Chrysanthe walking along the Mediterranean
Chrysanthe at the gates of Barcelona
Dawn paints the horizon with hues of gold and rose
Click the puzzle piece to work a jigsaw puzzle
The Indigo Jewel
Chapter 6 - The Escape
Intro,
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11,
12,
13,
14,
15,
16,
17,
Epilogue,
Afterward
A flame of charity hovers over me each day, protecting me from harm and guiding my every step. Do I trust it? A little more each day as I survive while those around me perish. - Chrysanthe (1333-1397 AD)
I was born in the Spring of my eighteenth year. That is to say, my eyes were opened and I began to truly see. It was at this time that my spirit, that which discerns truth and destiny, came to life and the purpose of my existence was revealed.
Indikon in hue, small in size, but vast in knowledge; the object of my transformation was placed in my hand by my dear mother. From whence it came and for what purpose it was intended, I cannot say. It is the mystery that defines my existence.
The coarse nature of my world stands in stark contrast to the enlightenment of my Hellenistic ancestors. They valued their principles above all else and lived to expand their minds with philosophy. Oh that I could experience such a world without the aid of visions, for here I am nothing but a pawn to be used by cruel men. By their words they act at the bidding of heaven, but by their deeds they are little more than animals groveling in the dirt.
Hour upon hour I sit tightly clutching the jewel, my mind transported to another sphere where words and deeds are one, where appearance and reality coexist in harmony. If I could stay and never return I would do so without hesitation. I would leave this nightmare behind and live among the visions of long ago.
Mine is a life touched by sorrow and death. Three times I have seen the engulfing affliction destroy entire villages. When I alone survived, men full of malice put themselves about me demanding to know by what means I protect myself and the nature of my magic. I cannot reveal the true source of my knowledge or they will most certainly declare me a witch. Thus my mind is captured by a most melancholy state.
Finally after many tears and pleadings, I was instructed in a vision to travel with great haste to a distant land where the affliction and accusations would pass. The journey would take several weeks, but I was instructed to take only what I needed for a few days. I rose before dawn, took only what I was told, and departed.
For over 200 days I walked westward with the sea to my left and hills to my right. Along the way complete strangers provided food and drink, enough to sustain me. I walked through danger and passed through angry crowds without harassment or molestation. My grandmother gave me strict instructions and I followed them to the letter. As if walking in a dream, I proceeded day by day and finally arrived at the city of Barcelona, on the Iberian Peninsula.
To my chagrin, I was informed by a stranger that the city was in great turmoil as Christians and Muslims fought for control of the streets. The battle had waged for many days and seemed to have come to a stalemate.
As I approached the large gate, the weight of exhaustion pressed heavily upon me. The air was thick with the acrid smoke of fires, and the distant clamor of fighting. The once-peaceful city now lay shrouded in a veil of conflict and despair.
Guards stood vigilant atop the stone walls, their eyes weary but watchful. I hesitated briefly, unsure if entry was possible amidst such chaos. Summoning courage, I drew the hood of my cloak around my face and stepped forward. The Indigo Jewel, safely concealed within my pocket, provided a subtle warmth, as if offering reassurance.
"State your business," a guard demanded gruffly as I neared the gate.
"I am but a humble traveler seeking refuge," I replied softly. "I have come far and wish no harm."
He eyed me suspiciously, but perhaps noting the weariness etched upon my features, he relented with a curt nod. "Very well. Enter at your own peril. These are troubled times."
"Thank you," I whispered, slipping past the massive wooden gate into the maelstrom beyond.
The streets of Barcelona were scarred by turmoil. Merchants huddled protectively over their wares, while mothers clutched their children tightly, their eyes full of fear. Bands of soldiers marched with grim purpose, their armor scarred in battle. The languages of several lands mingled in a cacophony of shouted orders, prayers, and cries for mercy.
Navigating the narrow alleys, I kept to the shadows, my senses heightened. The jewel seemed to guide my steps, leading me away from danger. I knew not where I was headed, only that I must trust in the guidance bestowed upon me.
As twilight descended, casting long shadows across the city's walls, I found myself in a quiet square. At its center stood a modest well, and beyond it, the warm glow of a tavern spilled onto the cobblestones. The sign above the door bore the image of a crescent moon entwined with a cross - a rare symbol of unity in these divided times.
Drawn by the murmurs of subdued conversation and the promise of respite, I entered the establishment. The scent of stew and baking bread awakened a hunger I had long ignored. I took a seat at a secluded table, my back to the wall, ever cautious.
Moments later, a serving girl approached me. "Good evening, mistress. What can I bring you?"
"A bowl of whatever is warm and a bit of bread, if you please," I answered, offering a small coin.
She smiled kindly. "Right away."
As I waited, I surveyed the room. Patrons of varied origins sat scattered about—travelers, soldiers, and locals. In one corner, a group of men debated in hushed tones, their gestures animated yet restrained. At another table, a solitary figure wrote intently, quill scratching upon parchment.
The serving girl returned with my meal, and as I reached out to thank her, our eyes met briefly. A flicker of recognition seemed to pass between us, though I was certain we had never met.
"You are not from here," she said softly, a statement rather than a question.
"No, I have journeyed many days," I acknowledged.
She glanced around before leaning in conspiratorially. "These are dangerous times for those who travel alone. If you seek safe passage or assistance, there are some here who can help."
Surprised by her candidness, I replied, "That is most kind, but why extend such help to a stranger?"
She smiled gently. "Kindness is a rare commodity these days. We must hold onto it where we can."
Before I could respond, a commotion at the entrance captured our attention. A group of soldiers entered briskly, their expressions stern. The room fell silent as tension gripped the air.
One of the soldiers, a man of imposing stature with a scar tracing his jawline, spoke loudly. "We seek a healer known to frequent this place. It is urgent."
The solitary figure with the quill set down his pen and rose. "I am the one you seek," he declared calmly.
The soldier approached him. "You are Luis of Aragon?"
"I am."
"There has been an outbreak of illness among our ranks. We require your services at once."
Luis nodded solemnly. "I will gather my things."
As he moved towards the exit, his gaze inadvertently met mine, and in that fleeting moment, I sensed a depth of compassion and intellect in his eyes. The Indigo Jewel beneath my cloak seemed to affirm my thoughts as a subtle warmth spread around it.
On impulse, I stood and called out, "Pardon me, sir."
He paused, turning to face me. "Yes?"
"I have some experience with healing arts. If you require assistance, I offer my aid."
He regarded me thoughtfully. "These are perilous times, and the path is fraught with danger. Yet, we cannot afford to turn away help. Come, if you are willing."
Thus, our paths became entwined. Together, we navigated the troubled streets to a makeshift infirmary where the wounded and sick were gathered. The scenes that met us were harrowing - rows of soldiers, stricken by wounds and fever.
Days turned into weeks as we toiled side by side, tending to the afflicted. Luis proved to be a man of great knowledge and gentle demeanor, his dedication unwavering despite the mounting challenges. Under his tutelage, I deepened my understanding of medicinal herbs and treatments, supplementing his teachings with insights gleaned from the wisdom of my grandmothers.
One evening, as we took a rare moment of respite beneath the stars, Luis spoke quietly. "You are a mystery, Chrysanthe. There is a depth to you that belies your years."
I smiled wistfully. "We all carry stories untold, burdens and blessings unseen."
He nodded. "Truthfully spoken. In these turbulent times, it is solace to find a kindred spirit."
A comfortable silence settled between us, the night air cool and fragrant with the scent of the sea. The distant sounds of the city seemed to fade, leaving only the gentle rhythm of the waves in the distance.
"Once this turmoil subsides," he began hesitantly, "I intend to journey north, to the mountains where my family once resided. There, I hope to establish a place of healing, away from the strife."
I turned to him, meeting his gaze. "It is a noble dream."
He hesitated before continuing. "I would be honored if you considered joining me. Your skill and companionship have been invaluable."
Emotion swelled within me—a mixture of hope, gratitude, and a stirring I could not quite name. The jewel vibrated faintly in my pocket, as if affirming the path before me.
"Greece," I whispered, almost to myself. "My journey began with no destination, but perhaps it was meant to lead me here."
Luis's eyes held a gentle earnestness. "Then let us forge a new path together."
In that moment, I felt the threads of fate weaving tightly around us. The guidance of the jewel, the whispers of my grandmothers, and the choices of my own heart converged.
"Yes," I agreed softly. "Together."
I had trouble sleeping that night, but as the dawn painted the horizon with hues of gold and rose, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Though the world around us remained fraught with uncertainty, I knew that with Luis, I could face whatever trials lay ahead. Our friendship would not only fulfill the promise entrusted to me but also create opportunities for service. I long for a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Thus, amidst the tumult of a city divided, began a chapter of my life marked by love and service - the next step in a journey guided by the Indigo Jewel and my ever present grandmothers.
Copyright © 2025 Elton Smith