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

power of the Templar Order was colossal across Christendom and Palestine. However, he also knew that Sir Alexander Pierron was equally as powerful and well connected. If he were to inform the Masters of the Temple knights he was well aware of the consequences – as well as his plans being shattered and his time wasted, his head would likely be on a block.

   “Very well. If your companions will sheath their blades we will show you our discoveries and what we intend to do with them,” he answered.

  Once the two Brothers had stowed their blades, they were beckoned by Garcia to follow them into the Cardinal’s workplace.

The three Order knights, crammed into the little chamber, could see a map of Iberia spread across a table in the middle of the room.

  On top were small carvings depicting castles, a man-at-arms and flags. It was clear to see that the castles represented those under the ownership of the Templars.

   “As you can see, we are being as precise as possible with our preparations,” said Garcia, holding a candle nearer to the map, to make it clearer.

   “This,” he continued, “Is where the armies of Castile, Portugal, Navarre and Aragon rally as we speak.”

  The carved figure of a knight was positioned next to where Garcia had placed his finger and below it was the name of a city. Toledo.

   “While here is where we believe the Caliph Al-Nasir is rallying his own forces.”

  This time the knight pointed to a small flag, placed above the settlement of Al-Andaluz

   “We are well aware of where the Christian armies rally and also that of the enemy. Do not forget that we have our own informants for such tasks. What of the Crown?” said Chevalier coldly.

  Sir Alejandro Garcia’s face looked cruel and dangerous in the hovering light, but it did not intimidate the Order knight as it would so many others.

   “These flags here. What do they signify?” asked Sir Guarin.

   “Those are of no importance,” interjected Esca.

   “They are small towns in which we have searched ….” started Garcia.

   “You mean sacked?” interrupted Chevalier.

   “Searched, sacked … in such times, both are so close they could be much of the same,” replied Garcia. “Anyhow, as I was saying, they have been used to confirm the whereabouts of the location of the Crown.”

   “So this is why you have been disguising yourselves in your different surcoats,” said Sir Olbrecht.

   “Precisely. Of the four that we have raided beyond the Christian borders. Three of the infidel clerics, have claimed they have heard tales of a Christian treasure residing in the same resting place. One of them even had an ancient scripture, which had been left to gather dust.”

  He turned to the Cardinal and gestured towards the Order brother. “Esca.”

  The Cardinal was hesitant in handing over the fragile parchment, which had only a few lines written upon it in old Roman Latin.

   “Whether it be the brightest of day or darkest of night, this treasure of treasures will always capture the light.”

   “Very poetic,” said Chevalier sarcastically. “And the location?”

   “Here,” replied Garcia pointing at the map. “The town of Baeza, a small Andalusian town in southern Spain. Hidden somewhere in what was once a church of our Lord and now a place of worship for the infidel.”

  Behind them the Cardinal made the sign of the holy cross on his chest.

   “And your plan for reaching Baeza without encountering resistance?”

   “That is one of the many reasons why I sought your help Sir Aguillard. Once these two great armies face one another and we are victorious, we will require your Order’s influence to encourage the Generals to seize Baeza during the campaign south.”

   “And you think we have influence over the Kings of the Iberian realms?” asked Sir Olbrecht.

   “Come now Brothers,” smiled the Templar. “Do not think me such a fool that I do not know of your Order’s involvement with this campaign and your bargains with certain Generals amongst the armies? Why would I have come to you otherwise?”

  Before Sir Olbrecht could retaliate to the Templar’s mocking tone, Chevalier interceded.

   “Very well Garcia. Once we have joined with the Christian forces at Toledo, we will contact our sources who have the ear of King Alfonse. But only after we are victorious against Al-Nasir, will we tell them to encourage the Generals to seize Baeza on the campaign. Agreed?”

   “Agreed,” answered Garcia.” I shall start making preparations for our journey to Toledo.”

  The two knights eyed one another carefully, not an ounce of trust between them. Only two things that bound them – the weapon of Christ and the blood of the infidel.

Chapter 6

 

Castile, April, 1212

They had rested only three days before the Commander gave orders that the Forgotten Army was to press on south to Toledo. When Robert was asked to attend the command tent it had been strange to be welcomed by Alfonso and Hamish.

   “So, the young renegade has returned to us a knight!” said Alfonso as Robert entered. “Reynard told us that you discovered your father on your journey back to England.”

   “I did captain. But here amongst my comrades my knighthood is of no consequence to me, or those I fight alongside.”

   “Aye, a fine answer. And that’s how it should stay,” said Hamish, moving forward to grasp him by the hand.

  The giant Scotsman was still a fearsome sight. Unlike Alfonso, who had aged considerably, Hamish still maintained his flaming red beard and shaggy mane of hair. Strapped to his back was the broadsword he had won in a duel at the battle of Mirebeau. On the pommel of the sword was a large circular ruby, encased in a