The Crusader

by Michael Eisner

  Three entourages arrived in Santes Creus within ten days of the tragic events. King Jaime, Archbishop Sancho of Tarragona, and Francisco’s father, Baron Montcada. The most powerful men in the kingdom had assembled at Santes Creus. They came to investigate the death of Prince Fernando. They came to sit in judgment of Francisco and me.

  As a result of his condition, Francisco was unable to testify before the respective delegations. In his absence, the burden of providing evidence fell on me. For four days, the delegations held court in the Great Hall. I sat in the middle of the room. Each party took turns interrogating me. The different examiners posed the same questions. The slightest inconsistency in my answers led to a grinding cross-examination.

  When they weren’t questioning me, the parties engaged in heated debates with each other. The atmosphere was tense. In the tumult, one of the novices spilled a cup of wine on the Archbishop’s vestment. His Holiness used his scepter to deliver a severe beating to the boy. Indeed, if not for the intervention of one of the Archbishop’s aides, the poor novice might well have faced his own final judgment.

  The court’s discussions focused on the fate of Francisco and me. The Crown’s representative insisted on death for the “perpetrators.” He opined that any details surrounding the killing of Prince Fernando were extraneous.

  “The Prince is dead,” the royal representative said. “That is the only relevant fact. Punishment of the murderer and his accomplice”—the latter reference pertained to me—“must be swift and brutal.”

  Baron Montcada, of course, opposed the execution of Francisco—his one remaining heir.

  “Brother Lucas’ testimony reveals the circumstances that compelled my son to kill Prince Fernando. Francisco is an innocent man, a veteran of the crusade, whose only crime was to defend himself. If this tribunal executes my son, I will organize an army that will shake the foundations of the monarchy.”

  Baron Montcada commanded a formidable force of knights. Indeed, some said that the King ruled Aragón at the pleasure of the Montcadas. That assessment undoubtedly exaggerates the influence of the family. Nevertheless, the Crown could ill afford to ignore the heartfelt concerns of its most powerful vassal.

  The Church attempted to interject a note of reason amidst the passions, concentrating on more technical questions. At the outset, the Archbishop sought to clarify whether Francisco’s execution would cancel Baron Montcada’s bequest of one-third his estate in exchange for the salvation of his son.

  “In my opinion,” the Archbishop stated, “Francisco was saved before the killing of Prince Fernando. Therefore, Baron Montcada’s gift has already vested no matter the outcome of these proceedings.”

  Several clerical scholars gave lengthy and learned opinions supporting the Archbishop’s view.

  Baron Montcada cut short these presentations, however. His words on the subject were concise and unambiguous—“no Francisco, no reward.”

  With this technical issue resolved, the Church turned its attention to more spiritual matters.

  The Archbishop quoted from the Scriptures: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. “All men,” the Archbishop said, “even kings, must strive to forgive those who give offense and leave retribution to the Lord.”

  When the testimony finished, the tribunal commenced negotiations. From the courtyard, I could hear the deliberations. Tempers flared, recriminations, accusations.

  After two days, the King summoned the suspects—Francisco and me—to receive the court’s decision. I sat as before in the middle of the chamber. Francisco sat beside me. Isabel had assisted Francisco into the chamber and did not leave his side.

  The King stood to pronounce judgment.

  “I have listened to the testimony of Brother Lucas,” the King said. “It has the ring of truth. I have long known that my son Fernando’s path was not a straight one.

  “I grieve for my son. My advisers counsel against mercy. But I will not compound my sorrows by imposing the same cruel price upon my friend and vassal Baron Montcada. Francisco de Montcada and Brother Lucas shall live.

  “Despite the extenuating circumstances, though, the killers of my son cannot escape without some punishment. Francisco de Montcada and Brother Lucas, for your roles in the killing of Prince Fernando, you will be exiled from Barcelona and its environs, including Montcada, for the remainder of your natural lives. Francisco, you shall live in Girona on the estate of your uncle, the Baron Correa. In deference to my friendship with your father and your family’s service to the kingdom, your progeny will inherit the Montcada mantle and may return to Barcelona. Brother Lucas, you are expelled from the monastery at Santes Creus. May God have mercy on both of your souls.”

  As the King sat, his representative rose.

  “Two more administrative matters,” the representative said. “First, in accordance with documents signed by Baron Montcada and Archbishop Sancho, and witnessed by King Jaime, Francisco is considered exorcised. His soul saved from the demons that beset him in the Levant.

  “Second, to respect the memory of the deceased, the Crown has drafted an official version of the tragic events that took place at Santes Creus, as follows: Prince Fernando discovered that his deputy Pablo was an agent of the King of Navarre. He confronted Pablo. In the ensuing conflict, Prince Fernando killed the traitor, but received a mortal wound. The Crown considers the dissemination of contrary information a capital offense.”

  “One more issue remains, King Jaime.” Isabel raised her voice above the commotion in the chamber. “Three hundred serfs live on the Correa estate in Girona. All in need of spiritual guidance. His Majesty and His Holiness would do a great service to permit Brother Lucas to minister in Girona.”

  The Archbishop deferred to the King.

  “So be it,” the King said.

  The youngest prior ever appointed at Santes Creus moves to the countryside to lead a flock of serfs. My brothers probably shared a long laugh over my change of fortune. I suppose the alternative was worse—wandering the countryside as a mendicant pilgrim.

  I never mentioned this manuscript to the delegations. I would have gladly turned it over to the tribunal, but I was afraid to reveal its existence. The trial had ended, and I was relieved to be alive. I did not want to do anything that might reopen the proceedings or perturb the Crown. I decided silence was the safer course. I hid the manuscript in the bottom of my wood chest, which was transported to Girona. The parchment has remained untouched for the last eighteen years.

  When Francisco had recovered enough to travel two weeks after the verdict, we set off for Girona. A team of knights from Baron Montcada’s entourage escorted us to the Correa estate.

  I became a parish priest in Girona. Holy communion, sermons, baptisms, marriages, funerals, mediating family disputes. My days have been busy indeed. One year seems to blur into another.

  I kept a frequent correspondence with Brother Vial at Santes Creus until his death six years ago. In his last letter, he wrote: “After a long journey, Brother Lucas, you have finally stumbled upon a true path of service to the Lord.”

  A true path of service to the Lord. Those were his exact words. I keep the letter on my night table.

  I have grown close to many of my congregants. None more so than Andrés de Montcada. It is for him that I preserve this manuscript. So that one day, after my death, Andrés may know of the spiritual struggles of his father and the nature of the union in which he was conceived.

  Andrés is the only person on the estate who does not address me as Father Lucas. He calls me uncle, ever since he could speak. He is fifteen now. He has the same gray, prescient eyes of his mother and the sinew of a man, the same build as his namesake, his blood uncle, Andrés.

  I have been both father and mother to the boy. Francisco died when Andrés was only two. Despite Isabel’s attentions, Francisco never really recovered from the injuries inflicted by Prince Fernando. He would have a good week, even a good month, then a bad one. The infection in his stomach proved
resilient. Eventually, the old wound killed him. Isabel followed him one year later, when the fevers passed through the province and claimed the lives of one-fourth of my charges.

  The Crown appointed me guardian of Andrés in his fifth year, after the death of Baron Correa. I have spent a great deal of time with the boy. I have taught him to read and write. In the last year, we have discussed all manner of philosophical and theological issues. Indeed, the hours I have spent with Andrés have been a welcome respite from the ordinary rigors of my duties. The boy inherited the sharp mind and sensitivity of his parents.

  Andrés is heir to two fortunes, the Correa and Montcada estates, albeit minus the one-third share of the Montcada holdings taken by the Church in exchange for Francisco’s salvation. Even so, the Montcada landholdings are more extensive than those of any other vassal in the kingdom.

  Soon, Andrés will have to decide upon which estate he will live. One might think he would readily choose Montcada. The boy seems immune to material attractions, though, and exceedingly comfortable in Girona.

  Baron Montcada writes frequently to Andrés, explaining the benefits of residing in Montcada. Six months ago, the Baron visited his grandson. I was present when the two met in the main parlor. Baron Montcada instructed Andrés to pack his bags and prepare for the journey to Montcada. Regrettably, the Baron misjudged Andrés’ temperament. The boy can be rather stubborn, stubborn and independent. Baron Montcada left the estate several hours after his arrival without his grandson.

  Time has not dampened Baron Montcada’s generosity. Nor his resourcefulness. Indeed, the Baron appreciates the manner in which the Lord’s representatives seek to glorify His Name. He has volunteered to endow the construction of a monastery in Pedrables, near the capital city. He has made funding contingent upon Andrés’ moving to Montcada.

  Since Baron Montcada’s visit, Archbishop Sancho of Tarragona and I have resumed our friendship. Indeed, we have exchanged correspondence concerning Andrés’ choice of residence.

  “I have heard that Andrés places great trust in his guardian,” Archbishop Sancho wrote. “This trust should give you leverage over the boy.”

  “Thank you for your kind words,” I wrote back to Archbishop Sancho. “Indeed, Andrés seems quite attached to me. I wonder if Andrés’ reluctance to leave Girona stems from this affinity.”

  Archbishop Sancho responded forthwith.

  “To avoid a painful separation between a guardian and his pupil,” the Archbishop wrote, “perhaps your exile from Barcelona and its environs could be lifted.”

  Archbishop Sancho mentioned the possibility of creating a bishopric just outside the city limits of Barcelona, half an hour’s ride from the Montcada estate. Evidently the proposed bishopric would encompass over one thousand hectares and possess five hundred serfs. Bishop Lucas de Santes Creus.

  Girona has provided a nurturing environment in which Andrés could grow up. There comes a time, though, when a man must put away childish things. He must see himself for who he is.

  I pray that I will provide wise counsel when the time comes for Andrés to make a decision.

  GLOSSARY

  Abbot—the superior of a monastery.

  Baibars (1223–1277)—Muslim warrior and Sultan of Egypt and Syria. His reign was marked by continuous and largely successful military campaigns against the Mongols and Christian crusaders.

  Benedict, Saint (480–546)—Italian monk, called Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictines. He authored the rule of Saint Benedict around 530.

  Benedictines—monks of the Roman Catholic Church following the rule of Saint Benedict.

  Castellan—the commander of a castle.

  Chain mail—flexible armor of interlocking metal rings.

  Chapter House—a meeting room in a monastery.

  Cistercians—monks of a Roman Catholic religious Order founded in 1098 in Cîteaux, France. While using the rule of Saint Benedict to govern monastery life, the Cistercians sought to recover the original ideals of the Benedictines, including a return to an ascetic life of poverty and manual labor.

  Constable—the governor of a town or city.

  El Cid—the informal title, meaning “lord,” of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (1043–1099), a soldier who led successful campaigns against the Muslims during the Reconquista of Spain.

  Enceinte—a line of fortification enclosing a castle.

  Foot soldiers—soldiers who march or fight on foot. Usually with little or no armor, foot soldiers accompanied and supported knights in battle.

  Francis, Saint (1182–1226)—founder of the Franciscans, one of the most renowned Christian saints. During his lifetime, Francis gained the Pope’s approval to establish a new rule and monastic Order based on his teachings.

  Franciscans—members of the several Roman Catholic religious orders following the rule of Saint Francis.

  Golgotha—the hill just outside Jerusalem where Christ was crucified.

  Grand Master—the head of one of the military orders of knights.

  Hauberk—a tunic of chain mail; one of the main components of a knight’s armor in the thirteenth century.

  Hospitallers—members of the military and religious Order of the Hospital of Saint John, recognized by the Pope in 1113. The object of the Order was to protect and aid Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land and to fight the Muslims for control of the Holy Land.

  Kaffiyeh—an Arab headdress consisting of a square cloth folded to form a triangle.

  Knights of Calatrava—the first religious and military Order native to Spain, recognized by the Pope in 1164. The Order focused its attention on the Reconquista of Spain from the Saracens but also sent knights to the Levant.

  Krak des Chevaliers—meaning “castle of the knights,” considered the most formidable fortress ever built by the crusaders. Located in northern Syria, the castle was controlled by the Hospitallers during most of the crusades.

  Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem—feudal state created by leaders of the First Crusade in areas they had conquered from the Muslims, including the City of Jerusalem, which fell to the crusaders in 1099.

  Levant—the countries of the eastern Mediterranean. The crusaders also referred to the area as Syria.

  Liturgy (Roman Catholic)—the series of rites prescribed for public worship, which centers on the Mass. The liturgical hours or prayer offices include matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, nones, vespers, and compline.

  Mail coif—a hood of chain mail worn over the head.

  Oblate—a child dedicated for a prescribed period by his parents to the monastic life.

  Poblet—a Cistercian monastery in the area of La Conca de Barberà, Spain.

  Prior—following the Abbot, the second-ranking member of a monastery.

  Reconquista—term used to describe Christian reconquest of Spain and Portugal from the Moors. The Reconquista took almost eight centuries, ending in 1492 with the fall of Granada to the Spanish forces under Ferdinand and Isabel.

  Richard the Lion-heart (1157–1199)—King of England and one of the leaders of the Third Crusade to the Levant in 1190.

  Rule of Saint Benedict—the chief rule of western monasticism, used by Benedictines and Cistercians. Its prologue and seventy-three chapters govern all aspects of communal life, including work, prayer, eating, and sleeping. The rule conceived the monastery as a devout Christian family with the Abbot as the father.

  Saladin (1137–1193)—Muslim warrior and Sultan of Egypt. Of Kurdish descent, he united Muslim forces against the crusaders and conquered Jerusalem in 1187.

  Sant—meaning saint in Catalán. Santa is the feminine form.

  Santes Creus—Cistercian monastery in the area of Alt Camp, Spain.

  Sapper—a member of a military engineer unit trained and equipped to dig tunnels under enemy fortifications in order to undermine and destroy them.

  Saracens—term commonly used by Christian Europeans in medieval period to refer to the Arabs and Muslims.

  Seneschal—a vassal or stewar
d of a great lord responsible for managing the estate.

  Squire—one who carries and tends to the armor of a knight and cares for the knight’s horses.

  Surcoat—a sleeveless, loose-fitting tunic worn over armor and often emblazoned with a symbol or heraldic device.

  Take the Cross—to follow the path of Christ. In medieval period, the term referred to going on the crusade against the Saracens.

  Templars—members of the military and religious Order called the Knights of the Temple of Solomon, from their house in Jerusalem. Recognized by the Council of Troyes in 1128, the Order’s primary function involved protecting pilgrims and fighting the Muslims for control of the Holy Land.

  Teutonic Knights—German military and religious Order founded in 1190 during the siege of Acre in the Third Crusade.