Crusade against the Pope

Chapter 84: The Gospel of Simon 25-6
In the village of Skar, due to certain events, there was an unexpected abundance of food this year. In order to make better use of the surplus, Garys and his companions brewed a lot of wine, the quality of which was relatively good.

And those wines, in a sense, together with the ironware, brought back a lot of currency for Garys and his men, which was one of the reasons why Garys had the confidence not to collect a head tax.

Before the Prophet Muhammad, drinking was common in Arab society and the drinking culture was deeply rooted.

However, with the rise of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad realized the social chaos and personal loss of control caused by drinking, and began to advocate prohibition.

But what can I say, it is the norm for human beings that things cannot be eradicated despite repeated bans.

But no matter what, Marwan would not really carry the wine back to town, because that would be too unkind.

Finally, Marwan chose another product of Skar Village - pencils.

As a convenient writing tool, it is very prestigious to give it as a gift to people in the Muslim community that values ​​culture.

The next day, Marwan, carrying gifts, said goodbye to Knight Water and set out on his journey home alone.

These days, thanks to the patrols of the cult warriors, the security in the area has improved a lot and there are fewer wild beasts.

Marwan walked ten miles alone without any fear.

However, when he was about to reach Alhadi Town, he noticed that there was a huge convoy next to the town. It was conservatively estimated that there were more than ten carriages and nearly two hundred people.

But he didn't care too much about it. After all, Alhadi Town was located on a trade road, and it was normal for caravans to come and go here. It was just that caravans of this size were relatively rare.

Walking on the streets of the town, Marwan could clearly feel that the atmosphere here was no longer as bleak as it was a few months ago.

To this day, he can still recall that scene. The whole town was immersed in grief, and dozens of bodies were gathered together for funerals, but they could do nothing about Eric.

However, just one day later, Gailis returned to the town with Eric's head and smashed it on the stone slab in front of the mosque.

It’s a pity that Marwan was still recuperating in Ahmed’s house at the time and was unable to witness the scene with his own eyes. He could only hear a little from his neighbors.

But now, Alhadi Town has completely emerged from that sad atmosphere.

Because the surrounding villages have more surplus money this year, the spending power of farmers has increased, and as the handicraft exchange center nearby, Alhadi Town has also been doing much better.

After returning to the town, Marwan did not even go home, but went to the door of the clinic and pushed it open.

He was originally treated by Dr. Abdullah, so it is reasonable for him to visit the doctor first.

The sunlight filtered through the wooden grille and entered the house, leaving behind the shadows of two words: "God is Greatest" and "House of Healers."

Then, as soon as he entered the door, Marwan smelled a strong odor of strong liquor, which was obviously distilled liquor.

Marwan had a deep impression of this smell because he could often smell it when he was in Skar Village.

"Uh……"

Marwan's mouth twitched, not knowing how to describe his current state of mind.

However, when Marwan wanted to speak and call for help, one of Dr. Abdullah's apprentices stopped him and pointed to a space separated by a cloth.

Marwan listened carefully and could hear a faint whimper of pain coming from inside.

Apparently, Dr. Abdullah is currently performing a surgical operation, and it seems that he is using distilled liquor produced in the village of Skar during the operation.

In Arabic medicine, the medicinal value of wine was determined quite early. It is often used as a solvent to help extract the active ingredients in plants, and is also regarded as a disinfectant to help clean wounds and reduce the risk of infection.

However, due to the restrictions of the scriptures, most Arab doctors try to avoid using alcohol. Even as a medicine, it is only used in special circumstances and the amount used is strictly controlled.

After a long while, the curtain was opened.

Only then did the doctor and the patient appear inside.

Doctor Abdullah looked pale, and his hands, which had just completed the operation, were still shaking slightly. It seemed that he was indeed old now.

The patient had a face full of flesh and a naked upper body with many scars, including a fresh wound on his left arm that was sutured with intestinal sutures.

According to Marwan's own understanding, the operation just performed by Dr. Abdullah was like cleaning a wound and then suturing it.

This doesn't look like a very complicated operation.

Perhaps Dr. Abdullah was indeed old, and the death of his nephew had caused this highly respected doctor unspeakable pain.

"Marwan, long time no see." Abdullah waved to the young blacksmith and forced a tired smile.

"Doctor..." Marwan was about to say that he came from Skar Village.

Abdullah rushed over and said, "Don't worry, go into the inner room first and come over to have a drink of water."

Abdullah looked a little strange, so Marwan shut up and followed Abdullah into the inner room.

However, Abdullah not only took Marwan into the inner room, but also took him into the living yard, and did not stop until they entered Abdullah's bedroom.

When the two men sat down, Abdullah remained silent, as if he was organizing his words.

Finally, it was Marwan who opened the gift he had brought.

It was some papers and sticks.

Abdullah apparently quickly realized what these two things were and how to use them.

“Is this a pen?”

"Yes, as long as you shave off the outer circle, you can reveal the compacted carbon strips inside. Although it is not as clear as a dip pen, it is still convenient. If you use it to draw, you can draw straight lines. It was invented by the prophet."

When talking about the Prophet, Marwan spoke with great respect, because no one had ever shown him the erudition and talent like Gairis.

You know, according to his blacksmith master, the prophet was just an ordinary man before he came back to life.

If Garys had not truly received divine inspiration, how could he have preached so easily without the help of scriptures?

If Gellis was not a true prophet, how could he know so much worldly knowledge?

[The prophet stood on high ground and announced his identity to the world]

[I am the brother of Christ. I died for him thousands of years ago. Only my spirit remains, floating in the world. I have witnessed the changes of the world and the collapse of empires. I have also studied everything and know secrets unknown to the world. I have talked with the Prophet Muhammad and understood his mission and aspirations.]

—The Gospel of Simon 2:5-6
　First update

　　
　
(End of this chapter)