• Vol. 01
  • Chapter 09
Image by

(Letter from Richard 1 to Saladin)

Red and black

It is time to bring this killing to an end.
Let us meet and draw up a peace treaty.
We can discuss the details over
a game of chess. I’ve heard your skills
on the board are as fine as those
you employ on the battlefield.
I think we are like-minded men,
both feared and respected in our lands.
Red or black, I will let you choose
I am always a fair man.

But you must know that in my chest
beats the heart of a lion.
I do not accept defeat and I will never
relinquish our holy city of Zion.
But perhaps we can share its rule in some way.

Come, let us now wash the streets
with rose water not blood.
What do you say?

1