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

  For a moment there was only the sounds of the other men working at the hole. The man-at-arms was hesitant and thought he may well be punished for not informing them sooner.

   “You have done well Clauvine. Let us see if your theory proves true,” said Chevalier.

  Clauvine nodded a salute and returned to his work.

   “We should have them try and prise the remnants of the shrine off again. To save time,” Esca whispered hurriedly in Garcia’s ear.

   “Do you not think the men will have tried everything they can in earnest to free themselves of the task we have given them? They may not know what lies beneath but they now want this cursed lump of rock up as much as we do,” answered Chevalier.

   “Sir Aguillard is right,” said Garcia, taking the ladle and sipping some of the murky water from it.

   “Distribute the last of the water amongst the workers and then fetch more,” he ordered.

  After the departure of the Cardinal, Garcia turned to the sunset.

   “If you are right, and the Brotherhood are coming for us, we should continue through the night.”

   “I agree. We need torches and fresh hands to take over from those who have laboured this day. I shall have Sir Guarin see it done.”

  Without another word Chevalier left Garcia’s side and moved closer to inspect the slow growing pit. For a brief moment there had been a unity between the two men but it had disappeared just as quickly.

*****

Robert and his fellows stood at the foot of the southern cliff face. The sun had already set as they started their approach but a bold full moon lit up the jagged rock they were about to ascend.

   “Sheer bloody madness, but may God protect you.” Anzac had said gruffly.

  They watched as Guy, Ruscar and two others led their horses back to where the rest were waiting. Although their horses’ hooves were wrapped in cloth to quieten their approach, they had still dismounted and walked the last quarter mile.

   “Good luck friends,” said Guy.

  Robert had refused to allow him to join them on the climb due to his injury from the battle.

   “Sort of reminds me of that time in Zara. Remember Rob? Three men dead in a matter of moments.”

   “Dear God, thanks for the reminder Jurgen. It’s a little different this time. That was a balcony of a house. This is a cliff face with a wall at the top of it.”

   “No need to dampen the spirits now,” said Cherik digging his brother in the ribs.

   “That’s enough now lads. Right then, Jurgen, you and I will go first. Jimmy and Cherik, you follow. Athaelstan and Ridley, you bring up the rear, all clear?”

  The five men nodded. They briefly clasped hands before Robert and Jurgen approached the small slope of loose scree which had naturally dislodged and fallen to the foot of the cliff. Seeing his first foothold and a piece of rock above him jutting out, he put his foot into a small cleft, reached up, and began the long climb.

Reynard stood alone, a cloak over his shoulders to keep out the cold breeze that hovered over the dusty plain. He toyed with his dagger which was tucked into the front of his belt, his thumb tracing over the engravings of the dagger’s hilt.

   “You worry for him?” came the voice of Sir Arnaud.

   “I worry for all my men,” he replied evenly.

   “You’re unsure of whether Sir Robert will succeed?”

   “Robert of Spurling is his father’s son. Trust me, he will succeed. Of that I have no doubt.”

   “He has become a fine warrior. It was yours and Sir Roger’s teachings I presume?”

  Reynard gave an irritated shake of his head.

   “No. Sir Roger played a part in sharpening up Robert’s skills I have no doubt. But it was his comrades in the mercenary band you so disapprove of, who taught him how to become the warrior he is today.”

   “I am beginning to see that several of your men, regardless of them being mercenaries, do honour this code of rules that you enforce upon them.”

   “They have to follow the code or they face severe consequences.”

   “It seems to work. Those that you have brought and those that I saw back at Tolosa would give their lives for you.”

   “As I would for them. It is that which inspires their loyalty.”

   “And where did you learn that?”

   “From The Master of the Keys.”

  Before Taillefer could respond, Reynard walked away from him into the dark of the night.

The six figures slowly crept from ledge to ledge. They were almost two thirds of the way there. The bright gleam of the moon reflected off the bare blades that hung from their belts. Apart from the odd scrape of Jurgen’s pickaxe or a blade being used to aid one of them to overcome the fatal rock face, there was silence.

  Robert had no idea how long he had been climbing. But he knew that it was something he would not eagerly volunteer for again. To his left he heard the grunt of Jurgen as his comrade struggled to find a new foothold. Returning back to concentrate on his own task he continued to slowly ascend the giant cliff face.

  Up until then he had been disciplined enough not to look for its finish or look down, but now, with the muscles in his arms and legs burning, the temptation was too much and he looked up. Thankfully he could see that the summit was not far off, but to reach it he would have to negotiate a large clump of rock above him. He