Doctor Who and the Crusaders by David Whitaker Page B

festooned with draperies and hangings, furnished with low couches and cushions and luxuriant carpets.
    Saladin sat on one of the couches, his brother Saphadin standing beside him, and both the men received their visitor with smiles and words of friendship, the Sultan gesturing to the merchant to sit beside him. Saphadin tapped his hands together lightly and servants carried in a long, low table upon which were some goblets and a wine-jug, dishes of sweetmeats and fruit. Ferrigo was most interested in the wine-jug, whichhe guessed was of Roman origin, probably as early as 50 B.C . He questioned Saladin about it and the Sultan complimented him on his knowledge.
    ‘This is an actual reminder of Gaius Julius Caesar, and his stay in Egypt. It is one of a collection presented by the General to Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, and made specially for the occasion.’
    A servant poured some wine from the wine-jug under discussion and handed the goblet to Ferrigo.
    ‘Now tell me,’ said the Sultan when they had tasted the wine, ‘what is your business here at Ramlah?’
    ‘I would have you imagine Europe as a great shop, Your Highness, constantly full of customers begging for perfumes and cloth, ivory and gold and spices. All these things have been scarce of late.’
    ‘Because of the war,’ pointed out Saphadin.
    ‘And wars are costly,’ replied Ferrigo. ‘The sale of these items would produce a vast profit.’
    Saladin nodded thoughtfully. ‘As you say, wars are costly. And we are not averse to trade, merchant, nor do we turn away from profit. But our enemies hold the coast from Acre to Jaffa. You cannot imagine you would make the land journey, for you would be a prey to marauders and thieves every step of the way.’
    ‘No, I have ships, Your Highness. And my information is that Conrad of Tyre wishes to make peace with you.’
    The brothers exchanged glances.
    ‘You are well informed,’ murmured Saphadin, ‘although we have not concluded any terms with Conrad.’
    ‘What you are seeking,’ said Saladin directly, ‘is a concession. Is that not so?’
    The merchant inclined his head. ‘With safe conduct guaranteed for caravans to and from the town of Tyre.’
    ‘And where is our profit in this merchant adventuring? When the goods are sold in Genoa?’
    ‘No, My Lord. In my ships at Tyre, I have stocks of leather harnesses and bridles for your horses, a quantity of swords and a thousand daggers of exquisite workmanship. I also have cattle and sheep. What I am suggesting is that these goods go against the goods I am to receive from you, or from your allies through your patronage and introduction.’
    Saladin thought for a moment and then rose to his feet. Ferrigo stood up at the same time, out of politeness, wondering if the interview was at an end.
    ‘I like your proposition, merchant,’ remarked the Sultan, ‘but I would know more about you first. Now a matter has occurred here in my court which you shall help me judge. In this way, I shall see the truth of your mind and the quality of your heart.’
    Ferrigo bowed, convinced that he was very near success. Saphadin moved to the archway, as the servant who had conducted Ferrigo to the Sultan’s chamber appeared. Something was passed between them, and as Saphadin returned, Ferrigo saw him tucking some dark object into the sleeve of his flowing robes. Then his attention was diverted as Sheyrah was led through the archway by a guardsman. She threw herself down full length in front of Saladin, who bent his head near the merchant.
    ‘This is purely a domestic matter, but since it concerns a person who is more of your way of life than ours, your advice will be welcome.’
    Ferrigo bowed, rather complimented at the way the evening was progressing. The woman on the floor began to moan pitifully, begging her master not to blame her. Saphadin ordered her to be silent, in words that brooked no denial. The woman bit her lips and now kneeled on the floor, bending herhead down