[The Brethren by H. Rider Haggard]@TWC D-Link book
The Brethren

CHAPTER Nineteen: Before the Walls of Ascalon
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Yet I give you one more chance.

Will you subscribe the Koran and embrace the faith of Islam?
Or will you die ?" Now the lips of Reginald turned pale, and for a moment he swayed upon his seat.

Then his courage came back to him, and he answered in a strong voice: "Sultan, I will have none of your mercy at such a price, nor do I bow the knee to your dog of a false prophet, who perish in the faith of Christ, and, being weary of the world, am content to go to Him." Saladin sprang to his feet, his very beard bristling with wrath, and drawing his sabre, shouted aloud: "You scorn Mahomet! Behold! I avenge Mahomet upon you! Take him away!" And he struck him with the flat of his scimitar.
Then Mameluks leapt upon the prince.

Dragging him to the entrance of the tent, they forced him to his knees and there beheaded him in sight of the soldiers and of the other prisoners.
Thus, bravely enough, died Reginald de Chatillon, whom the Saracens called prince Arnat.

In the hush that followed this terrible deed king Guy said to Godwin: "Ask the Sultan if it is my turn next." "Nay," answered Saladin; "kings do not kill kings, but that truce-breaker has met with no more than his deserts." Then came a scene still more dreadful.


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