Besieged by Richard Foreman

Author:Richard Foreman [Foreman, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 2020-05-18T22:00:00+00:00

12.

After threatening torture and death towards the English knight Kerbogha dramatically changed his tone and proposed some “sport”. Edward couldn’t quite tell if the general tricked the Hermit into agreeing to the contest. He asked the pilgrim if he believed in honour. “Do you not have faith in your God that you will triumph?” Kerbogha suggested that the two sides put forward a champion to compete in combat. “Both men can wear their armour of course, to prevent serious injury. Though the rules of combat will apply. I possess a sand timer, which will limit the duration of the contest. I will provide further hospitality during the sport.” Edward considered that, rather than being tricked, the Hermit was just bowing to the inevitable. He was at his host’s mercy – and Kerbogha the Dreadful was far from merciful. There was no turning back from the road they were on.

When Kerbogha announced that he was putting forward Radwan as his champion, Edward was keen to participate in the contest. Before he could do so however the envoy volunteered Conrad to represent the crusaders. The Hermit had briefly thought about choosing the veteran English knight, who he knew to be a fierce competitor, but he did not want to return to Antioch and greet Bohemond with the news that he had been responsible for losing one of his prized soldiers. He also relished ordering the Lotharingian to take part, in revenge for Conrad humiliating him earlier in the day. Thomas sadly mused how priests were not immune from pettiness and vindictiveness. His faith had waned, in men and religion, since setting off on the historic campaign.

Godfrey’s lieutenant duly accepted the challenge.

Kerbogha clapped his hands and rubbed them together, in response to the envoy accepting his proposal, and declared that there was a suitable space which his soldiers used for practising their swordsmanship halfway across the camp. The party set off, with Kerbogha whispering conspiratorially in his lieutenant’s ear.

The sun continued to pummel the earth in a dry heat. Odours (some pleasing, some less so) prickled his nostrils. Edward walked on - along the ruts that had been created in the hard ground, connecting different parts of the camp. When you’re going through hell. Keep going. Despite suffering a certain amount of trepidation as to what might unfold Edward welcomed the opportunity to observe more of the enemy’s camp. The first thing that struck the knight was that they had the numbers to overwhelm the pilgrims. That was almost all that mattered. Almost. The westerner ignored various scathing looks and took in an archery range on his left. A few bowmen were drilling themselves properly and hitting their targets. But the majority of troops seemed lethargic. Edward knew soldiers – and knew when they possessed fire – and food – in their bellies. They were not defeated, but many were disgruntled, he suspected. They were as frayed as the flights on their arrows.

Conrad estimated that Kerbogha would not have proposed the contest, without believing that his champion would triumph.

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