"ATTACK OF THE MOORS" ""At the time when Arabs dominated part of Spain, the children of the King of France were staying as guests of the Duke of Chateauroux, their maternal grandfather, in a castle on the French /Spanish border." "An Arab chief, hoping to take the Royal children hostage, crossed the border with troops and advanced upon the castle." "The King of France, having no recent news of his children, entrusted Roland, Count of Besancon, one of the most valiant Knights of the Realm, with the task of escorting the children back to Paris."" "Can we not rest, my Lord?" " Night is still far off." " My back can't take much more." "Courage, Lancelot." "Just a little further to Chateauroux." "God be praised." "This trip has been so hard..." "Come along, let's keep going." "Sons of dogs!" "They mean business." "I can already smell burning." "You couldn't help stealing." " Nor you, seducing women." "No!" "No!" "Let them go!" "Let them go!" "Let them go!" "No, you must not die!" "I agree!" "But don't tell me." "Tell those we enraged!" " Come here, shameless hussy!" " You damned coward!" "This time it's the end." "Yes, it's all over..." " Free these wretches." " But who are you?" "You can't butt in on this, it's none of your affair." "How dare you speak to a Knight in that way!" " These gypsies have robbed us!" " They are the ruffians!" " Death to the gypsies!" " They molested our women!" "Death to the gypsies!" "Silence!" "No-one in France can punish without the King's mandate!" " And long live the King!" " Long live the King!" "Thank you, my friend;" "we will never forget it." " It would've been a bad end..." " Yes..." "Why did they capture you?" "I apologise on behalf of my brother, Noble Knight, but we did nothing wrong." "We got drunk, is all..." "Why should a spot of robbery, a bit of fun, warrant such uproar?" "What if some hen did lose its way out of the hen house." "Or a couple get kicked during the argy-bargy..." "And a few mouthfuls of wine get spilt." " And what of my wife?" " My good man, I give her back." " Are you content?" " We are, my Lord..." "Return to your homes, good people." "Now go" " Go..." "Come along, Lancelot, we have lost too much time here already." " Let's catch up with the Knight." " Yes, let's go." " Sir Knight!" " What is it?" "Never let it be said that two gypsies parted from their saviour without thanking him." "What can we do for you?" " Do you know Chateauroux?" " It is near our land." " You own land?" " No, I meant Spain, we are Spanish." " How far away are we?" " A day's travel." " Then let's return to the village." "It's almost evening." "What are you saying?" "It would be awful back there, believe me!" "We are camped nearby, and my sister is a great cook." "Already I can smell the odour of the deer we killed this morning that Jitana is slowly roasting on the fire." "You have a very good nose to smell odour at this distance." "You aren't limited by distance in your dreams, my friend." "Don't let's delay further, my Lord, please come." "You are sure about these encroachments by the Arabs?" "Absolutely." "And they've been more frequent recently." "And reinforcements have been arriving at Achirro's camp." " You visit their camp?" " Yes." " We put on a show." "Who pays any attention to gypsies?" "Your information will be valuable to me." "By the way, what are your names?" " Excuse us, we haven't said." "I am Miguel, this is Juanito, my sister Jitana." "My compliments on the deer, it was cooked to perfection." " It was superb." " Thank you." "Her skills as a cook you have witnessed, but that is not all." "Let her read your hand, sir, for Jitana, the future has no secrets." "Let's get ready for the night." " Good idea." "Let me read your hand." " Why do you stare at me so?" " You resemble Archangel Gabriel, in the church of Our Lady of Pilar." "No, wait, let me see." "Love is close by; and an enemy, like a fire that burns, like a distant star in the night sky." "You will suffer... but you will also cause suffering." "And then?" "I see you have travelled much." "And I see, in the castle where you are going, there is betrayal." "Excuse me, but I do not believe in such things." "You are wrong." "What if I were to say... that a French soldier often visits Achirro's camp?" " How do you know this?" " I saw a vision of his back, in the tent of the commander." "Take care, my good Knight..." "I take account of your warning." "Many thanks, Jitana." "My Lord, are you sure that those at the castle... will believe I am the Count of Besancon?" "With my appearance?" "Be calm, the Duke of Chateauroux does not know me." "But it's not just the clothes that makes the Knight." "I have no choice, the disguise is necessary, if I am to pass unobserved, and expose the traitor that Jitana saw in the camp of the Arabs." "You are relying too much on me." "Enough, Lancelot." "You know the ways of the Court," "I've explained how to behave and what to say." "Take heart, everything will be alright." " Sir Knight!" " What is it?" "Someone is approaching at a gallop." "  Who are they?" " Armed Arabs." " What are they doing?" " Coming towards us." "There's no time to lose." " Follow us!" "Hurry!" "Four - five... and six." "We needed a bit of action." "We were getting stale." "Every so often some exercise doesn't hurt." " Well done, Count of Besancon." " The credit is Jitana's, that..." "I'm still breathing." " I want to see who fell from the horse." "Bravo, Jitana." "You are as courageous as your brothers." "It's a woman." "Count... a woman!" " But it's Suleima." " Suleima?" "Yes, the daughter of Achirro, the Arab chieftain." "This is better luck than I ever imagined." "Is she injured?" " No, only unconscious." "Quickly, let's get her into the wagon." "She's very beautiful, isn't she?" "We can use her as a hostage, for the rest of our journey." "We are now about halfway there." "Take this, my friends." "Your aid has been invaluable." "This isn't why we accompanied you, and fought for you." "The Arabs are trampling all over our land; and we hate them." "We should return this gratuity, but we don't wish to give offence, so we accept." "I am grateful to you." "Provided you allow us to accompany you to the castle." "You, Juanito, scout ahead and keep your eyes open." "Encounters in these parts are usually dangerous, so... it's best to be cautious." "Climb up, Jitana." "Let's get away from here." "Halt!" "Another band of Arabs on horses." "A lot of them." "Can we avoid them?" "No, they are in the clearing in front of the castle." " We can open a gap with our weapons." " Not this time." "Suleima is too useful as a hostage to risk losing her." " Leave it to us." "We'll see to it." " How can I reward you?" "I've told you, we hate Arabs." "Everything is in the price." "Jitana, you stay here, we'll see you this evening." " Wouldn't it be better..." " Do as I say." "Let's go." "It is stupid to surround the garrison of the castle, and not bother attacking." "If I were Achirro," "I'd know how to deal with these infidels." "Achirro is old, and you are a mighty warrior, the future is in the hands of Allah." "Ahmed, assemble the men." "Release me, you infidel dog!" "They have betrayed you, the cowards!" "Here's our chance, let's go!" "They are undoubtedly French." "Give the order to open up." "Very well, Sir." "Open the outer curtain gate." "Halt!" "Split up - you Ahmed, that way - you, to the left you two, this way - the rest, follow me!" "Forward!" "Royal Highnesses, I am Roland, Count of Besancon," "I bring you greetings from the most Christian King, your august parent, who is most anxious to embrace you again." "Welcome to the Castle of Chateauroux." "Sir, as I offer you my compliments," "I present you with this order signed by His Majesty, which puts the Royal children under my protection and authorises me to take the decisions that I deem necessary for their safety and their return to the Court in Paris." "The will of the King is also mine." "On the other hand, without knowing you in person," "I have heard of your fame as a valorous Knight," "Count of Besancon." "With your permission, I would ask that the prisoner be removed." "Take her to a cell; and ensure she is well guarded." "Take her!" "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "Gentlemen, you may retire." "Mademoiselle Annette, accompany the Royal children to their apartments." "Allow me to present to you Captain Gontrano," "Commander of my mercenaries." "I had to recruit him because we were sparsely defended and I feared an attack by the Arabs." " The Duke knows he can rely... on my sword, but he hasn't followed my advice." "Caution has prevented me from taking account of it." "The Captain wanted to take the Royal children out of the castle and send them to Paris with a strong escort, but the affection that binds me to my grandchildren, made me excessively fearful." "I could not take the risk, with the Arab forces at the border and the bands that surround us." "Sir, the capture of Suleima should remove your doubts." "Achirro will not dare attack us, if we leave the castle with her as our hostage." "I have already said that I know of your fame." "I also trust in your wisdom." "We depart tomorrow at dawn, with a strong escort." "Then you must take your rest, for you must be weary, my dear Count..." "also your squire." "I will accompany you to your apartment." "Here I am." "Ready?" "What are you waiting for?" "By Saint Dionysius!" "Do you mean to skin me alive?" "Fake Count of Besancon, and a real-life buffoon!" "By the way, Count, how did I get on?" "With Mademoiselle Annette?" "Excellently, she was impressed." "No, I meant... as you..." "playing your part." "In short, with the Duke." "Rest easy, you said your lines to perfection." "Best of all, it's a brief part." "Tomorrow I'll be back to myself." "Then again, I'll be sorry." "Really?" "I don't know what's wrong with me..." "I keep thinking of the Seine, so beautiful in the Spring..." "I dream of the food and drink of Paris... and yet I am sorry to leave here." "Ah, I understand you perfectly." "But it will pass... we will go home with the protection of God... and Suleima, of course." "Just so..." "Suleima." " Hey!" "Is all well?" " All is well." "The Duke has broached a cask of wine to celebrate the capture of Suleima." "Wet your lips with this nectar, my friend, if you want to brighten up your night duty." "Gladly." "Ah!" "Manners..." "We must drink a toast... in honour of our beautiful prisoner." "To your health!" "Captain!" "Come, quickly!" "If they have killed Suleima, woe to the infidels!" "I will put iron and fire into each village... within a hundred leagues!" "I will slaughter their women and children!" "Your anger is justified, Achirro, but your daughter lives, I am sure." "Her helmet was found next to the bodies of her escort, she'll have been taken prisoner." "I would suggest..." "Suleima!" "My father..." "Glory be to Allah, that He protected you." "And to Gontrano who brings her back to you, Achirro." " Come." " Wonderful to see you again, Suleima." "The infidels captured me, and he helped me to escape." "I will not forget this, Captain, when the Royal children of France are in my hands, you will receive your reward." " The Chateauroux estate?" "I cannot promise you that, but you will be rewarded, you have my word." "And now, tell me everything, Suleima." "We were galloping towards the castle, when..." "I have heard my lady is safe, that she is here!" " Yes, Faiza, but you can't go in." " One moment, just a moment." "Impossible!" " Oh please, let me go in." " Go wait in her tent." "Go." "How is he called, this envoy of the French King?" "Roland, Count of Besancon." "I fear he may impact our plans." "Not at all." "If I kill him, there would be no further need for you to storm the castle to get inside." "Here's what you should do, besiege the castle - overrun it!" "You know we don't have sufficient forces, nor... sufficient time for such a siege." "The aid of the Captain is not a guarantee of victory, so the arrival of the Count of Besancon perhaps indicates that the French King is feeling anxious about his children." "And so, it is the capture of that man, and not the fall of the castle, that will enable us to impose on the French our demands for territorial changes and humiliate those enemies of Islam who invaded the Levant." "Suleima?" "It is time for you to sleep." "Yes, my Father." "Goodnight." "Goodnight." "Your idea of eliminating the Count is good, but you will need be quick." "Trust in me." "Now I must return to the castle," "I would not like my absence to be noticed." "Goodnight." "No, you stay." "We have to talk." "My little one..." "I have cried many tears, as many as there are verses in the Qur'an." "Stop your tears, Nanny..." "give me a drink." "Who did this?" "Who struck you?" "Answer me, I must know!" "Speak!" "A..." "Averio." " All is well?" " Yes, Captain." " Did you remove the body?" " No." "Imbecile!" "Alarm!" "Alarm!" " What are you doing, squire?" " Suleima has escaped and the guard stabbed." " Escaped?" " Just so, Sir." " You, go and see!" "Did you hear, Count?" "Your squire says that Suleima..." "One moment, Sir." "What were you doing in the castle dungeons?" "By order of my Count, I checked if the prisoner was guarded." "It's as he says." "The man was dying, and he died in my arms." "The cell is empty, sir;" "and the guard is dead." "But before he died, he had the strength to say the name... of his killer." "This name is Averio!" " It's a filthy lie!" " Traitor!" " Stop that, Captain!" "Forgive me, but I hadn't imagined I had a renegade among my men." " Who are you working for?" " I am innoc..." " Speak!" "Torture will loosen your tongue!" " This is not right!" " Enough!" "Enough!" "If you please, Count, allow me to punish this traitor." " As you wish, Captain." " I am innocent!" " Guards!" "Let me go, I am innocent!" "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "No!" "No!" "No!" "Sir, what has happened?" "Averio has betrayed us, the prisoner has escaped." " Let me go!" " Let him go!" " Captain, what is going on?" " Nothing, just trust me." "Go." "Go?" "..." "No!" "No!" "Unfortunately this escape has upset our plans." "I think we should abandon the idea of leaving the castle." "I suggest..." " My Lord, Averio eluded me, he threw himself from the bridge, preferring death to torture." "Jitana was right, it's certain that Averio was in the pay of the Arabs, but it's possible there is another traitor within the castle." "There is danger hanging over us, Lancelot." "Over me, you really mean..." "Forgive me, but wouldn't it be better if I resumed my role?" "No, you said you liked walking in my shoes." "Very well, you will have to wear them for longer." "Now more than ever we need to maintain this fiction." "The escape of Suleima keeps us trapped here." "I will write a message to His Majesty, asking for reinforcements, and you will ask the Duke to dispatch it with a trusted man." "Perhaps one man alone can evade the enemy lookouts." "He escaped us." "He won't avoid the next ambush." "Move!" "Die, accursed one!" "Let this serve as an example to you all!" "Woe betide those who dare to rebel!" "Forward!" "Move along!" "Quick as you can, bring them to the camp!" "Forward, follow me." " Lead them to the other caves." " Very well." "Hurry along, be quick." "Step lively." "Thank you." "Thank you." " Is there anything for me?" " Take this." "Thank you." "By my faith, Mam'selle Annette, your care for the children is exceptional." " The fact is they delight me," "I would pay to have one." " Money is not important." " Count, you make me blush." " Forgive me." "It is love that has changed me..." "Next to you, I feel as if I really am what I seem to be." "What are you trying to say?" "Well, that I, a man of arms..." "I feel awkward.." "because I love you." " Enough now, Count," "I beg that we don't pursue this subject further." "But why?" "Is it because you object to it?" "That is not it, believe me." "There is too much distance between us." "Well, distances can be shortened." "Not those caused by differences in birth and in lineage." "You are the Count of Besancon, and I am a humble housekeeper." " And if I weren't the Count?" " But you are." "And if I weren't?" "Lancelot!" "Lancelot!" "Lancelot!" "Count!" " What's wrong, you look as if you've seen a ghost." " Yes, my own ghost..." " How so?" "It could now be my ghost wandering about..." " Lancelot, you've been drinking!" " If only that were so..." "They tried to kill me." "An arrow just missed me a little while ago." "Truly?" "Courage, Lancelot..." "Don't worry, the attack was meant for the Count of Besancon." "Yes, but just now I am the Count of Besancon." "And you will continue to be so." "I still need your help." "This attack proves that Averio was not the only traitor." "Before long we'll find the head of this dirty business." " Highness, where is Prince Philip?" " He is taking a rest." "But where have you been all this time?" "Those poor people..." "they lack everything." "They took up so much of my time." "Also the Count of Besancon, did he have need of your care?" " What do you mean, Highness?" " Come on, Annette, I saw you give him a rose." "Highness, this is not a proper subject for discussion." "This is between women, no?" "Tell me, are you in love with him?" "How could I fall in love with a nobleman?" "He is a man." "I know well what will be my destiny..." "I will not have the right to choose." "But you can." "Aah, I'amour." "You, here?" "I've often thought about you and your brother." "And Jitana?" " All free and safe." " Did you come with the refugees?" " No, Sir Knight... follow me, I have something to show you." " It's a secret passage." " Just so, I was chasing a hare and found this; it's not been used for a long time." "There is a lengthy tunnel, in some places it gets very low, as I've already discovered." " Let me see." "You lead the way." "Captain, two men are sick and another has been arrested..." "Later, later..." "This secret passage will be very useful for me, very useful..." "It took a demon like you to find it." "You run a great risk, my Lord." "Against traitors, courage is not enough, it would be better if Jitana, Juanito and I gave you some help." "I am grateful, my friend..." "For now, I need a horse always to hand here." " I will get it for you." " I thank you again." "Take this; and buy one that is fast and generous." "Oh... it'll be most generous." "Thank you, my Lord." "See you anon." "Annette!" "Annette!" "Annette..." "Annette." " Let me go." "No, Annette." "Now that I know you love me..." "Why do you make me suffer, Count?" "But which Count is the Count?" "I am only a squire." "The happiest squire in all the Universe." " You wish to joke?" " I have never been as serious as now." "I will tell you a secret - the Count of Besancon is Lancelot, but I am the real Lancelot." " Really?" "Yes, Annette, it is so." "Everything is in place, the armour is in the tunnel and the horse is close by the waterfall." "But someone will notice your absences." "Who is going to be interested in a squire?" " True, no-one notices a squire..." " I didn't mean to offend you." "Lancelot, the King will have received my letter by now." "While we wait for the reinforcements, I must... distract Achirro from the idea of a siege, by creating... uncertainty in his camp with my sorties." "So, stay calm." "Hurrah!" "Welcome to you, noble Knight, these are our comrades in arms." "Good news, Miguel." "Here are more men for your forest band." " Long live our liberator!" " Hurrah!" "Hurrah!" "Juanito, guide these wolf cubs to our lair." "I will follow." "Very well." "All of you, follow me." "We are many now, when will you give the order to act?" "Don't rush me, my friend." "It will soon be your turn." "I would like to know how many French prisoners Achirro has, where they are held, and the location of the camp guards." "I can let you know tomorrow." "The Arabs have a feast day and Juanito, Jitana and I will be there." "Water... water..." "Water... water..." "Too much time is being wasted!" "You must hasten to bring the Royal children to me!" "Also this mysterious Knight is hampering our plans and you aren't able to capture him, to kill him!" "Now he is becoming a legend." "The men think he is invulnerable, they are terrified of him!" "If only I could get at him with my sword, that coward!" "If I were you, I'd be more careful in what I said, he is an infidel, but a brave one." " You defend him?" " I believe he has courage." " What did I tell you?" "He has already become a legend." "And you, Captain, what have you discovered about him?" "Nothing yet, am I right?" " Don't be angry, Achirro." "It can't be anyone in the castle." "The only one with the fame to justify such deeds is the Count of Besancon, but he is under constant watch, and has never left the castle, nor has he the chance to do so." "Go..." "leave me alone!" "Calm yourself, my Father..." "A good haul, eh?" "Such magnificent horses!" "Get away, gypsies!" "Away with you!" "If Achirro were in some way to leave us," "I would take over the command." "I understand..." "I would not hesitate to give you the land Achirro denied you, if you were to help me." " And otherwise?" "Otherwise." "I will still capture the castle and I wouldn't give much for your head." "You make sense, a head without its body isn't worth much." "Mine is still on its neck, and there it will stay." "You can count on me." "I never doubted it, you always know..." "which way the wind blows." "See you soon, Gontrano." "Not like that, keep it low." "Are you ready?" "Now!" "Well done, here is where you must hit!" "Now, you." "Watch my move..." "The arrow is fitted like this." "No, higher up..." "Slot it in the centre." "No, use the other hand." "Now watch, see how the bow is held." "Ready..." " You're sure it was Gontrano?" " Basirocco called him by name." "I can believe it." "I return to the castle;" "that traitor will be punished." "Lord..." "Gontrano is not alone." "Wouldn't it be better if my brothers accompanied you?" "I thank you, but in these cases a Knight must rely solely upon his own sword." "Oh, my Lord." "I will suffer greatly if anything happened to you." "Keep it up!" "What do you want?" "Discontent is spreading through my men, they are tired of your policy of doing nothing." "Your men?" "I am the Commander of this camp." "No longer, Achirro, we have decided to replace you." "You dare to rebel?" "I, who represents the authority of the Caliph, will have your head cut off!" "Guards!" "Ahmed, gather the men to the centre of the camp." "You know what you need to do." "Strike me, then..." "what are you waiting for?" "I am a Christian Knight, I do not fight with women." "Again, you?" "It is destiny I should meet you with a sword in my hand, but God knows I would rather be at peace with you, Suleima." "Hear me, mighty warriors of Islam, heroes of so many victorious battles, the will of Allah hands me the thankless task... of giving you sad news." "The heart of our old and beloved leader, has failed unexpectedly." "Achirro is dead!" "Achirro is dead, but our grief... must not stop us, even for a moment, on our path towards victory." "You must choose for yourselves another leader, who can guide you with a firm and indomitable hand, in this war against the infidels." "We choose Basirocco as our leader!" "Hurrah, Basirocco!" "Be still." "When you aren't holding a scimitar, you become caring." "You are a strange squire, who fights like a Knight." "Who are you in reality?" "Roland of Besancon." "Now all is clear." "Your head is the trophy most desired by my Father." "You can take it easily, seeing the condition I'm now in." "And that is what I'm supposed to do." "But you cannot, is that right?" "You can't bring yourself to kill someone whom you have saved." "You owe me nothing, Suleima and so, if it's a feeling of gratitude that stops you..." "Why did you keep my necklace?" "Answer me!" "I understand the significance of a lady's favour on the armour of a Christian Knight." "Then you know I love you." "You cannot..." "your God divides us." "No, Suleima..." "He unites us, because His law knows no diversity of race or religion." " But my faith is different." "God is the same for all, Suleima." "If you love me..." "Don't say more." "Rest." "Here comes Suleima." " What has happened?" " Suleima, you who are as brave as the best of our warriors, now have need of all your courage." "Your Father..." " My Father?" "Assassins!" "Assassins!" "Curses on you!" "And it will be useless for you to try to escape, for you are under close watch." "Why don't you finish your work, assassin?" "What do you hope to gain, keeping me alive?" "It's up to you to decide." "Marry me; and consolidate with the marriage.. my authority.." "Never!" "Get out!" "Give her time to reflect, Basirocco, she is a woman... and there are many ways..." "to bend her to your will." "Let me dry your tears, Suleima, as I used to when you were a baby and your poor Mother entrusted you to me, while appealing to her God." "To her God?" "What do you mean?" "It is best that you know the truth now." "Your Mother was not of our people, she was a Spanish Noblewoman." "What are you saying?" "Achirro kidnapped her during a raid and made her his favourite." "You were born from that union, an outrage she always resisted." "She suffered so much that she died from it." "Then..." "I am the daughter... the daughter of an infidel?" "Men call God by so many different names, but perhaps..." "he is the same for all." "Someone told me the same thing, only today." "And you, why have you stayed silent for so long?" "I was afraid of Achirro; he would never have forgiven me." "Your Mother gave me this at the moment of her death." "When you were small, she poured water on your head from a font, mumbled some strange words and told me that, from that moment, you were Christian." "The symbol of her faith..." "Listen, a French Knight lies wounded in a cave in the woods, you must go to him." " But, Suleima..." "He alone can save us and you can leave the camp without arousing suspicion." "I'll tell you what you need to do." "I have to get back to the castle." "I have abandoned the Royal children to that traitor." "I need to free Suleima!" "Let me up!" "Calm yourself, Count." "Don't do anything stupid, Sir Knight." "Why did you get this woman to call on us... if you then don't trust us?" "The men are ready?" " All is as you organised." "Good, we will move tonight." "You stay here with him." "Let's go." "Think about getting well, Lord;" "leave the rest to my brothers." "This medicine is miraculous." "In 2 days you'll be your old self." "We gypsies know how to heal wounds." " Suleima?" " Don't fidget." "You think much about her, is it not so?" "They will free her, and your destiny will be fulfilled." "The lines on your hand don't lie... you will suffer, and cause others to suffer." " Is that where the stables are?" " Yes, don't you remember?" "Forward... in silence." "Alarm!" " Quickly, the horses." " Light the kindling." "You know what you need to do, be quick and effective." "He mentioned you while he was delirious, he was desperate to get you free." "The gypsies came and helped, as you requested." "It's the gypsy!" " Quickly, this way." " Alarm!" " Quickly!" " Let me go!" "Accursed one!" "Alarm!" "Guards!" "Stop them!" "My Mother poured water on my head from a font." "And baptised you." "Every Christian can do it, now nothing divides us." " I loved you, but I didn't want this to happen." "It felt as if I was betraying my people." "Now my people will be yours..." "We will live together, happily..." "Your hand is meant for caresses, not for weapons." "I will live in peace with you, Roland." "When all this is over, you will come to my land and be my wife, but first I must complete my mission, concern for the Royals haunts me." "And I must also punish Gontrano." " I will go with you to the castle and tell of his treachery." "Who else could do so?" "And then..." "I have felt anxiety for you." "I cannot just stay here waiting - and suffering," "I want you always at my side." "I can't wait any longer, by now Suleima will have reached the Caliph." "I have no other way..." "to justify my actions." "I must deliver the Royal children into his hands." "But I'm not certain we can overcome the castle garrison." "Take heed, Gontrano, time is my enemy." "If the Sun sets again without me in a position to answer the accusations of Suleima with the capture of the Royals... you will be a dead man... whether because you have been killed in the fighting, or because news reached the Duke of your treachery." "I'll play my part carefully, and hope I stay lucky." "Wait for me tomorrow in the Vallee des Faucons." "I'll be there." "At sunset..." " You can rely on it." "I don't know what to think." "Something must have happened." " Have faith, Lancelot, you'll see, he'll be back." " No..." "I've lost hope." "He's been missing for 5 days." "Why don't you confide in the Duke?" "It's the only thing to do, you can't just remain silent." "No, the Count would not approve." "And, if he is dead?" "These heroes risked their lives to get into the camp of Achirro, we must act upon their news before it is too late." "So, you say the Arabs are readying to attack us?" "We are sure of it." "They've been getting reinforcements, have a battering ram." "It will be easy to breach our gate." "But they must approach our walls, and we have archers, catapults and boiling oil." " Yes, but they have wooden towers to provide shelter for their advance." "Tell the Duke how many!" "Large numbers, my Lord." "One, in particular, is intended for the protection of the ram, and it alone contains 50 men." "That's why those ruffians are no longer living in the glade, they are all occupied in preparing for the attack." "This is the moment to send the Royal children to safety." "Now, or never!" "I am not afraid to go with the Captain." "Return to your rooms and tell Annette to prepare, it is best if you are ready." "You may go." "I am pleased, Sir Duke, that you are finally decided." "In truth, it is Count Roland who must make the decision, don't forget the King has given him full authority." " But then..." "  Sir Duke!" "You have arrived just as..." "Pardon me, but I am not the Count of Besancon." "I am his squire." "What does this mean?" "What is this intrigue?" "The Count had to identify a traitor who is among us!" "What did you say?" "Wouldn't it have been better if the others came with us?" " The garrison is loyal to the Duke, be assured." " Ready to go." "Too late, the Duke is dead." "My poor Lancelot." "He's alive?" " Yes, he's breathing." "God be praised." "The Royal children!" "Annette, can you hear me?" "What happened here?" "Annette, where are the children?" "They hit me... on the head." "Annette, where are the children?" " Gontrano has taken them." " Accursed one!" " How long ago?" " Not long." "A while ago." "Come on!" "Halt!" "I have kept my word, here are the Royal children." "No doubt about it..." "Take them away." "Now you must keep your promise." "Just so, now you own the lands of Chateauroux." "  Alarm!" " Attack!" "Majesty, they are all in the Vallee des Faucons." "Well, lead the way." "Forward!" "Follow me!" "Surrender!" "Surrender!" "We thank you, Roland of Besancon." "I knew I could count on you..." "We will all honour the memory of the noble and wise Duke of Chateauroux, who fell defending the heirs to our Throne." "Glory to him!" "Glory to him!" "Come forward, Count." "My brave Count, you have not only valiantly served your King," "but also reunited a father with his children." "Roland of Besancon, how can I show you my gratitude?" "I already have my reward, Your Majesty, for having served you, and for having met the woman I love." "The future Countess of Besancon." "A noble soul, regained to the faith of Christ." "Come forward." "For the good squire and the faithful Annette, we have established a fund that will allow them to marry." "Are you pleased?" "Come forward, you." "  Who, us?" "Yes, you." "This gold... is not an adequate sign of our appreciation, rather..." "I'd like to offer you employment at Court, in reward for your service." "Many thanks, Majesty, but we are gypsies and like the wind." "You are a great King, but can you imprison the wind?" "I understand..." "your realm has no boundaries, and I am only the King of France." "You make sense." "You can go." "Count of Besancon..." "Count of Besancon?" "Aah, I'amour!" "English subtitles:" "David Blake (2013)"