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

“Some vicious beast you are eh?” his master said quietly, comforted by his horse’s affection.

  By the break of dawn Robert had relieved Jupiter’s saddle of any cumbersome items that would be of no use on the battlefield. But when he lifted it, the weight was still remarkable. His mount would be carrying a fully armoured man as well as the armoured barding strapped to Jupiter’s lower neck, chest and forward flanks.

  He was double checking the strappings all over, when the Commander appeared.

   “Word has come, ordering the infantry to make the first assault,” he said, leaning against a post and looking over the horse approvingly.

   “How do Hamish and Wilf feel about that honour?” asked Robert.

   “You know those two. The closer they are to the action, the happier they’ll be.”

  Robert chuckled as he finished checking that his broadsword was secured tight to Jupiter’s side.

   “Jurgen told me that the long spears were highly effective in your skirmish with the Almohad patrol.”

   “That they were. I remembered Sir Roger telling me of the similar tactics used by the Lionheart in his battle at Jaffa.”

   “I have asked Godfrey to have the same spears distributed amongst your entire unit. I have informed King Sancho of our plan and think he is to use a similar manoeuvre as well.”

   “Wilf always said that the armour of the Moors and Saracens were lighter than ours. You think the spears will have the same effect in the charge?”

   “There’s a good chance that even with the element of surprise our infantry will merely clash with theirs. But the longer we leave it the Caliph and his generals will have more time to position their other troops. No, it will be the charge of the horse that will break their lines.”

  Reynard ceased talking and moved closer to examine the armoured destrier, waiting patiently for his master.

   “This beast will strike through the Almohads like a hammer on glass,” he complimented.

   “I hope so,” replied Robert.

  Turning to face him Reynard held out his hand.

   “We won’t meet again until after the battle is at its worst. I wish you well Sir Robert. May God go with you.”

  Grasping the Commander’s arm Robert responded.

   “And the same with you Sir Reynard. Let us meet side by side at the end of the battle.”

Chapter 13

The Battle of Tolosa, July 16th 1212

Despite the vast numbers, there was an eerie quiet amongst the ranks of the Crusader Army as they neared the Almohad encampment. The noise of the horses, the thump of their hooves and clanking of armour and weapons was all that could be heard. News had spread that the armies of the Caliph outnumbered them three to one. But there was no turning back now.

  Jupiter reared slightly and Robert leant forward to pat his neck.

   “Easy boy, live or die, we’ll be done soon enough,” he murmured.

  Three long rows of infantry marched ahead of the cavalry. Their officers, mounted on horses, silently disciplined with exaggerated hand signals if any men started to step out of place and disrupt the strict lines. Hamish and Wilfred however, marched amongst the foot soldiers. If they were going to fight beside their own men of The Forgotten Army, they would march with them.

  The sun was rising fast as the Crusaders came within sight of the enemy. The Almohad sentries had seen the allied armies at mid-morning and scouts had hurried back to inform the Caliph. Robert could see from his elevated position that the enemy was still in a panicked rush to get into formation.

  The Catholic Kings had launched their offensive perfectly. It was obvious that Caliph Muhammed Al Nasir had not prepared for such a manoeuvre and was rushing to remedy it. Now he could only depend on the advantage of numbers.

  A chorus of trumpets sounded from the centre of the Christian army and the infantry lines came to a halt, followed by those of the cavalry.

   “Company halt!” shouted Alfonso, who was positioned further down the line with his half of the mounted division.

  Robert pulled up and waited for the next orders. He quickly glanced over to the royal banners of King Sancho to see if Reynard’s was amongst them. But the view was obscured by an array of helmeted men, flags, pikes and banners. He wondered whether the King had appointed the Commander to lead another troop of the King’s own knights. Or maybe he was with the Brotherhood and had deceived both his captains and the King?

  Then the trumpets sounded again and with an almighty roar the infantry started to march toward the loose enemy lines. From both sides, what began as a walk, turned to a jog and as the two forces neared, they charged toward one another. The front ranks of each army smashed against each other which was quickly followed by the first chorus of many to come, the screams of the wounded and dying. As hundreds of the first line fell their gaps were filled by those of the second rank and the clash of steel and cries echoed across the plain.

  The men in the first and second rank, who had carried pikes and spears, discarded them and were now using their close-quarter arms. All the while their comrades behind in the third line, were stabbing and lunging over the shields in front with their deadly, elongated weapons.

   “By God, that man is like a monster of war,” came the awed voice of Ridley.

   “Who?” asked Jimmy standing in his stirrups.

   “The captain of course. Look at him! Mad bastard,” said Jurgen.

  Looking straight ahead, amongst the long line of hundreds of fighters, Robert could just spy the flaming, red hair of the