The Crusader's Crown (Tales of the Brotherhood Series Book 1) James Mercer (ebook reader that looks like a book .TXT) 📖

  After they were out of sight of the King’s headquarters, the Commander gave the men permission to remove their surcoats but keep them close.

   “You’d best keep yours on Rob. As far as we know, the Order are looking for the mercenary Robert of Oldfield, not Sir Robert Spurling,” the Commander said quietly.

  During the short journey the Commander told Robert of his encounter with the three men who had tried to seize him and the intervention of Sir Arnaud.

   “Do you think they will try again?” Robert asked concerned.

   “Most likely. But how many can they risk losing? If they send too many they will possibly be seen and if they send too few they’ll just keep losing men. Anyhow, once Arnaud reports the attempt, it’s probable that we’ll be summoned by the Brotherhood members soon.”

   “You think it wise?”

   “We’ll have no choice. Time is running out Rob. The Armies of the Christian kingdoms wish to take the sword to the Almohads of the south. It is time we took the sword to the Order.”

Part 2

Chapter 12

The King was as good as his word. Under an armed escort, consisting of his own royal bodyguard and two of his household knights, a chest of gold was delivered to The Forgotten Army’s camp.

  When they opened the chest in the Commander’s tent, Reynard had merely smiled while Alfonso clapped his hands in applause.

   “Well bless ma bollocks,” whispered Hamish, admiring the brim-filled chest.

   “Couldn’t we literally just abandon the rest of this campaign and go back north with this amount?” he asked, not taking his eyes off the reward.

   “Afraid not Hamish. The arrangement was agreed and the bargain struck. We fight under Sancho’s banner until the deal is fulfilled,” answered the Commander.

   “But ‘ow in God’s name are we supposed to protect all this fuckin’ ‘oard when we ride into battle?” asked Wilfred.

  The Saxon’s hand hovered over the chest as if he were afraid to touch it.

   “Any suggestions Rob? After all it was you who found the man,” said the Commander.

  Robert had been standing quietly in the corner of the room. He had never seen so much gold in his entire life. With such wealth he was amazed the King had not been able to buy even more troops.

   “Share half of it amongst the men now,” he suggested tentatively. “Morale is tense, the men are bored and want to be on the move. If they get a bit of gold in their pockets we have a little less to worry about.”

  There was a pause.

   “I like it,” said Hamish, nodding his head.

  Robert was slightly startled. From what he could recall, it was the first compliment the Scot had ever paid him.

   “Makes sense I suppose. In the end it is the code of the Forgotten Army,” said Alfonso.

   “Very well. Each of you take a portion of the gold back to your units and share it out equally,” ordered Reynard. “You tell them there is more to come if they fight well in the coming days. I’ve an idea where to keep the other half safe.”

  As the coins were dealt out, Robert took a closer look.

   “Somethin’ wrong Rob?” asked Wilfred.

   “Look at the coins.”

   “What about ‘em?”

   “They have different emblems on them. They’re a combination of the different realms.”

   “So?” replied Hamish.

   “So it means they have all consented to take Martin Halaja’s word and proceed through the mountain pass,” answered the Commander. “Well Rob, it seems your decision was the right one.”

  The following morning, orders were sent throughout the entire camp that the army was continuing south. The Commander’s theory had been correct. Martin had been right. King Alfonse had already sent a party south to scout the pass and found no evidence of enemy patrols. Sancho happily took the credit for the discovery of the shepherd and been blessed by the Archbishop Rodrigo Jimenez.

  While the Commander and Robert had little problem as the news spread, the members of Robert’s party were indignant when they heard it was the King of Navarre who had discovered the local shepherd and the ravine. However as expected, they were more than content to hold their tongues after receiving their share of the gold.

Two days later, the entire allied army was camped less than a day’s march from the mountain pass.

  Robert was sitting on the ground leaning against the wheel of one of the convoy’s wagons. Sweat streamed from his brow and his chest was heaving. Reynard had certainly proved that despite his age, he could still wield a blade better than most, and could undoubtedly still put Robert on his arse. Those who had served with him back in Constantinople and the many who regularly saw him sparring, knew Robert was a fine swordsman, but the Commander was still the finest of them all.

  They had sparred for nearly half an hour. First with sword and shield, then with sword only. After being bested by the Commander in the first round, Robert had decided to see whether he could turn the tide by using his Templar blade. He quickly realised he had made the wrong decision.

  In battle, such a weapon could cause devastation if wielded properly. But in a duel with Reynard it had caused him to tire quickly. The Commander had used his opponent’s heavier blade to his advantage and continued to dance around him until the weight of Robert’s own sword defeated him.

  After pats on the back and compliments from those who had observed the practise bout he collapsed next to the wagon and