The Talisman: A Tale Of The Crusaders

Viac o knihe

During a truce in the third Crusade, Sir Kenneth encounters a Saracen Emir while traveling to Syria. After unhorsing the Emir, they ride together to the cave of the hermit Theodoric of Engaddi, who is in correspondence with the pope. The hermit provides them with refreshment and, while the Emir sleeps, takes Sir Kenneth to a chapel where he sees the Lady Edith, the one he loves. Meanwhile, King Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill, and Sir Kenneth arrives with a Moorish physician who has previously healed his squire. The physician prepares a remedy from a talisman, and Richard awakens, but political intrigue brews as Conrade of Montserrat plots against him, inciting Leopold of Austria to display his banner alongside Richard's in camp. As tensions rise, Sir Kenneth is tasked with guarding the English standard, but he is distracted by a message from Lady Edith and the banner is stolen, leaving him devastated. The physician offers to help, revealing Saladin's desire to marry Lady Edith and suggesting Sir Kenneth seek protection from the Sultan. However, Sir Kenneth chooses to confront Richard, resulting in a death sentence that is later commuted due to intercessions. Disguised as a Nubian slave, Sir Kenneth ultimately saves Richard from an assassin's dagger and offers to uncover the thief of the standard, further entangling him in the web of Crusader politics and loyalties.