Stewart Binns - Crusade

Themistius typified the Count’s vision for Sicily. His family had been killed in the Byzantine wars against Alp Arslan, Sultan of the Seljuk Turks, in the 1070s. The mighty empire of Byzantium, the surviving link back to the glory of Ancient Rome, was in chaos, and Norman Sicily offered a new beginning in a land of peace and plenty.

Men like Themistius were arriving from all over Europe, the Levant and North Africa to find a new beginning, and the island’s prosperity thrived. We became part of that and often thought about making it our permanent home.

After the main feast was over, Count Roger, the Emir and a few senior guests sat on the terrace of the Emir’s new palace, a fine stone fortress overlooking the valley, enjoying the cool evening air. Roger was slightly drunk, but sobered up quickly when Themistius began to speak about the dark days he saw looming for all of us.

‘Although Byzantium is in chaos, the new Emperor, Alexius Comnenus, is making the army strong again. When we were humiliated at Manzikert by Alp Arslan, I thought Constantinople would fall, but we survived – just. Alexius wants to keep the Muslims to the south at bay. He sees his natural allies in Rome and the countries of northern Europe – a Christian alliance, as in Spain, to fight the Muslim Saracens. This could be very dangerous – a war about God.’

Count Roger was by now listening intently.

‘You exaggerate, Themistius. Men fight for land and money, not for their gods.’

Ibn Hamed was concerned.

‘There is much talk in the Muslim world about the one true faith and what should be done with those who don’t follow the ways of Islam. Some are tolerant and see Christians as followers of the same God, but a different prophet; others see them as dangerous infidels, who should be put to the sword.’

I offered my own view.

‘It is the same in the Christian world; we have many who think it a stain on God’s name that Jerusalem is ruled by the Saracens.’

Roger had heard enough and was keen to return to the less vexing subject of the merits of Sicily’s fine wines.

‘Gentleman, we have peace and prosperity here. Constantinople and Jerusalem are a long way away; let us enjoy what we have. A toast, to my good friend Ibn Hamed and his people in their new home here at Calatafimi.’

Although the subject was not raised again, I thought about Themistius’s warning many times and, on each occasion, the prospect seemed more and more disturbing.

As time passed, I began to wonder whether this threat of war between Christian and Muslim would be the test that destiny had prepared for me and my friends – just as the arrival of the Normans had been the anvil on which the lives of Hereward and his followers had been forged.

Shortly after we returned to Palermo, Sweyn came to see me with Edwin. He was ill at ease.

‘I have to leave Sicily.’

‘I thought you and Adela were happy here.’

‘She is – and, in a way, so am I. But I am the one who has to leave, not Adela. It is a terrible dilemma. The four of us have been together so long and I love Adela very much, but our relationship will never be what I want it to be.’

I looked at Edwin; he shook his head.

‘I have met someone here, and she has helped break the spell of Adela. She is very beautiful, the daughter of a Muslim trader here in Palermo – you know him, Suleiman of Alexandria.’

‘And I know his daughter, the very beautiful Mahnoor.’

‘Yes, it means “light of the moon”.’

‘Have you told Adela?’

‘Yes, she’s very happy for me. We talked many times about me finding a woman who would return my love.’

Edwin got to his feet and started to pace up and down.

‘I don’t suppose you can take her as a mistress? You are, after all, already married.’

‘Not in the eyes of God, or of any sane person. My marriage to Adela has never been consummated; it is not a true marriage.’

‘What have you said to Mahnoor?’

‘I told her about my situation as soon as I realized I had feelings for her – to do anything else would have been wrong. She understands and will stand by me.’

‘What about her father? He might not be so understanding.’

‘He doesn’t know.’

Edwin started to pace a little faster, and I began to realize how difficult this situation could become.

‘How did you meet? Her father hardly ever lets her leave the house. And when she does, she is closely guarded.’

‘I saw her at one of the Count’s banquets. I couldn’t take my eyes off her… and, eventually, she smiled at me. Shortly afterwards, a pigeon was delivered to me by one of her servants. It was a homing bird with a message in a small capsule tied to its leg. We communicated like that for days. Now we meet when she goes to the markets. Her guardians don’t go inside the shops, and I wait in the garden of the silk merchant. He’s very discreet.’

‘Muslim fathers don’t take too kindly to young knights seducing their daughters – especially if they are already married.’

‘I have not seduced Mahnoor; I wouldn’t touch her until we are married.’

I was now as anxious as Edwin – there were, to say the least, a few issues to resolve.

‘So, how do you propose to proceed?’

‘I have agonized over it and talked it through with Adela, but I need you and Edwin to help me also – even if it means we are no longer brothers-in-arms. I think I have only two options; both are selfish, but I must take this opportunity to spend my life with the girl I love. I could either elope with Mahnoor and return to St Cirq Lapopie and raise a family, or brazen it out here and ask Count Roger to intercede with the Bishop to ask him to annul my marriage.’

‘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.’