July 19th 1209 A.D. – Carcassonne – Being Chosen

Allard loved his mother. She was the head of his family. She was his only family actually. He wasn’t even certain who his father was. He didn’t know anything about him for sure, not even his name. Allard had been brought up, in the court of Raymond Roger, head of the Trenvacel family in Carcassonne. He was a tall strong young man who had excelled in all aspects of his training as a knight.

Amongst his peers he was unbeatable at the joust, or at fencing. He was also an excellent scholar, fluent in French and Latin. He was sure his future was secure as a warrior serving the rulers of the fortress city of Carcassonne.

There was however, one unusual aspect to his life. His mother had been raised as a Christian Cathar, not as a follower of the Church of Rome. And his mother’s priest had instructed Allard himself in that branch of the church. It was one reason why he did not know his father.

He had been taught that the Cathars believed that the true world was one of an eternal spiritual peace, which had been created by a pure God. They believed that the earthly world was inherently evil, and that someone’s spirit could only escape back to peace by living a pure life. The Cathars had some issues with procreation, which they regarded as the process of bringing another unfortunate soul into the material world. Hence their followers often had unusual family structures. However, the court of the Trenvacels had a relaxed attitude to faith and the young Allard had never found it necessary to keep his beliefs a secret.

That morning, Allard had just finished fencing practice and his clothes were stuck flat against his body, dripping with sweat. He was walking back to his room for a change of clothing, when by the gate in the outer wall he caught sight of his mother talking to two men. One he recognised. The white hair and stooped back marked him out as his religious teacher, a Cathar priest. The second was recognisable from his dress. The white mantle and the red cross showed him as a Templar Knight. The priest waved Allard over.

“Come my young man, I would talk to you.”

The older teacher started to stroll along the wall, and the young Allard dropped into step beside him. For as long as he could remember, the priest had spent many hours a week with him. Reinforcing his mother’s teachings. Relating the origins of their Cathar beliefs and emphasising their traditions, and the differences with the Catholic Church.

From the shadows cast by the castle wall, his mother watched the priest and her son stroll around the courtyard. She believed as strongly as anyone in her church of the evils of the material world. She understood that everyone must strive to live a good life. Every person had an obligation to connect with their inner self, rather than seeking earthly wealth or glory. It was the only way to save one’s spirit. But gazing at her handsome boy, she was filled with a mother’s love. She could only hope that God had a true purpose for him in this world. That he would experience a life that would set his spirit free.

She had told him from his earliest days how lucky he was to have a place at Raymond Roger’s court. Forever telling him horror stories, of what life was like without money, outside the protection of a castle’s walls. His mother had taught him that while they were in this world, even Cathars required the means to live. Allard assumed it was just to keep him motivated to train and study. He didn’t need her encouragement in that arena. He was self-motivated, and determined to make the most of his skills and opportunities in life.

So today, the young man had been expecting one of the priest’s usual lectures. But the priest had a surprise for him. He didn’t himself know the full background to the request that he had received. All he knew was that the great Order of Knights Templar had sent out the word that they needed a recruit from the ranks of the Cathars. The Templars had made it clear that they required someone, who whilst still young, had acquired all the skills required of a knight.

Allard’s priest told him that when he heard of this story he had thought of the young man. The discussions he had witnessed in the courtyard had been the Templars accepting his recommendation. Allard was immensely flattered that the Order should be so interested in such an inexperienced fighter.

He did however have some concerns. The Templars, although renowned for their skill in battle and their contribution to the defence of the Faith, were at heart warrior monks. The rule they lived by was based on that followed by monasteries throughout the West. They were sworn to a life of prayer, and to take vows of poverty and chastity.

Allard was still a young man and had started to enjoy all that was offered by the court. Although a Cathar, he retained thoughts of fathering a child one day. He was not all sure he was willing to take the Templar vows. But his preacher reminded him of all the lessons he had been taught. He emphasised the importance of living a good life to escape the evils of the mortal world. When the teacher had finished a determined look washed over Allard’s face. He spoke his thoughts in a low murmur.

“I understand. I will do as you ask.”