The Talisman

Viac o knihe

During a truce in the third Crusade, Sir Kenneth encounters a Saracen Emir while traveling to Syria. They engage in conversation about love and necromancy before reaching the cave of the hermit Theodoric of Engaddi, who is in contact with the pope. The hermit provides them with refreshments and, after the Emir falls asleep, takes Kenneth to a chapel where he sees Lady Edith, the object of his affections. Meanwhile, King Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill with fever, and Kenneth arrives with a Moorish physician who has previously healed his squire. The physician prepares a remedy from a talisman, which revives Richard. However, political intrigue unfolds as Conrade of Montserrat plots to undermine Richard's authority, inciting Leopold of Austria to display his banner alongside England's. After Richard recovers, he orders Kenneth to guard the English standard. When Kenneth is distracted by a message from Lady Edith, the banner is stolen, and his dog is injured. Overcome with shame, he is approached by the physician, who offers to help him seek Saladin's protection against Richard's wrath. Kenneth decides to confront the king directly, but is sentenced to death despite intercessions from the queen and Lady Edith. Ultimately, he is disguised as a Nubian slave and saves Richard from an assassin, proving his loyalty and revealing the identity of the banner thief.