The leader of the raiders introduced himself. "I am Tarek al Assam. You are lucky that one of my men saw you. Those Christian knights would have had the better of you had we not intervened. Still, you are no sluggard with the blade yourself. What is your name, brother?"

Richard hesitated. He had not yet had time to discuss this with Emrys. They would have had plenty of time on their journey across the desert from Tyre to Damascus to sort out matters, but fate obviously had other ideas. Fortunately for the English knight, his companion was quicker of mind.

"I," Emrys said loudly and with confidence, "am Hakim. This is my nephew, Matin. We were on our way to Damascus when those vile fiends overtook us." He hawked up a gobbet of phlegm from deep within in his throat and spat it out in a gesture of contempt.

"Well, it is clear to me that those jackals have scattered before us, like leaves on the wind." Tarek grinned, exposing brown-stained teeth that almost matched the shade of his skin. Then his demeanour became serious. "So - what did you do to cause them such offence that they pursued across the plains from their stronghold?" He nudged Richard in his ribs. "Something choice, eh?"

"Our crime seems to have been no more than existing," Emrys replied. "We had taken refuge in Tyre after being forced to leave Acre. But when we arrived there, we found that the authorities were no more welcoming of us there than in our home. My nephew was the target of many insults, and so he had to defend his honour. Is that not correct, Matin my nephew?"

Out of the line of sight of the others, Emrys delivered a swift but sharp kick to Richard's shins. The Golden Knight started at this as he remembered who Emrys was addressing. "Yes," he said. "They have a strange code of chivalry there - one which they feel gives them the right to lord it over all others."

"So," Emrys continued, "we decided to leave for a more civilised city."

Tarek nodded in sympathy. "I understand. Well, if you were headed for Damascus, then let me tell you that you will still be welcome there."

"So we had heard."

"Even better!" Tarek wheeled his steed around and yelled out a series of commands to his men. "We shall escort you there. Keep those dastards away from you, eh?"

Emrys leaned close to Richard. "I am inclined to take up his offer."

"So am I." Then a thought occurred to the Golden Knight. "But what do we tell them if they ask questions of us?"

"Just follow my lead. Have I led you wrong yet?" Emrys raised a hand to stifle any objections. "Please allow an old man some illusions. But, you will note that nothing I have told our rescuers so far has not been the truth."

"If somewhat twisted."

"Only to serve our ends. Now -." Emrys wan interrupted by a cry from the leader of the raiders.

"Hey! You two! Are you coming?" Tarek waved to the pair, encouraging them onward. "We should go before those Christians return with their friends! Don't worry, old man! we'll ride slow enough so that your dowty mount can keep up with us!"

"Of course! Forgive us!" Emrys called back. He nodded to Richard. "There. We are going."

It took another two days for the group to reach Damascus. At first Richard thought that the shimmering images he saw were a mirage. Tarek laughed at him. "No, Matin. That is truly the city of Damascus. It is the most wonderful city. There, all the followers of Abraham are welcome. As you will be. Tell me, do you have family there?"

"We do not," Emrys responded quickly. "But we are hoping to find someone we know there. I am sure that some of those who fled from Acre have ended up in Damascus."

"Well, if you do not find anyone, then you are always welcome to visit me."

"We would not want to impose on your hospitality, Tarek. You have already done us a great service. I hope that we can repay you for it someday."

"Well." Tarek eyed Richard. "Your nephew certainly is a skilled swordsman and a skilled horseman. If you were to join with us, then I am sure that your debt would be repaid in no time."

"It would be an honour," Richard replied, hesitating as he did so. "But I must make sure that my uncle is safe and secure."

"As any dutiful nephew would. But please, Matin, bear my words in mind."

They passed through the gates of the city of Damascus without incident. A few words from Tarek to the guards on duty at the portal were enough to ease their passage. And then, they were in.

"There are many places to stay on Straight Street," Tarek informed Emrys and Richard. "But they will charge you much for the privilege of sleeping under their roofs. There are many refugees from Acre, and it is a sellers' market."

"I am sure that we will find our feet," Emrys told the warrior.

"Well - just remember! Ask for Tarek al Assam. My friends will be happy to send you to me - as will my enemies!" And, with that, Tarek took his leave of the two travellers.

Richard looked around, taking in the hustle and bustle of the city. "Well, Emrys, we are finally here. What now?"

"First we find a place where we can stay."

"And second?"

"Second, we find the True Cross."