The next couple of days were spent by The Trust at the inn. They had decided nothing else could be done about Scarlet, he would either do the deed or not. Ahmed, felt sure he would comply, as did Jebe. There had been no reports of a death at the Palace circulating at the inn and they all knew, word of such a deed travels quicker than plague. Meanwhile Ahmed had arranged a meeting at his house that evening with Gilbert Horal, 12th Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar, the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. It was decided Jebe and Sholoi would attend at the house. Both men had attributes ideally suited to the task, Jebe, because of his knowledge of religions and Christianity and Sholoi because of his grasp of many languages.
Later, when the two men arrived, they immediately noticed four Knights Templar standing near the door. The men were chatting quietly amongst themselves but seemed alert but relaxed. This time the trapdoor slid to one side before they knocked and the door silently gave way to admit them before a word was uttered. Jebe noted their approach must have been observed from an upper window and the news relayed to the sentinel at the door. The courtyard was ablaze with torches which cast a warm friendly glow over the scene. The fountain made a pleasant and reassuringly contented sound as the two men entered. They were taken to an area where Ahmed and his two guests were already seated. Ahmed embraced both men as if long lost friends and introduced them both to Gilbert Horal, who was a lean muscular man with an honest, open, yet keen face. Brother Simon was already there and was constantly beaming at everyone.
"It is such a pleasure to take tea and sweet meats in the home of such a friend," said Gilbert to the assembled company as he made a complimentary sweeping gesture of his right hand towards his host.
"Indeed, it is an honour and a privilege to have such an important personage as yourself as a guest in my humble abode," said Ahmed as he gave a half bow of deference to Gilbert. With that the five men took their seats. Servants silently appeared, efficiently carrying many small platters of delicacies. Jebe noted the arrival of the ever present tea and a glass bottle containing ruby red liquor which seemed to cast glorious crimson shadows in the flickering of the torches. The bottle was highly decorated with etched symbols, all meaningless to Jebe, but he judged they were of the finest quality as were the two silver goblets which were also placed on the table, one for Brother Simon and the other for Gilbert. Ahmed did not drink wine and such drinks rarely passed the lips of Jebe and Sholoi. Drinking of alcohol was not banned but was discouraged within the Khan's Empire. Ahmed had told Gilbert they would be joined by two of his trading friends from the Mongolian Empire he had explained they were people with much influence in the court of Temujiin. Brother Simon, between mouthfuls of the sweet meats kept everyone amused with his wild tales of travelling the highways and bye-ways of Europe.
The conversation between the five men proved to be convivial, pleasant and intelligent and covered many subjects. Gilbert was very inquisitive about the Mongol Empire and the lands which were beyond it in the East. Jebe decided to let Ahmed judge when the time was propitious to turn the conversation to the things they wished to discuss.
"The gossips say relations are going from bad to worse between the two Orders," said Ahmed while pouring more wine for the good Brother and the Grand Master.
"Who are these gossips?" asked Gilbert with a smile on his face, "I hope you did not pay for the information you old rogue," he winked at the Arab. "I'm afraid the tales told in every whore house and Inn across Acre are sadly, correct. The Hospitallers are proving to be awkward. Personally I blame my predecessor, that idiot Robert de Sable," said Gilbert piercingly as he paused to take a drink.
"I hear he has left the chests of the Templar's quite empty for you, Gilbert," said Jebe, casually as he reached across the table for more food.
"The bloody fool spent money like water, it is a good job he was Grand Master for only a year or so or else we would be as poor as those we try to help!"
Jebe judged this to be the time to strike. "My Lord Temujiin would be happy to help the Order in their fight against your enemies Gilbert," he said, as he looked the Grand Master in the eye. "The Empire is very powerful and very rich. We have very long arms which stretch into all the dark corners of the world." He let these words sink in before continuing. "There is nothing we can't achieve, if we set our minds to it." At this point he leaned slightly forward and held the gaze of Gilbert Horal, "Our friends become friends for life and our friends' enemies also become our enemies," said Jebe. Leaning back in his chair he then carried on almost casually, "We could provide you with enough gold and silver to mount another crusade and more importantly to win it."
The minutes passed in silence, only broken by the sound of the five men drinking and eating. "Why would the Great Khan want to help the Order of the Knights Templar?" asked Gilbert, looking Jebe directly in his eye.
"Because we know the interests of the great dynasties and houses of Europe and those of the Church of Rome lie in a wish to settle for peace, but it must be a peace which includes the Christians taking Jerusalem." Jebe was about to continue when Sholoi, who had been silent up until now interjected, "At the moment Jerusalem is not in your hands and you have a truce of sorts, but all the while your enemies are at your very gates, all you are doing is quarrelling amongst yourselves while they grow in strength. If they should drive you completely from this land, they will not stop there and they will then turn their attentions to their eastern frontiers and we do not want a war there with them, so it is prudent and makes sense for us to help you finance your crusade. Your winning is in everyone's better interest. You are the man who could change the destiny of nations."
Jebe became nervous when Sholoi had started talking, but immediately saw the way the conversation was being led and recognised the sentiment appeared to appeal to Gilbert. For the Grand Master of the Knights Templar to be enabled to raise and lead a fully funded, equipped and refreshed army on the final, last, victorious crusade would enshrine and glorify himself and his families honour along with the name of the Templar's forever.
The Pope would have no choice but to support their future actions. Importantly, the Hospitallers would have to acknowledge them as the one true Order. Jebe was stunned how Sholoi was able to plant this thought in Gilbert's mind so easily and in one deft stroke, Sholoi was fast becoming a political animal!
"How do I know you are who you claim to be? That you can do the things you imply, that you have the power you say, that the wealth you hint at is yours to give? This land is ruled by both the King of Jerusalem and the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, not by Temujiin. I am one half of this simple statement. You need to prove yourselves to me before I will continue with this conversation."
Jebe asked Gilbert Horal if he could talk privately with his friends.
"Of course you may, but you had better think of something to impress me by the time I return." Gilbert arose and left the courtyard to empty his bladder.
The four men hurriedly conferred, this was no time to prevaricate or discuss. A plan was hatched there and then to convince Gilbert of their potency. All thought it was a gamble, but never the less agreed it was the only way forward. They surmised General Subutai would have approved of its audacity and boldness; he often told them the first plan made in haste on a battlefield was often the right one. Still, Jebe was not sure what Temujiin would think. Gilbert sauntered back and took his seat. He was secretly pleased to see the men had come to some sort of decision. He knew as the Grand Master, he was cleverer than any of the others and by calling their bluff he would force their hand to either end this stupidity or prove once and for all they were the men they purported to be, men with a power which he could utilise.
"My friends and I have thought of two ways of providing proof of our sincerity." Jebe paused for effect and then continued. "We know we will have only one chance to show you, so here is what we plan to do. Firstly, you told us this land is ruled by two men. Within three days it will be ruled by one."
Gilbert immediately sprang to his feet and demanded, "What are you saying!"
"We are not playing a child's game with you for tavern stakes Gilbert. We are serious, deadly serious. This involves empires, nations and thrones. You can be a part of this, or not," declared Jebe.
Ahmed motioned to his guest to sit. Gilbert did as he was summoned. This was not going to plan he thought. If these people were truly who they say, they are not playing games at all. To kill the King of Jerusalem, under his, Gilbert Horal's very nose, under the very noses of the Order and under the noses of Henry of Champagne's own guard was unthinkable. But here in this room these strangers have not only thought the very idea but have told him in advance of their intended actions. Bold indeed.
"Impossible!" Gilbert spat impatiently.
"Gilbert, I said there were two things we would do to prove our worth to you," said Ahmed in quiet reasoned tones. He slid a folded piece of paper across the table until it came to rest by the hand of Gilbert.
"What is this, more lies and boasting?" he asked incredulously.
"Open it and read," said Brother Simon calmly.
Gilbert opened the folded paper and read the contents. His faced visibly blanched. Laying the paper on the table in front of him he repeated, "This is also impossible," said Gilbert, his world being rocked to its very foundations. "This can't be," he uttered.
"What you are holding there is a Note of Hand from the treasuries of the Great Khan to your Order. We know the eleventh Grand Master, Robert de Sable had depleted your Orders coffers in buying the island of Cyprus from King Richard, the English King, for 25,000 silver marks. As a gesture, here are those 25,000 silver marks for your Templar treasury. The Emperor Temujiin has given you all the money your Order paid out for the island. In effect he has given you the gift of the island of Cyprus."
The only sound to be heard in the courtyard was the gently soothing gurgles and splashes from the fountain cooling the warm evening air as they fell. Gilbert picked up the paper once again and studied it. He held the Note of Hand as if it would disappear in a puff of smoke.
"These two things we do, to show you our good intent. Give the document to your treasurer and he will know how and where to redeem it," said Jebe. "If you act quickly, the silver will be in your treasury before Henry dies."
Gilbert got to his feet uncertain as to what he should say or do next, "I will await the future," said Gilbert as he scooped up the piece of paper and left the house.
The four men gave a sigh of relief as he left the building and they all thought the plan had gone quite well. They knew he would not be able to resist the money and although he appeared appalled at the promise of the death of the King of Jerusalem it was noticed he did not oppose it too violently. The Trust knew this would mean Gilbert alone would control Acre and the Holy Land. Giving him time to court a successor and maybe even find his own candidate. The Templars could then begin to manipulate this whole scenario to their own ends throughout the Royal Courts and great houses of Europe. They all agreed it was a very good night's work until Brother Simon reminded them the eventual fate of the Mongol Empire and their entire plan may well rest in the hands and the heart of one very small and frightened servant. They knew John Scarlet was a gambler. But his gambling was nothing compared to the gamble The Trust had just taken. All bets were now on the Dwarf.