Siege

by Richard Foreman

  “I’m not sure whether to consider you lucky or not, given what your body has been through,” Charles mused.

  “Another battle, another scar,” the knight replied, more sanguine than one might have expected. He would have shrugged his shoulders, if the gesture wouldn’t have been so painful.

  Remarkably Thomas was free from any injury, although some scars remain unseen. He certainly appeared ill. Drawn. There was a faraway look in his eyes, that Edward had recognised on many a soldier before. His young friend seemed distracted and, despite their victory, defeated.

  “You look like hell, Thomas. But when you’re going through hell, keep going,” Edward advised.

  As the two Englishmen made their way from the surgeon, towards the Gate of St George, they saw Fulk of Chartres striding towards them. The Norman had placed himself on the frontline throughout the evening. Bone and brain marked his mace. His clothes and countenance were awash with blood, like he had bathed in the stuff.

  “He looks like Coriolanus,” Thomas said, slightly aghast.

  “I’m not sure I know who that is. Is he part of Raymond’s company?”

  The scribe let out a burst of laughter. Edward didn’t quite know what his friend found amusing. The knight was just pleased that Thomas was laughing again.

  Raymond’s banner fluttered behind him, having been hoisted atop of the Palace of Antioch. Henri of Bayeux, who had typically fought well the night before, had just provided the prince with the butcher’s bill. When his lieutenant reported that his nephew was among the dead, Raymond replied that he was “neither surprised nor saddened.” Overall, the general was pleased with the limited losses. He still commanded the largest army. The Frank imagined that Bohemond would be pleased with his night’s work too, as he glanced at his rival’s banner, flying over the Gate of St George, and scrunched up his features in acrimony. But the Emperor and his army would be arriving soon. The Norman’s claim to the city would come to nothing. He who laughs last, laughs longest.

  I’ve outfoxed the son of Robert Guiscard.

  Bohemond stood on the wall, close to the Tower of Two Sisters. The pilgrims below, on both sides of the wall, sometimes chanted his name and expressed their gratitude. The nobleman resisted playing to the crowd and remained imperious, regal. He was pleased, both for the people and his own ambitions, that he had saved the crusade. For now, at least.

  The prince had recently finished convening with his ally, Firuz. He had left the Armenian with his gold and the news that the crusaders had “unwittingly” killed his brother during the assault. All the money in the world couldn’t bring him back.

  Nor would Yaghi Siyan be coming back. After the governor escaped, he was thrown from his horse. The deserter was abandoned by his men and left for dead. Siyan was discovered by an Armenian butcher, who swiftly cut off his head, with his wispy white beard still hanging from his chin - and brought the trophy home to Antioch.

  It was a strange but welcome sight, viewing the sun-scorched plains of Antioch from the vantage point of the city, Bohemond considered. For how many nights had Yaghi Siyan’s men stared out at the crusader camps and heaped curses of them? For how many nights would the armies of God man the walls and curse Kerbogha’s forces?

  The besiegers would soon become the besieged.

  End Note.

  Although Siege follows historic events and features key figures from history the book is primarily a work of fiction. Am hoping however that the novel will inspire some people to read about the real history behind the First Crusade. The job of a book is to compel a reader to pick up another book.

  I can highly recommend the following: The First Crusade: A New History, by Thomas Asbridge; The First Crusade and the Foundation of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, by Stephen Runciman; Crusaders, by Dan Jones.

  I would like to thank Sophie Ambler, for enthusing and informing me about some aspects of the First Crusade. I would also like to thank Rob Kemp for his support and work on the manuscript.

  Siege is the first book in a planned trilogy set during the First Crusade. Should you have enjoyed the book please do get in touch, as would welcome relevant feedback in light of writing future titles in the series. Please do contact me too if you have enjoyed any past books I’ve written. I can be reached at richard@sharpebooks.com and @rforemanauthor on twitter.

  Edward Kemp and Thomas Devin will return in Besieged.

  Richard Foreman.