LET HER GO, I told him. This isn't her fight.

The Tafur was large and strong, and he twisted Emilie roughly by the hair with his sword edged into her neck. His dark hair was long and greasy and fell over his scarred face. A cross was burned into his neck.

Let her go?He laughed. The Tafur twisted Emilie harder. But she is so pretty and sweet. What a treat she'll make for me. He inhaled her hair. Like you, I am not used to sifting my pole through such highborn trash.

I took a step toward him. What is it you want from me?

I think you know,innkeeper.... I think you know where we have met once before too.

I focused on his hard, laughing eyes. Suddenly the past rocketed through me. The church in Antioch.

He was the bastard who had killed the Turk.

You are the one doing these terrible deeds? The Tafur grinned in recognition.

`You are free'...innkeeper. Do you not remember? When I saw you last you had an infidel about to plow your ass. But enough of old times. He forced Emilie to her knees. I would be happy to let her go. You only have to hand over what is mine.

Tell me what you want! I shouted. You've already taken everything I have.

Not all, innkeeper. He forced Emilie's chin up and edged his silvery blade along her neck. She sucked in a gasp. Where is it? Her future awaits.

Where is what? I screamed, I looked at Emilie, so helpless there. Anger flared in my blood.

Do not toy with me, Red. The Tafur glared. You were there in Antioch, the church. I saw you. You were no more praying than I was. Quick now, or I will ram my blade through her pretty skull.

I was there...Suddenly it came clear to me. The cross. The gold cross I had stolen from the church. That is what this was all about. Why so many people had died. It is buried on the hill, I said. Let ............