The horde of mounted warriors surrounded Richard, Benedict and his riders, bringing their horses in to form a circle from which there was no escape. From their armour and the markings on their flags, Richard could tell that these were Saracens - soldiers from the armies of Salah al-Din. He raised his sword, ready to sell his life dearly if necessary. But, to his surprise, the leader of the Saracens unwrapped his headdress from about his face. "You are Richard of Warwick?" he asked in accented French.

Benedict glared at the warrior. "This man is a bandit!" he exclaimed, gesturing towards Richard. "I am bringing him to jus - !" However, his tirade was cut short as he was struck from behind by one of the mounted men.

The leader of the Saracens looked down at Richard. "I ask again - you are Richard of Warwick?"

Richard nodded. "Aye. That I am."

"Good! Then John of Chester sends his fraternal greetings, and asks that I escort his brother knight to safety. As for the rest of these ... ." The leader of the Saracens barked an order and his men closed in around Benedict and his followers, urging them away.

Richard lowered his sword, but held it ready in case of need. "Who do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

The mysterious stranger laughed. "You may call me Jamshid. Come. You will ride with us. Your companions are safe and wish to see you."

The Golden Knight felt a sense of cautious relief at the news. He took the reins of his horse and heaved himself into the saddle. "I am glad to hear that, Jamshid. But, you will forgive me if I am suspicious."

Jamshid nodded. "I understand. But we both have a common interest in justice being served. And these brigands," he glanced towards Benedict and his men, "deserve to be punished for their crimes. So - come." And, with that, he slapped the flank of his horse and started to ride towards the west. For a moment, Richard wondered what he should do. But, as Jashid's men followed their leader, Benedict and his followers accompanying them at spearpoint, Richard decided to follow.

By the time the sun had risen and the heat of the day was beginning to make itself felt, the group had reached a desert encampment. A cluster of tents had been arranged in the shade of a dry ridge, and a number of horses and figures were milling around it. As the riders approached, Richard heard familiar voices cheering. Jamshid looked back at him. "Did I not tell you that your friends were here?"

"Richard! Richard of Warwick! Here! Here!" John of Chester's voice rang clear above the others "So - Jamshid found you?"

The Golden Knight rode towards his comrade and dismounted. "He did." Then his joy at meeting his friend again was replaced by worry. "Are you alright? Are we prisoners? Did we rescue Sir Charles and Lady Elizabeth, only to bring them into another bondage?"

John clapped his arm around Richard's shoulders. "Not at all. We were fortunate enough to find these men. After I had explained our predicament to them, they were more than willing to aid us." John winked. "You know how persuasive I can be, eh?"

"You have a tongue like silver and your words could charm the birds from the trees themselves!" Richard exclaimed.

"It is a skill you should learn sometime, my friend. It has stood me in good stead in foreign lands."

Richard's expression became serious. "But what did you tell them?"

"I told them that Benedict had been waylaying pilgrims and robbing them, and that Sir Charles was one of his victims. Jamshid agreed that such a villain should be brought to justice. They too have had caravans attacked. It has been agreed that we shall take Benedict back to Acre for trial. May God have mercy on him."

Richard looked back over his shoulder. He could see Benedict and Gideon being stripped of their weapons and armour by Jamshid's men, before being bundled into the encampment. "Aye," he said. "May God indeed have mercy on them."