Arab countries -- Fiction; Crusades -- Fiction; Great Britain -- History -- Medieval period, 1066-1485 -- Fiction
Then they went back and watched the host break its camp, which it did
with no light heart, for many of them knew of the danger in which they
stood; moreover, the tale of Godwin’s vision had been spread abroad.
Not knowing where to go, they and Egbert, the bishop of Nazareth—who
was unarmed and rode upon a mule, for stay behind he would not—joined
themselves to the great body of knights who followed the king. As they
did so, the Templars, five hundred strong, came up, a fierce and
gallant band, and the Master, who was at their head, saw the brethren
and called out, pointing to the wineskins which were hung behind their
saddles:
“What do these water-carriers here among brave knights who trust in God
alone?”
Wulf would have answered, but Godwin bade him be silent, saying:
“Fall back; we will find less ill-omened company.”
So they stood on one side and bowed themselves as the Cross went by,
guarded by the mailed bishop of Acre. Then came Reginald of Chatillon,
Saladin’s enemy, the cause of all this woe, who saw them and cried:
“Sir Knights, whatever they may say, I know you for brave men, for I
have heard the tale of your doings among the Assassins. There is room
for you among my suite—follow me.”
“As well him as another,” said Godwin. “Let us go where we are led.” So
they followed him.
By the time that the army reached Kenna, where once the water was made
wine, the July sun was already hot, and the spring was so soon drunk
dry that many men could get no water. On they pushed into the desert
lands below, which lay between them and Tiberias, and were bordered on
the right and left by hills. Now clouds of dust were seen moving across
the plains, and in the heart of them bodies of Saracen horsemen, which
continually attacked the vanguard under Count Raymond, and as
continually retreated before they could be crushed, slaying many with
their spears and arrows. Also these came round behind them, and charged
the rearguard, where marched the Templars and the light-armed troops
named Turcopoles, and the band of Reginald de Chatillon, with which
rode the brethren.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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