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In 1307 Philip IV of France (Philip the Fair) sought to gain control of the treasuries held by the Knights Templar. On Friday, October 13th Philip's supporters and forces arrested the Knight Templars and began the process that would lead to the extinction of the order six years later.
Not all the Knights were caught unaware on October 13th...
***
The two men said nothing as they crouched in the small copse of trees. Riding past on the roadway was a contingent of liviried cavalry, wearing uniforms of the current French Monarch Philip IV. As the contingent past, obviously trying to ride quietly, the two men in the trees looked at each other with unsurprised alarm.
After the passage of the cavalcade, the older one muttered grimly to the younger, "It begins, just as we thought. Philip's troops weren't out for a simple ride in the country."
The younger tilted his head in agreement, and whispered back, "What do we do now? There was no hint of the warning we were promised before Philip made his move."
The elder man moved slightly and now the wan moonlight offered a slight glint off the armor he wore, "I must warn the Visitor."
That drew a an anguished reaction from the younger man, "If Philip already has them on the move out here, don't you think he will have already invested the Fortress?!"
Looking down in obvious dismay, the elder said simply, "Aye. I am sure he has. Nevertheless, I must try to raise the alarm. We have moved most of the sacred objects to the 5th Temple, but still a few remain in Paris."
"Philip will delight in them," angrily muttered the younger man.
Straightening with a dignity born of crucible of fighting in Outremer, the elder spoke in clear, low voice, "*I* must try the Fortress laddie. Philippe Calvart, your orders are to disappear into the country. You must blend in with the people and not call attention to your status as a Knight Templar. I did not tell you everything about our mission this time, and you are not of le cercle, but needs be you must keep this safe for our order."
The elder man reached into his tunic and pulled out a bejeweled crucifix, barely large enough to be noticeable in his large palm. "I charge you Philippe Calvart, by your standing in good order in the Knights Templar, to keep this safe from those that would dishonor our religious heritage. Additionally, if I should not return, nor any other Knight be able to accept this from your keeping, you must protect and preserve it with your life if needed. If you are close to failing, I further charge you to put the possession of this into safe hands- of even the next generation if need be. The crucifix dates back to Solomon and was a gift at the completion of the Temple."
The younger man bowed his head in acceptance, "I swear to keep to the honor of thy order in the safety of this wonder." He looked up and his eyes held the hint of tears in them, "You go to your death dear friend."
The elder Knight stared at him with somber eyes, "If thy Lord commands it. My place is to try and salvage what I can in Paris." He looked pointedly at the younger Knight again, "Yours lies in the country Philippe. May God go with you and keep you safe. Do not go to any of our known places, Philip has proven himself uncommonly thorough in his preparations."
"Should I leave France?"
"No, no other country holds safety at present. Stay here, but fade from the sight of those who would find you."
Having made his final statement, the elder Knight spoke with a hint of their long friendship nipping into his voice, "Stay true Philippe. If I am able, I will join you in these same woods a month hence. If I fail to appear, assume me- and all your brother knights- lost and disappear completely. I will blunt the mention of your name in our rolls as I am able." Raising his hand slightly in a fond salute, "Now leave, we must both be far from here very quickly."
The young man strode cautiously through the passages.
While walking, he thought to himself, "These must be old beyond reckoning." The walls showed some sign of their ancient status, but seemed remarkably clear of the decay that might have been expected. After what seemed like a mile of walking, though he was sure it wasn't that far, he stopped in a small anteroom as he had been directed to by the missive he had myseriously received. He had never been invited to this place before and that in itself adding to his wariness.
Unsure what to do next he glanced nervously at the tapestry hung on one wall. It depicted the templar cross in the foreground overlaying a battle scene from what appeared to be one of the Crusades.
Standing there he reflected on why he had joined this small, secret band. Youthful enthusiasm, with the air of secrecy was what he remembered most from the moment when his friend had quietly proferred the invitation. The years had passed with only a few small demands of him in terms of providing support and assistance to his fellow brothers. He had been initiated in a monastery, but it had been unusual in that only a handful of people had been present. The vows were strict, but the financial assistance and other help he had received over the years had been substantial enough that he had never felt any compelling reason to stray from the vows. The secrecy was something he was continually amazed at- even after all this time.
They had encouraged him to find a solid profession- something that he would enjoy doing, something that he could excel at. For a period of time he had drifted into business, but it was soon clear that though he found the financial aspects interesting, they weren't compelling and he found himself rather bored. He remembered discussing that with his friend and another brother and they both pushed him to look for something else. While he was trying to find that 'something else', he had taken over managing one of the local youth football teams. Surprisingly, he had found he had a knack for that type of management- even a flair for it. He had established a reputation and suddenly found himself sought after by other semi-professional clubs. With encouragement from those that quietly backed him, he had risen further up and was well regarded by the knowledgeable press as an 'up and coming' manager. He hoped this meeting would not stop him from pursuing that.
He hadn't noticed, but the door had swung open and a voice tinged with age said, "Please enter, young Arnaud dos Addis."
Hesistantly he stepped into a room only slightly larger than the anteroom. It appeared a study or a library, as books and parchment occupied most of the shelving placed in the circular room. The only light in the room came from several placed candles and seemed muted in the dark paneling of the room. His eyes became accustomed to the dimness and he saw the old man waiting patiently.
"Please sit," said the man and the gravel of his voice spoke to his length of time on the earth.
Arnaud sat in the empty chair and stared at the wizened man, but said nothing.
A rumble from the man was barely recognizable as a chuckle, "Ah, you have learned to listen first. I am pleased that lesson has stayed with you."
Arnaud could only nod.
The man showed the hint of a smile, "Thank you for coming Arnaud- fellow brother. I will answer the questions you have, but I must ask you once again to renew the vows you took when you joined our brotherhood."
Nodding gravely, Arnaud bowed his head and recited the words again- as he had in the past when first initiated.
The old man met his eyes now when he looked back up, "I, and the brotherhood, have need of your services."
Arnaud groaned inwardly, yet still managed, "What do you require?"
Smiling gently, the old man said quietly as if he had read the thought, "Never fear Arnaud, this must be done by you because of what you have become. You will be offered a position to manage a club shortly- you must accept the challenge offered."
"How do you know this?"
The barely visible shrug by the old man, "We are not without sources, even though the brotherhood has been reduced to a mere few."
"How can I help the brotherhood by doing this?"
"I may not explain all to you now. Some of the explanation needs to await a future time. Still, I see I must give you a clearer picture. You know the few of us as the brotherhood, but in days past we had another name- The Knights of the Temple of Solomon, or more commonly The Templars."
Unable to choke back a small gasp of surprise, Arnaud gulped and nodded.
"Oh, don't give in to all those lurid presentations bandied about. Those were the product of Philip's 'confessional'. There may have been some of the Order involved with politics or intrigue, but the rest of it were admissions that were burned out them by fire or pulled out of them by the rack. Nevertheless, the few of us still remaining are a remnant of the storied past."
Nodding attentively, Arnaud had managed to close his mouth.
"There is a purpose in your accepting this position, but you may not know the ultimate purpose yet. Just know that it is important that you have success with this club. I foretell much will depend on it."
"You foretell? You have the second sight?"
"No, foolish young one. I merely state the obvious from my perspective. Realize what the position offered you will not be a choice one. You will face many trials to make this club a success and little assistance is available from us- this may well be the only chance we will ever have to meet. Still, I know much of you and believe you will succeed in this."
"Should I keep in touch with you- or the others?"
"Ah, now you are asking questions that are both intelligent and pertinent. I am pleased. Yes, but you must report through the code you learned when initiated- you do remember that?"
Arnaud nodded, "Not likely I could ever forget, with how much drilling we did."
"Good," and the old man nodded curtly as he waved to indicate the meeting was over. "Now go with God at your shoulder in this effort young Arnaud."
Arnaud stood to go, and then turned back at the doorway, "May I ask your name Brother?"
The ancient eyes seemed haunted with time as they stared at him bleakly, "It is acceptable. I am Phillipe Calvart."
***
Arnaud rose and tried to shake off the grogginess of the long journey home as he reached for the phone.
"Arnaud dos Addis?" asked the voice.
"Speaking."
"Could you please come to the offices of Olympique Noisy-le-Sec B93 this afternoon?"
"Yes, please give me directions to it though."
Noisy-le-Sec Names dos Addis New Manager
Olympique Noisy-le-Sec today announced that they had selected Arnaud dos Addis as their new manager. Regarded as one of the better young managers outside the League clubs, dos Addis has made a reputation of being adaptable to his club's situation. Likely, that ability will be sorely tested as Noisy-le-Sec is rumored to be deep in debt at this time and their chances of retaining their status in the National are considered slim at best.
Jeremy Guy 22 yr old GK Hipolipi Kilana 30 yr old GK- Cameroon Moncef Azzoune 22 yr old GK
Kendall Ucar 21 yr old DR Brahim Bennai 23 yr old DR Mohamed Djouadi 28 yr old DLC Patrice Grillon 23 yr old D/DML Kwami Hodouto 28 yr old DC Ange Ouefio 27 yr old DRC Eric Yomi Kemayou 27 yr old DC Manuel de Jesus Makiadi 19 yr old DC
Kamel Boulila 25 yr old AMRC Pierrick Noel 20 yr old AM/FR Gregory Nicot 20 yr old AMRL Patrice Ouerdi 24 yr old AMRL Athmann Felletin 20 yr old MRL Jean-Philippe Javary 25 yr old AMC Olivier Dos Santos 22 yr old MC Jean-Michel Capoue 30 yr old AMC Lounis Sandjak 30 yr old AMC Yannick Berthier 22 yr old AMC Elfathe Mehigueni 28 yr old MC
Christophe Lannoy 29 yr old FRC Anthony Fernandes 23 yr old FLC Emmanuel Souloy 29 yr old SC Alain Richard N'Koulou 21 yr old SC- Cameroon Llazid Sandjak 36 yr old SC
***
2003-04 French National Odds
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Cannes 1-1Valenciennes 1-1Beauvais 1-1Wasquehal 5-4Reims 5-4Nimes 6-4Noisy-le-Sec 100-1</pre>
9.7.03 Capoue Out For Months
Noisy-le-Sec suffered a serious blow when team leader Jean-Michel Capoue suffered severe shin splints in their opening friendly against Aurillac. Capoue will now have surgery to correct the problem and he is expected to miss the first 3 months of the season rehabilitating from the surgery.
***
17.7.03 Dibs on Demarez for Noisy
Noisy-le-Sec announced the signing of 20 yr old MC Gautier Demarez on free today. The signing, a concession to the injury that removed Jean-Michel Capoue for the first three months of the season, was expected to help provide cover in the central Noisy-le-Sec midfield.
***
2.8.03 Cherbourg (4) Noisy-le-Sec (0)
Cherbourg- J. Di Gregorio 4,20 F.Sika-Sika 49 S.Mazurier 89
Noisy-le-Sec- None
MOM- Yoann Gambillon, Cherbourg
I regret to inform you that our initial match was a debacle. Though we had looked fairly good in our friendlies, we failed to show any of the training or execution that we had previously demonstrated. It was a sad showing and very disappointing to me personally. I wouldn't even forward any of our players as playing well enough to merit attention. It is my hope that the club will accept this learning experience and redouble their efforts in training this week- so that we may put forth a better showing in our next match.
8.8.03 Four for Noisy
Noisy-le-Sec today announced the signing on free of veteran forward Jerome Four. The 29 yr old SC is a veteran of play at St.Etienne and is likely to work his way into the Noisy-le-Sec forward rotation during the season.
Our showing in our first match at home was much better, but we wasted a chance to gain a victory. It was a grim first half as we played poorly again and allowed Sete to take the lead when Jean-Luc Escayol headed in a corner. At halftime we managed to right ourselves and started playing much more focused football. Unfortunately, their keeper- Olivier Labruna was turning in a brilliant performance and though we were getting good chances they were all being stopped. We managed to equalize when Jean-Phillipe Javary scored his first goal for us as he deflected a corner from Kwami Hodouto past Labruna. It looked like we had scored a great win when Christophe Lannoy showed superb touch as he lightly misdirected a booming kick from Pierrick Noel past Labruna. Our celebration was short as they converted another corner with Nicolas Villar deflecting the ball past Hipolipi Kilana (who had come on for injured Jeremy Guy). The 2-2 result wasn't what I hoped for, but we showed a much greater effort this time.
13.8.03 Prodan Picks Noisy
In a surprising move, veteran defender Daniel Prodan- late of Rangers- decided to accept a contract from Noisy-le-Sec and signed on free. Prodan, a 31 yr old DC who has been heavily capped on the Romanian National side, turned down the offers of 6 other clubs to play in France for Noisy-le-Sec. It is expected that he will move right into the starting lineup as the Noisy-le-Sec central defense has proven porous in their first two matches.
***
14.8.03 Noisy Buys Brazilian
Noisy-le-Sec announced today that they had completed the transfer purchase of promising young forward Jadilson from Unibol for a reported 16K. Jadilson is a 22 yr old SC who has developed from a youth player at the Brazilian side into making senior appearences this season. Jadilson could be in the lineup on Saturday against Angouleme.
***
15.8.03 Aubry Added to Noisy
Noisy-le-Sec continues to announce signings designed to bolster the club after their poor showing to begin their play in National this season. Today veteran 34 yr old GK Jean-Marie Aubry was welcomed to the side on free signing. Aubry, who has played recently for Caen, Monaco, Lille and Angers, was pleased to come to a club where he could contribute. The signing underscores rumors about the possible transfer listing of Hipolipi Kilana and he has been placed with the reserves.
Another wasteful performance that we need penance for as we played a strong first half in taking a 2-0 lead, but wilted in the second half to wind up splitting the points in the 2-2 draw. Jadilson demonstrated the strong physical presence and his booming 30 yard free kick that got past Stephane Lucas gave him a goal in his debut. A perfectly timed counter attack started by Brahim Bennai wound up with Christophe Lannoy firing a shot past Lucas inside the right post from 15 yards out. The second half saw sloppy defensive play on our part and that helped Angouleme as Jerome Bottelin deflected a cross past Jean-Marie Aubry. Aubry didn't choose well in the last goal, but Kwame Hodouto was overpowered by Steve Savidan before Savidan smashed his shot past Aubry. I confess Hodouto has been a huge disappointment for us so far- no leadership and continued poor backline play.
I beg to report to you that we are showing signs of our developing explosive offense. As title favorite Beauvais found, you ignore our lightning counterattack at your peril. On the less positive side we continue to have poor keeping and indifferent backline play which is costing us better results. Samassi Abou took advantage of Kendall Ucar wandering up the pitch and ran behind him. Nobody could chase him down before he had an easy time rifling a shot past Jeremy Guy. We played much more solidly after that and in the second half started making things happen. Kamel Boulila was the catalyst today. He started Jadilson away with a good pass and Jadilson showed exceptional vision as he slotted the ball across the net for an easy tap-in by Christophe Lannoy on the equalizer. We took the lead when Boulila deflected a corner from Patrice Ouerdi past Jeoffrey Dauphy. Once again, we failed to properly defend our lead as Evelio Hernandez whipped a shot past Guy from the edge of the six-yard box after Daniel Prodan couldn't contain him. I will continue to train and consider how to improve our defensive play. Pierrick Noel deserves special mention for his sensational right side runs today.
Silent Knight, Holy Knight 
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