Widow of Jerusalem: A Medieval Mystery Read Online Free PDF Page A

deserted at the moment, the working people having gone off to scavenge what they could from the corpses outside the walls. Scarlet raided a cupboard for some bread and water, which we proceeded to divide unevenly between us.
    “The odd thing about this part of the world,” he said with his cheeks stuffed with food, “is that everyone more or less gets along fine in spite of their religious beliefs, at least until the Pope gets involved. There’re always some local squabbles, especially when someone in charge dies and there are too many relatives fighting over too little inheritance, but that’s normal. The current mess started when Reginald of Karak got greedy and started attacking Saladin’s caravans. Saladin responded, and suddenly everyone was slaughtering each other while invoking Christ and Allah. Jerusalem could have stayed in Christian hands for a reasonable tribute; instead, the citizens got all high and mighty, which kept them going for about twelve days before they surrendered. And even then, everything could have been worked out, but once the folks back west hear Jerusalem, it’s cross-sewing time, and now everyone’s honor is at stake.”
    “And there’s nothing like a full-scale holy war with the promise of plenary indulgences to send the honorable soldiers to their honorable slaughter,” I said.
    “Exactly,” he replied. “Now, the only way we can restore peace is to end the Crusade. I thought we were there when you persuaded King Philip to go home—“
    “What makes you think that was me?” I interrupted.
    He grinned. “It sure wasn’t those two, and you’re the only fool who’s connected with the French. Even if it wasn’t you, you might as well take credit for it. That will get you the price of a drink at the Guildhall. Anyhow, with the French gone, and Richard looking for a truce, I thought we were looking at the end of the war. But now it’s back in business. Which brings me back to my job.”
    We finished eating and walked out into the city.
    “Jerusalem cannot be won by what’s left of the Crusaders,” he said softly. “It’s sixty miles to the city, and Saladin will block every well between here and the city walls. Even if the Lionhearted does make it to Jerusalem, he cannot hold it. It’s in the middle of nowhere. I always thought God must be one of the Fools’ Guild to make somewhere so remote so holy.”
    “So, if we divert the supplies, then Richard won’t attempt it?” I asked. “Right,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll accomplish two tasks. We’ll discourage the attempt, which means he’ll keep to the coast, which is where most of the Frankish settlements are. Saladin can live with that. His troops want to go home, too. And if we can get the supplies sent to Tyre instead, then we’ll help a place that has practical strategic value, unlike Jerusalem. Tyre anchors the entire coast, and it was the only city to resist Saladin successfully.”
    “How did they manage that?” I wondered.
    “You’ll understand when you see it,” he said.
    “Wait a second,” I protested. “I have to go to Tyre?”
    “Well, it’s less likely that you’ll be hanged there than here,” he replied impishly. “Especially once we take the supply convoy.”
    “So, you and I come charging out of the hills, waving our swords, and frighten the whole group north?” I asked.
    “I do have a plan, you know,” he said, looking wounded.
    “Let’s hear it,” I said.
    “fou will pretend to be a captain under Richard’s command,” he said. “’fou will meet the convoy, suitably attired, and present them with a document in Richard’s hand instructing them to send the supplies to Conrad of Montferrat, the current commander in Tyre.”
    “To pull that off, we are going to need the Lionhearted’s seal on the orders,” I said.
    “Precisely,” said Scarlet. “So, the first step is to steal the seal.”
    I looked at him.
    “Do you have a plan for how we’re going to do that,