The Crusader's Crown (Tales of the Brotherhood Series Book 1) by James Mercer (ink ebook reader txt) 📗

   “The Cathars are heretics, some even say devil worshipers. Why would they align themselves with you?” he asked angrily.

  Confident that the men present would honour their oath, the Cardinal’s confidence had once again begun to build.

   “Your low born ignorance is still a part of you I see,” he mocked.

  Robert did not rise to the insult and merely shrugged.

   “You went to them didn’t you?” said Sir Edward.

  Esca hesitated. Maybe his intention was to say that the Cathars had sought him out, Robert thought.

   “The Vatican knows full well of the cryptic vaults of the Cathars. That is why you went to them isn’t it?” Sir Edward continued.

   “The Cathar heathens are but thieves and disgrace our Lord with their twisted practices. But yes, it was I who went to them. What alternative did I have after the Mandylion had blessed you and your unworthy mercenaries with its protection?”

  Robert smiled to himself. The Cardinal had no idea that the Mandylion, which Anzac and Schaffer had found back in Constantinople, had actually been left with the High Council at Di Vinere castle. Until other members of the Brotherhood found a new location to secret it away.

   “But why would the Cathars align themselves with a disgraced Cardinal who had been cast out,” asked Schaffer.

  Bristled by the knight’s statement, Esca snapped a reply.

   “Because they were as in need of me as I was of them.”

  Father Anzac slapped a hand to his knee in approval.

   “It’s masterful,” he growled excitedly. “The strategies upon the board continues.”

   “Forgive me Father, but I do not follow?” said Sir Elizondo confused.

  The Templar knight had remained silent until now.

   “You are aware of the Pope’s Albigensian Crusade which continues even now?”

   “I am.”

   “Since the arrival of the Cathars in the Languedoc realm, there were rumours that they held secrets. Several of which were locations and writings about the Treasures of Christ. Some even thought that they had some of them in their possession but it seems they have not, otherwise we would not be in the company of his eminence here.”

   “What is your point Anzac?” said Schaffer.

   “The Crusade is going according to plan and the Cathars are suffering. Their lands and castles are slowly being taken. But what if a Cardinal was to present something as magnificent as the true Crown? He would have even the ear of the Pope and who better to persuade the Pope to call off the Crusade?”

   “But why not just find the true Crown and present it to the Vatican themselves?” asked Fitzbois.

   “Because his Holiness would not lower himself to deal with that foul scum,” answered Esca.

   “So the deal is done. The Cathars give you the scriptures leading to the Crown. You double-cross your Templar, present the Crown, take the credit and all they ask is you deter the Pope from continuing his Crusade against them?”

   “And now you can see why I was prepared to taint myself with the brief company of those heretics.”

   “You talk of not fooling one another Matthias Esca. Then do not insult our intelligence either. You know full well that you would have stooped to any level with those heretics you talk of, or even shaken hands with the devil himself if it got you what you wanted,” spat the Commander.

  The Cardinal’s face screwed up in distaste as if he had tasted something sour.

   “And they were foolish enough to believe you would ever keep your word,” continued the Commander furiously.

   “I have only one question for you Esca,” said Robert. “Did they already know of the Brotherhood and the Order before you told them?”

  The Brotherhood knights and their priest all stared at the Cardinal. They had given their word and he was confident that they would not break their vows.

   “Come now Esca,” said Robert. “What better way to break bread with your heretic friends but to give them information on the Brotherhood and the Order?”

   “Maybe not so ignorant as I thought,” smirked Esca. “Yes I spoke of your factions and the Brotherhood’s pathetic belief that these gifts of the Almighty should be hidden away. But they had already heard rumours of you both.”

  Father Anzac stroked his beard while he looked at the Cardinal speculatively. What to do with you now?

*****

Dawn started to lighten the sky as Ruscar and his fellow mercenaries, still mounted on their horses, watched the proceedings from a short distance away. The Commander and Robert were speaking to the priest and the surviving knights who had accompanied them to Baeza.

   “What do you reckon they’re talkin’ about?” said Jimmy curiously.

   “Whatever it is, it’s not for our ears that’s for sure,” answered Athaelstan giving a huge yawn.

   “Just like last night then,” replied Jimmy in a sulky tone. “I mean, ‘ow come our Rob gets an invite?”

   “Robert is a knight remember,” said Guy.

   “Looks like they’re taking that captured knight. I thought he was worth a large ransom. I thought we was going to make some coin out of ‘im?”

   “Silence is best for now Jimmy Houghman. The Commander will explain when he is ready,” replied the deep voice of Ruscar.

  Robert grasped the right arm of Sir Edward.

   “God speed Sir Edward,” he said.

   “And you Sir Robert. I did not know your father well for I was still a young knight, not much older than you are now when I joined the Brotherhood. By then he had found his way to England and there he remained. But from what I have heard of him, no matter what your birth right, you are truly your father’s son. The High Council will be told of your bravery