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. They bond over discussions of love and necromancy on their way to meet 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 reunites with Lady Edith, the object of his affections. Meanwhile, King Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill, and Sir Kenneth brings a Moorish physician who offers a remedy. After Richard recovers, Conrade of Montserrat plots against him, inciting Leopold of Austria to display his banner alongside Richard's, which leads to a confrontation. Sir Kenneth is tasked with guarding the English standard but is distracted by a message from Lady Edith, resulting in the standard being stolen and his dog being injured. Feeling shame, he learns of Saladin's proposal to marry Lady Edith and is urged to seek protection from the Sultan. Instead, he decides to confront Richard, but is sentenced to death despite pleas for mercy. The hermit and physician intervene, leading to a reprieve. Disguised as a Nubian slave, Sir Kenneth later saves Richard from an assassin and claims he can identify the thief of the standard.