First Saladin attacked from the west between the gates of Sts.  Stephen and of David, but here stood strong fortresses called the Castle of the Pisans and the Tower of Tancred, whence the defenders made sallies upon him, driving back his stormers.  So he determined to change his ground, and moved his army to the east, camping it near the valley of the Kedron.  When they saw the tents being struck the Christians thought that he was abandoning the siege, and gave thanks to God in all their churches; but lo! next morning the white array of these appeared again on the east, and they knew that their doom was sealed.

There were in the city many who desired to surrender to the Sultan, and fierce grew the debates between them and those who swore that they would rather die.  At length it was agreed that an embassy should be sent.  So it came under safe conduct, and was received by Saladin in presence of his emirs and counsellors.  He asked them what was their wish, and they replied that they had come to discuss terms.  Then he answered thus: 

“In Jerusalem is a certain lady, my niece, known among us as the princess of Baalbec, and among the Christians as Rosamund D’Arcy, who escaped thither a while ago in the company of the knight, Sir Wulf D’Arcy, whom I have seen fighting bravely among your warriors.  Let her be surrendered to me that I may deal with her as she deserves, and we will talk again.  Till then I have no more to say.”

Now most of the embassy knew nothing of this lady, but one or two said they thought that they had heard of her, but had no knowledge of where she was hidden.

“Then return and search her out,” said Saladin, and so dismissed them.

Back came the envoys to the council and told what Saladin had said.

“At least,” exclaimed Heraclius the Patriarch, “in this matter it is easy to satisfy the Sultan.  Let his niece be found and delivered to him.  Where is she?”

Now one declared that was known by the knight, Sir Wulf D’Arcy, with whom she had entered the city.  So he was sent for, and came with armour rent and red sword in hand, for he had just beaten back an attack upon the barbican, and asked what was their pleasure.

“We desire to know, Sir Wulf,” said the patriarch, “where you have hidden away the lady known as the princess of Baalbec, whom you stole from the Sultan?”

“What is that to your Holiness?” asked Wulf shortly.

“A great deal, to me and to all, seeing that Saladin will not even treat with us until she is delivered to him.”

“Does this council, then, propose to hand over a Christian lady to the Saracens against her will?” asked Wulf sternly.

“We must,” answered Heraclius.  “Moreover, she belongs to them.”

“She does not belong,” answered Wulf.  “She was kidnapped by Saladin in England, and ever since has striven to escape from him.”

“Waste not our time,” exclaimed the patriarch impatiently.  “We understand that you are this woman’s lover, but however that may be, Saladin demands her, and to Saladin she must go.  So tell us where she is without more ado, Sir Wulf.”