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

the Duchy in both the north and the east are often threatened by those who yearn for more power. Maybe after this conquest is over you may consider taking your men to such a place. I’ve no doubt that the Duke would value your services.”

   “I thank you for the suggestion and shall take it in to consideration Sir Tomas. But now I am afraid my compatriots and I must return to our camp and muster our men for the coming assault,” said the Commander.

   “Of course, of course. I wish you well in the days to come and hope to meet again once we are victorious over the infidel who cower behind their walls.”

  Giving a brief nod the knight returned inside the tent to await his liege.

  Once they were far enough from the royal enclosure and out of earshot the Commander spoke.

   “What the bloody hell was that about Spurling?” he growled. “You were on the brink of insulting a blood relative of the King.”

  Robert said nothing and continued to walk.

   “The Commander is right Robert. You have learned much these past years considering where you started, but such questions on first introductions are dangerous,” added Alfonso.

   “I meant no offence; I merely wished to know a little more about the man.”

   “Well next time you may try a little more tact,” snapped the Commander.

  For the rest of their short journey back to the camp Robert remained silent while Reynard and his captain discussed preparations for the coming assault.

Word soon spread amongst the camp that the Forgotten Army would finally have their share of blood and plunder. It had been Jimmy who spoke first when Robert had informed his party.

   “About bloody time, my pockets are almost sapped of coin,” he said.

  The Gutsberg brothers merely rubbed their hands, happy to hear the news.

  It was Athaelstan who asked the question that the others had not even considered.

   “And the prisoner?”

   “The Commander is still to decide what to do with our guest when we join the assault,” answered Robert.

  Soon afterwards Joshua arrived to inform Robert that at his earliest convenience he was to attend the Commander’s quarters. The man’s words stumbled as he kept glancing at the pretty maiden sitting close by. Selva had been trying to rid the apron she wore when assisting Clutter of its blood stains. Robert said nothing, but felt ashamed he was close to telling the man to cease his temptations unless he wanted his manhood mounted on a plaque.

   “Tell the Commander I shall be there shortly,” he had replied.

  Putting aside the thick leather boots that had steel rods embedded in their sides, he retrieved his sword which lay beside him and strapped it to his belt. His baldric remained in the tent. It had had not been needed since Tolosa for it held only his Templar broad sword and would hang from his shoulder soon enough.

  Taking a moment, he looked at the beauty he still could not believe he had been reunited with after nearly ten years. Almost reading his thoughts she looked up and smiled.

   “I shall be fine. Christoph and Jimmy are but one tent away,” she said.

  She nodded in the direction in which Robert had his back too. Turning he saw Christoph scrubbing a chainmail coat with sand and oil. He had been given the well-used armour by Godfrey the armourer along with a conical helmet and a shield. The new recruit had been loaned a sword by Cherik and a second blade by Athaelstan.

   “I shall not be long,” he said.

  Robert wondered what Reynard wanted. He was present when the Commander had told Hamish and the two other sergeants of the Forgotten Army of their orders from the King. Maybe he really had gone too far when questioning Sir Tomas, or had a grievance been raised by the knight himself?

  With a certain amount of trepidation he arrived at the Commander’s tent. Reynard was talking with John, the squire to the late count Rolf.

   “Ah Sir Robert. Thank you for coming so promptly. Sir Bryan, who has taken command of the count’s entourage, has given John here a choice. He may continue to serve under the banner of the Kendricks, but would have to follow as a man-at-arms, for all of Sir Bryan’s knights have squires already. The alternative is that he may find other employment.”

   “And by your visit I presume you are considering the latter?” said Robert with a smile towards John.

   “I am my lord.”

   “Well I’m sure you will be a valuable member of the Commander’s force.”

  There was pause and John looked disheartened. Breaking the silence, the Commander continued.

   “John is of a small but noble family in Chabanais and wishes to continue his training as a squire and earn his spurs,” said the Commander. Again, another pause.

  Suddenly it dawned on Robert what the Commander was planning. He was startled to find himself beginning to feel extremely stressed and out of his depth – something that had not happened in a long time. His palms started to tingle and sweat.

   There was a discreet look of amusement etched on the Commander’s face as he watched his friend’s grey eyes widen slightly.

   “I have enough on my plate leading this band of cutthroats, and have neither the time nor the need for a squire as skilled as John here,” he continued. “However, Sir Robert, you have. As you say, John would be a fine addition to our force and while you follow my banner it makes perfect sense. Especially when this campaign is over.”

   “You bastard Reynard Sancerre,” Robert thought to himself.

  He was sure this was the Commander’s way of payback for Robert’s behaviour toward Sir