The Last Templar takes place in modern day, and in 1291, shortly after the fall of Acre and the end of the Christian control of the Holy Land, through 1314, when it is believed that the last of the templars were executed. The side story in this novel, is of the young Martin of Carmaux, who is one in the dying order of the knights Templar. Martin sees his master, William of Beaujeu (one of the original 9 Templars) in his final hour, as he is fleeing Acre, as it is being swarmed by Saladin’s soldiers (the Muslim king of the Holy Land). He is sent on a perilous journey, and learns that he is soon condemned to die, after the order of King Philip IV to eradicate all of the templars. Since the Holy Land was lost, there is no use for the knights Templar, the protectors of the Holy Land. Soon all of Europe becomes aware of this. Martin, being one of the last Templars is often attacked because of his appearance. The flag of St. George represents Martin as a Templar. Since he is a Templar knight he wore armor with a Mantle of this flag. This goes to show his pride for being one of the last of the order, and being a protector of the holy land.
On his mission to try and redeem the Knights Templar, he is sent by his dying mentor to deliver a coded letter to King Philip IV. This is very symbolic because it is his last means to survive. He nearly dies trying to deliver the letter, and this shows how proud he is and how hard he is trying to save his order.
“ They were heading for the fortresses’ morrings. ” were are we going?” he called out. Aimard didn’t break his step. “The Falcon Temple” awaits us. Hurry.’ Martin stop in his tracks. His mind reeling in confusion. We’re leaving? “No” Martin yelled, “I will not desert our brothers, not now, not ever!” (5)
This passage shows how important the order is for him, and how bad he felt about leaving them to die in the final few hours of Christian control of the holy land.
The major struggle of Martin of Carmaux is that it is very hard for him to accept the fact the order of knights that so gallantly protected the holy land and served the king, was coming to a frightful close, and he is one of the last few. He needs to come to terms with the fact that his order is about to go extinct.
Martin transforms from a valiant, prestigious Knight, to a lowly peasant-serf. The order ends and his rank in society is reduced down to the bottom.
His relationship with his mentor Aimard of Villiers is the source of his determination to deliver the letter. It was his dying wish. Martin is guided through his journey by Aimard’s wisdom and perception. Despite said guidance, Martin is unfortunetly unsuccessful in his attempt, and the Letter never makes it to King Philip IV
“ They were heading for the fortresses’ moorings. ” where are we going?” he called out. Aimard didn’t break his step. “The Falcon Temple” awaits us. Hurry.’ Martin stopped in his tracks, His mind reeling in confusion. We’re leaving? “No” Martin yelled, “I will not desert our brothers, not now, not ever!” (5)
