Sheep in the Midst of Wolves

[Fiftypence]

I should have a bit of spare time over Christmas, so in an attempt to get this back up and running I present an update, although somewhat smaller than usual.

I need to work out what the heck's going on before I can actually continue writing the story. o

 

[Fiftypence]

Sheep in the Midst of Wolves
​

All gazes turned to the man who entered the public baths, a place where men came to meet with acquaintances, smoke, drink sweet sickly drinks and relax. A powerful man, not old but his best years behind him, with a neatly trimmed beard and eyes like daggers, dressed in cloth of black. All gazes who caught his piercing frown quickly looked away, except one, who rose to his feet with a smirk.

“You made it,” he said jovially. “Did you have a good journey?”

The stranger nodded. “I apologise for my lateness, Brother Mohammed. There was some…business that needed taking care of in Baghdad that couldn’t wait.”

Mohammed laughed, drawing an irate look from the stranger. He coughed, and cleared his throat. “Would you like something to smoke, or…”

The stranger waved his hand. “No, I must return as soon as possible. I wish to spend as little time in this wretched city as possible.”

Mohammed briefly considered defending Basra, but thought better of it. “Ah, well then, let’s sit.” They sat.

“I bring good tidings for you and our fellow Brothers. I have located the rose.”

“Why that’s excellent news!”

“Indeed.” The stranger shifted, leaning forward, lowering his voice. “It is in the possession of a young Latin noble, of all people.”

Mohammed raised an eyebrow, worried. “Does he-?”

“No! Allah, no. He has no idea, but given time he will learn, and if he did-”

“It would change everything,” Mohammed finished, with a grimace. “And a Latin, you say?”

“Indeed, Humphrey de Toron is his name. Not too stupid for a Jerusalem Christian, as it happens.”

Mohammed rubbed his hands. “Ah well, it must be quite a burden for him to carry.”

“Yes, quite a burden. But not for much longer though, Allah willing.”

Mohammed grinned, his face alight with hope. “No, not for much longer.”

 

[canonized]

Haven't seen you in a while Fiftypence , I hope you're doing well ! Great update , I hope we see a flurry of more ! . The mystery of the Rose reminds me of Umberto Eco's great work , now that I think about it XD Even though that one wasn't really dealing with a rose . Hope to hear from you soon , we've missed you !

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Mmmmh... did the insurance companies exist in this timeline, good Humphrey wouldn't have a chance to become a client of one of those...

 

[Olaus Petrus]

I have this nasty feeling that Humphrey is in troubles.

It's great that you have continued this fine story.