The Talisman

Viac o knihe

During a truce in the third Crusade, Sir Kenneth encounters a Saracen Emir while traveling to Syria. They bond over discussions of love and necromancy as they head to the cave of the hermit Theodoric of Engaddi, who is in contact with the pope. The hermit provides them with food and, after the Emir falls asleep, takes Sir Kenneth to a chapel where he sees Lady Edith, the object of his affections. Meanwhile, King Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill, and a Moorish physician offers to heal him. After a consultation, the physician uses a talisman to cure Richard, who then learns of Conrade of Montserrat's ambitions to become King of Jerusalem. Conrade conspires with Leopold of Austria to undermine Richard’s reputation. When Richard awakens, he is furious to find Leopold's banner alongside his own and defiantly destroys it. Philip of France advises Richard to bring the matter before a council, while Sir Kenneth is tasked with guarding the English standard. However, he is distracted by a message from Lady Edith and, upon returning, discovers the banner has been stolen and his dog injured. Feeling ashamed, he seeks the physician's help, who reveals Saladin's desire to marry Lady Edith and suggests seeking the Sultan's protection. Sir Kenneth chooses to confront Richard instead, but is sentenced to death. With the intervention of the hermit and physician, he is spared but forbidden to appear before the king again. Disguised as a Nubian sl