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

resting place of a treasure of Christ that is supposed to be located in the Christian Kingdoms of Iberia, yes?”

   “You’ve only just realised have you?” answered the priest sarcastically.

   “Think for a moment Anzac. The coincidence of it all. We receive word that a Templar has found the resting place of one of the Holy Treasures. But since then nothing.”

   “And?”

   “Then at the same time, a Crusade is called to strike south, deep into the lands of the Caliphate.”

   “Well of course. It’s the perfect time for armed groups of knights and their men to travel undetected and moving….”

  The priest paused as his companion’s theory dawned on him.

   “You think the Holy Treasure is hidden beyond the borders of the Christian realms?” said Anzac slowly.

   “Why not? The southern lands were under roman rule for centuries.”

  There was glint of excitement in the priest’s eyes followed by a smile.

   “But the only way to reach this target safely, is with an army at your back,” he replied.

   “Hence why we have heard nothing from Quintos since he told us that the Templar was rallying supporters. He can’t go anywhere until the Crusade is underway and starts its offensive.”

   “So the Holy Treasure isn’t here,” answered Anzac.

   “It is in the realm of the Almohad Caliphate,” finished Schaffer.

  Anzac walked to one of the book cases.

   “We need to go back further. Before the Berber invasion. To the start of the Christian faith in Iberia,” he said in a fresh, determined voice.

*****

Bridgenorth

Since being told that he would not be accompanying Robert, the Commander and the rest of his old comrades, Nathanial had argued and protested until his brother-in-law had had to address him as a man of higher rank and authority.

   “But the castle is protected well enough,” pleaded Nathanial one last time.

   “You will stay here brother. You will protect these lands and you will protect our family. Your son, your wife and your nephew need you more than these cursed foreign wars. I have already sent word to Lord Montgomery, informing him of my plans and that I have appointed you as my castellan, who will continue in my place until I return.”

   “And what if you don’t return?” came a voice from behind him.

  Jennifer stood in the open doorway, a cold expression on her face. The beautiful maiden was still unmarried and glad of it. Her brother knew that she had been touched by men who were none too gentle. Neither Sir Roger nor he had ever pressed an arranged marriage for her, but he had always said he would be happy to see her safe with the true love of a husband of her choosing.

   “My Thomas is all I need,” she had replied.

  She remained there silently.

   “I came back before. I shall come back again,” he assured her.

   “Last time you had no choice. This time you do.”

   “That’s right I do. And I choose to join the men who saved my life many times over and made me the man I am today. The man who was able to come back and save you.”

   Jenny stared at him, a worried expression on her face. “You’re hiding something Robert.”

  Robert cursed inwardly. He could never understand how his sister could tell when he was lying or holding something back.

   “Nathanial. My word is final. You will remain here. You will protect our family and await my return. Now, be so kind as to inform my page to saddle and pack my horse. I must talk with my sister.”

  Nathanial grumbled at his orders but said nothing. Storming passed Jennifer, he slammed the door behind him.

   “You see little brother, I know that if it weren’t so perilous, you would take Nathanial with you,” said Jennifer. “But instead, you leave him behind just in case you don’t return.”

   “I will return Jenny.”

  Robert then sighed before continuing.

   “You’re right. There are things I am hiding. Things that I can’t tell you. But things that are worth leaving and fighting for.”

   “Does this involve the obligations that Sir Roger would sometimes refer to?”

   “Yes … and no.”

  Jenny moved closer to her brother. Robert was used to her short bursts of anger, they were the scars of the abuse she had been dealt in her younger years. However instead of lashing out she stepped forward and hugged him. He held her in his arms tightly and then when he released her. Her eyes were glistening with tears.

   “Swear to me that you will return to us,” she said.

   “I make an oath to you now sister. That I will return to our family.”

  He then smiled as he placed his hand on her shoulder.

   “But I can’t promise that I won’t have some new scars when I come back.”

  Jennifer hit him on the chest playfully. The two of them made their way to the door and arm in arm walked the corridors of the castle, discussing the preparations that would need tending to after his departure.

*****

Robert was inspecting the work carried out by his page. The lad had done a good job, securing all of his equipment securely which were strapped to the saddle of his dapple-coloured destrier. He was a fine beast, a gift from Sir Roger two years ago. Robert had exercised him daily, strapping heavy packs to the animal’s back and riding him long distances.

  Being a charger, more often used in battle than travelling long distances. Robert wanted the animal to be capable of riding further than its fellows hence the extra exercise. It had also built up a strong bond between the two of them.

  When he walked to the