The Thorn In The Crown (The Outremer Chronicles Book 3) by Peter Tolladay

Author:Peter Tolladay
Language: eng
Format: mobi, azw3, epub
Publisher: GEG DIGITAL INK
Published: 2016-03-18T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 33

“I don’t know what they’re waiting for?” Guido said as I peered through an embrasure.

More men had amassed within the alleyways and narrow streets. The element of surprise was over.

“It cannot be long now,” I said.

There was a cry from the eastern wall. I hurried over to see what it was. Before I had reached it commands had been issued to loose. Arrows and small rocks thrown by the wooden handled slings called fustibels flew into the valley below.

I reached the wall and looked down. On the road was a siege tower pulled by a team of oxen. Our arrows were useless against the camel and ox hides protecting the wooden structure.

“Aim for the oxen,” I shouted at the bowmen.

This had more effect and an ox fell in its traces, mortally wounded. The drovers cut the animal from its harness and tied thongs to its hind legs. The still living beast bellowed in pain as they manhandled it out of the way. The bowmen immediately acquired new targets and the drovers were cut down.

“That’s it, lads. Make the bastards pay,” I screamed in my delight.

The passage of the siege tower, however, did not diminish. Armoured men descended the slope from the village, and with shields strapped to their backs, grabbed the empty ox yokes and dragged forward the lumbering tower.

To me the siege machine did not seem high enough to threaten Crac’s north wall. It was nearly as long as it was tall. Even so, I could not see how it could cross the deep ditch. I just wanted it destroyed before it had any chance of threatening my responsibility. Despite all our efforts, the siege tower managed to be hauled up the slope and was soon out of sight behind the village. I could still make out the top of it as it swayed above the roof-tops. The houses on the road leading to the north gate had been dismantled. I watched in consternation. The aspect of the tower changed as it turned onto the newly widened main street.

“Have we combustibles?” I asked Guido.

“We have, Lord Honfroy. Got a few surprises for them.”

“I am happy to hear it. Have you ever seen anything like that?” I nodded towards the siege tower.

“Not in my born years,” said the warden. “I dare say it’ll have some devilish purpose but what I can’t really say now.”

I left it at that. Guido knew his business better than I did. I turned and found Faiblhe behind me.

“I told you to stay with Odo.” I sounded more chagrined than I felt.

“You did, but if you fall, your son will not last out the year once that hellcat has Toron.”

He assured me that Jenny and my mother were keeping a close eye on Odo. Maria Comnenus was being especially watchful over her daughter.

I flung my helmet at him. “Make yourself useful and take this bloody shield as well.”

There was no shelter on the ramparts. Even though it was November the stone baked in the heat. I removed my coif and wrapped a linen keffiyeh about my head.

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