“Francesco, I know you are disappointed that my stay here was short. I would like you to have this to remember me by.”
“What is this?”
Fitz Walter extended his hand towards Francesco. “It is an amulet from Bute. Bute is where I live. There’s an ancient monastery there – Kingarth. This is from Kingarth. It is a very ancient amulet. It is Pictish.”
“What is Pictish?”
“A long, long time ago, in my land, there were different kingdoms. One of them was the Pictish kingdom. It has been gone for a very long time – so long that no one remembers its language or customs. This was given to me by the monks at Kingarth Monastery. The monks helped convert many Picts to Christianity. This was given to me as a reminder of my homeland and of my land’s ancient history. A reminder to me that I need to return home.”
“Won’t you need it for the rest of your journey?”
“No, laddie. Of that, I am sure. There are Templar lodges with many knights all the way from here to home. I have my brothers in arms to safeguard me now. So, this is yours if you will take it. But it comes with conditions.”
“Conditions?” Francesco was apprehensive.
“Yes. You must promise me that when you look at this amulet, you will remember that all creatures, big and small, friend and enemy, are God’s creatures.”
“I can do that.” Francesco’s voice reflected the relief he felt.
“There’s more. If you become a soldier, you must become a good soldier. If you become a silk merchant, you must be a good silk merchant. And when you become a man, you must be a good man.”
“I can do that, too.” There was true sincerity in Francesco’s voice.
Fitz Walter laid his hand on Francesco’s shoulder. “I enjoyed our time together, little man. Take care of your maman until your father returns. You are a fine lad, and I am honored to have met you.”
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