The narrative unfolds in a historical setting during the Crusades, focusing on Sir Robert de Bouain, a knight in the service of King Richard of England. The story begins with the knights preparing for battle against the Saracens, led by Saladin. Sir Robert rides alongside fellow knights, discussing the elusive enemy and the challenges they face in the harsh desert heat. Tensions rise as they anticipate an attack, and the knights express their loyalty to their king while grappling with the realities of war. As the Saracens launch a surprise attack on the rear of the Christian forces, chaos ensues. Sir Robert, despite the King's orders to hold fast, decides to charge into battle to aid the beleaguered Hospitallers. He is joined by Sir Gaeton, a Gascon knight, and together they break through the enemy lines, rallying their comrades and turning the tide of battle. The narrative captures the intensity of combat, with vivid descriptions of swordplay and the camaraderie among the knights. In the heat of battle, Sir Robert finds himself isolated but continues to fight valiantly, ultimately coming to the aid of King Richard, who has been surrounded by Saracens. Their combined efforts push back the enemy, leading to a decisive victory for the Christian forces. The aftermath reveals the bond of loyalty between Sir Robert and King Richard, with the king promising rewards for his bravery. The story concludes with a twist, revealing that the entire battle was a simulation experienced through a virtual reality device. Sir Robert, now in a modern studio, reflects on the experience, critiquing the production while humorously noting the superior taste of the simulated cigarettes compared to reality. This juxtaposition of historical valor and modern technology serves as a commentary on the nature of war, loyalty, and the impact of commercialism on personal experience.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1967 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy