the-secret-crusade-oliver-bowden

‘I do what I can.’
‘And sometimes you do it well. I assume it is work that reunites us?’
‘Yes. William de Montferrat is my target.’
‘Then the Chain District is your destination … But be on your toes.
That section of the city is home to King Richard’s personal quarters, and
it is under heavy watch.’
‘What can you tell me of the man himself?’
‘William has been named regent while the King conducts his war. The
people see it as a strange choice, given the history between Richard and
William’s son, Conrad. But I think Richard rather clever for it.’
‘Clever how?’
Jabal smiled. ‘Richard and Conrad do not see eye to eye on most
matters. Though they are civil enough in public, there are whispers that
each intends evil upon the other. And then there was the business with
Acre’s captured Saracens …’ Jabal shook his head. ‘In its wake, Conrad
has returned to Tyre, and Richard has compelled William to remain here
as his guest.’
‘You mean his hostage?’ asked Altaïr. He was inclined to agree with
Jabal. It did indeed look like a wise move on Richard’s part.
‘Whatever you call it, William’s presence should keep Conrad in line.’
‘Where would you suggest I begin my search?’
Jabal thought. ‘Richard’s citadel, south-west of here … Or, rather, the
market in front of it.’
‘Very well. I won’t disturb you any further.’
‘It’s no trouble,’ said Jabal, who went back to his birds, cooing gently
at them.
He was a man unburdened by many worries, thought Altaïr. For that