The Last Crusade by S.J.A. Turney

Author:S.J.A. Turney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2021-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

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Monzón was not the metropolis Arnau had expected. Being the home of the royal court, he had expected a Barcelona or a Tarragona, though it was, in fact, no larger than many small towns in the hinterland, and had been chosen for two reasons, only one of which Arnau had expected. Firstly, it was roughly halfway between the Aragonese capital and Barcelona, and neatly reminded all present that the current incumbent of the throne, like his recent predecessors and, God willing, those who would follow, was not only King of Aragon, but also Count of Barcelona and therefore de facto ruler of all Catalunya. The other reason, though, gave Arnau pause and he actually reined in as he looked up at the massive fortress that played host to the king and his court.

The banner of the Templars fluttered over every tower. Monzón was a Templar stronghold. It had not occurred to him that his route to salvation might just lie within the fold of his enemy. He glanced across at Montcada.

‘If there are truly senior brothers who are as guilty in this matter as any, there is every chance that Monzón holds my enemies as surely as it holds my goal.’

The nobleman gave him an odd sympathetic look. ‘While I would love nothing more than to use the influence of my bloodline and my past to open every door for you as surely as our company aided your arrival, my presence could only harm any meeting. I have never been popular at court, ever since the unfortunate death of my uncle the archbishop, and my chastisement and exile. Simply being here with you is enough to sour your case further, so I shall deliver the bodies to the nearest church, then quarter my men in the town at a hostelry in the square and you may find me there when you have saved the world.’

His smile was strangely disarming, and Arnau squared his shoulders. ‘Thank you, my lord. I pray that this is the end of things and that with the truth revealed perhaps I can even speak of your part in it and go some way to repairing your reputation.’

Montcada laughed. ‘I have long since learned not to wish for miracles, but I thank you for the thought. God go with you.’

‘And with you, my lord.’

With a wave, the nobleman led his riders off towards the town square with the church at its centre and which lay below the massive, powerful bulk of Monzón castle. Arnau waited until they had left and took another deep breath. ‘This is it, Tristán.’

‘I cannot believe we will secure an audience with the king, Brother. It seems too high an honour. I had not wanted to admit that to myself throughout the journey, but now that we are at the end, I am left with little choice. We are but two poor brothers of the Temple, and between us and His Majesty stand not only the myriad administrators and courtiers that

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