Authors: Christopher Dinsdale
“But lesser known to European mariners are the Viking voyages to the west. Men like Eric the Red and Leif the Lucky the discovered lands far to the west of Iceland, land that is full of timber and good fruit. According to their sagas, several colonies were attempted in these new lands, but not one was ever able to take root.”
“Vinland, the name the Vikings gave those western lands, is just a legend, Brother Antonio,” shouted one fair-haired knight. “I'm of Norse blood, and I know that there's nothing west of Greenland but endless ocean.”
Antonio smiled. “I'm sorry to disagree with you, brother. Not only do I know Vinland exists, but I myself have walked Vinland's extensive coasts and lush forests. Vinland is as real as the island upon which I am standing right now.”
Whispers of disbelief ignited throughout the chapel.
Antonio held up his hands. “Brothers, please. Allow me to continue. For almost seven years, Prince Henry and I have travelled to these lands and explored them extensively. Are there fierce Skraelings living in these western lands? Yes, there are some groups in the northern lands that were very hostile to our visit. But we have taken our ships further south and west than the Vikings had ever travelled, and we have found other natives who are more than willing to accept our presence among their people. In fact, I think it is fair to say that if it were not for their assistance, the Templar vision that we are about to describe could never have become so close to reality.”
Prince Henry nodded. “In these western lands,” he continued, “we have begun construction of two important Templar outposts. The first one is an island we have named Oak Island. Oak Island and its wooded surroundings serve two purposes. The first is a supply port for our ships making the ocean crossing back to Scotland. There is a native village near Oak Island, a community which calls itself the Mi'kmaq. In exchange for fishing nets and other goods, the Mi'kmaq agreed to supply our men with food.
“The second purpose of Oak Island involves a complex feat of engineering. Using the finest Templar sappers and engineers, we have designed an underground vault to house all of our essential Templar records and holy relics. Being in a land on the opposite side of the ocean, our
beloved manuscripts and treasures should remain safe for all time.”
Connor leaned to Angus. “An underground treasure on the opposite side of the ocean?”
“Incredible,” muttered Angus.
“But Oak Island is only one project we have in this new world. The other is the fulfillment of a dream. Jerusalem, as you know, has, for thousands of years, been a focal point for all of the world's religions. Islam, Judaism and Christianity all worship the same Creator, the same Great Architect in Jerusalem. It is a travesty that all God-fearing people cannot share this great city. For a time, our Templar brothers were able to bridge the gap between Muslims, Christians and Jews, respecting the rights of all to worship freely within the great city's walls. But that changed when the Pope and European kings demanded the Holy Lands be kept only for Christians. When they sent their own soldiers to Jerusalem and allowed them to commit unspeakable evil against our Muslim brothers and sisters, they created a rift of hatred between our two religions.”
Prince Henry stepped forward. His blue eyes glistened with excitement and pride.
“In this new land to the west, my engineers and I have taken the bold step of beginning the construction of a community that will exemplify all of the pillars of the Templar Order. We have begun construction of a new Jerusalem!”
The words stunned the congregation into a silent stupor. A single knight began a slow applause. It was followed by a second and then a third. The applause grew into a crescendo of clapping and cheering until the entire chapel shook with cheers and celebration. Finally, the prince signalled for
silence by once again raising his hands.
“A New Jerusalem in a new land,” he continued. “To realize its significance, we must think back to the original Jacob, the founding father of the Israelites. He bore twelve sons who were the seeds for the twelve tribes of Israel. It took centuries before those sons brought forth a nation large enough to spread the word of God to the four corners of the Earth. Today, we must think of our project in a similar way. May I present to you my sister, Sarah Sinclair, a direct descendant of the Holy Rose herself, Mary Magdalene.”
A young lady materialized from the centre of the gathering and stood up with her brother. She was tall and graceful, and her long golden hair fell over her beautiful full-length dress of purple trimmed in gold. Connor's mouth fell open. Angus looked over at his gaping friend and couldn't help but snort with laughter.
As she took Prince Henry's arm, the members of the Order crossed themselves and bowed their heads reverently. Amazed but confused, Connor followed the lead of those around him. The audience lifted their eyes as Prince Henry took her hand and smiled.
“I am the Earl of Orkney, and with my title, I will have to eventually return from New Jerusalem to Scotland and fulfill my appointed duties. Sarah, however, has agreed to sail with the protected remains of our ancestor, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Rose, to properly inter the remains in the Oak Island Temple. She and her ladies in waiting will then be transported to New Jerusalem and remain there in order to supervise the beginning of God's New Kingdom on Earth. We, in this room, have the power to start a new beginning not just for the Templar Order, but for all of humanity. We
will build the first, truly free, God-fearing nation!”
A tremendous roar of approval nearly toppled the roof of the chapel.
“Finally, friends, I must share with you something that even the highest ranks of the Order have not been made aware. I make no apologies for this lack of communication. Too many people in too many lands have died to keep this object a secret from those who would abuse its powers. I personally watched the last Coptic king die on the beaches of Egypt in order to ensure this object's transfer into Templar hands. There are no words to further describe this treasure, so let me now share with you the reason for our existence!”
Prince Henry closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer. Then, reaching behind, he allowed his hand to float just above the golden sheet. Connor straightened, his heart pounding in anticipation of whatever could be hiding beneath the cloth. With a sudden flick of his wrists, Prince Henry removed the sheet. Everyone gasped in disbelief as a flash of golden radiance filled the chapel.
Angus, wide-eyed, elbowed Connor and eagerly pointed at the tapestry to their right. Connor glanced at the tapestry, then back to the altar. It was the same beautiful golden box that was portrayed in the Holy of Holies of Solomon's Temple! The Ark of the Covenant! Two beautiful golden cherubs guarded God's Word with their outspread wings. The box below the cherubs was intricately carved out of solid gold. In every way, it was identical to the image portrayed in the tapestry!
“Aye!” shouted the prince over the waves of commotion, “It
is
the Ark of the Covenant! And just like Moses, after
having wandered aimlessly in faith for forty years then staring across the Jordan River, we also are within reach of our new home that truly overflows with milk and honey. Our Lord's Ark of the Covenant will be the cornerstone of New Jerusalem!”
He held up his hands to calm the euphoria. “Friends, how I wish we could celebrate this moment with feasts and merriment. Unfortunately, we do not have the time. As you have witnessed firsthand, the English are becoming ever bolder in their attacks against our homeland and my northern earldom. Therefore, we must complete this mission as quickly as possible. But let this good news help fuel your efforts for a speedy departure. The Holy Ark and the Holy Rose will finally be united!”
Black Douglas, nodding approvingly in front of the prince, straightened his intimidating bulk and stepped up onto the platform until he stood beside Prince Henry, Princess Sarah and Antonio Zeno. His voice boomed from beneath his thick black mustache like a crack of thunder. “Brothers, Prince Henry has shared with us one miracle after another tonight! This gathering will forever be remembered as the defining moment of the Templar Order. Almost single-handedly, he has brought the Order's seemingly unattainable goals within reach.” He turned to Prince Henry. “Are you sure you're not an angel in disguise?”
He pulled on the back of Prince Henry's tunic and peered downwards. “Och, no wings . . . he's human after all!”
A burst of laughter rocked the chapel. Prince Henry smiled as Black Douglas took over the ceremony.
“Remember this moment, my Templar brothers! We have been bestowed with the greatest honour of all, being
part of history in the making! Cheers for Prince Henry, Grand Master of the Templar Order!”
Overwhelmed, the crowd burst into an earsplitting roar of approval. The meeting was over. Everyone swarmed up to the Ark for a closer look at its beauty and also to warmly embrace the four Templar heroes who stepped down into the crushing crowd of admirers.
The North Sea air was unusually still, as if the entire ocean were holding its breath. Light wisps of fog ebbed across a cold bed of water, soaking within the violet shower of morning. From the top of the rectangular keep, the breakers rumbled onto the rocky shoreline.
Prince Henry sighed heavily as he stared southward from Kirkwall's highest perch. He leaned his weight on the handle of a massive broadsword that bore the family crest.
“Careful, my Earl. A sigh like that might give away our position to the English.”
Surprised, Prince Henry spun around. A hooded apparition stoodbeforehim. Two slender hands materialized from beneath the cloak and lowered the hood. The warm smile of his sister brought a glow to the crisp morning air.
“Sarah, what are you doing up at this hour?”
“Oh, the same as you . . . wondering about the future and what it might hold.”
Concerned, he searched her face. “Are you worried?”
She shook her head and strolled up to the wall, joining his gaze southward.
“No. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. We are building a New Jerusalem; a place for God-fearing people to begin anew without worry of danger or persecution.
It's what our family has wanted since our ancestor Mary Magdalene made her escape to France from the Promised Land. This is a blessed moment, a year that people will remember for all eternity.”
They stood quietly in the early morning breeze and revelled in all of the possible ramifications. Quietly, she turned to him and took his hand.
“I'm just so proud, Henry. You are the one who is making the dream of our parents and our ancestors become reality.”
Prince Henry chuckled and shook his head. “I wish I could take all the credit, Sarah. This has been the dream of the Templar Order for centuries. Since the betrayal, we knew that Europe could never again be home to our faith.”
She turned her gaze to the dark western horizon. “Is it wonderful, our new home?”
He smiled and stretched his arms wide. “Forests as far as the eye can see. There are luscious fruits and vegetables grown by the peoples who inhabit the area. Even they do not know how far west their land extends. The land is so rich, it's almost indescribable! You really won't believe it until you see it for yourself.”
“It sounds wonderful,” she whispered, releasing his hand. “Then tell me why your brow is so furrowed with worry?”
“I'm not worried.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Henry, it's me, your sister. Stop playing the part of the fearless leader and tell me what's wrong.”
He stared into her concerned face for a moment, then looked away. “It's just a feeling I have.”
“Like there is something not quite right?”
He turned to her, surprised. “Do you feel it, too?”
She took a deep breath. “It started with a dream I've been having . . . the same one, over and over again. I'm running from enormous tongues of flames brought forth from the skies of heaven. The Earth and everything on it is scorched by the touch of God's disappointment and fury. Thanks to his mercy, however, I somehow manage to stay a step ahead of the destruction and find refuge, but watch with grief as the rest of the Earth is transformed into smouldering dust.”
Prince Henry looked into her eyes, concerned. “That's not the dream you would expect from someone who is about to head off to her new and beautiful home. I trust your instincts, Sarah. What do you reckon He is trying to tell us?”
“I wish I could say that it means we are escaping just in time from Europe before it gets consumed by some horrific fate . . . But in my heart I know it means something more than that. At the very least, I think 'tis a warning.”
Prince Henry frowned. “A warning. Any idea as to what kind of warning it might be?”
She shook her head. “I do not know. All I know is that I think whatever is going to happen will happen soon.”
Prince Henry clenched his jaw. “I have been burned once already for throwing caution to the wind when I went to deal with the Bishop. As the leader of the Scottish Templar Order and Earl of Orkney, I cannot be that careless again. Sarah, do you remember our father's favourite saying?”
Sarah smiled warmly at the memory. She put her arm through his, and they turned and strolled towards the staircase that led down into the castle. “How can I forget? He always said, âFool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice,
shame on me.' Make sure you learn from your mistakes. I wouldn't worry, Henry. You are as smart as they come.”
Henry smiled. “Come on, sister. Let's ring the bell together and bring in the new day.” As they descended the stairs, she stole one last glance south towards Scotland.
“And a new beginning.”
Connor gazed over the wooden rail with delight, praying that what his eyes beheld was not an elaborate mirage. Beyond the bow of the ship lay an approaching bay filled with islands and emerald green forests. He was thankful that the steady northwest wind would push the flotilla of ships into the protected waters without further changes in heading.