Sir Brian’s confession provides an example of the book’s occasional historical anachronisms; although secrecy, great wealth, and political ambition became the foundational charges against the Order when it was dissolved in the early 14th century (and have been the basis of countless conspiracy theories about the Templars well into the 21st century), little historical fact supports them. More importantly for the book and its claims, Sir Brian’s ambitions belie the organizing principles of chivalric virtue, point toward the Normans’ hunger for power and domination, and provide the basis for his feelings for Rebecca. In her courage and steadfast commitment to her beliefs, he sees a natural partner for his aggressive and avowedly ambitious plans.