Crusade

The Emir was dumbfounded, as was I. If Roger had prepared a devious trap, I could not see how it could be sprung. Ibn Hamed stood and walked up to the Count to offer his hand. I stepped up and did the same and introduced myself.

I could sense that Ibn Hamed was at a loss to know how to react, but eventually he replied.

‘Courtesy demands that I welcome you to my camp, but I must confess to you, I am taken aback by your presence here. You are either a very brave man, or a very foolish one.’

The Count, a man who must have been in his mid-fifties but who looked fit and lean, spoke calmly and with great self-confidence.

‘I hope I am not foolhardy, and it does not require an act of bravery to seek the ear of an honourable man like you.’

‘If I were to cut you down here and now, it would not be without considerable justification, given that you have killed many of my people and destroyed our homes, leaving us to skulk in the woods like frightened animals.’

‘That was war, Ibn Hamed, but now we have peace. My family came here many years ago with a mission to remove southern Italy from the influence of the Emperor of Constantinople and the Grand Caliph of Cairo. We have achieved that ambition; now we want peace.’

‘Peace on your terms.’

‘Yes, of course. But my terms are very different from my brother’s. He has returned to Apulia and rules there with an iron fist. My rule in Sicily is with a much more gentle touch.’

‘But this will be the touch of a Christian, with no tolerance for men of my faith.’

‘Not so. I have learned a good deal about the ways of Islam over the years — how Christians are allowed to worship openly in the Muslim world, and how you tolerate people of many colours and creeds. This is how it will be in Sicily.’

‘Those are fine words, but your past deeds still leave me and my people burning with anger.’

‘I understand. That is why I came here alone, to convince you of my sincerity. Except for a few enclaves in the south, all the Muslim and Greek people of Sicily have accepted my lordship. All our faiths are protected — Christians both Roman and Orthodox, Jews and Muslims — we trade together, our communities mix together and everyone pays the same taxes.’

‘That all sounds very laudable, but at the moment we have only our faith. We have nothing to trade with, possess no silver to pay taxes and are barely able to feed ourselves.’

‘I offer you two choices. I will give you and your people safe passage to one of the emirates in the south, as you requested, or you can return to Calatafimi and I will restore your lands and titles and help you rebuild everything that has been destroyed.’

‘And in return?’

‘My freedom and that of Prince Edgar and his English knights. In due course, when you are able, I will levy you for knightly service and taxes like any other lord. I will relish the service of your knights, as I know them to be fine warriors and honourable men.’

I stood, open-mouthed in amazement at what I had just heard. Roger of Sicily was everything that had been said about him and more.

‘Think about my offer, talk to your people. I will return to my escort in the valley and come back tomorrow for your answer.’

‘Very well, you will have my answer tomorrow.’

The Emir immediately called his senior knights, household and imams together to discuss the Count’s offer.

Before they gathered, he asked me for my opinion.

‘There is no doubting his sincerity. Edwin led him to your camp only because he chose to come alone. That is the act of a man of great resolve. Roger’s reputation for decency and tolerance is well known, and what we saw in Palermo confirms everything he said. The place is alive with the bustle of commerce and its people are a rich medley of colours, creeds and tongues.’

‘That is how it was under Muslim rule.’

‘Then you will be relieved to know that nothing has changed.’

That evening, the four of us had dinner alone, but within earshot of the long and heated debate in the Emir’s tent.

I took the opportunity to talk to Sweyn and Adela about their decision to join the Emir’s order of knights.

‘Before the Count’s remarkable appearance, I had doubted the wisdom of your decision to join the order of knights. I thought it might cause us problems with our Norman hosts. Now, I don’t suppose it matters. In fact, it may stand us in good stead. Edwin, perhaps you and I should join too?’

‘Why not? They have good discipline and fine principles — ’

‘As does Count Roger.’ Adela did not offer praise too readily, especially of Normans. ‘That was one of the most audacious things I have ever witnessed. Hereward was right about him, he is remarkable. When he returns tomorrow, I want to meet him.’

‘So do I.’ Sweyn was also fulsome in his praise. ‘Any man who can do what Count Roger did here today is worthy of anyone’s respect. It’s a shame there aren’t more Normans like him.’

The debate lasted late into the night, but eventually those of the Emir’s retinue who wanted to submit to Count Roger and return to their homes in Calatafimi held sway.