Conquest

‘You have a good memory, Rodrigo. It is something that has caused me much anguish, has led me to doubt my wife and is still something that I find difficult to understand. It could carry a message of great importance, or it could be no more than a cheap bauble. Torfida had no doubts about its worth. The only mystery for her was whether its message came from God, or whether it was a clever symbol of man’s potential to solve his own riddles. Either way, she never doubted its significance.’

Hereward took the Talisman from his neck and passed it to Rodrigo, who examined it carefully.

‘It is the image of Lucifer. How can this be a relic?’ Rodrigo passed it to Jimena.

‘How can you carry such a thing, Hereward? It is the image of the Devil; surely it’s a pagan fetish?’

Hereward outlined his story, beginning with his encounter with Torfida’s father, the Old Man of the Wildwood. He described how he had found her in Hereford and how she had explained the Talisman’s origins. He told them about the strange reaction of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, of Macbeth’s sad demise while wearing it, and how he had been convinced that his journey as the keeper of the Talisman had ended when he passed it to Harold, King of England.

‘The end of the story is a little indelicate for Jimena’s tender years.’

‘Fear not, Hereward, you may speak frankly in front of Jimena.’

Hereward continued quickly, to spare his own shame, as he described the Talisman’s return to him by Edith Swan-Neck. He related the trauma of Torfida discovering them in the forest, her disappearance and illness and, finally, her tragic death.

As he finished his story, Jimena exclaimed,‘The thing is a curse! Give it to the Bishop of Oviedo in the morning. He can bury it in the cathedral crypt; it will never haunt you again.’

‘It is not as simple as that, Jimena. It is at least a thousand years old, and I am entrusted with its safekeeping. Besides, in her death throes, Torfida sent me a message. I keep it with me always.’ He took a small, tightly wrapped linen bundle from his bag, unfolded it carefully and handed the wooden inscription to Jimena.

The young woman’s Latin was perfect; she read it aloud.

Hereward’s eyes filled with tears as he continued his story. ‘Her death and her message helped me understand the symbolism of the Talisman. It carries five messages of abiding truth that are the key to wisdom and kingship. The first is courage — to overcome our fears and anxieties. The second is discipline — to control the darkness within us. The third is humility — to know that only God can work miracles. The fourth is sacrifice — to forfeit ourselves for God and for one another, as Christ did. The fifth is wisdom — to understand the stone, not to fear it. At first, I thought of it as a lucky charm from which the wearer would acquire the gifts it holds, but Torfida helped me understand that it is a catechism, a constant reminder of the truths it carries. It doesn’t protect you, it only helps you protect yourself.’

Jimena and Rodrigo looked at one another.

Rodrigo spoke first. ‘Torfida was right, you are destined to be its next recipient; no one could be more worthy.’

Jimena pressed Hereward’s arm. ‘They were Torfida’s dying words; you must believe in the Talisman and accept her wisdom that you are the one to wear it’.

Hereward’s two Castilian friends embraced him as Rodrigo placed the Talisman over his friend’s head.

‘I can’t thank both of you enough for your friendship; it is more than I could have dreamed of. I came here knowing it was my duty to go back to England, but I also knew that I wasn’t ready in mind or body. You have helped me become a soldier again — and a much better one — but, most importantly, you have helped me clear my mind and revive my spirit. I am now ready to face the task ahead of me. My eternal thanks to you both.’

They returned to the Great Hall of Count Diego for a farewell banquet. It was an evening of good humour and fine food. Count Diego, despite his stern demeanour, was a good host, and Dona Viraca brought the dignity and manners appropriate to the high table of an important city.

At dawn the next morning, Hereward and Alphonso were ready to leave. Alphonso’s romance with Cristina had become serious. Within twenty-four hours of their return from the winter camp, she had gathered all her worldly possessions, obtained permission to leave from her mistress and even been granted a small dowry.

She was charming, hung on Alphonso’s every word and clung to him like a leech. Cristina would be a source of great delight at St Cirq Lapopie.

Rodrigo and Jimena had risen early to bid them farewell. Jimena hugged Cristina and wished her much love and happiness and then gave Alphonso a stern reminder about his responsibilities to care for her.