kingdom of nations

Chapter 292 Broken Wings (10) Two chapters combined
When Haredi realized that Lego might be a big problem, he almost wanted to kick him out.

The teacher once mocked him as a hound that was good at digging holes in the sand, always so cautious, careful, and good at escaping. But from Harry's point of view, he was not lacking in the coldness and selfishness that Isaac people always had.

But he also possessed a rationality and composure that other Isaacs lacked, which allowed him to avoid falling into the trap of greed like his people on many occasions—if he was so restrained with himself, then others were even less likely to be.

In his more than thirty years of life, he has done only two things that can be described as reckless: the first was to take his teacher and try to escape from the secret land of the Isaacs and break with the great sage there; the second was to participate in the war between the Christians and the Saracens in order to avenge his teacher's wife and children, and even personally shot and killed Sultan Nur ad-Din.

But fundamentally, he remained weary and wary of all conflict and unforeseen events. Why did he repeatedly try to escape from César, even though César had been incredibly kind and generous to him?

It's very simple. His teacher had seen the child before and saw through his ill-fated destiny at a glance.

As it turned out, Cesar was capable of far more than his teacher had imagined. He was very likely to become a kind lord, even a wise king, or a revered saint. But this was not what Haredi wanted. Call him ruthless or selfish, all he wanted was to find a place to quietly curl up and spend the rest of his life.

This idea has remained unchanged to this day.

His willingness to work for César was less about repaying a debt of gratitude and more about being moved by the novel ideas César occasionally mentioned. These ideas did not exist in existing books and had nothing to do with the stories told by any sage. He was like a child who had wandered into the wilderness, not afraid of this strange world, but instead continuing to walk because of a little flower he had never seen before or a brightly colored beetle.

He was prepared—if the matter leaked out, he would be made a scapegoat and hanged.

The emergence of Le Gao may have brought this phenomenon forward by many years.

He couldn't be sure whether the letter Le Gao received was only addressed to Le Gao, or to him alone, or perhaps a whirlpool brewing before an even bigger storm.

But in the end, he didn't do it.

Whatever the reason, when he was penniless and went to seek refuge with his teacher with his wife and daughter, it was Le Gao who treated them with great hospitality, giving them lodging, food, and clothes.

Not only that, he also promised to build Haredi a workshop that belonged only to him, a generosity that far exceeded that of the Isaac people. Even when subsequent events forced Lego to abandon his property here and go to Nal'azar, Lego kept in touch with him and even warmly invited him to Nal'azar—although the second invitation may not have been so pure, Haredi did indeed owe him a favor.

Various thoughts flashed through Haredi's mind, perhaps in just a few breaths. Lego may have sensed them, or he may not have, or he may have sensed them but pretended not to know anything. But when Haredi came forward to help him up, the cunning old man breathed a long sigh of relief. This was probably the only place in Bethlehem where he had nothing to worry about.

Haredi will not betray him.

Haredi made him sit down on a chair in the workshop. After his apprenticeship, he had become much more careful, meticulously putting everything away before going to bed each night—gold, gems, tools, and unfinished products alike.

But the workshop's tabletops were completely empty, which was strange in itself. Lego looked at the empty cabinets and display boards and wondered if Haredi had lost the lord's favor or even incurred his dislike, which was why the people here avoided him.

This is Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Customers who want to obtain amulets or reliquary boxes here are always in high demand.

Moreover, Haredi's craftsmanship was truly exceptional. Even in the Synagogue of Isaac in Bethlehem, the goldsmiths could freely scorn Haredi's eccentricities and impiety, but they could not criticize his skills. Even after he was expelled from Bethlehem (Haredi had essentially lost a protector), they still required him to take on two apprentices.

Once he's finished with what he did here, he'll see if he can invite Haredi to Nazareth again.

Haredi was busy. He first brought water and clean clothes for Lego. The clothes were his own. Fortunately, after so many things, Lego was no longer as fair and fat as before. He was now dark and thin. He could wear not only Haredi's clothes, but also the clothes of the two apprentices.

However, the two apprentices had already taken everything from the workshop, so Haredi brought his own set of clothes: a long undergarment, a pullover, a leather belt, socks, and boots. He then packed all the clothes that Lego had taken off into a bundle.

“What are you going to do with all that? Just leave it there,” Le Guaud called from behind. “I need to wear it when I get back.”

Haredi paused for a moment, then said, "I'll find you a set of monk's robes later." With that, he took the robes to the stove and burned them one by one.

Haredi wasn't originally such a frugal person, but ever since his master Cesar told him about the "plague demon"—the lord said that many diseases are transmitted through the wind and air, and that the air and wind are not as clean and harmless as they appear, even if they are not mixed with any odor.

To this end, he even took Harry to a dimly lit room, opened the window, and when the sunlight shone through the window into the room, you could see countless tiny, undulating dots in the beam of light.

It wasn't just dust; anything could stick to it, including tiny demons.

Unfortunately, Haredi was unable to share this knowledge with others, whether among the Isaacs or Christians. It was easy for someone who had not been "given" or had never been a monk or priest to discuss these medical matters and be accused of heresy or demonic possession.

When he returned after finishing with the clothes, Lego was already lying on the bed, relaxed and completely asleep, whistling a cheerful little tune, his brows furrowed. Haredi reached out to check his temperature and found that his previously burning skin had cooled to a normal temperature. He was slightly relieved; if it was just a fever, it wasn't anything serious.

Stay in a shady place, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest. You'll be fine overnight.

On the bedside table were the things Le Gao had brought this time: a dirty and tattered basket containing a jumble of things such as water bottles, earthenware pots, wood carvings, scraps of cloth, and scraps of fur.

There was also a shoulder bag, which was just as dull and unremarkable.

Harry glanced at it twice, didn't touch it, and got up to leave the room.

As he walked back to his room, he remembered closing two doors in succession: one between the apprentice's room and the workshop, and the other between the workshop and his room.

When he woke up the next morning, the first thing he did was to check on Lego. To his surprise, Lego had woken up even earlier than him and was diligently cleaning the courtyard and tidying up the workshop for Haredi.

"Are you planning to open today?" he asked.

“It’s closed for the next few days,” Haredi said. Just then, the two heard a heartfelt sob coming from outside the door. Lego peered through the crack in the door, then turned back and shook his head. “It’s those Christians.”

Those believers who are able to travel long distances to the Holy Land for pilgrimage are undoubtedly the most devout and fervent among that group. They are essentially using their lives to prove to God how ardent their dedication is, and they are also the most easily swayed by the words of priests.

The ascetic practices, processions, and witnessing miracles can drive them to near-madness. At this point, they are like a bulging fermenting barrel; even the slightest crack, no bigger than a pinhead, will cause them to burst instantly.

Both Lego and Haredi had witnessed this situation before.

Haredi doesn't take chances or rely on the control of others for his safety, which is commendable, though it's a bit unlike the Isaacs.

Lego was an Isaac, so after he walked through the procession crying and shouting, he prepared to head to the Isaac synagogue. "What did they want you to do?"

"The wise men here, for the upcoming New Year and Yom Kippur, asked the wise men of Nazareth for a jar of water from the Sea of ​​Galilee (the water from the site of the resurrection of Jesus Christ). It is very precious. Would you like to see it?"

Lego, however, was quite generous. He brought out the heavy earthenware pot, shook it gently, and found that it was indeed filled with water. It was sealed with wax and could not be opened. "They're willing to let you do this?" Harry asked.

“Indeed…” A hint of displeasure crossed Legault’s face as he spoke of this. On that occasion, they decided to present Princess Hibil of Nareza with a golden crown that was no less magnificent than that of the Lady of the Cypriot Lord. They agreed that merchants from Isaac in Nareza would search for the necessary gemstones, while Legault would bear the costs of the raw materials and production of the golden base.

They summoned Lego to discuss the matter, but in reality, it was an attempt to extort money from him.

Lego's success in Bethlehem and his rapid establishment in Nalazar aroused jealousy among many in the synagogue of Isaac. For the wise men, it was a harmless test. Lego was not so easy to deal with. Although he did pay the money, he also managed to show off his achievements to the princess and managed to get close to Princess Hiberna.

Therefore, the people of Nalessa respected him greatly, and this important matter should be considered a form of compensation for him.

The streets had returned to their former tranquility and brightness. Lego put the earthenware pot into his basket, covered it with a woolen cloth, and walked toward the Synagogue of Isaac.

As Lego walked, he pulled up his hood. He had many enemies in Bethlehem, as well as Christians who hated every Isaac. The locals had already gotten up and started working, and the number of pilgrims was increasing. Fortunately, most Christians just glanced at him and turned away. After all, to Christians, these Isaacs all looked almost the same: bearded, big-nosed, and wearing round hats.

Lego overheard them discussing the miraculous appearance of Saint Jerome. He had initially thought it was just a hoax, since there hadn't been a real miraculous appearance in many years. But now that he heard the miracles were still ongoing, and not just fleeting stories told by monks to believers, he couldn't help but be intrigued.

However, the most important thing now is to complete the task assigned by the wise man of Nalsa.

The synagogue remained unchanged. The two young students guarding the synagogue gave Le Gao a wary look. One of them recognized him and almost shouted, but Le Gao quickly took out the amulet given to him by the Sage of Nazareth: "I'm here to do something for the Sage!"

"What is it?" The student looked around in alarm, worried that he would be seen as an accomplice for speaking to an exiled sinner—but Lego had only violated Christian law, not Isaac's, and he could not betray an Isaac; he could only get rid of him as quickly as possible.

“It is your wise man who wants the water of the Sea of ​​Galilee.” Lego tried to unload the basket, but was stopped by his students. “The wise man is not here. He and his students have gone to preach and teach in a village of Isaacs.”

"When are you coming back?"

"I don't know." "I left my things here."

"No, that won't do. I've never heard of any waters of the Sea of ​​Galilee. I have no obligation to safeguard your belongings!"

"Send someone to inform them?!"

"I don't have that power either."

Lego couldn't help but curse. He didn't want to waste time on meaningless waiting. Besides, he was now a criminal in Bethlehem. If he were discovered to have run away from exile, he would surely be whipped and might even be thrown into prison.

But this is something that leaves one helpless.

He asked about the location of the village and found that it was almost as far as he had walked from Bethlehem to Nalissa. "But this is the sacred lake!" Lego argued. He had walked for five whole days from Nalissa to here, and the weather was still quite hot. What if the water went bad if he left it with him?
His question drew sneers from the students: "Since you say it's sacred lake water, drawn up by the wise men of Nalissa, it certainly won't spoil." Don't expect him to take responsibility for it.

Lego was furious, but he could only carry the pot back. If the crowd was only dense when he arrived at the synagogue, now there was even a traffic jam on the main road. He had never seen this when he lived in Bethlehem. However, he quickly realized that all these people had been drawn here by the miracle of St. Jerome.

Although the monastery where St. Jerome was consecrated was outside the city, it could not accommodate so many pilgrims. After visiting the holy site, they still had to leave. But in this place where wild beasts and bandits roamed, without a strong fortress or patrolling guards, humans were just a piece of delicious meat in the open wilderness. Therefore, pilgrims would still flock to Bethlehem before sunset.

Moreover, many people, even those who have heard of the miracles of St. Jerome, will inevitably first come to Bethlehem to pay homage to the birthplace of the Son of God.

"Make way, make way!" A squad of guards suddenly shouted as they broke through the dense crowd, like a sharp pair of scissors cutting through thick woolen cloth. Lego was startled and immediately hid in a shop. The shop owner hissed, and he had to take out a few copper coins as temporary rent.

Fortunately, these guards were not there for him; they were there to read out the orders of the Knight Supervisor—the deputy of Bishop Andrew, who had been summoned to temporarily take charge of security here while the bishop and the Knights of Bethlehem were on a campaign with the king.

He had just received news today that His Majesty the King, His Patriarch, the Knight of Bethlehem, and Bishop Andrew would be returning to Bethlehem within a week—of course, for the transfiguration of St. Jerome.

Bishop Andrei's deputy, who often served by his side, was no stranger to these illustrious figures, but upon hearing that they were to gather here, he couldn't help but show a hint of apprehension.

He was not an incompetent man, otherwise he would not have been promoted to Bishop Andrew's side. However, the problem was that the sudden influx of a large number of pilgrims seriously affected the safety and sanitation of Bethlehem.

This was not his fault. Even hundreds of years later, the Holy Land could not be considered a pure land. But in Bethlehem at this time—if it was a security issue, he could hang a few people on a wooden frame as a warning to others. But to order everyone to pay attention to their personal hygiene—don't be ridiculous. How could precious water be used for that!
But the Knight of Bethlehem was a rather eccentric man. He seemed to have an extremely fervent pursuit of hygiene and order, even surpassing that of the strict abbots of monasteries. He demanded that there be no excrement on the streets, neither human nor animal excrement; that people regularly unclog sewers and pipes; that waste such as fish offal, entrails, and furs not be thrown around but must be buried in pits; and that no one be allowed to dig up rotten food and cook it in a pot.

If anyone dares to do this, they will face charges based on murder.

In addition, Bishop André's deputy had even heard that he had wanted to divide the city's main roads into zones for horses and pedestrians, and to separate them into left and right lanes; he also stipulated that shop roofs could not exceed half the road surface; and that pilgrims could not lie down on the road or wander around at will...

Every detail was meticulously observed. Even Bishop Andre's deputy, a priest accustomed to living within strict rules and regulations, found the lord's behavior excessive. Indeed, after Bishop Andre and Cesar left, the rules of Bethlehem gradually became more relaxed and lax.

Thinking of this, he immediately jumped up from the table. "Hurry!" he said, "Drive all those pilgrims out of the city—or tell them to find an inn!"

Then sweep the streets and prepare perfume and flower petals!

The order that Lego saw the guards reading aloud undoubtedly caused a huge uproar. But the people at this time would not disobey the lord or his agent's orders—they were used to obeying, and they were unwilling to leave the city. As a result, the inns in the city were suddenly overcrowded, and people had to pile on top of each other to sleep in the stables. Some clever people even went so far as to knock on the doors of residents and exchange some money or goods for a bed.

Lego breathed a sigh of relief.

He strode toward the hotel where his sister was staying. The hotel owner was also an Isaac. He barely recognized Lego when he saw him, but when Lego mentioned the madwoman's name, he frowned.

He was certainly happy that someone was willing to pay off the woman's debt, but how would he know where she was? Let alone the fact that Lego's sister had married a Christian and was a traitor, even if she were a perfectly good Isaac woman, her relatives wouldn't care about her, so why should he, a businessman, care?
"If you don't tell me, I won't give you the money."

Le Gao's words enraged the boss: "Let me tell you, your crazy sister not only owes me money, ruined my furniture, and drove away my customers, but she also brought me this trouble, God!"

To be honest, she's a prostitute sent by the devil, a shameful rebel. You should have broken off your relationship with her long ago and joined us in condemning this woman who betrayed her faith and people. But not only did you not do that, you also helped her frame me, an honest and upright businessman.

I even said a few words to you back then... Looking back now, I was so stupid. Take your money and get out of here. What do you want now that you're pretending to be so nice? She's probably dead already, lying in that ditch. No one performs any rituals for her, no one prepares a coffin or a grave for her. Go look for her. Go look for her among the bones carried by wild dogs, among the ashes blown away by the wind. Go cry while holding those smelly scraps of cloth.

This was the fate she deserved!

Lego was subjected to a barrage of insults for no reason, and fearing that the innkeeper might report him to the Bethlehem authorities in a fit of anger, he had no choice but to leave the money as hush money and return to the workshop in a huff.

As soon as he entered, Lego smelled the aroma of food. He put down his basket and saw bags of bread and biscuits, and even several bags of wheat and beans, on the wooden table in the workshop. "I don't have that much of an appetite," he thought.

“This isn’t just for you,” Haredi said. I looked outside; Bethlehem was getting increasingly crowded. While the influx of pilgrims wouldn’t cause a famine, bread and biscuits were indeed going up in price. “I also went to the mill outside the city and bought some flour.” Beans and wheat were bought from the miller as well.

"We'd better reduce the number of times we go out in the next few days."

Lego remained silent.

"Did things go smoothly?" Haredi wanted to ask Lego if he had gone to see his sister and what was written in the letter—Lego just shook his head.

“None of them were accomplished,” Le Gao said.

He complained to Haredy at length, not expecting any substantial help from him, but Haredy's response surprised him greatly.

“Go back to Nazareth,” Haredi said.

"The waters of the Sea of ​​Galilee..."

"I will deliver it to the wise man for you."

"My sister..."

"I'll keep an eye out for you."

Lego lowered his head, and after a long while, he said helplessly, "Thank you, Harry, but I can't." He thought for a moment, since Harry wasn't a businessman and had no competitive relationship with him, "I have a few reasons for returning to Bethlehem this time. First, I need to find my sister, then throw her onto any ship and send her to Frankish or somewhere else. You know, she... she might affect my reputation..."

"reputation?"

“I am working for the wise men of Nalsatha, Haredi. I am no longer a sinner. I want to take back my property in Bethlehem—” He smiled when he saw Haredi raise his head. “I know you will not approve, but these are what my great-grandfather left to my grandfather, my grandfather left to my father, and my father left to me… I cannot just throw them away.”

Haredi almost had an urge to tell him that the letter couldn’t possibly have been written by his sister—and Lego didn’t need to worry about what she might do to damage his reputation—unless the dead could crawl out of the ground.

But he could only sigh. He knew that even if he confessed, he couldn't convince Legault. Legault was a typical Isaac, always with a strange confidence that he would be under God's protection forever.

Having been driven out of Bethlehem and had his property divided up, and having suffered enough indignities in Nalazar, he was now using the prestige of the wise man to intimidate the people of Bethlehem. Faced with profit and dignity, Lego had long since become a gambler with bloodshot eyes.

Haredi could only hope that the Sage of Nazareth's mission had little to do with the previous letter.

The two remained silent for a while. After eating something quickly, Haredi went to rest, while Lego stared at the earthenware pot in thought for a long time. He lit a candle and carefully studied the wax markings on it, discovering that they were not complicated, just a single Hebrew word.

The wise men of Bethlehem were not on good terms with him, and besides, he was going to take back the property from the merchants who were under his protection. If the waters of the Sea of ​​Galilee were to become polluted because of the wise men’s deliberate delays… He took a deep breath and stood up.

He lifted the cloth covering the earthenware pot, removed the wax seal, and opened the wooden lid. As soon as he bent down, he smelled an unpleasant odor. He brought the candle closer and carefully examined the water inside, finding that it had indeed become murky, and there were some insects swimming around.

Without further hesitation, Lego carried the earthenware pot to the courtyard, squatted down by the drain, and emptied it of all the water—he would buy some spring water to fill it when the wise man of Bethlehem returned.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Did you know he would do that?"

“Any Isaac would have done that.”

(End of this chapter)