King Richard and the Crusaders

A Castelaine knight whose loyalty to Richard is tested by intrigue and jealousy. He earns the king's respect by aiding in the desert transport and by guarding the flag, but a confrontation with Ilderim and Edith strains his position. Ultimately, his strategic warnings help avert disaster, and Richard forgives him.

The Lionheart who plans bold campaigns against Saladin but becomes embroiled in courtly plots. He distrusts his own knights at first and banishes Kenneth after a dramatic duel, yet later forgives him when Kenneth helps reveal the Castelaine scheme. His leadership frames the conflict and the fragile peace that follows.

A Castelaine supporter who engineers an assassination plot to weaken Richard and advance his faction. His scheming aims to frame the enemy and seize control, illustrating the ruthlessness of internecine politics during the Crusades.

Edith, a relative of Richard who becomes the object of Kenneth's affection. She is drawn into the political web, and her potential marriage to a Muslim leader is presented as a path to peace. Her presence anchors the romantic and diplomatic tensions of the story.

The Saracen ruler who plays a central role in negotiating truces and guiding the war toward a less destructive outcome. He masks his own physician's role to heal Richard and test loyalties, demonstrating strategic mercy and a desire for stability.

A faction within the Castelaine knights pushing for power through deceit and force. Their attempts to overthrow Richard drive much of the plot and escalate the conflict between the two sides.

A physician sent by Saladin who heals Richard and acts as a bridge between enemies. He eventually reveals that he is, in fact, Saladin in disguise, making him a pivotal figure in the alliance that forms against the Castelaine plot.