Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
The meeting between Edmund and the Saracen soldier at the well is a pretty brief moment in the overall story, but it packs a powerful punch. In a book filled with war and violence, the brief episode lets us see that the people on both sides of the battle are just that—people. And importantly, despite the fact that they're on opposite teams, Edmund sees this guy as a normal person, too, "a knight-at-arms, at his ease" (25.56). Okay, he's also worried that he's going to slit his throat, but he's willing to take a chance and be gracious rather than whip out his sword.
The Saracen and Edmund are able to have a little conversation despite not speaking the same language, a communication that highlights their shared humanity. When Edmund tries to explain that he and Hubert are not Frankish but English, the Saracen "showed nearly all his fine teeth. English, French, his gesture said, what difference?" (25.40). Touché.