The Talisman

Viac o knihe

During a truce in the third Crusade, Sir Kenneth encounters a Saracen Emir, leading to discussions on love and necromancy as they journey to the hermit Theodoric of Engaddi. The hermit, in correspondence with the pope, provides them with refreshments and later reveals a chapel where Sir Kenneth sees Lady Edith, the object of his affection. Meanwhile, Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill, and a Moorish physician, who previously healed Sir Kenneth's squire, offers to cure the king. After a consultation, Richard consumes a potion from a talisman and recovers. However, political intrigue unfolds as Conrade of Montserrat seeks to undermine Richard's authority, inciting Leopold of Austria to display his banner alongside England's in the camp. Tasked with guarding the English standard, Sir Kenneth is distracted by a message from Lady Edith, leading to the banner's theft and his dog's injury. Ashamed, he learns of Saladin's desire to marry Lady Edith and is advised to seek the Saracen's protection. Determined to confront Richard, Sir Kenneth reveals Saladin's intentions but is sentenced to death, despite intercessions. The hermit and physician persuade Richard to spare him, and Sir Kenneth, disguised as a Nubian slave, later saves the king from an assassin's dagger and offers to uncover the banner thief.