Episode MMXXXVIII – Strange Encounter

By the side of the road, as our brave holy warriors staggered onward bravely to meet their fate according to the judgment of the grand disciples of the prophetic word, there was an ancient seer that legend proclaims had withstood the blandishments of the vile crusaders and while not even having a clothe to cover himself or even a beard was revered for his wisdom and knowledge of the sacred book. And, he spoke unto these pilgrims, the holy warriors that they might yet achieve paradise if, before encountering the great religious judges to receive their preordained fate, they were able to commit a great work as the beheading of those who have engaged in unseemly behavior or the stoning of a woman who refused to obey her husband or who bared her head, thereby being unseemly and dressing as would a prostitute. And, so, these pilgrims, being anxious for salvation took it upon themselves to purge all that they met for was it not for their own good? © mmg 2008

Episode MMXXXIV – Strange Welcome

Coming in the lee of the Isle of the Green Visier, we could smell the fragrance of flower and forest and many birds of an unknown type filled the air, their sharp cries ringing in our ears. At first they flew about our vessel but suddenly one, then another and another, swooped in a raked with beak and claw some of our crew of holy warriors, drawing blood from their scalps and faces. The bleeding from these wounds was hard to staunch and those who had them soon felt into a deep trance as their skin turned black and then green. And, while they were so afflicted, there came out from the island a vessel bearing not healing balm or welcome but instead a proclamation of our trial and immediate execution. For, we were considered unclean for having been captured by and being in the presence of uncovered, infidel women who did dishonor to their family by failing to obey the religious rules and who must surely by their adulterous dress engage in harlotry. And, so, rather than being honored for our martyrdom, we would instead be denied our due place in heaven as is ordained for those who are so unclean. (Copyright mmg 2008