be an easy task. They made their way to the nearest exit that would also give them a better prospect of accessing Constantinople; from their time spent in the camp they had already predetermined which one that would be. As they approached the outlet they had chosen, some swarthy looking Saracen stopped them, his eyes were hard and penetrating, and his spear prevented them from continuing. Dressed in full battle armour, there were about ten guards all told with him, some others were playing a board game, more were merely talking among themselves, but they all stared the strangers warily.
“Are you the Imam that spoke earlier with the Emir and Grand Mufti?”
Callinicus cautiously nodded.
“We were told that you would come this way. The Emir said to make sure it was you; to name two of the Sura you spoke of?”
Callinicus hesitated a moment, perhaps this was a trap, he subtly drew in his breath “8:69 and 4:36”
The Saracen lowered his spear, “You are allowed to pass; peace be upon you.”
They eyed each other cautiously and walked out of the camp; now all they needed to do was to get back into their Roman garments, which it was hoped had remained undiscovered.
It did not take them long to make their way through the stockade and outlying sentry posts. They were neither questioned nor interfered with, their passage was made without any obstruction as word had already reached the Saracen guard, that they were to be allowed free way; soon enough they were at the Sea of Marmara; the stiff silence of all, made the journey seem longer than it was.
The small boats they had left covered from sight were thankfully still there, and within them tidily packed away were their garments. They hastily changed out of their attire and into more comfortable Roman wares. They then carefully, and without arousing suspicion, pushed their narrow crafts into the water, and gently waded out to sea. Time was a luxury they did not have, so the journey had to be made in full view of any prying eyes. Fortunately overgrown reeds protected them for the most part. They hugged the coastline as best they could; until they felt sure they could get into the harbour area and then made a frenzied dash along the harbour walls. Time was definitely against them, in three days Constantinople could fall.