'Make yourself visible!'
At that moment the spirit manipulated a magnetic field around his being, which made him visible for human eyes. It was a tall guy, blonde short hair, blue piercing eyes, a presence like lightning, and he radiated blue and white light...
'You again! Why are you here?'
The spirit didn't answer...
'I've seen you quite some time. You were also in Egypt, weren't you?'
'Yes. I've been around for years'.
'At least tell me what you want. I don't like being followed by men.... I'm not into sodomy.. like those filthy Athenians and Romans....'
'Fear not! Rechobeam! I'm at peace! I've come from the presence of the Most High! He has seen your misery and ill treatment by your family and relatives in Olisipo. It is Him who called you out of Lusitania and brought you to this alien land in which you dwell. Don't be afraid! The Lord LORD, the God of your ancestors has been faithful to you. He has a plan with your life and He has great rewards in store for you! Just put your trust in His Good will!'
'I know about Him. I know He is real. What does He want from me? I have no money left... no place to stay.. I'm in a strange land with a strange language.. I'm Black in a country full with white people.... and they stare at me..'
'You'll understand soon why He brought you to this place. He will provide in all your needs, just trust His Grace!'
While the angel spoke, two Bohemian lads walked into the hostel. When Rashidus turned back to see him, he was gone. The spirit addressed him in his Hebrew name, not his Latin-Arabic name! Nobody has called him Rechobeam in years! Nobody even knows that's his real name.
[Germanic language]
'Who is this loser?'
'He is that Spaniard everyone is talking about...'
'Well.. aren't Spaniards white...'
'I don't know.... you tell me. . I've never been there'
'My uncle lives in Valentia, at the East shore.... it's four days travel [by ship] from Rome'.
'He speaks Spanish?'
'Spanish doesn't exist. They speek Greek there.... at least.. that's what I know'
Friday, 11 April 2014
Chapter 3
While Rashidus remained in the hostel in the Kingdom Bohemia, in Olisipo there's an investigation going on. From a local detention centre several convicts escaped. The governor arrived after a call from the Major of the city. The importance of this case is because the convicts were Roman officers who betrayed the Empire and killed several comrads during a battle in Africa.
The Senate of Rome didn't have any governance upon Lusitania, but the Emperor appointed the governor and several majors [assisted with some soldiers] to maintain peace and order in the area.
At the same time a report arrived concerning the Hebrew Juanus, whom led a criminal syndicate from Ossónaba. He was residing in Eblana, the Capital of the jure Province Hibernia. This made it difficult for the prosecutors to persue an arrest warrant for him. Hibernia is claimed by Rome as a part of the Empire, but they only have two Greek cities in which they have embassies. The Kings of Britain also didn't want to get involved with the search for a foreign fugitive. They thought this might increase the influencce of the Empire in their lands - something they didn't want to happen at all costs.
'What about that nephew of Juanus?' the governor informs 'What happened to him?'
'He was last seen in Brigantium. The hostel said that he sailed towards the Rhine-river.'
'The Rhine?...' the comitee was confused 'Where is he going?'
The governor couldn't send the report to Rome that they couldn't find the militairy convict and that they couldn't find the Hebrew criminal either...... this would be a shame and it might cost him his career. And he has been through very much to be at this place.
'Sir, what shall we do?' ..
'Make a report to whole Lusitania and Terraconensis concerning those convicts and if there's any news concerning Juanus and his nephew.. let me know. Send some spies to Eblana to find out about his abiding.'
'And that guy from Olisipo?'
'Leave him in peace and don't bother his parents nor his brothers and sisters. I don't want any trouble during my term.'
The next morning in Bohemia..
Rashidus woke up and notices that the hostel is empty.
'Where is everyone?'.
He can't find anyone. He senses that something isn't right around here.
'Man.. why didn't I learn the Germanic language before coming here? Maybe it was better to remain in Olisipo... but wait.. .no.. I don't ever want to return there.. to those negative people. I'm glad I'm far away now. Even if I return to Lusitania, I'll settle at Portus Calle.. or at the spring of the Darius River..... near the border with Terraconensis..'
While the Hebrew is thinking about his next move he feels that a presence has entered the room. However, there's nobody here. He immidiately knows that it's a spirit.....
The Senate of Rome didn't have any governance upon Lusitania, but the Emperor appointed the governor and several majors [assisted with some soldiers] to maintain peace and order in the area.
At the same time a report arrived concerning the Hebrew Juanus, whom led a criminal syndicate from Ossónaba. He was residing in Eblana, the Capital of the jure Province Hibernia. This made it difficult for the prosecutors to persue an arrest warrant for him. Hibernia is claimed by Rome as a part of the Empire, but they only have two Greek cities in which they have embassies. The Kings of Britain also didn't want to get involved with the search for a foreign fugitive. They thought this might increase the influencce of the Empire in their lands - something they didn't want to happen at all costs.
'What about that nephew of Juanus?' the governor informs 'What happened to him?'
'He was last seen in Brigantium. The hostel said that he sailed towards the Rhine-river.'
'The Rhine?...' the comitee was confused 'Where is he going?'
The governor couldn't send the report to Rome that they couldn't find the militairy convict and that they couldn't find the Hebrew criminal either...... this would be a shame and it might cost him his career. And he has been through very much to be at this place.
'Sir, what shall we do?' ..
'Make a report to whole Lusitania and Terraconensis concerning those convicts and if there's any news concerning Juanus and his nephew.. let me know. Send some spies to Eblana to find out about his abiding.'
'And that guy from Olisipo?'
'Leave him in peace and don't bother his parents nor his brothers and sisters. I don't want any trouble during my term.'
The next morning in Bohemia..
Rashidus woke up and notices that the hostel is empty.
'Where is everyone?'.
He can't find anyone. He senses that something isn't right around here.
'Man.. why didn't I learn the Germanic language before coming here? Maybe it was better to remain in Olisipo... but wait.. .no.. I don't ever want to return there.. to those negative people. I'm glad I'm far away now. Even if I return to Lusitania, I'll settle at Portus Calle.. or at the spring of the Darius River..... near the border with Terraconensis..'
While the Hebrew is thinking about his next move he feels that a presence has entered the room. However, there's nobody here. He immidiately knows that it's a spirit.....
Chapter 2
Rashidus followed the Dunabus-river till he reached the Roman settlement Setuacatum. There, he remained for 2 days before continuing to the border of Boiohemium. He had to cross two subrivers before he entered the Bohemian forest.
He entered an open grassfield to rest of his wandering. The area was under the reign Vannius, King of Boiohemium and the Quadi. He was quite favoured by the farmers. Roman citizens are welcomed by the local mayors, if they can prove their citizenship. Rashidus had some documents with him, concerning his purchase of two sailships in Olisipo.
'Hey!' 'You!'
It's a group of young men approaching him.
[Ancient Greek]
'Who are you?'
'Just a passanger... passing through your land..''
''What's your name?' 'where you're from?'
'I'm from Lusitania... I'm Rashidus'
'Lusi....tania....?'
'Well, it's a country at the West-coast of Spain..''
'Ah.. a Spaniard! You're looking for a place to stay?'
'Yes. Where's a hostel?'
'In Roman style?.. come!'.
Rashidus follows the group of 25 young men...
After 30 minutes they arrive at a little city.
'Come...'
Rashidus became tired.. but he hung on..
'Felix!'
An older man comes out of a hostel and faces them, and takes a look at Rashidus.
[Germanic language]
'Who is this guy?'
'He's a Spaniard. We found him wandering near the wood of the witches...'
'Why is he here?'
'He didn't tell us. He doesn't speak our language. We brought him here so you might find out more about him..'
'He's not a spy... right?'...
'We don't know. To be honest, we don't trust him'.
The people in the village stare at the Hebrew with suspicion.
Felix makes a gesture to bring Rashidus closer.
[Ancient Greek]
'Greetings be to you, stranger. Who are you and why are you here?'
'I'm Aichiliquis-Thracaicius Rashidus Olissipus, Born in Felicitas Julia Olisipo, in the Kingdom of Lusitania, which is now a Roman Province of Spain.'
'Lusitania? How did you arrive here?'
'I've sailed to Belgica from Ossóbana... '
'On your own? ..'
'So... you didn't see any strange women over there...?' Felix is quite surpriced.. 'How did you survive?'
Rashidus understands what he's aiming at.
'I'm an professional navigator. I've been to Italy, Achaje, Odessa, Egypt and I've been to Britannia.. several times'.
'You've been into the Roman army?'
'No... I was rejected...'
'Rejected?! Why?..'
'I'm from Hebrew descent... and my people aren't liked by the Roman government... So to avoid discrimination and being killed.. I decided to remain distant towards Roman and Greek Soldiers'.
Rashidus showed on of his papers. Felix and the others became convinced.
'Stay here for tonight..'
He entered an open grassfield to rest of his wandering. The area was under the reign Vannius, King of Boiohemium and the Quadi. He was quite favoured by the farmers. Roman citizens are welcomed by the local mayors, if they can prove their citizenship. Rashidus had some documents with him, concerning his purchase of two sailships in Olisipo.
'Hey!' 'You!'
It's a group of young men approaching him.
[Ancient Greek]
'Who are you?'
'Just a passanger... passing through your land..''
''What's your name?' 'where you're from?'
'I'm from Lusitania... I'm Rashidus'
'Lusi....tania....?'
'Well, it's a country at the West-coast of Spain..''
'Ah.. a Spaniard! You're looking for a place to stay?'
'Yes. Where's a hostel?'
'In Roman style?.. come!'.
Rashidus follows the group of 25 young men...
After 30 minutes they arrive at a little city.
'Come...'
Rashidus became tired.. but he hung on..
'Felix!'
An older man comes out of a hostel and faces them, and takes a look at Rashidus.
[Germanic language]
'Who is this guy?'
'He's a Spaniard. We found him wandering near the wood of the witches...'
'Why is he here?'
'He didn't tell us. He doesn't speak our language. We brought him here so you might find out more about him..'
'He's not a spy... right?'...
'We don't know. To be honest, we don't trust him'.
The people in the village stare at the Hebrew with suspicion.
Felix makes a gesture to bring Rashidus closer.
[Ancient Greek]
'Greetings be to you, stranger. Who are you and why are you here?'
'I'm Aichiliquis-Thracaicius Rashidus Olissipus, Born in Felicitas Julia Olisipo, in the Kingdom of Lusitania, which is now a Roman Province of Spain.'
'Lusitania? How did you arrive here?'
'I've sailed to Belgica from Ossóbana... '
'On your own? ..'
'So... you didn't see any strange women over there...?' Felix is quite surpriced.. 'How did you survive?'
Rashidus understands what he's aiming at.
'I'm an professional navigator. I've been to Italy, Achaje, Odessa, Egypt and I've been to Britannia.. several times'.
'You've been into the Roman army?'
'No... I was rejected...'
'Rejected?! Why?..'
'I'm from Hebrew descent... and my people aren't liked by the Roman government... So to avoid discrimination and being killed.. I decided to remain distant towards Roman and Greek Soldiers'.
Rashidus showed on of his papers. Felix and the others became convinced.
'Stay here for tonight..'
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Chapter 1
In the late afternoon a Roman sailor - together with several slaves - visited the harbour of Ossonaba, with a letter from the governor of Lusitania. The message was meant for Johnathan (His citizenship name is Lazirius Juanus), a Hebrew nobleman, who migrated during the rulership of Augustus. He has two vineyards and has bussiness contracts with other local farmers.
The letter states:
''Greetings to Marcus,
We received complains from the local authorities concerning exploitation and abuse of Roman citizens in your companies. We desire that you'll appear within two days at the court in Augusta Meritus to give an account of your economic activities from past four years. If you do not give heed to this requirement, sanctions will be taken on you and your land. Your betrayel to Rome can be sentenced with death.''
Johnathan decided to flee to Hibernia, because of the lack of Roman influence in the area. He has friends in Eblana, who he taught, would receive him. That same evening he fled without his household knowing it. The next morning the servants and slaves were confused.
Two Spanish employers decided to leave. They were aware of the ilegal practises of their former employer and the tensions that existed between him and the local noblemen. They believed that the letter was due to lawsuits that the rich in Ossonaba and Cacela filled against him. Further, some slaves decided to flee....
At the same time, a cousin of Johnathan arrived in the harbour. His name is Rashidus, a latinization of an Arab name. His parents live in Olisipo, which is at the end of the Tegus river, at the Atlantic Ocean. He sailed on his own, as he often does, to visit his uncle. At arrival he met the two Spanish guys and they informed him.
''Let's go into the house!'' he commands ''We have something to take care off''.
Inside, he searched for the money that's left behind. He found enough to pay off all the workers and he gave every slave 25 Dinarii told them to leave immidiately and to not come back again. He also found the letters addressed to him by the governor, with the treath of capital punishment.
He leaves the next day and he sails to Brigantium, in which he remains for two days, afterwards he sails on to Portus Itius, which is near the Imperial border with Germany. The sailing took him two days, due to bad weather. In Gallia, he pays a chariot to transport him to Augusta Vindelicorum, the Capital of Rhaetia.
The journey to Rhaetia took him four days and sixteen hours. He commanded the chariot to stop 10 miles before their arrival at the city. He, then, crossed the Donau-river moved on. He had some maps of Germany with him. He decided to head on for the country named Boiohaemum (Bohemia), which is claimed to be the homeland of the Boii-tribe.
The letter states:
''Greetings to Marcus,
We received complains from the local authorities concerning exploitation and abuse of Roman citizens in your companies. We desire that you'll appear within two days at the court in Augusta Meritus to give an account of your economic activities from past four years. If you do not give heed to this requirement, sanctions will be taken on you and your land. Your betrayel to Rome can be sentenced with death.''
Johnathan decided to flee to Hibernia, because of the lack of Roman influence in the area. He has friends in Eblana, who he taught, would receive him. That same evening he fled without his household knowing it. The next morning the servants and slaves were confused.
Two Spanish employers decided to leave. They were aware of the ilegal practises of their former employer and the tensions that existed between him and the local noblemen. They believed that the letter was due to lawsuits that the rich in Ossonaba and Cacela filled against him. Further, some slaves decided to flee....
At the same time, a cousin of Johnathan arrived in the harbour. His name is Rashidus, a latinization of an Arab name. His parents live in Olisipo, which is at the end of the Tegus river, at the Atlantic Ocean. He sailed on his own, as he often does, to visit his uncle. At arrival he met the two Spanish guys and they informed him.
''Let's go into the house!'' he commands ''We have something to take care off''.
Inside, he searched for the money that's left behind. He found enough to pay off all the workers and he gave every slave 25 Dinarii told them to leave immidiately and to not come back again. He also found the letters addressed to him by the governor, with the treath of capital punishment.
He leaves the next day and he sails to Brigantium, in which he remains for two days, afterwards he sails on to Portus Itius, which is near the Imperial border with Germany. The sailing took him two days, due to bad weather. In Gallia, he pays a chariot to transport him to Augusta Vindelicorum, the Capital of Rhaetia.
The journey to Rhaetia took him four days and sixteen hours. He commanded the chariot to stop 10 miles before their arrival at the city. He, then, crossed the Donau-river moved on. He had some maps of Germany with him. He decided to head on for the country named Boiohaemum (Bohemia), which is claimed to be the homeland of the Boii-tribe.
Cover
Olisipus in Bohemia
A German queen visits her Hebrew friend in Spain
A historical fiction by
R.E. Dossett
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