The Talisman

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The Talisman, published in 1825, is set during a truce in the third Crusade between Christian armies and Sultan Saladin's forces. Sir Kenneth, on his journey to Syria, encounters a Saracen Emir, whom he unhorses. They ride together to the cave of hermit Theodoric of Engaddi, who is in contact with the pope and sends Sir Kenneth with secret information. After being refreshed, Kenneth witnesses a chapel procession where he sees Lady Edith, the object of his devotion. Meanwhile, King Richard Coeur de Lion falls ill, and a Moorish physician, who previously healed Kenneth's squire, offers to cure him. After a consultation, the physician uses a talismanic potion to restore Richard's health. However, Conrade of Montserrat, seeking to undermine Richard, incites Leopold of Austria to plant his banner beside England's. When Richard awakens, he reacts fiercely to this provocation. Kenneth is tasked with guarding the English standard but is distracted by a summons from Lady Edith. During his absence, the banner is stolen, and his dog is injured. Overcome with guilt, Kenneth is advised by the physician, who suggests seeking Saladin's protection. Despite his resolve to confront Richard about the Sultan's intentions, Kenneth faces a death sentence but is ultimately spared by the intercession of the hermit and the physician. Disguised as a Nubian slave, he later saves Richard from an assassin and offers to uncover the thief of the standard.