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

with you Reynard. Clutter and I can only protect her so much and though the men have had themselves women over the last few days, we know that will not suffice for many of them,” Alfonso said.

  The Commander eyed his Brotherhood knight suspiciously.

   “You know what will happen if she slows us up Rob?”

   “I do.”

   “Very well. But you must know you risk her life by involving her in this journey.”

   “I would be risking her life more if I were to leave her behind here.”

   “Then we have talked long enough. Ready the men. For soon we leave the Almohad behind and we journey to meet with the Cathars.”

*****

Robert visited Sir Elizondo that night. On entering the grand compound of the ‘Poor warrior monks of God’, he had been challenged by one of the sergeants and had to announce himself by his title. On the advice of both the Commander and Alfonso he turned up in his full regalia, doing his best to look the part of a Crusader knight – rather than a slightly scruffy and willing member of a mercenary horde.

  Once he had found his fellow Brotherhood knight he told the Templar everything that had taken place over the last few days. Sir Elizondo was hesitant about the task his two friends had decided to undertake.

   “Be careful my friend. The Cathars are a dangerous people. Many tales speak of their past deeds, some are dark,” he warned.

   “Thank you, but you need not worry, this will be close at hand at all times,” answered Robert, revealing his Brotherhood dagger.

   “I shall get word to Anzac and Schaffer,” said the Templar. “Once in Cathar territory, if you have need of sanctuary, you can find it at the church Saint Joan de Caselles. It is situated on the borders of Aragon and the county of Foix. The keeper of the church is an old comrade of mine.”

   “You have our thanks. “Nos defendat, id quod est in nostra potestate.” With that Robert bowed and took his leave.

  It did not take long to gather his small band of comrades and tell them only what they needed to know. No questions were asked and the men quickly went to work.

  Robert had found a young but steady palfrey for Selva to ride. When he began to explain where he was heading her face first filled with fear and despair, but soon broke into a smile when he told her that she would be accompanying them. That night she promised him that she would not be a burden to them.

   “I know Selva, now get some sleep,” he said, privately hoping to God he was doing the right thing.

  When they arrived the following morning the Commander and the other men gathered gave a murmur of approval. They were relieved to see the maiden could have passed for a young squire from a distance. She wore a brown pair of leggings, black boots, a white shirt and leather jerkin. Her hair was cut to just below her shoulders and tied back under a brown felt cap.

  A fine looking woman with a warrior’s spirit was the general opinion. Not another word was said and the men got on with what they were doing.

  At the paddock Robert watched as she chose a fine saddle that could carry the medicines and poultices she had been given by Clutter, as well a few undisclosed bags she assured him would come in useful.

  The horse master of the Forgotten Army, who Robert did not know well, took one look at Selva and immediately offered to find her a side saddle. All he needed, he assured her, was a day, and she would be suitably mounted. Selva declined, thanking him politely for his kind offer, and swung up into the saddle of her choice with the effortless ease of an experienced horsewoman.

  It had not been announced to the rest of the men that the Commander would be leaving the Forgotten Army that day. But several of them looked curiously at the small mounted assembly that gathered not far from the broken encampment which was almost ready to depart.

  Arriving with Selva, Robert saw that John had saddled and prepared Jupiter, as well as packed all his gear and armour onto one of the palfreys which would be travelling with them. The benefits of having a squire were starting to become apparent.

  As Robert approached, John stood and nodded to the man who was to become his teacher and commander. Handing the reigns of Selva’s horse to the squire, Robert walked over to where the Commander and Alfonso were talking.

   “If the Army’s numbers are short after the assault on Salvatierra, and once you are released by the King, find more men, for I fear we will have need of them soon enough,” said the Commander.

   “Hamish has said the very same,” answered the oldest of the Commander’s friends.

   “Do any others ride with you besides the knights of the Calatrava?” asked Robert.

   “King Sancho has loaned four hundred of his infantry to the Calatrava Order which I think he will most likely benefit from in the near future. And fortunately, it is Sir Diego who will be in command of them,” smiled the captain.

   “Two ancient relics fighting side by side, I’m sure the enemy will cower at the sight of you,” mocked the Commander.

  The captain and Reynard embraced.

   “Take care you old dog.”

   “Fear not old friend. I will tell you face to face when it is my time.”

  Alfonso turned to Robert while the Commander walked to his horse.

   “Take care Robert and God go with you.” Alfonso lowered his voice. “And Rob, remember what we spoke of before. Reynard is not as sprightly