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

   “He’s no use to us dead,” replied Robert. “Are you your eminence?”

  Robert raised the canteen and slowly started to pour. The Cardinal slurped at the water greedily. Once done, Robert gagged the prisoner once more.

   “Ridley, Guy, go and see Clutter and get those injuries looked at. Jimmy, you and I will take first watch over this filth. The rest of you, go and get some shut eye. Cherik, Jurgen, come and relieve us at dawn.”

  The men didn’t argue, even Jimmy who would usually have moaned remained silent. The Commander’s orders had been clear.

  The two could hear the bombardment of the siege engines at work.

   “I always forget how bloody noisy those things are?” said Jimmy.

   “I’d rather hear the noise this end than the other,” answered Robert.

   “Aye that’s true. Right then, suppose I better get a fire started.”

Selva sat on a wooden stool outside her tent. She was repairing one of the surcoats bearing the Commander’s livery which she had salvaged from Clutter’s work tent. Even after ridding the fabric of the dried blood, she still couldn’t remove the dark stain which had embedded itself into the fibres of the outfit. Regardless, she had persevered to stitch the large tears back together to make it whole again. With the Commander’s men being held back from the siege, she was of no use to Clutter, so the task in hand kept her busy.

  Taking a moment she ceased her work and stretched her back. Looking ahead she spied the Commander with the Captain Alfonso. She knew it was inappropriate to approach the Commander in front of the men for she was well aware of the Forgotten Army’s code. However she was glad when the Commander looked in her direction and lifted his hand in acknowledgement. Out of earshot she saw the Commander say something to the captain who departed.

  He slowly made his way over to her; she noticed he had a slight limp when he stepped on to his right leg. Stopping near her he smiled.

   “Good day Selva.”

  Up close she could now see the bruises on his face. The dirt and sand which covered most of his body indicated that he had recently returned.

   “Hello Commander. Are you well?” she answered politely as she stood up and curtsied.

   “Well, at least I’m alive.”

  Her expression on her face must have given away the anxiety she was feeling.

   “Do not fear for him. Robert is also alive. He is seeing to something that could not wait but I have no doubt he will visit you on the morrow.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief.

   “May I see him?”

   “I am afraid not my dear. The assignment he has been tasked with is of the utmost importance and would be dangerous for you both.”

   “I am sorry Commander. I forget my place and I am grateful that you have let me accompany you and your men this far.”

   “From what I hear, it is I who should be thanking you. I hear that you have been a valuable assistant to Clutter. That rogue doesn’t take to many, but he seems to enjoy your company.”

  She smiled at the compliment.

   “Was your mission a success?” she asked a little hesitantly.

   “Our mission?”

   “Please Commander I do not mean to offend but I am no fool. Robert did not need to say much. Actually he wouldn’t say anything at all. But by your attire and injuries you do not give the impression that you have been on a trip of leisure?”

  She was slightly unsure whether she had spoken out of turn.

   “Please understand, I would never speak of this to anyone,” she said hurriedly.

  The Commander chuckled and flashed a grin.

   “May I sit?” he asked.

   “It would be a pleasure Commander.” She gestured to the stool and pulled up an old upturned crate.

  The Commander lowered himself onto the stool with a relieved grunt and stretched his right leg in front of him. “Please my lady, call me Reynard.”

   “Would you like something to eat or drink?”

   “Now that would be a delight,” he replied.

  Disappearing into her small tent she quickly returned with a small flask of wine, some cured meat and dried bread.”

   “I am afraid it is not of the best quality.”

   “Ha, this is a feast for men who are on a campaign. How did you come by it?”

   “The wine was a gift from one of the men I treated and the meat and bread I bought from one of the merchants who have been travelling with the armies.”

    “You are resourceful my dear Selva. A quality that is rare amongst many.”

    “Being the daughter of a merchant family and the widow of another, you learn such skills.”

    “Forgive me, I did not mean to remind you of your past,” he replied.

    “There is nothing to apologise for. For the first time in my life I am free. I am free and I am happy.”

   The Commander was amused and slightly confused by the maiden’s answer.

   “You are happy? To be surrounded by men such as these? To be on the march in the middle of a war?” he asked.

   “Yes for it is my choice and I have never had the luxury of making my own decisions before.”

  The Commander could not help but admire the woman who he hardly knew. He chewed on the bread and then washed it down with some of the watered wine.

   “I see you are providing us a service yet again,” he said nodding to the surcoat which now lay by the side of her.

   “I thought it a shame to waste. From