Page 393 - Revelation

Svetlana de Rohan-Levashova. Revelation

Nevertheless, the Cathars held out. The fortress was almost inaccessible, and in
order to beseige it the Crusaders had to know the secret subterranean passages or
passable paths, which only the inhabitants of the fortress or the helpers from the
neighbouring settlement knew.

But, as usually happens, treachery came "to the stage"... The army of killer-
knights lost all patience, going mad from the irritating inactivity, and applied to the
church for help, which of course helped using its most reliable method – bribery. It
gave a considerable amount of money to a local shepherd to show the way to a
"platform" (the nearest ground where it was possible to place a catapult). The shepherd
sold himself, destroying his immortal soul... and the sacred fortress of the last Cathars.
It aroused my indignation so my heart began to pound with mad speed. Trying not
to yield to black despair, I continued to ask Sever as if I still resisted, as if I still had
enough forces left to look at this pain and barbarity...

– Who was Esclarmonde? Do you know something about her, Sever?
– She was the third, the youngest, daughter of the last seigniors of Montsegur –
Raymond and Corba de Pereille. – Sever answered sadly. – You saw them at the head
of Esclarmonde’s bed in your vision. She was a merry and tender girl loved by all. She
was bubbling and lively like a fountain... and very kind. Her name meant the Light of
the World, but all who knew her tenderly called her "flash", because of her seething
and sparkling temper, I think. But don’t confuse her with another Esclarmonde. The
Cathars also had their Great Esclarmonde, Lady de Foix.

Montsegur Capture Plan

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