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

   “Very well. We shall discuss a different topic. How fare the men?”

   “Well enough. Some are displeased by the lack of enemies but Alfonso has assured them, they’ll see more than enough soon.”

   “That they will. What think you of the men who are new to the ranks? Have they the same spirit as those that fought alongside us at Constantinople?”

   “I’ve not had much time to get to know them as well but from what I see of them, Aye. I think they’ll stand.”

   “Do you think they would trust you?”

  It was a strange query.

   “I’ve given them no reason not to,” answered Robert.

   “There’s been talk amongst them. They’ve heard of your courage at Constantinople, of your leadership to Rhodes, some even of the battle at Bridgenorth. Did you know that?”

   “I did not. But that was not just me Reynard. That was just as much Cherik, Jurgen, Wilfred, Ruscar, you and many others.”

   “Aye, that’s true.”

  There was another pause of silence before Robert spoke.

   “Reynard, what’s all this about?”

   “Alfonso is not as young as he once was Rob.”

   “We all age Reynard.”

   “Some faster than others.”

   “True, you’re proof of that,” he said trying to lighten the mood.

   “And that’s why I’ve asked you here. I have already received word that when we meet the enemy on the field I must ride with King Sancho.”

  Robert could tell by Reynard’s bitter tone that he was less than favourable of the request.

   “The generals have already agreed where they will station their armies, but those orders, I am still waiting to hear. I suspect that King Alfonse will take the centre while the Kings of Navarre, Portugal and Aragon along with the Bishop Rodrigo, will take the flanks.”

   “Robert I want you to take command of half of our cavalry unit. Alfonso is already aware of the plan and supports the decision. You will lead the first assault and that weathered old veteran, the second.”

   “But surely Hamish or Wilfred should have the honour?” answered Robert, stunned by the Commander’s plan.

   “Hamish and Wilf will be commanding our infantry. That’s where they prefer it and that’s where they’ll be most effective. The men trust you Robert and so do I, it is time to lead.”

  Robert thought a moment. He had led the expedition to Rhodes, he had led the small garrison at Bridgenorth. However leading men into full battle was something new altogether. Then he thought of his father, of Reynard, of the other Brothers of the Order who had overcome just as much, if not more. He made up his mind. He could do this.

   “It would be my honour to lead your men Commander and I shall not fail you.”

   “No Rob. Do not fail them.”

*****

The Despeñaperros Pass

By late afternoon on the second day the Crusader Army slowly started to arrive onto the plateau which the mountains had cunningly concealed from the Almohad encampment. By the time the mounted division of The Forgotten Army had escaped the narrow confines of the ravine, scouts had returned to the generals with news that Caliph Al Nasir and his army were camped about ten miles from their position.

   Another two hours passed before the entire army had filed out of the ravine. A council of war was called and the Kings and their generals met with Alfonse of Castile. On his return, King Sancho summoned his own knights and vassals along with the Commander and the knights of the Order of Santiago.

  Midnight was nearly upon them when the Commander returned to his captains.

   “Wake your men. I shall speak to each unit in turn, the King has ordered that the noise is to remain at a minimum until we face the enemy.”

  With the help of Cherik, Jurgen and Jimmy, Robert rallied his half of the mounted division and led them to the Commander’s meeting point.

   “Right then lads, tomorrow we face the enemy,” he started.

  There were hearty growls of approval and the strained sounds of men muffling their war cries. Raising his hand to silence them the Commander continued.

   “We are to ride in the first wave, on the right flank of the army,” he instructed.

  His men nodded their approval. A flanking position. Always a good way to break an enemy army’s formation.

   “The Almohad force and their allies are said to outnumber us. But when has that ever worried the warriors of The Forgotten Army?”

  There was another muttering of agreement by the men.

   “For those of you who wish it, the Bishop of Toledo will soon be arriving to forgive your many sins.”

  The men could not see the amused expression on their Commander’s face as he imagined the mass of sins these barbarians would need to confess.

   “However you decide, tonight you must make your peace with your consciences and with God.”

  A silence fell on the gathering of men as they heeded their Commander’s words. There were no jokes, no jests to lighten the mood. Their orders had been given and they were dismissed, what they did that evening was up to them. But on the morrow they rode to battle.

Robert woke in the dark of early morning. His dreams had been awash with images of his sisters, his father and most of all, Selva. The rough-hewn blanket on which he slept was almost a painful reminder of his one night of love with her.

  Irritated and yearning for a distraction he rose and went to the make-shift paddock. Finding Jupiter near the water trough, he patted the great warhorse’s neck. Smelling his scent the charger pressed his muzzle into Robert’s chest.