ROCKED BY THE WAVES (4 page)

AMOR IS THE ANAGRAM OF ROMA

«As entering the city, a thousand carriages, drivers and tourist guides insist on taking your luggage. They take you as well and you find yourself submerged by English, German, American, French and Russian people running, wandering, asking natives where to go. It all in such a mixed variety of accents».

Hippolyte Taine -  A Journey to Italy

Trains were finally a reality in Europe. Rome was just fifty-five hours away from London.

It was the Eternal City, a wonderful place. It lacked what other major cities had, that is to say efficiency, but the streets were packed with artists and personalities from all over the world. It was an appealing multicultural city, sure it was. It was clear that the whole urban structure had been undergoing many changes. It still was, actually.

July had just begun and we had decided to book a room at the Majestic, in «Via Veneto», as they said. It was en elegant hotel, not far from the main attractions. I was willing to see the Pantheon.

I was under the charm that the building seemed to possess. I soon discovered that it had a rich history.

«In 1667, mathematicians from the Royal Science Academy traced an imaginary line. They called it the Paris Meridian. The line is originated from the crucifix on top of the Pantheon. The meridian crosses Languedoc-Roussillon and Saint Sulpice».

I was always stuck when he told me stories.

«How come you know so much stuff?»

He looked me in the eyes. «I love ancient tales». And he kissed me.

I could sense it’d be an intense trip.

I liked the people in Rome. Everyone was very nice to us and Alex was a bit jealous of that. He was always keeping an eye on me, just in case.

He was always criticizing the way I dressed. Too provoking, he used to say.

«Are you really telling me you think all these people are being nice to me because of that? I am a married woman and, seriously, I think it shows. You are always next to me!»

He would stick to his point anyway.

«Claire, men are attracted by you. Please, dress properly».

That was enough.

«We’re in Rome. It’s the most romantic city on Earth and it’s thirty-five degrees in the shade. What should I dress like?»

It was always like that.

In the afternoon, we went to see my cousins. They were clearly impressed by Alex and his undeniable beauty. He was unable to understand Italian, though, so he started getting bored.

«I can’t even touch you».

I held his hand. «Of course you can, just not in that way. In a few hours, you will be able to».

When we got to the hotel, he didn’t say anything, but he got a note, which he immediately read. He didn’t tell me what it said, but he told me we would leave for Languedoc on the following morning.

I tried to ask why, but he remained silent.

«But... we were supposed to stay for a few more days».

«Claire, mon coeur, I’ll explain everything on the journey to France. Now we should go pack».

When he used to call me like that, it was a bad sign. I hugged him and whispered: «Why do we have to leave? We have so many things to do here...» Then I looked him in the eyes.

He went red, his eyes telling me how much he wanted me. But he said: «I’ll explain everything tomorrow». He was sweating. «There’s something we actually could do, though...»

I knew pretty well what he was alluding to and decided to take advantage of that.

«Yes, there is something we could do. But tomorrow you are going to tell me everything, otherwise...», I knew that would work.

It was the middle of July and on the following morning we left. We would travel across Italy and then get to France, where we would make a brief stop in Carcassone. It would be nice, because the sight was strikingly beautiful. It was like a fairytale. Yellow gorse was everywhere, endless vineyards and abandoned castles were just amazing.

The sight changed according to the region we were crossing. We saw the mountains, the hills and many lagoons. Horses and flamingos appeared from time to time.

On the journey, Alex told me the history of that part of France. It was quite bloody, because it was linked to the Crusade against the Albigenses, in 1209. It went on for forty years. Many cities, such as Toulouse, Carcassonne and Béziers, fell. Many people were killed in the name of God.

Languedoc was an independent Principato by then. Christians, Muslims and Judaists lived in harmony. People discussed poetry and philosophy.

The Cathars believed in reincarnation and in a female divinity. They also believed that two gods existed, one of them ruling on love, the other on evil. They didn’t believe in crucifixion nor in the crucifix. They didn’t even believe in sacraments. They used to say that Jesus was a prophet of love, AMOR, and that love had become power, ROMA. Inquisition was born because of this, because of the heresy in this duality.

You could still see some of the temples, or what remained of them. Many had been built for Magdalene, a woman that fascinated me quite a lot. I therefore asked Alex to tell me some more about her.

«Her cult is very spread here. In Saint Maximin la Sainte Baume, people pay homage to her skeleton. It is believed to be hers, at least. There’s even a fount named after her».

I loved that kind of stories.

«The story tells Magdalene run away from Palestine and got to Provence, to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. Two women named Mary were with her. They were the ones that had witnessed Jesus’ death. Maria Salomé and Maria di Giacomo, which is Mary in Italian. In the South of France, the three of them died but first they spread Christianism. Magdalene is said to have died in Aix-en-Provence. Then she was buried in Vézelay.»

I had always known Madgalene was a prostitute. How come she be a Christian? Alex explained patiently.

«She is a fictitious character, or sort of. She might even be three women. Maria di Betania, who was Lazarus’ sister, a sinner whom we know nothing about, and Maria di Magdala, that is to say Magdalene».

Wow. That was unexpected. But it also made sense. Our two trips were somehow linked. Rome and France had a connection. It was Alex, actually, that had decided where to go on our honeymoon. I was still thinking about that, when Alex spoke.

«I’m part of a secret organization, Claire. It’s a very ancient one and I can’t tell you much about it... I must not, you see. For your security, and for mine as well».

He took a deep breath.

«One year ago, parchments containing numbers and codes have been found. I went to Paris, where I met my dearest friends. We’re still studying the content of the parchments, but they seem to tell a very old story. I’ll have to meet a few people and you won’t always be able to accompany me, so please be patient».

His words were like daggers. So that was it. A secret society.

«What’s this to do with Magdalene? And with you?»

His answer was not clarifying.

«It’s a very ancient story. It begins some 2000 years ago when Magdalene went to the French Gaule and founded a new Dinasty, the Merovingians. They were killed by the Carolingians but an heir survived. His secret has gotten to our century thanks to the Templars».

I was stuck, so I remained silent for a few minutes. We got to Carcassonne, where the Arch of Alliance was said to have been kept.

We were staying at Alex’s friends. We had our own rooms and we would have all the privacy we needed.

On the following morning we visited the site.

It was in the Aude and it was crossed by the river. It was a small town, but charming nonetheless.

That night, Alex told me he needed to go to a meeting which I could not attend.

«But we just got here. Can’t you do this some other day?»

No, he couldn’t.

«Some of those people have come from very far countries, mon coeur».

Mon coeur. Bad sign. He was hiding something from me.

It was sundown and he was ready to go. I decided I would follow him. So as he waved goodbye, I waved back: «I’ll be reading a book.». We kissed and I waited a few seconds. Then I went out.

He walked through the narrow streets and along the river. It was getting dark, so he didn’t notice me.  I was holding my breath. We walked for some fifteen minutes, then he entered a building. It was an old one. There were no lights, but in the back I saw a big window. A feeble light came from there. Candles, I believed. It seemed to me that they were exaggerating. I was fine with secrecy, but that was way too much.

I looked inside the room. Many men wearing hoods were standing there. They even wore masks. I was scared and a sudden thought hit me: they had some other purpose than talking old tales. An altar was in the middle of the room. They spoke an unknown language.

Someone was lying on the altar and a man approached. He undressed part of his body and they had sex. It made me feel uncomfortable.

I started looking for Alex when I noticed a scar on the man’s leg. It was Alex. The man having sex with the woman on the altar was my husband.

What was he doing? Why? Who had I married?

I went back and sat in my room. Now I could see why he couldn’t take me to his meeting. I was angry. Should I talk to him?

When he got home, I didn’t even notice. I was too busy thinking. He hugged me and kissed my hair.

«You’ve been waiting for me. How sweet of you. How was your book?», he said smoothly. «Did you have in mind anything particular for when I got home?»

He looked me in the eyes.

«I was waiting for you, yes», I replied sharply.

«Are you alright? Were the Simons unkind to you?»

«It’s you, Alex!»

I had screamed. I was angry, I really was. He was stuck. Then he became suspicious.

«What’s wrong, mon coeur? I didn’t do anything... is this about the meeting? I got home as soon as I could. I wanted to be with you».

Then he looked at me.

«So tell me about the meeting. Did you talk? What about?»

He had understood by then.

He went pale and sat.

He seemed unable to speak.

«I saw you».

«What did you see?»

I was screaming.

«I saw you! Did you have fun?»

He tried to deny.

«How do you know it was me?»

«It was awful. You shouldn’t have been there, not even as a spectator. Your scar, Alex. It was you».

He was unable to decide what to say, so he remained silent.

«It was not what you think. It’s a sacred moment».

It was enough.

«Very well, then. I’ll be doing the same, is this fine with you?»

He turned red.

«Don’t even think about it. Come to sleep».

«I won’t be sleeping with you».

But he had different plans. He held my arm and pushed me to the bed, where he undressed me. He kissed me and I stayed still, ice cold. When he stopped, he said: «I’m sorry. I was scared. I didn’t want you to go. I’m sorry. Don’t go. I won’t let you. I won’t be doing... it... again».

«You won’t do it again».

I surrendered.

«I won’t».

We couldn’t sleep. None of us could. But our argument was over.

THE SCOTTISH NAMED ANGUS

After a stormy night, reconciliation is the sweetest thing. We left Carcassonne and Alex told me a story. It seemed that in France the words Notre Dame were an homage to Magdalene.

«Why would she be called like that?», I asked.

«In the Christian version, Madgalene is a prostitute. You told me so, right? But in France she’s supposed to have been entrusted with the Holy Graal».

It sounded awkward to me and I was also feeling strange, as if someone was spying on us that very moment. Alex had used the word security the day before. I pretended to check on my boots and took the chance to have a look around. Nothing and no one.

«You said you can’t tell me much stuff because of my security, that is to say...»

«Suspicious deaths have taken place lately».

So, secret society, mysteries and suspicious deaths. Good for you, Claire!

«So, what are we supposed to do?»

He smiled.

«We’re on our honeymoon. We’ll enjoy. And if a little adventure joins us, it’ll be very welcome, right?»

Right. Sure. We were just in danger, after all. Nothing to worry about.

We stopped in Saint Hilaire, where we saw a lovely abbey sourrounded by vineyards. A priest from the North, Dom Pérignon, was supposed to have hidden his secret for the perfect spumante there.

Then we went to Limoux, where some mysterious Black Lady was worshipped.

«That’s Notre Dame de Marceille. It’s connected to Saint Sulpice, in Paris. People say there’s a sacred crypt hidden somewhere around here».

Everything seemed to be hiding a secret. I was still feeling that we were being spied on. We went up North and got to Alet-les-Bains. It was a medieval town, full of symbols. They had been drawn everywhere and they were both Jewish and esoteric.

It was charming but not really appropriate for a young couple. Alex was radiant, though.

We stopped in a small hotel, where we would be able to eat something as well. I wanted to wash my face and take a nap. I was tired. Our room was small, but nice.

On the wall, I noticed a painting. It caught my attention, since I was sure I had seen it before. But where?

«It’s a very well known painting. Its original is in the Louvre. The three shepherds are examining a thumb with a little girl. I think the site must be nearby. If you like to, we might look for it».

No, I didn’t like to. I was keen on London and cities in general, not tombs. Someone knocked on our door. Alex opened it and a maid handed him a note.

«Monsieur Wilson, il y a un message pour vous».

She smiled a bit too much and went away.

«How come you got a note?»

I was still shocked about Carcassonne.

«I need to send a note back, honey. Please wait for me».

«Didn’t I just ask you a question? No more secret meetings, remember? No more strange stuff».

I really meant that. No more sacred rituals, so to say.

«Don’t worry, honey. A friend of mine wants us to dine with him tomorrow. You’re so beautiful, dear...»

I waited for him to write the note. Then we came down to dinner.

It was a small room and some of the tables were already occupied by guests. A woman caught my attention. She was incredibly beautiful. She must have been forty or so and she was very well dressed. She was with a short man. He didn’t seem to be especially well educated. I couldn’t tell if he was her husband or a friend of hers. But she looked at Alex, as if she had wanted to greet him. And he looked back at her.

We had cassoulet for dinner and I tried to ask Alex who the woman was.

«Did you see the woman? She’s so beautiful. She must be French».

«I’m already married to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met».

Right. He had something in mind. Once again. When we got to our room, we found that the door was open and our stuff had been searched. For jewellery and money? Maybe. But we had just a few clothes with us. Alex was particularly calm, which didn’t seem quite right.

«Who might have been here? Thieves? They didn’t take anything anyway».

As saying so, I noticed that the note Alex had gotten before dinner had disappeared.

«They didn’t take anything, right. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go downstairs and ask for another room».

I could tell he was up to something. I was angry but as he came back, I noticed he was really pale.

«Claire, we must go. Now».

«But why? And where? It’s late... can’t we wait? Like... tomorrow morning?»

«Now!»

«Where to?»

«Carcassonne and then we must go to Paris».

I was scared. «You must tell me what’s going on!»

He was clearly worried. He wanted to tell me, I know he did, but he couldn’t. He packed our stuff.

«I will. The meeting in Carcassonne... you remember that?»

I did.

«I didn’t want to go, nor to... do that. But I had to». He was sweating. «We came here because I had to meet someone. And yes, I knew the lady you noticed at dinner. She’s a friend. The note I got said we were in danger. And that woman confirmed it. I love you, but you will have to trust me».

I was shaking. Those suspicious deaths. It was then that I heard shots and people screaming.

«We must go!»

As Alex said so, a man got to our door. He had red hair and a square face. He also had a golden beard. The man addressed Alex in a harsh voice. I didn’t understand what he said, but Alex did and he shook his head.

«Claire, this is Angus. He’s here to protect us».

He was Scottish. Of course he was. Angus! They had spoken Gaelic.

«Madame, I hope you can ride a horse».

Ride a horse? Oh my.

«Nice to meet you, Angus... yes, I can. What about our luggage?»

«We must go now!», he said heading downstairs.

Three horses were waiting for us. A young man was with them. He was really tall and he had black hair. His blue eyes were so shiny. He had a sweet face, and was pleasant to look at. His body was just perfect.

«My son. Sam. He’ll be coming with us».

«Hello, Sam. I’m Claire».

The boy shook his head.

We hurried to Carcassonne. It was a narrow secondary street and it was dark. I was very worried. My heart was beating fast and I must have been very pale. Alex came next to me.

«We must hurry».

His voice was smooth but he really wanted me to hurry. I was too slow. Angus came to us.

«We should split. We’ll go this way. Sam and Claire will go that way. No one will notice them. They’ll take a hidden road».

Alex was still thinking about that, but it sounded like a good idea to me. They would get to Carcassonne way faster and Alex would be able to pack. Sam didn’t really seem to care whether he would proceed with me or with the three of us. Alex shook his head and he finally agreed. Yes, we would split.

«Please, Claire, be careful», he said while kissing me.

He didn’t seem to be happy about splitting, but he went away anyway. Angus and Alex rode quite fast, I noticed. Sam and I went into the woods.

I was alone with this boy. This beautiful and silent boy. The moonlight and the sounds of the night created an awkward atmosphere around us. We found a cave and Sam said: «Madame, you might like to rest for a while».

«I would, thank you. Thank you very much. My name is Claire, anyway».

«Right».

As he said so, I had a feeling that the night would be long.

I walked for a while inside the cave, but then I heard something. It looked like two men were entering the cave. They didn’t seem to have friendly intentions. Where were they from? It happened fast: one moment I was standing peacefully, the other I was in the middle of a fight. Sam was way stronger than them both.

I was scared and didn’t know what to do. I wanted Sam to make them go, but I suddenly felt that someone was pushing my arm. I was being pushed into a small galley on the left. It was cold and humid, the place was dark. We walked through that narrow passage and then we got into another gallery. At the end of the second gallery, there seemed to be a room. A feeble light came from there and it seemed to me like we could seek for a refuge there. On the morning after we would be able to head to Carcassonne.

I was finally able to breath again.

Sam said: «They fainted, Madame. We should be safe in here».

«Thank you, Sam. Please, call me Claire. Who were they?»

I was also wondering how we were supposed to sleep in there. Spending the night with Sam was an awkward perspective. I sat next to him.

«I don’t know. We’ll find that out».

«Are you okay? Are you cold?»

«It’s pretty chill in here. Yes».

«I’ll keep you warm», he said approaching me.

«So, tell me something more about you».

«There’s not much to tell. My name is Sam MacGregor and my family has been close to the Wilsons for many years now».

«MacGregor? Sounds like a tribe...»

«It was. It’s a family name, now».

He was hugging me.

«How close have you been to the Wilsons?»

«One of them saved my grandfather’s life years ago. So now our families are close to each other».

I had never heard anything of the sort.

«Where do you live?»

«At Mr Wilson’s, of course. In the dependance».

Dependance? What dependance?

The night flew away and I even slept. But on the morning after, all my thoughts were back.

Where were the two men now? Was Alex okay? Will we find our horses where we had left them? My corset was quite uncomfortable, and so were both my boots and my skirt. I had dressed up for dinner, not for an adventure into the woods.

I had pains everywhere. I was sleepy and tired.

On the other hand, Sam was beautiful.

«How are you feeling today?»

I was unable to answer. I shook my head and thought of the moment we would be back on the road. We seemed to be in sort of a sanctuary now. There was even an altar.

«So, Claire. Are you ready?»

He held my hand and walked back to entrance of the cave.

«What was the room we were in?»

«I think it was a sacred place. We’re in the Cathars’ land».

Alex had already told me the story. Sam must have been right. He was walking in a very sef-confident way. When we got to the entrance, we noticed the men had disappeared. So were the horses. I was stuck. How could I walk in those clothes? Furthermore, it was windy and terribly hot.

«I’m afraid, you’ll have to walk».

«I already guessed that», I said sharply.

He looked at me as if noticing me for the first time. Then he said: «Let’s go. I’ll help you», and gave me his arm.

We started walking in silence. The birds’ twitterings kept us company, but they were always making pauses when our footsteps got too noisy. I was really tired and Sam had to help me walk. I was feeling thirsty.

Sam stopped at once. A very small snake crossed our path and I started screaming.

«You’re scaring the snake, Claire. It’s not poisoning, don’t panic».

I relaxed, or, at least, stopped screaming.

«We will stop for a little while», he said smoothly.

We walked for a while, then he said: «Let’s sit here».

It was hot and sunny, so resting for a little while was quite an appealing option. We sat on a fallen tree. It was peaceful. A river must have been somewhere near the tree, because I could hear the water flawing.

«I want to take my clothes off», I said. I don’t why I said that, but Sam stared at me.

«Please, do».

Oh my. What shall I do? He was a very beautiful young man and Alex would never find out, so... no! Oh my, was I going crazy? It was my honeymoon and I already had a marvellous husband!

«Thank you, but maybe later», I tried to sound nonchalant.

He laughed. «That’s fine. Maybe later».

I was feeling much better by then. I was hungry, so we stopped and asked for hospitality. We found a very nice and welcoming family that offered us something to eat.

During the afternoon, we found another cave. It was hidden in the woods.

«Maybe we should rest for a while. It’s really hot».

He was right. It was August and it was two thirty in the afternoon.

«Yes, we should», I agreed.

We entered the cave. It was chill. I wanted to take my corset off, so I entered a gallery and undressed. As I was undressing, I felt that someone was hugging me. He was strong. He kissed my back and it was pleasant. He whispered me something and I knew he wanted me.

I turned to him and looked into his eyes. They were incredibly blue. I kissed him. I wanted him too, maybe because of the night we had spent together. I wanted him so much more than I had ever wanted Alex. We undressed and made love on the ground.