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The Lore of the Lee Penny
From "The Talisman"
The Talisman of the title of the novel actually had some historical basis. In the novel it is the amulet by which Saladin effects the cure of Richard the Lionheart and which he later presents to Sir Kenneth. The real amulet known as the Lee-penny had been obtained by Sir Simon Lockhart in a crusade and for a long time was preserved (and perhaps still is) in the ancient family of the Lockharts of the Lee in Lanarkshire. For centuries now the pendant has been the subject of superstitions, romantic and antiquarian interest. It is a roughly heart-shaped stone, set in an Edward IV groat that was used by many as a cure for human fevers and infections. Like other stones and amulets that have hailed from the east and the Lockerby and Black Pennies, the Lee Penny was only lent if a large sum was deposited for its return.
The novel focuses on the crusaders' camp in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade where the rivalries and dissensions of the various crusader leaders are tearing loyalties apart. The greatest leader, Richard the Lionheart, is ill and this has only accentuated the lack of resolve within the army. On a mission far from the camp, the poor Scottish crusader Sir Kenneth, or the Knight of the Leopard, comes across a Saracen emir with whom, after inconclusive combat, he enters into conversation; a friendship grows between the two. The emir is none other than Saladin himself. He manages to gain access to the Christian camp by disguising himself as the physician sent to Richard the Lionheart, whom he quickly cures. Sir Kenneth is entrusted to guard the banner of England during the night but he is lured from his post by Queen Berengaria, Richard's wife, who has an urgent message for him from Edith Plantagenet with whom Sir Kenneth has become enamoured. During his absence the English flag is torn down and his faithful hound wounded. Sir Kenneth is dishonoured and only escapes execution thanks to the emir who agrees to take him as his slave. Saladin treats Kenneth kindly before the knight returns to the camp disguised as a mute attendent; he manages to save Richard from assassination. Richard sees through Sir Kenneth's disguise but awards him the chance to find the man who wounded his hound and tore down the banner. As the forces march past the re-erected standard the hound leaps upon Conrade of Montferrat, and brings him down from his horse. A trial by combat is arranged between Conrade and Sir Kenneth which the Scottish knight wins. Afterwards Sir Kenneth is revealed to be Prince David of Scotland; his social status thus entitles him to pursue his union with Edith Plantagenet.