The Crusader's Crown (Tales of the Brotherhood Series Book 1) by James Mercer (free children's ebooks pdf .TXT) 📕

almost the size of an Earl’s great hall. On arrival at King Sancho’s headquarters, Sir Diego Perez informed them that the king was attending a council of war.

   “You can await him here if you wish?” the knight had said haughtily.

   “No, this cannot wait I’m afraid,” the Commander had replied.

  Now outside the senior general’s canvas palace, the two knights, their new guest and their men quickly surveyed what stood before them. The heavily armed household guards were posted every few feet from each other. Regardless of their decorative appearance, each man was clearly an experienced warrior, all of them nearly the same height as Ruscar and most of them sporting a variety of scars on their faces and arms.

  Nearing the site they were challenged by a man of senior rank on a handsome looking charger. He wore the colours of the Castilian court, so was likely a vassal of the King. Reynard halted the party and then raised his hand in salute.

   “We are Sir Reynard Sancerre and Sir Robert Spurling. My men and I fight under the banner of King Sancho and we bring news of the upmost importance to the generals.”

  The vassal glared at the six mounted warriors behind the two knights, his eyes resting on the peasant in the middle of them. The different styles of armour and variety of weapons made the Spurling men-at-arms look a deadly escort.

   “Your men remain where they are and your swords will remain with my King’s guards,” he called.

   “Our men will remain here. But our swords will remain where they are.”

  The Commander’s cold tone was enough to tell the vassal that such a proposal was as far as they would go.

   “Very well Sir Reynard. You may approach.”

  Dismounting, the two knights slowly led their horses towards the tent and were joined by the vassal who remained in the saddle.

  The guards, who had brought their pikes to a hostile position, did not return to their original stance until the knight had announced that the two men accompanying him were of no threat to their King.

Once inside, Robert could hear raised voices of men arguing. They started to approach the compartment which was obscured by another piece of canvas and flanked by two more guards.

   “We should strike at them on the eastern front. The garrisons at their strongholds will be weaker,” came a gruff voice.

   “And how do we know that Al Nasir will not be lying in wait for us? No, we should take La Llosa,” said another.

   “As I said before Archbishop. The castle at Castroferral may have already fallen to King Pedro’s forces but the pass of La Llosa is heavily guarded. Even if we were to take the pass, it is likely that we would suffer severe losses and then face the entire force of Al Nasir on the plains beyond. No my lords. We must be cleverer than that,” came a calm voice.

   “Our scouts report that the Almohads’ camp is situated on higher ground. To mount an uphill offensive would be a massacre. We must draw them westward to face us on the flatlands,” said another.

   “All the more reason why we must find a way to attack where they least expect it,” came the voice of King Sancho.

  The debate continued as the knight turned to Reynard and Robert and told them to wait. Taking a deep breath the vassal pulled aside the curtain and stepped through. Robert could hardly believe that beyond this flimsy curtain were gathered an assembly of Kings, lords and the masters of all manner of religious orders. From what he had already heard he could only imagine that they were all glaring at one another in anger.

  Reynard was starting to grow impatient.

   “I’m sorely tempted to step through and tell them the news now without all this pompous horseshit,” he said, tapping his fingers against his belt.

   “It seems your age may be shortening your temper,” teased Robert in a low voice.

   “Age eh? I can still put you on your arse in a duel, Reynard whispered back.”

   “Well naturally. As well as experience, those silver threads would dazzle me in the sunlight.”

  Reynard raised his eyebrows and smiled.

   “Hair colour is certainly one thing my friend. But my charm and handsome features still appeal to many a lady. How does your noble wit and prime age impress the beautiful Selva?”

  Robert slightly reddened causing the Commander to laugh.

   “She is only recently widowed.”

   “For that she is extremely grateful.”

   “She blames me for abandoning her.”

   “And both I and Alfonso have assured her that that was not of your doing. It was your duty.”

  Before Robert could continue, the curtain was pulled open and King Sancho stepped through. He was red in the face and there was a sheen of sweat upon his brow.

   “Commander Reynard. You had better have a good reason for interrupting this council of war?” he said angrily.

   Both men bowed. “There is Your Majesty. We believe we have found an unguarded pass through the mountains,” answered Reynard calmly.

  It was obvious by the widened eyes and twitch in the corners of the King’s mouth, they had his full attention.

   “Please continue.”

  The Commander quickly related Robert’s findings in the south and their discovery of the shepherd Martin Alhaja.

   “And you have the man with you?” asked the King anxiously.

   “He is right outside the tent Your Majesty. With respect, may I suggest you have him meet with only yourself and King Alfonse first? Such a mass of generals and men of power will only frighten him.”

   “Yes, yes of course. Well Commander … if what you say proves true you shall be heavily rewarded.”