Galloglass Book One the Templar Read online

  Zaccaria's eyes narrowed briefly, but his face betrayed nothing. "I know of no contract with the Temple," he said, smiling and opening his hands, palms up.

  I smiled as well. "Of course, Lord Admiral, it is not with the Temple. In fact, it is with our enemies, the Hashashin."

  Zaccaria shook his head. Pointing to his temple he said, "Perhaps you are suffering from a touch of sun? Such a thing is not possible."

  "I think you are mistaken, my lord. In fact, there was a problem. The contract was not fulfilled due to an unforeseen circumstance."

  "Again, Templar, I do not know what you are talking about. And what is worse, you are beginning to annoy me."

  I shook my head. "Indeed? Did you know that the target had the audacity to survive the attack? In fact, there are five heads that will be presented to the Nazaris' Imam at Masyaf within the next few days. I would hope that whoever took out that contract understands that such things as assassination work both ways." At this point I stepped up and placed my hands on the admiral's table. His guards stiffened at once, their hands going to their sword hilts. "I hope it is as you say. However, if I find that Genoa is behind another such contract, I am not going to be very particular on whom I take my revenge. I assure you though, it will be someone important and I will take his entire family."

  Zaccaria's voice became cold, his tone deadly. "You dare threaten me?"

  "Threat or promise," I said, my eyes never leaving his face. "View it as you will. I am telling you what will happen."

  "What makes you think I will let you leave, knowing what you have told me?"

  "Because, admiral, right now you are not sure the two behind you can get the job done without getting you hurt or killed. I can assure you there are five Hashashin who thought they would be successful and now they are in the Gardens of Paradise. You have but to check your spies in the city watch to confirm this is so."

  Zaccaria laughed. "I do not like you, Templar, but I must say you have stones. You are Ronan MacAlasdair, yes?"

  I bowed slightly and touched my chest in salute. "At your service, admiral."

  "I will inform those who need to know," he said while sizing me up. "I would suggest you leave now before my men decide to try your reputation."

  I was not stupid. Zaccaria was giving me an out. Hopefully I had forestalled any attempt on de Beaujeu's life in the near future. I bowed once again and left. Returning to the commandery, I was informed by Himbert that we would be leaving on the tide with Master de Beaujeu. I was glad to be quit of Tripoli and its plotting though I must admit, I was not anxious to leave Helvis. Still, I was coming to learn that a relationship such as that was better if renewed infrequently as there was less chance of discovery and the fruits of separation were that much sweeter.

  The trip by sea to Acre was uneventful. We returned on a Hospitaller galley along with all three Grand Masters, yet there was no trouble. Fitzmaurice remained in Tripoli with his dog, Blikize, and I am sure that was the reason for the easy passage. Upon our arrival in Acre, I resumed my role as the Turcopole and led numerous patrols north and west of the city in an effort to ensure the frontier remained at peace. There were no more attempts on my life, and my days settled into a routine that was easy to live with. There are times when trouble approaches unexpectedly, like a summer storm upon the sea. I should have known the easy life was too good to be true.

  Eleven

  Acre

  Summer / Fall / 1288

  "When did you hear this and from whom did you hear it?" I asked Himbert as he entered my cell.

  "Dispatches arrived for Master de Beaujeu from Cyprus. The information was in there."

  "So Qalawun has decided to act?"

  "Mamluk forces are being withdrawn from lower Egypt and recalled to Cairo. We have received reports that word has been sent to Damascus and Hama to mobilize. Food supplies are being stockpiled at various locations along the sultan's proposed invasion route."

  "Have we had conformation from al-Fakhri?"

  Himbert shrugged. "Master de Beaujeu does not tell me everything."

  I stood and stretched. "What more from Cyprus, anything from home?"

  Himbert looked at me curiously, "Funny you should ask. There is war as usual in Erie. Richard De Burg lays waste to the lands of Connacht, and there is strife between the factions of the Ui Neill. Your grandfather has sent aid to Magnus O'Connor. Alexander is long dead and Scotland still has no king. The Maid of Norway has not yet returned to take her father's throne. And, your father has married Julianna MacDougall."

  I took the news in for a moment. I was cognizant of Himbert's holding the best information until last. It did not surprise me that Alasdair had married. That he married a MacDougall did. There was politics at play there that I did not understand at the moment, as the MacDougalls were traditional enemies of Clan Donald. It was something to store away for a later time. "Interesting," I grunted.

  Himbert wanted to ask more but let it go, for which I was grateful. Home was something I kept buried deep, and I did not care to share those thoughts with anyone, even Himbert. "Is there more?"

  "De Beaujeu wants to see you. He has a job for you."

  Automatically, I reached for my gambeson and dragged it on over my tunic. "Will I need my chausses?"

  Himbert smiled, "Probably."

  Master de Beaujeu was waiting in his solar. This high in the tower, there was a breeze coming off the ocean, and it filled his rooms with the tang of salt. He watched me come in and noted I was armored. "Good, I see you come prepared."

  "As always, lord."

  He smiled and turned back to the window. He spoke but continued to watch the ocean. "When you were in Cairo, you met an Emir?"

  "Yes, lord. Al-Fakhri."

  "You would recognize him, should you see him again?"

  I had a very bad feeling about this. Visions of taking a ship to Cairo filled my mind. "Of course, lord," I replied.

  "Fakhri has been sent by Qalawun to Hama to help mobilize the Sultanna, al-Muzaffar's forces." The master smiled at the confusion on my face. "Malik al-Muzaffar is an Ayyubid. Do you know about them?"

  "They were in power before the rise of the Mamluks," I answered.

  "Just so," he turned from the window and faced me. "Qalawun keeps a few in power because it is easier than fighting constant rebellions in Syria. That does not mean he trusts them." De Beaujeu walked over to a table filled with parchments. He picked up and then handed to me a small leather packet along with a parchment with his personal seal. "You will deliver this packet to al-Fakhri. Inside is a document he can present to a certain banking house in Damascus where he will find a substantial gift for his cooperation."

  Taking the packet, I asked, "Where I am I to meet the Emir?"

  "De Flor is back in port. You will take his ship on the evening tide for our castle at Tortosa. That parchment is a letter from me to the garrison commander. He will assist you with whatever you need. Himbert will remain in Acre. Therefore take two of your most trusted Turcopoles with you and ride north. Al-Fakhri is to meet you five days from now on the road between Tortosa and the Mamluk castle at Marqab. There is a small village just south of the castle overlooking the coast. Wait for him there. And beware, for you are in Nizari territory. Masyaf is not far from there. Given your history with the Hashashin, I would be very cautious. Do not tarry. Return as soon as you have delivered the packet."

  Without Himbert, this was going to be very dangerous. There were very few I trusted to protect my back. The Turcopoles were good, but I was thinking I may need more than that. De Beaujeu saw my hesitation. "You have a question?"

  "Yes, lord. I would feel more comfortable if I could take a few more men, Brother Rolf Meer and Brother Henri d'Avignon perhaps?"

  De Beaujeu scratched his beard and then nodded. "Of course, if you think it necessary."

  "I would feel more comfortable with two who I know can fight and protect my back. The Turcopoles are good at scouting and tracking, but if things get rough,
I will need swordsmen."

  "Do as you see fit. Make sure all five of you are aboard De Flor's ship before he sails."

  I bowed and left the tower for my cell to pack my gear. On the way, I found one of the master's squires and sent him to the barracks to find Henri and Rolf and then my two Turcopoles, Dominic and Marcus. I went to my cell and gathered my gear, along with a spare tunic and small clothes. My helm I left hanging on its hook on the wall, but I took my shield, along with my longsword and war hammer. I admit I was becoming fond of the hammer for close work and rarely went on any kind of patrol or mission without it. When I was ready, I went down to the courtyard and found my Turcopoles waiting. Rolf and Henri arrived several minutes later.

  "Does everyone have their gear?"

  The four men nodded and mumbled that they did. Rolf was not bashful and asked, "So why does De Beaujeu send his squire to find us, of all the brother knights in Acre?"

  "Because it was I who sent him, not Master de Beaujeu, and because I knew the two of you were probably bored and tired of the daily office and unproductive patrols that find no Saracen bandits or Mamluks. Besides, I trust you two to protect my back when things turn sour."

  Henri grinned and clapped his big paw on my shoulder. "So where are we going?"

  "Pick up your gear and follow me. We will take the tunnel to the wharf and I will tell you on the way."

  The men did as they were told and followed me from the courtyard. The Templar commandery in Acre was actually a small citadel. There was a tunnel that led down from the northwest corner of the courtyard along the inner wall and then made a dog leg back toward the harbor. The tunnel opened at the base of a tower and led to a private wharf that the Templars used to bring men and supplies directly into the commandery without the prying eyes of the city's other occupants, knowing the Order's business.

  The sunlight reflecting off the water of the harbor was blinding after coming through the darkness of the tunnel. I shielded my eyes and made my way to De Flor's galley. He was standing by the dock and laughed at me as I squinted my way forward.

  "De Beaujeu must love you, MacAlasdair. Why else would I be ferrying you about the Mediterranean?"

  "He needs a legitimate reason to give you a ship, de Flor. The last I heard, piracy was still illegal."

  "Hah," he boomed, "only if you get caught!" De Flor inspected the other three while scratching his crotch. "Do I ask what you are up to, MacAlasdair?"

  "What did De Beaujeu tell you?"

  De Flor shook his head and turned to walk with me to the gangplank. "Not much and it was not him—it was Himbert who showed up shortly after I docked."

  My companions followed me aboard. I walked with De Flor as he made his way aft. Quietly, so that no one could hear, I said, "I am to meet with one of our spies, north of Tortosa."

  "And you are expecting trouble?"

  "That is why I brought Henri and Rolf, good men both, to watch my back."

  "The other two?"

  "The best trackers I have."

  He nodded. "I was told to wait until your return. How long will this take?"

  "I am to meet five days from now. Barring any problems, perhaps two more days after that. Say a week?"

  He clapped me on the shoulder. "I'll wait two more after that." He smiled and scratched his beard and asked, "By the way, have you met the garrison commander at Tortosa?"

  I shook my head. "No, why?"

  He laughed and said, "I can't wait for that. Do you mind if I come along when you introduce yourself?"

  I grinned and nodded my head. "Why not?" De Flor was grinning as well, and I should have known better.

  The voyage to Tortosa was quick. We entered the castle's sheltered anchorage the next morning and were met by the harbormaster. He was accompanied by a Templar knight and three sergeants. The harbormaster came aboard at once. The knight, who was with him, was obviously bored with his duty until I presented him with papers holding Master de Beaujeu's personal seal. He looked at me closely and then ordered the sergeants to escort us to the castle at once.

  De Flor went with us and was in the castle yard when the Commander of Tortosa sent his squire along with an escort of four sergeants armed with spears to bring us to his office in the keep. As we picked up our gear and began to follow, Rolf caught my eye and asked, "Who have you pissed on lately?"

  "My thoughts as well, brother," said De Flor.

  I shook my head. "I don't know this commander. This is my first visit to Tortosa."

  "Roger, do you know this man?"

  "Indeed I do. We will be there shortly. I wouldn't want to spoil your impression."

  I did not like the sound of that. The squire led us up a flight of stairs that carried us to what would have been the third floor of the keep. We entered a hall lit by torches and filled with long tables and benches. "Brother Ronan, your men can remain here. The commander has requested that you and Captain de Flor meet him in his solar."

  The men grumbled at that but were appeased when they were told they would be brought food and drink. Roger and I went with the squire to the far end of the hall where we took another flight of stairs to the upper floor. This floor was divided by a long hallway with a series of rooms leading off of it. A guard was posted outside one of the rooms, and it was there that we were led. The squire ushered us into the room and then left.

  The commander had his back to us when we entered. He was staring out one of the arrow slits in the wall of the keep. After several moments, he turned and faced us. "De Flor," he scowled, "I thought I told you never to shadow my castle's gate again?"

  Roger grinned. "Aye, that you did. But I believe the orders of Master de Beaujeu override anything you might have to say."

  The commander was not pleased with de Flor's response. Looking at me, he said, "I am Brother Ripert Dupuy, Commander of Tortosa. I do not know you. State your business."

  Dupuy was tall, broad in the shoulders, though his waist was thick. Too much commanding and not enough riding, I thought. His hair and beard were blond, flecked with gray. Deep set eyes stared out of a lined and weathered face, and it was obvious by his tone that he thought he outranked me and was my social better. I smiled and handed him the parchment with de Beaujeu's seal. "I am Brother Ronan MacAlasdair. I am Master de Beaujeu's Turcopole and personal envoy."

  The commander took the parchment and set it aside without reading it. From the corner of the room a Templar priest, wearing the green mantle of the Order, detached himself from a writing table and picked it up. Watching as he opened the master's seal I continued, "Master de Beaujeu has entrusted me with a task that will require the cooperation of you and your command."

  The priest read the document and then said something to Dupuy. The commander nodded and asked, "Does this include the scum that accompanies you?"

  "Captain de Flor and his crew will remain here until our return. We should not be gone longer than a week."

  "I have heard of you, MacAlasdair, and now I have met you. You are no monk. And if what I have heard is true, you are little more than an assassin in a Templar's mantle."

  "I don't need your approval, commander. In fact, I don't much care what you think. What I do need, however, is for you to follow Master de Beaujeu's orders and by extension, mine as well. If you have a problem with that, tell me now so that I can send word to de Beaujeu at once."

  Dupuy stared at me. I saw a muscle twitch in his face as he fought to control his tongue. "My squire is outside the door. Whatever you require he will provide for you."

  I bowed my head slightly in acknowledgement. "Excellent. I will be sure to inform our master of your cooperation. We will be gone before Sext." As I turned to leave I said, "Commander, you are correct in your assessment of me. I am not much of a monk. But I will tell you, I am very good at what I do."

  Dupuy snarled. "Oh, and what is that?"

  "Killing people on the orders of our master," I replied, while indicating to de Flor that we were leaving. De Flor roared with laughter
and then chuckled the whole way down through the keep and out into the yard. "No wonder he hates you," I said.

  Roger wiped tears from his eyes. "Ah Ronan, but the look on his face, like he swallowed shit. Absolutely priceless!"

  "So Dupuy does not approve?" asked Rolf as we collected our gear.

  "You know him?" asked Roger.

  Rolf looked at Henri and then back to us. "We know him. He is a friend of de Gaudin."

  That was enough. Now I understood why he had an instant dislike for me. De Flor grinned. "Mac Alasdair you are getting to be much like myself. Your reputation is preceding you!"

  I shook Roger's hand. "We should be back within the week. What will you do till then?"

  He shrugged. "It is a ship. There are always repairs to be made, stocks to be refilled, and wine to be drunk."

  My only worry with Roger was that he stay out of trouble with his fellow monks. All things considered, that was a serious consideration. His only saving grace was that he was there at the behest of the master. I told Dupuy's squire to take us to the stables. Once there we chose five of the best palfreys they had and within the hour were packed, saddled, and on our way north.

  I sent Dominic ahead to scout the road to Marqab while Marcus remained behind to see that we weren't being followed. The road led north and skirted the coast. It was early summer and there was no rain. A sea breeze kept the heat from being oppressive, yet I was glad for the white mantle of the Order. It kept my mail from becoming unbearable, breeze or not. We did not push the pace. There was no need.

  Two days later we camped on a small, tree topped rise, overlooking the road and prepared to await the arrival of our Mamluk spy. I set the guard so that each of us rotated every two hours. There was no fire. When it was my turn, I sat with my back to one of the carob trees overlooking the road and settled in. The night was cloudy with no moon visible. There was nothing moving, yet I felt as though I was being watched.