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It was clear how Montferrat’s mind was working. He was furious because Richard had got Philip to agree to make Guy King of Jerusalem until his death. That could mean that it would be years before it came into Montferrat’s possession and perhaps it never would.
Was Saladin likely to make terms if he knew that there was dissension in the Christian ranks? It was hardly possible. The winter lay before them. Richard desperately needed respite and it occurred to him that there was nothing like a marriage to cement the bonds between rulers. What of Joa
He had rarely met a man of such charms as Malek Adel. He was cultured; he had graceful ma
The idea persisted.
There was another matter which concerned him. Many crusaders had been slipping away to Acre. They had forgotten their vows in the terrible march across the desert. He would go to Acre. He could travel there easily on one of the galleys and the journey undertaken that way would be quick and easy to make. He would harangue the deserters and at the same time have a word with Joa
Within a few days he arrived in Acre. There was great rejoicing in the palace. Berengaria and Joa
It was easy to see that he was preoccupied.
‘I ca
Berengaria was delighted.
‘You have missed me perhaps?’ she asked wistfully.
‘There have been many times during the march when I have rejoiced that you were not with me. We suffered torments. I could not have permitted you to endure that. Moreover it would have been an additional anxiety to know that you were there and God knows we had enough.’
Joa
He assessed her afresh. She had always been devoted to him. He did not think he would have much difficulty in persuading her to accept Malek Adel once she knew he desired it.
But it occurred to him that he would not mention the matter until they were in Jaffa. While he was here he would devote himself to commanding or shaming the deserters into rejoining the army.
This he did. He went through the city declaiming his disgust of those who took vows and then did not honour them. Such men would be ashamed to face their Maker when they died. They would go to Him heavy with guilt and the burden of their sins still upon them.
So eloquently did he speak, so impressive was his personality – many of them had forgotten how dynamic he could be – that in a short time he had persuaded every man of them that his only hope of peace in this life and salvation in the next was to return with him to Jaffa.
When they arrived in that town, the army was increased considerably by the return of those who had previously slunk away and Richard decided to put his plan before Joa
Berengaria was with her when he began and the Cypriot Princess who never seemed to leave them was sitting quietly stitching in a corner of the room.
‘I have something to say to you, Joa
Joa
‘Why . . . so much would depend . . . If he were suitable . . . if I were fond of him . . .’
‘I know,’ said Richard, ‘you have been married once and happily. You would naturally look with favour on another husband. Particularly if he were handsome and of high rank.’
‘You ca
Richard nodded. He went to Joa
‘Who could it possibly be?’ cried Joa
‘It is Malek Adel, the brother of Saladin.’
Joa
Joa
‘You have the familiar belief that these people are barbarians. Let me tell you that is far from the case. They are charming people; they are brave, cultured . . . everything that a woman could wish.’
‘Not this woman!’ cried Joa
‘I need no time. I know immediately and without consideration that I would never marry a Saracen.’
‘You are being unreasonable. You have been listening to ignorant people. I know these Saracens. I have eaten with this man. Together we have listened to music. He is clever . . . He is charming . . . a man any woman would be proud to marry.’
‘A Saracen woman perhaps but not a Christian, not the daughter of King Henry of England and Queen Eleanor.’
Joa
‘How many wives has this Saracen already?’ she demanded.
‘I doubt not he has a few but that is no problem.’
‘No problem! Not to you nor to me either, for I refuse to consider this matter for one moment.’
‘I must ask you to be reasonable. This is a matter of great importance. It could help to decide the issue of this crusade.’
‘Then the issue of this crusade must remain undecided.’
‘Men’s lives are involved.’
‘And so is mine.’
‘You are unreasonable.’
‘And you are arrogant. Would you take a Saracen woman to wife?’
‘If it were necessary.’
‘For you it would be easy. You could marry a wife and proceed to neglect her. You could indulge in your wars to such an extent that you would find excuse enough never to see her.’
Berengaria gave a little cry and Joa
‘Richard,’ said Joa
Richard said: ‘Perhaps we could persuade him to become a Christian.’
Joa
‘Nay,’ said Richard seriously, ‘I would not ask that!’
‘How kind,’ cried Joa
‘You are in an unreasonable mood.’
‘Aye,’ cried Joa
Richard walked hastily away.
Berengaria and Joa
Joa
‘Joa
‘Never,’ replied Joa
‘You would not . . . kill yourself.’
‘Rather than marry such a man . . . yes.’
‘Oh, Joa