The Talisman by Walter Scott. Short summary

5 seconds

Kenneth, a Scottish knight, is in love with Edith Plantagenet. Richard the Lionheart falls prey to the intrigues of the other crusaders and wants to execute Kenneth. But Saladin saves everyone and gives the lovers a talisman.

1 minute

Richard the Lionheart is ill in Palestine. The Master of the Templar Order wants to kill him.

Kenneth the Scottish knight returns to the crusader camp with Saladin’s physician, who, gives Richard a talisman that heals illness.

Count Conrad of Monferrat quarrels with Richard and the other kings. He tramples the banner of Austria into the ground and orders Kenneth to guard the banner of England. But Richard’s wife Berngaria jokingly delivers a letter to Kenneth on behalf of his Lady Edith Plantagenet, ordering him to abandon his post. He obeys, and the banner is stolen.

Richard wishes to execute Kenneth, but is saved by Saladin’s physician. He advises Kenneth to disguise himself as a slave and discover the truth. It transpires that Conrad has stolen the banner. Kenneth confronts him and wounds him. The healer reveals to Kenneth that he himself is Saladin.

The Templar master stabs the wounded Conrad to prevent him from revealing their plans to kill Richard. Kenneth marries Edith, and Saladin gives them the talisman.