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

  Ignoring his Templar superior, Garcia continued.

   “Then the Crown is yours and you can do with it as you see fit.”

  Pierron stared deep into Sir Alejandro Garcia’s eyes.

   “Do any here oppose the offer to pursue the Crown and stand beside our new ally?” the last words sounding bitter in his voice.

  The Order Brothers knew better than to question the Grandmaster’s decision which they knew was already final.

   “Very well Sir Alejandro Garcia. You will have our full support, on the condition that three of my Order knights will accompany you on this quest.”

   “Very well Grandmaster,” answered Garcia.

  The Templar knew that such a request was to be made but it still disgruntled him.

   “Sir Aguillard Chevalier. I nominate you and two others of your choice to accompany Sir Alejandro Garcia on this quest.”

   “As you wish my lord,” answered Chevalier, bowing his head.

  While the assembly was dismissed and started to file out of the hall, Garcia approached the knight who had mocked him.

   “So Lord Aguillard. It seems we are destined to become friends.”

   “It seems so,” replied Chevalier extending his hand.

  The two men gripped arms tightly, neither flinching, their eyes glaring a dislike for one another, neither of them looking away. Members of the Order had always regarded Aguillard Chevalier more as a scholar than a warrior. But Garcia knew from the moment he heard him speak, this man would kill without hesitation.

  But so would he.

Chapter 2

City of Chester, England, January, 1212

Robert had been kneeling before the altar in Chester Cathedral for nearly an hour. He had been thinking carefully about his future, of his sisters, his new responsibilities, and of his father. His black cloak with its fine Red and Gold Crucifix embroidered on the back covered his body and the hood, covering his head, hid his face in shadow. He knew that Nathanial and his sisters would be comfortable enough in the Tavern where they were staying.

  Two weeks before, accompanied by a small party of men-at-arms and Nathanial, he had travelled to York where he had been knighted by an old comrade of his father’s, Roger de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract, Constable of Chester, Sheriff of Yorkshire and Cumberland. He, like Sir Roger of Spurling, was a notable knight and also once a crusader himself, but like Sir Roger was coming to the end of his days.

  Robert wanted to wait before going north but his father had begged him to go, saying that his final wish was that he would look upon his son a knight. Yet sadly, only a day before Robert’s return. Sir Roger’s body had surrendered to the fever.

  Now a knight himself, Robert could have requested the hospitality of a nearby lord or the castellan of the castle that was built to defend the port and city but on this visit, discretion was far more important. He had not even really wanted the company of his sisters or Nathanial, but allowed them to accompany him as long as they promised to obey his every command.

  When the last of the parishioners had left, Robert said one final silent prayer for the sire he had known for such a short time. He prayed Sir Roger would find peace and comfort, and wished him well in his long and endless sleep.

  Sir Roger’s body was in the wooden coffin that lay next to the altar. The silence within the small Cathedral was disturbed by the sound of movement to his right. Very gently, he placed his hand on the leather grip of his dagger which had once belonged to his father, but he was relatively certain he knew who was approaching and waited patiently for the glow of candlelight to reveal themselves.

  An elderly priest appeared, carrying a single candle stick. Following closely behind him was a younger man, wearing a matching habit to that of his older companion.

   “Father Egbert, you are well I trust?” he asked, slightly unsure of the priest’s companion.

   “I am well enough thank you Robert, merely ageing, hence the company. This Robert, is Daniel. It is he who will continue my work as you are to continue your father’s.”

  Walking over to him, Robert shook the young man’s hand and held it firmly.

   “You know of the dangers and importance of the role you play in this duty Brother Daniel?” he asked.

   “I am my lord,” The young cleric had a firm handshake and gave the impression of spirit.

   “Very well then. Let us see this done.”

  While Father Egbert held the candle Robert and Daniel raised Sir Roger’s coffin and carried it toward a large slab of stone in the floor before placing it down gently. Upon the slab was the worn out engraving of an unarmed knight holding only a crucifix. Robert drew his dagger and gently prised loose the crucifix, revealing a thick strip of leather.

  With Daniel’s help, the two of them pulled up the slab revealing the staircase that led to the secret tomb below. Robert then took the candle from Father Egbert and descended the stairs to light one of the torches which hung from the wall in the crypt.

   “I will need help carrying the coffin down,” he said to the two clergymen when he came back up.

   “You know we are forbidden to go any further Robert,” answered Father Egbert.

   “Daniel is not officially yet the sole keeper of Saint Werburgh. He can at least help me carry the coffin down the stairs.”

  Father Egbert smiled a rare smile at the knight’s response.

   “Very well.”

  Slowly and carefully the two men carried the knight’s heavy coffin down into the tomb. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Daniel