Templar's Acre

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Baldwin and the Templars returned to Acre on the fourth day. After the excitement of that night attack it had been an uneventful reconnaissance. There had been no signs of Muslim forces, only the occasional caravan slowly lumbering along the ancient roadways.

As they came nearer to the city, Baldwin found the Marshal at his side once more.

‘You acquitted yourself with honour in that fierce little fight,’ Sir Geoffrey told him.

‘I am glad you think so.’

‘There are many who would not have bestirred themselves so swiftly, nor thrown themselves into the fray with such eagerness. Your training is a tribute to your old master.’

‘I only sought to protect myself.’

‘You did better than most,’ the Marshal said. ‘You would be a credit to the Order.’

Baldwin shook his head. ‘I am deeply conscious of the honour you do me, but-’

‘You still have hopes of a wife and marriage.’

‘Yes.’

‘That is good. But you could do much for your fellow Christians if you joined us.’

Baldwin was thoughtful for a moment. ‘I love a woman who said she cannot marry me because she is a slave. And she would not give up her religion to be free.’

‘So you question the primacy of your God?’

‘No. I question everything,’ Baldwin said. ‘I believe in God and Christ — but if another man believes in another God, is that reason to kill him?’

‘No. But we must yet fight for the true God, and try to defend His city, His Kingdom, here on earth. It is our duty.’

‘I see that,’ Baldwin said, ‘but I need time. I want to find her. .’

‘You fought well,’ the Marshal repeated. ‘You would be welcomed, even if you take a month or a year to decide. Christian fighters always beat Muslims, with God’s grace.’

‘You say that, but we were fortunate that the riders were hampered when they rode in among the guy-ropes. Many of their horses became tangled.’

‘God was on our side,’ Sir Geoffrey said confidently.

‘Yes,’ Baldwin agreed. But in his heart he was doubtful. That phrase would come to haunt him.

They trotted in under the great gate of the city, and thence along the main thoroughfare towards the castle.

‘You are released now, Master Baldwin,’ the Marshal said as they came to the castle’s gate. ‘Go and tell Ivo about the fight. He will be interested.’

‘Godspeed,’ Baldwin said. He walked his horse back along the lanes, under the old wall and into Montmusart. Ivo, he found in the little yard after he had given the beast to the groom.

‘You managed to survive your first riding out, I see?’ Ivo grunted.

‘And you tried to have me recruited by the Templars,’ Baldwin said, distracted by the attentions of little Uther, who pranced and leaped with joy on seeing his master return.

‘I did,’ Ivo said. ‘It would do you no harm to have a little of their patience and discipline.’

‘I didn’t need it,’ Baldwin said proudly, ‘when we had a fight.’

‘Fight?’

‘Our camp was attacked by Muslims,’ Baldwin said offhandedly. ‘I don’t think we need fear them so much, Ivo. There was a strong force, and while some broke through the shields, they were not able to go far. We killed them all.’

‘It was a large force?’ Ivo asked. He was intent, listening with great care. ‘How many men were there?’

‘At least five and twenty, I suppose,’ Baldwin said. ‘Perhaps more, but that was all we saw and killed.’

It was gratifying to see how his news was received. Clearly Ivo was exercised by the news that Baldwin had fought, and in his manner, Baldwin hoped that he portrayed the calm demeanour of an experienced warrior. It was good to be able to surprise the old man.

‘By Saint Peter’s pain, that’s bad,’ Ivo said.

‘Eh?’ Baldwin was snapped from his smugness.

‘If they’re bringing raiding parties that size, they must be scouting the lands, don’t you see?’

‘We saw no sign of any others.’

‘Perhaps not — but the deserts are wide. If a party that big is raiding, there are more.’

‘What if there are?’

Ivo stared at him. ‘Are you still so dull-witted? We could be facing an army of sixty, eighty, even a hundred thousand, if Qalawun decides to unleash his full might upon us! How would we survive that?’

‘This city has walls that would grace London.’

‘Krak des Chevaliers had stronger ones, with a mighty fortress on top of a great hill. Qalawun mined beneath and destroyed them. There are no walls strong enough to withstand his reckless hatred if he sets his mind to destroying them!’

‘He has not declared war on us, has he?’ Baldwin asked.

‘Not yet. But who can say what will arrive tomorrow morning?’

‘You worry too much,’ Baldwin said soothingly. ‘Think how many knights there are here: Templars, Germans and Hospitallers, and how many others from all over the world. Even he would find this a hard city to take while we have men such as Otto de Grandison.’

‘Hard? Yes. He may have to spend a whole month here,’ Ivo said harshly.