Harold Lamb

“ A raven croaked from the shadows, and the screaming snarl of a panther made response. Listening, the archers heard stealthy rustling in the dry brush on either side. They had come upon no sign of the Moslems in the march of a full league, down from the castle. And they saw nothing amiss in the camp of the pilgrims below them.
So they reported to Longsword and the Hospitaler who rode up presently, followed by the main body. After scanning the valley carefully Sir Robert surprized his companion by putting spurs suddenly to the bay and galloping out upon the sand. ”

“ It was in the code of the law that in the lists of justice the two combatants should be armed equally in all particulars. Robert dismounted without hesitation, trying the firmness of the sand with a mailed foot and letting fall his shield—as the Lombard carried none.
But when Piculph drew his sword a grim laugh went up from the Montserrat liege men. The Lombard's weapon was no longer than his adversary's yet it tapered hardly at all, being blunt at the tip and heavier by half than the Longsword's brand. It was a sword to be wielded by two hands, and so Piculph had no need of a shield. ”

“ The listeners glanced at each other, and Mistress Bengli, chin on hand, smiled and watched the gleaming jewels on her fingers. Many had come to Palestine believing that it held the lure of the fabulous Khar and had found it otherwise.
“I have not heard the tale related so,” observed Hugo. “Ha, minstrel, you are skilled in your craft—for you make us think you have dwelt in Khar.”
“Sire, I have.”
Guiblo shook his head.
“Then, rogue; you must have crossed the great desert and passed through the Iron Gates of which your folk prate.”
Abdullah bowed assent.
“The road is no easy one. ”

“ Their nature is unknown, for since the day of the Cæsars no Christian hath ventured there.”
“Riddles,” scoffed Hugo in his own speech. “'Tis a myth that holds no profit for us.”
Abdullah appeared to grasp his meaning.
“O king,” he observed gravely, “riders have come out of Khar on a foray, and the traces of their horses can be seen within your borders.”
“My watchers beheld them not.”
“Who can behold the stars in broad day, or the djinn folk who ride upon the winds at night? Does the lord of the castle wish to see a talsmin—a token that his servant's word is true?” ”

“ Robert gibed, “do you lack of murderers? Then summon up your hunters and the hounds and so—fare well!”
He had reached one end of the irregular cleared space; now he wheeled the bay and raked its flanks with rowels. The charger leaped forward, gained pace, and the throng gave way in haste before horse and rider, permitting Longsword to pass through. ”

“ A blow from an ax, and he will lack his right hand. Thereafter will he bray less loudly of his wrongs.”
The marquis shrugged.
“I'll hear no more. Yet must I ride forth lest the cursed Hospitaler suspect something amiss.”
Pausing at the donjon gate to tell off a score of men-at-arms to remain and secure Abdullah, he strode to his horse and signed for the clarion to sound the march. Flaring cressets on the walls cast a smoky light over the courtyard and the lance streamers of the knights. Behind these dark masses of pikemen and archers were forming under Piculph's orders. ”

“ Piculph recovered and smote again, straight down at the Englishman's head. Robert planted his feet and whirled up his blade, turning the other's aside and into the sand.
“Thy purse likes me well, Sir Curthose,” cried the Hospitaler. “Ha—treachery!”
Near at hand his quick eye had distinguished one of the Lombards kneeling with a short battle mace drawn back to throw. In that elusive light the iron club might have been cast unseen, and at such short range it could not fail to reach the Longsword. Drawing his sword, the young knight ran at the front of the circle of men-at-arms ”

“ Nay, a full three moons must a man sit in the saddle, and the horse should be of good blood. In an elder day one of the heroes of the Franks led his host over the desert and saw the salt sea that lies in the desert. ”