|
The Sword
Chapter 10 - It's a Quiet Journey Back to Cuenca
|
 |
The journey back to Cuenca was uneventful.
Zaina, Malik, and Joseph were all joyfully reunited with
their much-relieved parents. Farajj invited Diego and Martin
to stay overnight at his farm before continuing on toward
Toledo.
Accepting the invitation, they ended up spending a very
pleasant evening with Zaina’s family. Her two little
brothers recognized Martin immediately and soon had him
engaged in their games.
The meal proved to be a feast, prepared by Farajj’s wife and
all of her daughters. Seeing how the close-knit family
lived, worked, and prayed together gave Diego and Martin
much to think about.
Later, Zaina got out her oud and sang for them. It was a
concert the boys would remember for the rest of their lives.
The next morning after yet another wonderful meal, the boys
departed. A short time later they paused at the little
bowl-shaped valley, where Zaina first discovered Tizona.
“You know,” said Martin as the horses grazed. “There are
many good and honorable causes for which a knight might go
to war. He must defend his lands and protect his people. If
need be, he must defend his honor. In the cause of justice a
knight may be called upon to bring those who do evil to
account. All of these things our lord Rodrigo has taught us.
But he never mentioned fighting for religion -- fighting to
force a land and its people to accept a single faith. I fear
that may be what is to come for Spain -- wars over religion.
After meeting and getting to know the people we’ve
encountered these last days, I don’t think I could fight for
such a cause. I’m not so sure now that the life of a knight
is what I really want.”
Diego looked at him thoughtfully. “Not long ago I would have
said you were crazy. And actually, I still think so. But at
least I do understand what you are saying. I can’t remember
ever wanting to be anything but a knight. And that remains
my goal. But I have to admit the experience has changed me
too. It has made me see that those we might face on a
battlefield are actual people -- people with their own view
of what is right -- people with families and children -- not
just faceless enemies. I’ve learned that a knight must
consider carefully the cause for which he fights.”
“I wonder if lord Rodrigo considers so carefully,” Martin
said as they resumed their journey and left the little
valley behind.
Back to
Top |
