Those who escaped the sea thought themselves fortunate and safe because Greeks on Cyprus were Christian. Instead, they were hauled before Isaac Ducas who ordered their heads forfeit, although they committed no wrong, but rather had journeyed in the name of God to cleanse the Holy Land. Yet through the grace of our Lord there was in Isaac’s service a Norman knight who felt distressed by this cruelty of the emperor. He rode hastily to where the pilgrims would suffer death and in the name of Isaac Ducas Comnenus he commanded those charged with execution to sheathe their swords. And because they knew him to be in the emperor’s service they obeyed. Then the knight addressed these pilgrims in French, bidding them hide themselves until the Messiah should come to their relief. And he begged them to pray for his soul because he knew Isaac Ducas would put him to death. Thus it happened. No more did Isaac learn of this perfidy than he ordered the knight’s head severed, which was done at once, willingly, because Greeks regard Franks as heretic and think God is pleased if they kill a Latin.
Also, that dromond carrying Lady Berengaria arrived at Cyprus. The master thoughtfully did not make port at Limassol but cast anchor some distance offshore, not wishing to hand up King Richard’s betrothed and his sister to the ruthless Greek who governed this island. Isaac Ducas sent gifts of ram’s flesh, bread, and Cypriot wine, which is alleged to have no match for quality anywhere on earth, and he urged the noble ladies to come ashore. They would not, which was prudent. According to Geoffrey de Vinsauf, this Greek surpassed Judas at treachery, Guenelon at treason, and wantonly persecuted any who professed the faith of our Lord. They say he was a friend of Saladin whose blood he tasted, as Saladin tasted his. Hence the dromond carrying these ladies rocked in the swells and waited. All on board kept watch for a glimpse of King Richard and wondered at the condition of his fleet while the ladies resisted Isaac Ducas by keeping him in suspense, responding to his importunities with ambiguous answers.
On the festival of Saint John two vessels appeared. Those aboard the dromond saw them black as two crows riding the summit of curling water. Now here came others and it was Richard and he put in quickly at the port of Limassol before the Latin Gate. By some accounts he landed peacefully and established camp among nearby gardens after being told that Isaac Ducas had fled to the mountains. Others claim that Isaac Ducas with a large army surrounded the port to engage King Richard, blocking up the entrance with obstacles of every sort, benches, ladders, doors and windows from houses, timbers, casks, ancient galleys, whatever might impede the landing. Perhaps, as some relate, King Richard leapt from a barge, sword in hand, knights and sergeants after him baying like dogs because he had learned of Cypriot peasants looting his broken ships, taking half-dead mariners captive, plundering bodies. They speak of a peasant who rifled the drowned body of Roger Catulus, found the royal signet and hoped to profit by selling it to the king. As to this peasant’s fate, old narratives are silent.
It is known that Richard despatched three monks with a message to Isaac Ducas.
I do not understand why you have abandoned Limassol nor why you avoid me. I am a pilgrim in the service of our Lord and am keen to speak with you. Let us consult on matters to your advantage.
Isaac Ducas replied that he would come and speak with Richard provided he got safe conduct. Therefore a rich Norman, William de Préaux, rode up into the mountains where Isaac welcomed him and gave him presents and comfortable lodging. When this knight returned to Limassol he said that Isaac would bring his army and bivouac two leagues distant at the village of Kolossi. After which he would visit the king.
Richard chose a few men with dependable swords and tongues he trusted. Then out on the plain he rode, riding a mettlesome Spanish charger with high shoulders and pointed ears, long neck, matchless thighs, limbs so perfectly marked that no artist could imitate them. They say this animal would not be checked, by the alternate motions of its tense body seeming first to advance on hind feet, now on fore feet. Richard’s saddle glistened with red and gold spangles intermingled, across the hinder part two rampant gold lions challenged one another, reaching toward each other, mouths opened wide to devour. The king himself was handsomely dressed, wearing a rose-red vest ornamented with silver crescents that winked in the sun. His spurs were gold. The handle of his sword was gold, the mouth of the scabbard latched with silver. On his head a scarlet hat adorned with needlework cleverly depicting sundry birds and beasts. Thus accoutred he bounded into the saddle. Out he went to the plain where his tent was pitched, there to await the Greek.
When he saw Isaac Ducas riding toward him he left his tent and walked as far as a man could throw a stone. Then the emperor of Cyprus dismounted and bowed numerous times. King Richard also bowed. So they went into the tent where they seated themselves on a bench draped with silk. Richard by means of an interpreter addressed Isaac Ducas.
I am astonished that you, a Christian who well knows how Turks desecrate the Holy Land, have sent neither aid nor counsel to your brethren. Even now, with Acre besieged, you fail to help. Your hostility seems apparent because you oppress and injure many who come to assist those in need. Therefore I require you on behalf of God to make amends. I require you to come in person to the siege of Acre, bringing as many knights
