The Talisman of the Knight Templar

Matt Turtledove

Summary

The story intertwines two main narratives. The first, set in a medieval historical context, focuses on the dramatic siege of Castle Legrad, where Count Miklós Zrínyi and his men resist the attacks of the infidels. When all seems lost, a mysterious Templar knight miraculously appears, bringing with him a talisman: a pin containing soil from the Holy Sepulchre. His presence proves salvific, and the count and his men survive, miraculously rescued by the imperial army.The second narrative unfolds in a more modern setting and revolves around Eleonora Danieli and Prince D’Annunzio. Eleonora, involved in an intense and adventurous relationship with D’Annunzio, finds herself drawn into a series of complex trials, culminating in the recovery of a pin stolen years before. The object, now in the possession of the antiquarian Barliàrio, is hidden inside the pedestal of a statuette of the goddess Laverna. After a series of stratagems and rising tensions, D’Annunzio manages to retrieve the pin, but the ending reveals a darker side: D’Annunzio subjects Eleonora to an extreme and degrading test that casts doubt on their relationship and feelings.

Available since: 06/04/2025.

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