Chapter 62: Little Fish (2)
Cesar's decision was naturally opposed by Baldwin, as well as Heraclius; even the Templars disapproved. But to Cesar's surprise, even Amalric I showed hesitation and did not readily agree at once.
To anyone else, Amalric I stood to lose nothing from this measure—only gain.
First: even if Cesar's status could now be said to equal that of any knight, he was still a child. That meant that if Amalric I sent him as an envoy, it would be an unquestionable insult to the other side.
But had the Templars of Tortosa not displayed naked contempt and mockery toward Amalric I when they intercepted and killed the envoy from Eagle's Nest, Amalric I's ally?
The king only regretted that he could not see their faces in person.
Second, Cesar's scheme truly had a good chance of succeeding.
Never mind that Amalric I had already prepared to besiege the castle. So long as they had any sense, no lord or knight would be willing to attack a solid, well-prepared fortress.
The castle at Tortosa had not even been built by the Templars. Baldwin I had used the dowry of his third wife to build many castles, Tortosa among them. After it was transferred to the Knights Templar, the Order had repaired and reinforced it over the following decades.
Though Tortosa Castle could not compare to Holy Cross Castle, it was still an immovable mountain of rock. Besides, before the Templars of Tortosa set out to intercept those Saracens, they had known that Amalric I would inevitably rebuke and attack them.
Before then, they had surely stockpiled enough food, water, and other supplies.
Even the king could not be certain how long this siege might last. Three days, ten days, a month, perhaps even a year—such things had