Summary

Chapter Four, narrated by William De Wendenal, returns to Acre as William de Wendenal begins his third person narration. He contemplates the king's whimsical mood as the trebuchets bombard the walls of Acre. William and Robin watch as Richard and his lords strategize over a map when a messenger from Saladin arrives in the camp. The messenger is sarcastic and William knows that if the messenger is not careful, King Richard can be ruthless to those who would insult him. The messenger addresses Richard, William, and Robin each as the king. Richard asks his lords what Saladin would gain from sending a messenger such as this, to which Robin replies that he will gain confirmation of the body doubles. Once that answer has been discovered, Richard casually cuts the throat of the messenger to the disgust of William. Richard then berates...