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

what I have learnt from the captain Alfonso you are often taking on new recruits.”

   “That is true.”

   “This one is for one of the men who had been a captive of the Caliph. I was tending to him after the battle, he said he had been a sergeant-at-arms once. I thought it would be fitting to give it to him?”

  The Commander remembered the man she spoke of. He had been the half-starved slave who had been chained to the other captives providing the last line of defence around the Caliph’s tent.

   “I think that’s a fine idea,” he replied.

  There was a brief moment of silence until Selva spoke again.

   “Robert speaks very highly of you,” she said.

   “He is a trusted friend.”

   “Do you know of his home?”

   “It depends what you call home. If you refer to where he grew up, he would never call that home.”

   “He does not speak of it.”

   “He would not want to. His childhood was not a pleasant one. But I should say no more on that part of his life for it is for him to share that with you.”

   “But he is happy now?”

   “I would think so. His life has changed more than most could only dream of.”

   “You have met his family?”

   “He left his two sisters in the care of his brother-in-law.”

   “Yes, he spoke of Nathanial. He was one of your men as well?”

   “Yes he was. He could not come with us for Robert charged him to protect their family back in England.”

   “In his castle?”

  Reynard chuckled.

   “Alas the castle is not his. He and his father before him protect the castle for another lord.”

  The Commander and Selva continued to talk a little longer, easy in each other’s company. After a while he gave a sigh and stood up before thanking her for her hospitality and bidding her a good evening.

  Walking away Reynard could not help but feel a little envious of Robert. On first impression the Commander had thought she would be a slight burden upon their force but instead she seemed to have become part of it. Was that a good thing or a hindrance? He was not yet sure.

In the early morning Jurgen and Cherik arrived at the tent to relieve Robert and Jimmy of guard duty.

   “How’s the guest?” asked Cherik.

   “He broke water an hour or so ago and you’ll need to feed him soon. There’s bread and water over there,” said Robert.

  The two of them nodded.

   “So what news? Will the siege lift soon?” asked Jimmy.

   “How should we know? First thing we did when we arrived back was to eat as fast as possible and then go to sleep,” said Jurgen.

   “Which is exactly what I’ll be doing. Now, remember what the Commander said lads? Whatever that creature in there says, it’s all utter shite.”

   “That’s what this is for,” said Cherik, fondly patting the deadly seax strapped to his belt.

With their belongings slung across their backs, Robert and Jimmy walked through the camp with a feeling of relief. To the both of them it was the feeling of home. The smell of the dying fires from the previous night, the sounds of the camp as it awoke, followed by the banter among the men to lift each other’s spirits. Asking one of the men where their troop’s camp was located, they continued their short journey.

  Reaching the row of tents that accommodated the Forgotten Army’s cavalry unit they walked along the column.

   “I hope they’ve put our tent up already ‘cos that’s really the last thing I want to have to do” said Jimmy.

  Nearing the end of the row, Robert saw Selva sitting outside of a tent being fawned over by one of the men. She was smiling politely as he tried to flatter and impress.

   “Looks like you’ve got some competition there Rob,” teased Jimmy.

  Robert did not answer, there was a brief flash of jealousy which soon dissolved when she spotted the two of them approaching and her face lit up with a joyous smile of relief.

   “Mornin’ Josh. I see you ‘ave met the pretty Selva,” said Jimmy.

  Robert did not know Joshua that well. He had joined the Commander’s ranks while they were in France a few years after Robert had returned to England. But he had shown he was a fine fighter at Tolosa.

   “Uh, morning Jimmy, Sir Robert. I was just making sure Miss Selva was comfortable.”

  Joshua looked nervous. He, like most of the men, knew that Selva was under the protection of Robert and he like a lot of the men had heard of Robert’s past services to the mercenary army.

   “No need for the sir when amongst friends, just call me Rob,” he said icily.

   “Yeah just call ‘im Rob. Now if you wouldn’t mind buggering off because I want to get some shut-eye,” said Jimmy.

  Robert noticed Selva trying not to laugh which gave him a childish contentment.

   “I kept a spare tent for you both next to mine,” said Selva.

   “Ah, that’s mighty fine of ya lovey,” Jimmy answered with a huge yawn.

   “It was nice to speak with you Joshua, but I must speak with Robert now,” she smiled.

  Joshua mumbled a brief farewell and sauntered off.

   “Well, now that’s seen to, I’ve got a meeting with my cot,” said Jimmy.

  After his comrade had crawled into the tent and Joshua was out of sight, Selva flung her arms around Robert. A spasm of pain launched through his body and he winced a little as his battered body was hugged tightly.

   “I was so worried for you. Are