Free Requiem: The Fall of the Templars by Robyn Young Page A

Wales. But even if that is true, the subjugation of Wales was a necessary venture. Just because a man believes in peace, does not mean he can maintain it in the face of rebels and warmongers.”

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    “And his aggressions on Scotland?” demanded Will. “He has been seeking control of the kingdom for years, and now he’s crushed Wales, there is nothing standing in his way.”
    “Scotland was in chaos after the death of King Alexander, with the magnates all vying for the throne. Edward offered to help them.”
    “Yes, by attempting to marry his five-year-old son to Alexander’s heir so that England could take control of the crown!”
    “And if the Maid of Norway had survived then our two kingdoms would now be united in peace through that union.” Hugues shook his head at Will’s belligerent expression. “If the Scots hadn’t trusted Edward they wouldn’t have promoted him as their overlord upon the infant queen’s death. He has been endeavoring to restore order in their realm ever since, fortifying castles, setting garrisons in towns where tension between rival families was greatest. How do the Scots repay him? They could have entered into talks, negotiated their differences. Instead, they signed a treaty with his enemy.”
    “Just when did you become English, Hugues?” asked Robert, eyeing his friend with resentment.
    “I’m merely trying to see it from Edward’s point of view,” replied Hugues calmly. “And to understand where this suspicion of him comes from. We are brothers are we not?” He spread his hands to the two angry men in front of him. “We are on the same side. I just want to make sure, whatever happens, that the Temple is safeguarded. These are unsettled times. Our grand master wants to launch a Crusade and the pope wants to join us with our rivals. Either of these possibilities could have a devastating impact on us. Jacques plans to leave for London after the Christ Mass. The three of us will be in his company. I’ve made sure of it.”
    “We are going?” said Will.
    “Yes, and I believe we should look upon Edward as our friend in this matter.”
    “Then this discussion is over,” said Will, crossing to the door.
    Hugues stared after him. Fury flooded his face in a red rush. “You will halt, Commander! How dare you turn your back on me!”
    Will rounded on him, the violence in his eyes making Hugues pause. “We were discussing Anima Templi business. In case you had forgotten, I am its head. If I say our meeting is ended, it is ended.”
    “God damn him,” murmured Hugues, as Will left the room. Robert went to speak, but the visitor silenced him. “No, Robert, do not excuse him. If he speaks to me like that again I’ll have him expelled from this order.”

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    New Temple, London
    january 7, 1296 ad
    The city was on fi re. Pillars of black smoke billowed into the dawn sky, obscuring the sun. Boulders tossed up by the siege engines smashed through the walls, pulverizing rock into rubble, crushing men. Women and children, faces dust-streaked, crowded on the harbor wall, desperate for the few boats to take their swelling numbers to the last galleys out in the harbor. Will spurred his horse through them, his attention fixed on a distant fi gure stumbling along the broken eastern mole.
    It was always Edward pulling the strings . And I dangled limply in his grip, while all my dreams faded and died around me, and all yours came true .
    Will sat up as the sound of Garin’s bitter words filled his mind. There was a pressure in his chest, making it hard to breathe.
    I had been Edward’s puppet for so long that I danced to his tune even when he wasn’t controlling me .
    He rose and crossed the empty dormitory to the window. Planting his hands on the ledge, Will looked out over a square of grass, bordered by cloisters. On the air, he smelled the marshy Thames. This place was crowded with memories, but fainter, less substantial than those that surrounded him in Paris.
    He had