Crusade

‘Both options bring great shame to Adela. In both cases, she will become the poor, abandoned spinster.’

‘I know — and she knows it too. Her response was typical of her; she said she had endured far worse in life, and may yet again.’

‘Will Mahnoor risk an elopement? Her father is very rich, she would lose her inheritance and have to face what I imagine would be a fearful wrath.’

‘She said she would come with me, and her father would never find us in the forests of Aquitaine. We will live well, I’m not without funds; I have a share in St Cirq Lapopie and, at the last count, I’m not exactly a pauper.’

‘What of your ambition to lead the life of a warrior?’

‘That is my preferred option — to stay here, keep our Brotherhood together and seek more adventures.’

‘I think we need to speak to Adela.’

‘She is outside.’

‘Tell her to come in.’

Adela also looked uncomfortable. ‘I am sorry to continue to be a burden to you all.’

‘Nonsense, you are no such thing. What has happened has happened, and now we must deal with it in whichever way is best for our Brotherhood. What do you think we should do?’

‘I am delighted for Sweyn. I hoped it would happen a long time ago. What he did for me in Durham was a wonderful esture, but the situation couldn’t continue — especially when I discovered his true feelings for me. For him, it turned our marriage into a Purgatory, but now it’s over. Mahnoor is very sweet and a perfect match for him. When Sweyn told her about the true nature of our marriage, she asked to meet me at the silk merchant’s. She was in tears and said how relieved she was, because her feelings for Sweyn had made her feel so guilt-ridden. As for me, she could not have been more understanding. I told her my own story, and she just hugged me.’

‘Sweyn has suggested two options. What do you think?’

‘I’d be surprised if he could find happiness for long at St Cirq Lapopie. There is too much of a warrior in him. But, if that’s his choice, my share of the estate is my wedding present to him. On the other hand, if he wants to stay here, then let’s get on with making our plans.’

Adela was, as usual, blunt, keen to resolve issues quickly and move on. I felt we needed another opinion; I did not want our Brotherhood to be broken up, and I was desperate to find a way for Sweyn to stay in Sicily and yet still enjoy the happiness he had found.

‘Sweyn, do you mind if we bring Mahnoor into this? I’d like to hear what she thinks.’

‘Of course. She will soon be part of the family. I will send word to her — it may take a while, as her father watches over her like a hawk.’

Those last words of Sweyn’s were the ones that concerned me most. After Sweyn and Adela had left, I asked Edwin for his thoughts.

‘Mahnoor is a very valuable commodity — very rich and very beautiful. Half of Sicily’s rich young tups, and several of the older ones, strut at her door all the time. Her father has several guards watching over her all the time.’

Edwin knew her father well.

‘Suleiman is not a pleasant man. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could spit. All sorts of dubious consignments arrive for him at Palermo harbour all the time. It is said he is supplying the Muslim rebels in the south with weapons from the Moors in Spain. He trades on the edge of the law and will do anything to avoid paying his duties and taxes. I think the Count has the measure of him but has not yet been able to pin him down.’

Sweyn had been right. It took a whole week for Mahnoor to appear.

If Sweyn and Adela had been apprehensive about the matter in hand, Mahnoor was visibly shaking.

‘My Lord Prince, please forgive me, I bring you a big problem.’

‘Dearest Mahnoor, my name is Edgar. We are a family of brothers and sisters and I hear you are soon to become one of us, so you must call me Edgar.’

‘Thank you.’

She pulled away her veil to reveal a stunning, dark-skinned face of exceptional symmetry and flawless complexion. Her hair was jet-black and her eyes the colour of burned almonds, while her distinctive Arabic nose lent a hawk-like acuity to an otherwise tender image. She cannot have been more than sixteen but had an enticing sensual aura about her that was quite intoxicating.

‘Does your father suspect anything?’

‘Not about Sweyn, but he knows something is different.’

‘Do you know your father’s plans for you?’

‘Yes, he wants me to marry another Muslim, of course, a man of some stature, an emir or a general.’

‘How will he find such a man here?’

‘He’s going to send me to Alexandria at the end of the year. My uncle is there and is very well connected to everyone in the Caliphate.’

‘What do you think of Sweyn’s plans?’

‘I am very frightened. My father will kill me if he finds out.’

‘I’m sure he will be very angry.’

‘No, I mean what I say. He will kill me.’

The poor girl was clearly not exaggerating.