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

lay back gasping with his eyes closed. The sun was at its peak and there was little shade, but suddenly the sunlight, which had been glowing through his eyelids ceased, causing him to blink them open.

  With a gasp of surprise, he sat up. If he hadn’t been so exhausted he would have pulled himself to his feet.

   “Selva!”

   “You fought well,” she smiled.

   “You were watching?”

  She nodded and he was relieved that his performance, which had impressed his fellow mercenaries, had impressed her as well.

  Selva knelt down next to him and offered a water skin. He had drained his own in moments after the duel and accepted it gratefully. After a few large gulps, he sighed and leant his head back against the wagon.

  Selva smiled, and then unexpectedly started to dab his brow with her scarf. The feeling of her soft touch was blissful and for a short while all his troubles seemed to vanish.

   After a few moments she sat back on her heels, her smile slipping from her face.

  “I heard some of the Commander’s men talking of the laws of The Forgotten Army,” she said.

   Robert’s heart sank. He was pretty sure he knew what she was going to say. He had been worried that her presence might cause dissent and resentment among his fellow soldiers.

   “Is it correct there is one that says that there are to be no women with the Army?”

  His mind started to race with answers and excuses.

   “The Commander understood that we could not desert you and leave you alone in Toledo after your bastard of a husband was killed. Your life was in danger. Since your arrival, you have asked for no special treatment, you have caused no distraction. And you have assisted in any way you can, particularly with Clutter.”

   “But surely other women would offer the same?” she replied.

  Damn it.

  Selva was right of course. Robert remembered several of the men had found sweethearts on their travels whilst serving with The Forgotten Army and then would have to part with them when the army moved on.

  He realised the only way for her to completely trust him was to always be as truthful as possible.

   “What is it?” she asked, looking worried.

   “It well may be that eventually you will have to leave for safety if this situation becomes too dangerous, but I swear I will never abandon you. I was forced to do that once before and have always regretted it. I serve The Forgotten Army Selva, but I am also a knight who has the right to offer my aid and protection if I so wish.”

  Robert hoped he didn’t sound too much like one of the pompous little princelings he disliked so much, but his words seemed to do the trick.

   “Truly?”

   “For the moment the Commander is content for you to stay with us. He understands the position you have been left in.”

  The maiden smiled and leant forward to kiss Robert on the cheek, causing him to blush as she sat upright again.

   “Will you escort me back to my tent Sir Robert?”

  With a new surge of energy, Robert shot to his feet. Holding his hand out, he gently helped her up and the two of them walked back through the rows of tents.

*****

That evening Robert and Reynard were summoned to a meeting with the other members of the Brotherhood. To maintain secrecy they refrained from wearing their Brotherhood mantles and instead wore plain well weathered cloaks. Sir Edward led the two of them to a tent in a far more secluded location in the camp. Waiting outside for them was the Master of Keys who merely nodded as they arrived at the tent’s entrance.

  On entering, they found Father Anzac, Sir Frederick and Sir Elizondo.

   “Wine?” asked Father Anzac.

   “Water will suffice thank you, we must have our wits about us,” replied Reynard.

   “That you must Reynard,” said the priest affably. “Please Brothers, be seated.”

  The tent was just large enough to fit seven stools and a small table in the middle. Anzac took another draught from his goblet before he continued.

   “I apologise for the location Brothers but this was the best we could do. I have men stationed in all directions, but out of earshot. We shall have to be quick. By now the Order are aware of our presence here. Their futile attempt to capture Reynard and the disappearance of their men will have confirmed that. There is also a good chance that they have discovered or are close to discovering that Sir Robert Spurling is also Robert of Oldfield.”

   “So we are no worse off than where we started,” Robert said quickly. “They still don’t know how many more of the Brotherhood are amongst the Army. And mine and Reynard’s presence was always going to be discovered.”

   “That is true Robert. But your safety is paramount above all of us,” said Sir Edward.

   “No more important than yours Sir Edward,” replied Robert confused.

   “Good God man think!” growled Sir Frederick. “Who of us know the resting place of our most sacred treasure?”

  It then dawned on him. With his father dead, there were only two men who knew where the Turin Shroud was hidden. He and Reynard. However Schaffer’s short temper was starting to get Robert down and sooner or later he was going to have to stand up to the brute. After all, it was he who saved the life of Schaffer’s closest friend, Sir Marcus Malay back in Constantinople.

   “Enough,” said Sir Arnaud, sensing some friction. “Sir Elizondo, you have news I believe?”

   “I do. I have news on the Templar Garcia. He has been summoned by Master Gomes Ramires