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Thread: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!) Complete + Behind the Scenes

  1. #121
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    This is an exciting battle, indeed! It looks like the High Lord and the First Prince will be tested as never before. I certainly enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!

  2. #122
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    This is an exciting battle, indeed! It looks like the High Lord and the First Prince will be tested as never before. I certainly enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next!
    Many thanks! It was a sort of brainwave, so in a manner of speaking I am grateful for it too lol. More twists to come in the next few updates

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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Character List

    High Lord Jean de Brienne the Honourable – King of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Marie de Lusignan – Wife of High Lord Jean, Queen of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Lord Jean de Brienne – First Prince of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, War Council Member
    Joan de Brienne – Wife of Lord Jean, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Henri de Lusignan – Close friend, cousin and later brother in law to Lord Jean
    Yolande de Lusignan – Older sister of Lord Jean, wife to Henri de Lusignan, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Baudouin de Brienne - Younger Brother of Lord Jean, Second Prince of Jerusalem


    Bohemond de Poitiers the Chivalrous – Count of Tortosa, War Council member
    Melisende de Lusignan – Wife of Bohemond de Poitiers

    Jean d’Ibelin – Prince of Acre, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Melisende – Wife of Jean d’Ibelin
    Balian d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Jean d’Ibelin

    Philip d’Ibelin – Duke of Nicosia, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Alix – Wife of Philip d’Ibelin
    Jean d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Philip d’Ibelin


    Lord Tigel de Linus - Commander of Jerusalem's garrison, its Master-at-Arms, and Adviser to Lord Jean
    Cardinal Reynaud - Presiding Cardinal in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Adviser to Lord Jean
    The Constable of Jerusalem
    Sir Raimondo - The First Prince's bodyguard Captain
    Alvaro - One of the First Prince's bodyguards
    Foucaud – Spymaster
    Gaston de Rocafolio – Spy
    Colin – Diplomat
    Gautier Corbet – Diplomat
    Pierre Dupuy – Diplomat
    Denethor the Second – Court jester/fool
    Chirgeon – Stable Master in Jerusalem
    Paragon – Treasurer on the Council of Nobles
    Sir Anduril – Hospitaller Knight
    Robert de Quar - Apprentice scribe to the Royal Chronicler
    Stefano - A mystery...for now



    CHAPTER TWENTY THREE


    From the Perspective of High Lord Jean, King of Jerusalem, The Town of Al Aqaba, 1237 AD.

    Many a Saracen had fallen to my blade and to those of me retinue, but still more rushed forth from the city square. Do these bastards have a death wish? The Templar spearmen were holding their own, but the rest of my militia and crossbowmen were getting slaughtered. The enemy weren’t local militia as I had expected, but the Sultan’s own semi-professional army. Curse the sun that shines on this disgrace.

    An onrushing Ayyubid spearman broke through the right flank and charged straight at me, roaring obscenities and interrupting my self-condemnation. One of my bodyguards took care of him, but more were on the way.

    Suddenly, sounds of fighting could be heard from outside the gate. “Get some men up on the walls; see what’s going on out there!” A few crossbowmen scrambled to obey, more than happy to get out of the fierce melee. Yet another Saracen infantryman ran at me and hewed his spear at my face, compelling me to turn and face him with much irritation. A block with my shield and a quick thrust to his unprotected left side sent his lifeless body crumbling to the ground.

    A crossbowman stuck his head out over the walls. “My King! The Templars have arrived!”

    My son. Damn you, Raimondo, I said keep him safe.

    The wooden doors broke apart, falling inwards with a mighty thud, revealing Raimondo atop his horse, which was rearing up and neighing incessantly. “Good boy.” Raimondo remarked, patting his mount on the head. “What?” He asked as I gazed incredulously at him. “Horses are stronger than men.”

    Even as men on both sides fell not fifty feet away from me, I extended my hand and grasped Raimondo’s tightly. “Well done. What’s the situation? I trust you didn’t leave my son alone?”

    Raimondo shook his head and gestured to the rear, where Jean had just arrived…with a clean sword. I frowned. Raimondo coughed awkwardly. “We engaged Ayyubid light cavalry trying to reinforce the doors, my King. They retreated in good order, I’m afraid, with light losses. Our Templars cannot hope to chase them down, so I have them guarding the area. The enemy also launched an attack with heavy cavalry on our siege machines back at the encampment, but the spearmen there drove them off with few casualties. Now would be a good time to pull out, if you don’t mind me saying so.”



    I glanced around, where nearly a hundred of my men lay dead or dying. “No, I don’t disagree.” I barked out orders for the captains to begin an orderly retreat out of the town, when the Saracens abruptly broke contact and started heading towards the town square, to the tune of one long blast of a horn. “They must be tired of throwing themselves onto our spearwalls.” One of my retinue remarked, blood smeared all over his helm and breastplate. “Probably retreating so that their own ballistae won’t hit them when they fire.”

    I concurred. But I wouldn’t leave town until the last of my men had exited the gates. However, before even a tenth of the remaining crusaders had marched out of the gates, a terrible shout rang out from in front of me.

    “King of the Crusaders, will you hear me?”

    All action ceased as everyone turned to face the speaker. It was the Sultan himself.

    “SHIELDS! DO NOT LOWER THEM!” Raimondo yelled, and the men hastened to obey. My bodyguards formed up close to me, and after I was amply surrounded I urged my mount forward
    hesitantly . The Sultan stood with only his own retinue, and was similarly protected as I was.

    “Assalamu Alaikum. I have come to parley, King of Crusaders.”

    “Like you did with these men?” Jean shouted. For a moment I’d almost forgotten he was here. “Have Lord Jean escorted back to the encampment.” I whispered to Raimondo, even as the Sultan smirked.

    “Men on both sides have died today, dear soldier. And I’m pretty certain it was you who initiated the attack.”

    A jolt of anger shot through my body, but a King does not throw a tantrum in front of his men. So I took a deep breath before replying. “Spoken from the man who orders ceaseless raids into my territory. We can trade barbs all day, or we can actually talk. Unless you didn’t want to in the first place.”

    The Sultan shrugged. “We are at war, are we not? But yes, enough of this pointless jabbering. Withdraw your men from the town, and I will do the same. Then we meet at the town square. What say you?”
    “My King, this is a bad idea.” Raimondo urged me. “Pray, let us pull back and regroup.”

    Minutes passed as I considered the Sultan’s offer. Although a most hated man of my people, he didn’t have a reputation for being dishonourable or treacherous. In the end, I supposed it wouldn’t hurt to have a discussion with the leader of the Ayyubids himself. There were many questions I wanted to ask.

    “Agreed.” I shouted over.

    “Very well.” The Sultan replied. “Be at the town square in ten minutes with only your personal retinue. If you leave anyone else in town, I shall know. Do not betray my trust.” With that, he spurred his mount towards the town centre, his bodyguards hot on his heels.

    “I know you don’t approve, but do as I say. Move all our men outside town. Right outside the gates, ready to enter at a moment’s notice. The signal will be two quick horn blasts. The Sultan said outside town, but he didn’t specify how far outside.” I raised my voice. “Bodyguards, on me. Raimondo, take half of Jean’s bodyguard and head back to the camp. The rest of them, with me. I don’t intend to ride there outnumbered.”

    My voice left no room for protest, but a few of my men clearly didn’t agree with my decision. Nevertheless, they filed out of the gates in good fashion. “To me, then.” Without any further deliberation, I rode quietly but quickly to the town centre, wondering if I was making a mistake after all.

    **

    To my utmost surprise, it was deserted, just as the Sultan promised. I didn’t have to wait long before the Sultan himself arrived. There were about fifty of us in the town square, and I had roughly six or seven more bodyguards than he did. We both eyed each other, sizing our opponent up.

    “You’ve brought more men than I did. Do you fear a trap?” The Sultan began, his voice soft yet slightly mocking.

    “I would be a fool not to.” I rebutted. “You’ve been responsible for our wars since the time of my father, High Lord Amaury. Perhaps you remember him? An old man of sixty when you ran him through at Kerak.”

    The Sultan started to choke, but it was only after his fit lasted for a few seconds that I realised that he was laughing. “That man was your father? During his reign, the crusaders lost Edessa, Antioch, Krak des Chevaliers and many other minor holdings and fiefs. Your father was a weak King.”

    “And you will soon discover that I am not.” I spat. “Now speak what you want, and be quick about it.”

    The Sultan nodded. “As you wish, King of the Crusaders. I will be blunt. Why did you call for a crusade on Gaza after all these years? We had a truce, and you broke it.”

    Another wave of vexation coursed through me, but just like before, I stifled the urge to lash out there and then. “Before I answer that, mighty Sultan, why don’t you tell me why you had two boys assassinated at their coming of age ceremony? Legends of your 'chivalry' have been spreading throughout my Kingdom since that occurred. And you wonder why I decided to attack?”

    The Sultan did not reply immediately. “I…ordered no such thing. Believe it or not, murdering teenagers before their coming of age is a grave affront to any true man from my religion. I am sorry for your loss.”

    “Save your lies, for I am not swayed.” I replied, a scowl forming on my face. “You expect me to believe that a Saracen was not responsible for the deaths of my Kingdom’s nobility?”

    “It may have been a Saracen, King of Crusaders, but it was definitely not one of mine. At least, not under my orders. If you must know, my own kin were targeted by assassins as well. After which, there was immense pressure from members of my court to break the truce with your Kingdom myself. Frankly, I wanted to ask if you were behind it. But I suppose I now know the answer.”

    “The Knights of the Crusades do not stoop to lowly assassination attempts. If we want someone dead, we ride out and do it ourselves.” Some of my retinue let out grunts of approval, but most were silent, their hands gripping their pommels tightly. Well trained, and an honour to ride into battle with. But will there be a battle in the minutes to come?

    “Not everyone is as virtuous as you think, King of Crusaders. But I think it’s time we consider the possibility that we have been played. Someone in your court, or mine, wants us to be at war. For what reason other than our decades of enmity I cannot fathom, but let me be clear – the royal family of the Ayyubid Sultanate does not want war. We are currently occupied with the Turks, as I assume you are. I rode here as quickly as my horse would allow once I heard you had left Jerusalem and gone on a warpath to Al Aqaba. I was hoping against hope that you would somehow desire peace once again.”

    There was a commotion at the north gates, but I paid it no heed, assuming that the men I left there would take care of it. This negotiation had taken quite the unexpected turn. “Peace? Is this a joke? Why wait till now to extend this olive branch? Couldn’t you have sent a messenger before the battle began? YOU lured me into this town with the smoke and your feigned disorder."

    The Sultan raised his hand. “When I arrived, the battle had already begun. It was I who gave the order to withdraw my men. Contrary to popular belief, good plans aren’t thought of by notable generals or leaders alone. This particular stratagem was thought of by one of my captains.”

    My eyes narrowed into slits. A lowly captain befuddled me? “That is a poor lie to tell, Sultan, but I shall let it slide. Peace on what terms?”

    “You return Gaza to me, and I promise to withhold my forces for a period of twenty years.”

    “Unacceptable, I fought –”

    “In addition, your men will deliver to Cairo the body of my Taj Amir, slain at Gaza, along with the remains of his wife and children. I thought the Knights of the Crusades did not stoop to –”

    Something flew into the Sultan’s face and he howled in agony, toppling from his horse. His retinue sprung into action and formed a circle around him, shields at the ready. “Honourless dogs!” One of them cursed.



    My own men were on edge, their swords drawn and their horses prancing around nervously. “My King!” Someone nudged. I wheeled my horse around and saw the disappearing silhouette on one of the rooftops. "Crusader scum! You will all pay for this!” Someone from the Ayyubid side roared. And then, after a beat:“You even brought men into the town!”

    I turned, and to my surprise I saw the Templars riding hard towards me. “What in God’s name is this? I gave no order to enter the town! And seize that man on the roof!”

    The Templar captain reined in his horse abreast of mine even as the Ayyubid retinue galloped away with all haste, still spitting curses in our direction. “My King, apologies, we chased –”

    Raimondo tapped me on the shoulder. “My King, do we pursue?” I took one look at the fleeing Ayyubids and shook my head. Raimondo frowned. “Well, do we take the town? Order the men in?”
    The Templar captain started again. “My King, the person – ”

    “You have to decide now, High Lord.” Raimondo interrupted, much to the consternation of the Templar captain. “Either we all leave now before their siege weapons start firing again, or we give the signal to storm the town square and secure it before the Ayyubids do so.”

    I made a split second decision, still scarcely believing what had just happened. “If we attack now, the Saracens will think we planned this all along. Hold off and bring me that man!”
    “My King,” The Templar captain began, “I really must intrude. The man who shot the bolt Cardinal Reynaud.”

    I would not have believed the captain if his men did not just haul the Cardinal down from the buildings. Just then, a great moan of dismay arose from the Ayyubid side of the town. Barely seconds later, ballista bolts were in the air again, and I quickly ordered the men to scramble for cover. My mind was in a whirl, and my exasperation did not abate when I drew closer to Cardinal Reynaud and saw him grinning from ear to ear.

    “You are way out of line, Cardinal.” I hissed madly. “I’d ask why, but I’d get a stupid response, because I CLEARLY SAID TO WAIT OUTSIDE THE GATES!”

    The Cardinal was unapologetic. “I just did you a huge favour, my King. Please tell me you weren’t actually going to consider peace with –”

    Cardinal Reynaud staggered back and clutched his nose as I backhanded him across the face. If my men were taken aback, they hid it well. I was steaming with rage, and the Cardinal’s audacity did not help him one bit. “You have no idea what you just did, do you? When the rest of the Muslim world finds out what we did here today, there’ll never be peace in the Holy Lands. Take him back to the camp, under heavy guard, and keep him locked up until I return. No, not you.” I instructed, as the Templar captain moved to obey. “Raimondo. Take half of my guards and those from my son’s retinue, and see to this immediately.”

    The thundering of footsteps echoed off the sandy floor, and when I faced the north gates, I saw my own men running into town, with my son leading them. “Father!” He called out as he closed the distance between us. “I heard the Ayyubids shout in unison. Are we to fight?”

    With a great roar, the Ayyubids poured in from the south once again, this time clearly inflamed in a frenzy. I ordered my men to form up around me again, and drew my sword from its scabbard.

    “There’s your answer, Jean. Take the Templars and whoever else you can muster and ride around our flanks. The main bulk of our army will meet them here. Go!”

    My son nodded and rode off, but not without confusion in his eyes. I turned to Raimondo and gave my orders gravely. “We must kill every last one of them now, or this stain upon our honour will never be erased.”

    Then shortly after, for the second time in an hour, the ranks clashed again.



    Author's Note:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    I do apologise for the lack of pictures for this update. It is a little out of what I had to work with in the battle itself. Obviously a Cardinal doesn't appear, as much as it would be cool to have a man of the cloth spitting denouncements in the middle of battle. I also wanted to put in some more shots of ballista bolts flying through the air, though I decided against it as it would have been repetitive. Enjoy!

    Also, apologies for not managing to catch up to some of the other AARs out there, I'm actually overseas on an exercise at the moment and the connection is a little spotty. Trying to get the chapters up alone has been difficult, to say the least.





    Last edited by Swaeft; January 10, 2019 at 03:59 AM. Reason: The note! Always remember the note!

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  4. #124
    Tigellinus's Avatar Citizen
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Whoa, what is it that I have stumbled upon?

    Another Swaeft masterpiece?

    Just read the Prologue (it's 1.31am, so cut me some slack on catching up on it all tonight )

    This reminds me, I think I have a PM from you from a while ago that I need to reply to. I'll get to it before I use this AAR as my nightly reading!

    Kind regards,

    Tigellinus

    Edit: I just finished Chapter Eight!

    Loving young Jean so far! And appreciating the elderr Jean, especially after this Chapter. I very much like the link between the two. How Prince Jean cares for the people, and how his father questioned the brutal massacre of Muslim children and women. It makes me wonder, will Prince Jean become like his father? Are they more similar than Prince Jean thinks, and possiby fears?

    I’m really enjoying it so far! Alas, at 3.37am, it’s probably time for me to sleep! I will continue reading tomorrow!

    Also, Lorenzo’s tea and talking of Venice makes me want to go travelling to Italy again.
    Last edited by Tigellinus; October 23, 2018 at 09:39 AM.




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  5. #125
    Turkafinwë's Avatar The Sick Baby Jester
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Another splendid update as the intrigue of this story reaches a new level. Cardinal Reynaud really taking the spotlight there. Don't worry about the lack of pictures your descriptions are well enough to see the battle unfold in the mind's eye.

  6. #126
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Tigellinus View Post
    Whoa, what is it that I have stumbled upon?

    Another Swaeft masterpiece?

    Just read the Prologue (it's 1.31am, so cut me some slack on catching up on it all tonight )

    This reminds me, I think I have a PM from you from a while ago that I need to reply to. I'll get to it before I use this AAR as my nightly reading!

    Kind regards,

    Tigellinus

    Edit: I just finished Chapter Eight!

    Loving young Jean so far! And appreciating the elderr Jean, especially after this Chapter. I very much like the link between the two. How Prince Jean cares for the people, and how his father questioned the brutal massacre of Muslim children and women. It makes me wonder, will Prince Jean become like his father? Are they more similar than Prince Jean thinks, and possiby fears?

    I’m really enjoying it so far! Alas, at 3.37am, it’s probably time for me to sleep! I will continue reading tomorrow!

    Also, Lorenzo’s tea and talking of Venice makes me want to go travelling to Italy again.
    Hey! Glad you decided to drop by. Afraid it's not a masterpiece though. At least, not yet. Coming back to writing has been more difficult for me than I'd have imagined, but I'm getting used to it now

    Oh no worries take your time reading it, no hurry. That's the best way to read it

    I am kind of miffed that both my heir and leader are called Jean. It was rather annoying at first but now it's just a funny thing. Making them the foil for each other is pretty amazing too. Maybe enjoy some tea while you're reading this.

    P.S. I do hope you like Lord Tigel de Linus. After all, the inspiration for that character came from a great man


    Quote Originally Posted by Turkafinwë View Post
    Another splendid update as the intrigue of this story reaches a new level. Cardinal Reynaud really taking the spotlight there. Don't worry about the lack of pictures your descriptions are well enough to see the battle unfold in the mind's eye.
    Thanks, Turk! All the main characters will have their turn in the limelight, heh. Glad you didn't find the lack of pictures too disturbing, it was bugging me for quite a bit.

    Thanks for reading, and everyone else out there!

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  7. #127
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    An excellent update, which didn't need any more screenshots. The tension between the Sultan and the King was well done. I'm intrigued by the idea that someone was playing them off against each other, I'm guessing that this will be connected somehow to the investigation by the Spymaster of Jerusalem. I wonder if the impact of the Cardinal's actions will be as serious as the King believes.

  8. #128
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Alwyn View Post
    An excellent update, which didn't need any more screenshots. The tension between the Sultan and the King was well done. I'm intrigued by the idea that someone was playing them off against each other, I'm guessing that this will be connected somehow to the investigation by the Spymaster of Jerusalem. I wonder if the impact of the Cardinal's actions will be as serious as the King believes.
    A-ha, you've got me! Though I daresay it has been a little obvious Always good to hear from you (did you know if you add an a and a s to alwyn you get always...n? Maybe remove the n? I jest, I jest...)

    Apologies for the lack of weekly updates, I get very little internet time on exercise. I actually have the chapters ready, it just keeps coming out wrong and I'm having some technical errors trying to post it, I'll keep trying, but if all else fails I'll be home in a week and a half's time and if I can't post anything by then maybe I'll do a few updates at once.

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  9. #129
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Character List

    High Lord Jean de Brienne the Honourable – King of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Marie de Lusignan – Wife of High Lord Jean, Queen of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Lord Jean de Brienne – First Prince of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, War Council Member
    Joan de Brienne – Wife of Lord Jean, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Henri de Lusignan – Close friend, cousin and later brother in law to Lord Jean
    Yolande de Lusignan – Older sister of Lord Jean, wife to Henri de Lusignan, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Baudouin de Brienne - Younger Brother of Lord Jean, Second Prince of Jerusalem


    Bohemond de Poitiers the Chivalrous – Count of Tortosa, War Council member
    Melisende de Lusignan – Wife of Bohemond de Poitiers

    Jean d’Ibelin – Prince of Acre, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Melisende – Wife of Jean d’Ibelin
    Balian d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Jean d’Ibelin

    Philip d’Ibelin – Duke of Nicosia, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Alix – Wife of Philip d’Ibelin
    Jean d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Philip d’Ibelin


    Lord Tigel de Linus - Commander of Jerusalem's garrison, its Master-at-Arms, and Adviser to Lord Jean
    Cardinal Reynaud - Presiding Cardinal in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Adviser to Lord Jean
    The Constable of Jerusalem
    Sir Raimondo - The First Prince's bodyguard Captain
    Alvaro - One of the First Prince's bodyguards
    Foucaud – Spymaster
    Gaston de Rocafolio – Spy
    Colin – Diplomat
    Gautier Corbet – Diplomat
    Pierre Dupuy – Diplomat
    Denethor the Second – Court jester/fool
    Chirgeon – Stable Master in Jerusalem
    Paragon – Treasurer on the Council of Nobles
    Sir Anduril – Hospitaller Knight
    Robert de Quar - Apprentice scribe to the Royal Chronicler
    Stefano - A mystery...for now



    CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR


    From the Perspective of Lord Jean, First Prince of Jerusalem, The Town of Al Aqaba, 1237 AD.

    My heart was racing faster than my horse as my men and I rushed around the right flank of Al Aqaba. Already the bloodcurdling screams had begun emanating from the city centre, and I shuddered to think of the brutal melee that was going on there. My flank was quiet for now, but for how long?

    Raimondo rode alongside me, ever the loyal bodyguard. Behind us was a complement of Templar spearmen and some crossbowmen. It was unclear to me what exactly had caused the breakdown in negotiations, but I wasn’t going to let father down this time.

    As we rounded the corner, surprise was the emotion at the forefront of my mind. The Ayyubid attack was fierce indeed, but their numbers were not even half of what they had been an hour earlier. Indeed, father’s troops were already winning the fight.

    “Raimondo. What say we circle around to their rear instead and cut off their retreat?”

    Raimondo lifted his visor, had a cursory glance, then nodded. “An interesting suggestion, my Prince. However, by doing so, you run the risk of getting caught up in Ayyubid reinforcements from the south gate. Perhaps it would be wiser to simply follow your father’s orders and hit them from this side.”

    Once again the burden of command was on my shoulders, and it did not rest easy. It was true that more Ayyubids could rush in at any time, seeing as this wasn’t their full strength. But father had also decreed that none of them should leave this town alive. With their rear still exposed, it was certainly a possibility that they could retreat in some semblance of order.

    As I weighed the consequences of both actions, I looked at the Templars. Each one of them hardened warriors, having pledged their lives to a cause they strongly believed in. Each one of them waiting for me to make a decision. And some not even bothering to hide their disdain at being led by such an incompetent commander.

    “We attack from here, and smash their side.” I ordered. My men wordlessly complied, marching the seventy or so metres in complete silence, before breaking ranks and charging with curses and war cries being released with wild abandon.
    I hung back with Raimondo and a few of my guards to…observe the battlefield from a tactical standpoint.

    It wasn’t long before the Ayyubids starting to retreat, bit by bit. Of course the main line still held, but those disheartened and less well trained were slowly edging towards the back of their lines and preparing to flee. The Templar captain my father had dispatched to secure the left flank had also committed his troops, and the Ayyubids were slowly but surely being entrapped.

    More of them were being slaughtered every second, but still, they did not break. Soon I realised that the troops that were moving to the rear were not preparing to abandon their comrades, but were simply resting and letting the reserves partake in the battle. A shrewd tactic. But it soon became unsustainable as the Templar captain on the left flank had sent his cavalry to encircle them from the rear and side, and now the Ayyubids had no way out.



    My eyes roved over the battle, and I watched with disgust and dread as I saw men being stabbed in the stomach. A spear protruded out of a Saracen’s chest, as a Templar spearman ran him through from behind. Blood erupted like a geyser, spraying all over his fallen comrades already lying lifeless on the floor, where he soon joined them moments later when all energy faded from his limbs. I saw a sword slash take a Templar’s head clean off his shoulders, the Templar having being caught out of position and paying for his error. I saw a bolt fly true and strike a Saracen in the neck, before two more hit him in the chest and head, the sheer force of the crossbows toppling him over and making him disappear from sight.

    I felt like retching. But retching in your armour was always a very bad thing, and perhaps the only thing stupider than that was to take your armour off in battle so one could heave and vomit. So I held back.

    As the circle closed, the yelling and shouting began to die out. A few men were slipping over the amount of blood on the ground, but otherwise my father’s men had the circle closed tight. I soon realised I was wrong if I expect him to offer them any mercy or a last chance to surrender. The Templar cavalry retreated, leaving the spear wielding brethren free to advance. After a brief pause and with a great shout, the Templars lunged forwards in unison, their spearheads meeting flesh, and the last of the Ayyubid resistance was extinguished.

    Raimondo snorted and inched his horse forwards, and subconsciously I did the same. “Look at all of them. The only good Saracen is a dead Saracen. This is a great victory. What do you think?”

    It took a while before I realised one of my bodyguards was talking to me.

    “I think that, if fate had been more unkind to me, I could have been born a Saracen, and perhaps be one of those corpses.”


    **

    My father summoned his battle council shortly after, and as I strode into the tent, I received my second surprise of the day. Instead of a cheery and vivacious victory celebration, the captains were sullen and seemingly preoccupied. Soon, as I was filled in on the details of the botched negotiations, I knew the reason why. What was the Cardinal thinking?

    "The majority of the Ayyubid army chose to retreat instead of fight. It has been determined that those who had participated in the battle at the town centre were the more fanatical in their loyalty to the Sultan. They chose to kill as many of us as they could before dying. We must now assume that within the next few weeks, the entire Ayyubid Sultanate will know of our treachery here." Tigel de Linus stated, his eyes narrowed. "Now on to the matter at hand. My King?"



    “Gentlemen, the cardinal must be punished.” My father declared. “He interrupted a negotiation between two rulers, in explicit defiance of my orders, and assassinated the Ayyubid Sultan in cold blood, when he came to negotiate in good faith.”

    “The only good faith is our one true faith, my King.” A captain commented, and there were several nods of agreement. “Stay your tongue!” Tigel de Linus roared. “Such disrespect will not be tolerated under High Lord Jean’s rule.”

    “How can it be disrespect to kill Saracens, Constable? Surely you are still true to the faith? His Holiness –”

    “I am true to the crown, captain, and might I remind you, so are you. Unless that changed when I wasn’t looking.”

    “SILENCE!” My father bellowed, before either side could turn the verbal confrontation into a physical one. “Jean, please sit down. The cardinal will be punished under military law, and that decision is final. I am aware that some of you think that this is a matter for the college of cardinals, and perhaps even the Pope to decide, and you would partially correct. The cardinal is to be accorded the protection of God and his servants and is subject to the rule of the Pope when he is performing his duties, that much is not in doubt.” My father fixed each captain with a stern eye before continuing.

    “However, he acted in a manner that would best describe him as an assassin, or at the very least, a combatant, not a priest, which removes him from the Church's jurisdiction, and therefore he will be subject to military law like any other combatant. Now the only question is to decide whether to judge him as an assassin, or a combatant. Calling the cardinal out as an assassin and executing him is certain to anger the Church, and we may perhaps lose our support from the Western Kingdoms. That we cannot afford. So, I propose we try him as a combatant instead and hold him in contempt of the crown, at least for a while. Opponents of this plan?”

    The captains and Templars grunted and shifted about, but as the King’s gaze fell upon each of them in turn, they simply nodded and said, “Combatant.”

    “Combatant.”

    “Combatant.”

    “Combatant.”

    “Assassin.”

    As the heads of the table swiveled around, I realised the words had left my mouth before I had a chance to stop them. Suddenly mindful of the need to back myself up, I stood up and met the glares of each individual in the tent, then spoke.

    “Father, if what you said was true, then the Cardinal eviscerated our one chance at a true peace. Surely that cannot go unpunished.” I saw my father’s mouth twitch, but before he could say anything, I addressed the Templars. “Captains. The Cardinal acted in a sneaky and dishonourable manner. Is that not enough to steel your hearts to convict him? You Templars are supposed to be men of upstanding morals. How are you able to receive this slight and not act in return? We –”

    “I think we’ve heard enough, Jean.” My father intoned, his eyes boring straight through me. “I understand your concerns, but we cannot execute a cardinal in the Pope’s service just like that.”

    “Father, I’m not saying we should execute him.”

    His eyebrows rose. “Oh? That is the standard punishment for an assassin. Doing otherwise would create an awkward precedent for future rulings. What do you propose, then?”

    I took a deep breath, knowing full well that the words I said next would cause an uproar.

    “We give him to the Ayyubids as a peace offering, and beg their forgiveness for breaching the rules of a negotiation.”

    I winced. Uproar was a massive understatement.

    From the Perspective of Foucaud, Spymaster of Jerusalem, The City of Nicosia, 1237 AD.

    I finished the last scrawls on my report and dusted it off with a wave of my hand.

    “Here. Straight to the King, and don’t stop for anything.”

    “Seriously? Not going to take me on a sightseeing trip? It’s my first time in Nicosia.” Gaston de Rocafolio faked a yawn and stretched his arms. I chuckled.

    “After that stunt you pulled on me yesterday, you should be grateful I don’t throw you out of the corps.”

    Gaston laughed heartily. “Well, I did say I’d get you back for all the times you’ve pulled my legs in the past.” We both shared a moment of merriment as we remembered how Gaston had jumped me last night as I rushed straight into my room without another care in the world. “You should have seen the look on your face! Lockpicking was always my strength, not yours.”

    I nodded, there was no disagreement to be had here, but deep down I was already planning on how to get one up on my fellow spy the next time we met. I crossed my arms and stared him down. “Well, get going then. That message isn’t going to deliver itself to High Lord Jean.” I allowed Gaston’s smile to slowly disappear, half-believing, before telling him that it wasn’t absolutely necessary to depart straightaway.

    I unlatched one of the drawers and pulled out a bottle of exotic vintage, then scrounged up two wine glasses I’d ‘lifted’ from the innkeep. “Here. Before your long journey back. God knows I hate travel by sea.” I filled Gaston’s glass, then mine, and toasted him.

    “You’ve been a good friend to me, Gaston. You know I always appreciate your bits of wisdom, in between your jests and cruel jokes.” I sipped the wine as Gaston tried his utmost to suppress a grin. “You flatter me, Foucaud. My jokes aren’t half as bad as yours.”

    I half-placed, half-slammed my wine glass onto the table, careful not to spill any, as an uncontrollable spurt of laughter erupted from my throat. “What a fine tasting wine this is.” Gaston remarked casually, licking his lips as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Such class.

    When I recovered, I took another gulp, then wiped my chin with my sleeves. “I’m being honest, though. You are the best spy I have, not least because you show more humanity than the rest of them. You are a rare gem in this profession of dark webs and tangled lies. Cheers.”

    Gaston acknowledged the compliment and drank deeply. It was then I started reminiscing about when I was just a novice spy under the previous spymaster, whose name I did not divulge. The minutes became hours, and eventually, Gaston and I got more loose-lipped, as we traded stories and information. We finally rounded it off with a game of Nine Men’s Morris, in which I was soundly beaten.

    “I blame the wine.” I complained, eliciting a sympathetic grin from Gaston, which annoyed me even more. We tried our hand at cards next, and once again I was trounced. “Good afternoon, Gaston.” I slurred, showing him to the door. “I can’t take much more of this. See that the King gets this message as quick as you can travel.”

    Gaston nodded and clapped me on the shoulder before he left.


    **

    It was late evening when I sauntered back up to my room, sufficiently sober, having just enjoyed a hearty stew for dinner. It was time to plan my next move.

    So far, there was no evidence of any sizeable force gathering in Nicosia. I surmised that the next logical step would be to officially introduce myself to the local governor and inspect the barracks under the pretence of some form of order by the King. A surprise check on all the cities in the Kingdom should be a passable reason should he question me further. Not for the first time, I regretted not bringing along John, or more of my henchmen. Like I told Gaston, this was a dangerous business. I’d written a letter to the headquarters a week ago requesting for some support, but I didn’t know who was coming or how long they would take. It can’t be much longer. I’ll wait another three days, then –

    A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Well, that was fast. Then a thought struck my mind, and I chuckled. “Ah, Gaston! Did you forget your winnings?” I swung the door open and prepared to chide him for the better part of a minute.

    It was not Gaston.





    Author's Note
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    Well, sorry for the long wait! This is the result of trying to correctly format the chapter on 10mbps internet (at least that's what a speedtest shows) for thirty minutes. Again, only two pictures this chapter as there is quite a bit of conversation going on, as well as the battle being split into three! chapters. Am too tired to think of anything else so I'll just say: Enjoy!


    Last edited by Swaeft; January 10, 2019 at 04:00 AM. Reason: Formatting as usual

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  10. #130
    Cookiegod's Avatar CIVUS DIVUS EX CLIBANO
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    I was away for a while but I really missed your AAR. I read through all the parts that I missed and I really don't know what to say other than that they are great. Your story is nice and your screens are also made with a caring hand. I like your style and enjoy watching Jean grow as a character.

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    From Socrates over Jesus to me it has always been the lot of any true visionary to be rejected by the reactionary bourgeoisie
    Qualis noncives pereo! #justiceforcookie #egalitéfraternitécookié #CLM

  11. #131
    Tigellinus's Avatar Citizen
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Ah, excuse me, Swaeft. :Laughter: I think I'm the one who gets to decide on whether this is a masterpiece and it is.

    Ever played EUIV? Try Castile, I had Juan II, III and IV right after another. It was perfect. They were all terrible rulers too.

    Whoa! I did not notice that until you mentioned him! I hope you know he just shot to the top of my list of favourite characters in this AAR.


    I'm loving it so far! Not quite finished it yet though! (Just ended exams, so I should be able to finish it tonight!)

    Kind regards,

    Tigellinus




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  12. #132
    Turkafinwë's Avatar The Sick Baby Jester
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    I agree with Jean, the Cardinal should be punished accordingly to his crime, though giving him to the Ayyubids might be a stretch too far. I think they would rather execute him than do that. Jean chooses what is right over what is easy or what is arguably better for the kingdom, a very commendable notion but alas not a practical one. Great now I fear for Foucaud's life, again. Will my lovely spymaster ever be safe?

    Don't worry about the long wait or the minimal use of pictures, I for one like heavy-text chapters.

    A great chapter once again my friend!

  13. #133
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    I was away for a while but I really missed your AAR. I read through all the parts that I missed and I really don't know what to say other than that they are great. Your story is nice and your screens are also made with a caring hand. I like your style and enjoy watching Jean grow as a character.
    Aww, I really missed you too Cookie. Especially the chocolate chip ones...wait.

    Jokes aside, thanks for dropping by. I'm not that sure I'm doing a good job developing Jean at the moment but it's what I've thought of, so thanks. Don't worry, I've seen what you've been posting on Kilo11's AAR (and vice versa) and no way would I expect you to do the same for me. Damn, I'm not even sure how you guys manage to find the time to constantly review each other in such detail. You have Alwyn level time management skills I must say


    Quote Originally Posted by Tigellinus View Post
    Ah, excuse me, Swaeft. :Laughter: I think I'm the one who gets to decide on whether this is a masterpiece and it is.

    Ever played EUIV? Try Castile, I had Juan II, III and IV right after another. It was perfect. They were all terrible rulers too.

    Whoa! I did not notice that until you mentioned him! I hope you know he just shot to the top of my list of favourite characters in this AAR.


    I'm loving it so far! Not quite finished it yet though! (Just ended exams, so I should be able to finish it tonight!)

    Kind regards,

    Tigellinus

    In that case I shall not attempt to persuade you otherwise (hehe, my reverse psychology worked)

    I did try my hand at CK2 and the EU series, but decided it was not for me. Too complicated. ME WANT TO SEE CAVALRY CHARGES MOW DOWN yeah you get the idea. Also, fathers naming their sons after them for four generations can be quite amusing, glad I don't have to deal with that here, although there was a Captain Jean somewhere in one of the minor skirmishes, I believe.

    Well I guess I'll have to work harder on Lord de Linus then As always, take your time, no rush, the important thing is to enjoy reading more than anything else. Cheers!



    Quote Originally Posted by Turkafinwë View Post
    I agree with Jean, the Cardinal should be punished accordingly to his crime, though giving him to the Ayyubids might be a stretch too far. I think they would rather execute him than do that. Jean chooses what is right over what is easy or what is arguably better for the kingdom, a very commendable notion but alas not a practical one. Great now I fear for Foucaud's life, again. Will my lovely spymaster ever be safe?

    Don't worry about the long wait or the minimal use of pictures, I for one like heavy-text chapters.

    A great chapter once again my friend!
    I don't think Jean's going to get away with this one either. It is a bold suggestion, after all. Some might say too bold. Alas, Jean has yet to learn practicality. Also, how can a spy ever feel safe? If he did, he probably isn't doing enough...or has done too much and is a master spy . But life expectancy is quite lacking in this profession, as you can imagine.

    Glad to hear you like it, from now on I shall not use any photos at all! Muhahaha!

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  14. #134
    Cookiegod's Avatar CIVUS DIVUS EX CLIBANO
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Swaeft View Post
    Aww, I really missed you too Cookie. Especially the chocolate chip ones...wait.
    you... You... YOU MURDERER!!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Swaeft View Post
    Jokes aside, thanks for dropping by. I'm not that sure I'm doing a good job developing Jean at the moment but it's what I've thought of, so thanks. Don't worry, I've seen what you've been posting on Kilo11's AAR (and vice versa) and no way would I expect you to do the same for me.
    I could do that if you want.
    Quote Originally Posted by Swaeft View Post
    Damn, I'm not even sure how you guys manage to find the time to constantly review each other in such detail. You have Alwyn level time management skills I must say
    You say that, and yet see how much you've pumped out here since the end of June and how much I've done in OWAP since the beginning of June... one year prior.
    That's some damning evidence regarding my time management skills.

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    From Socrates over Jesus to me it has always been the lot of any true visionary to be rejected by the reactionary bourgeoisie
    Qualis noncives pereo! #justiceforcookie #egalitéfraternitécookié #CLM

  15. #135
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    you... You... YOU MURDERER!!!!
    Sorry, nom, what? I can't, nomnom, hear you over this NOMNOMNOM chocolate chip COOKIE!

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    I could do that if you want.
    Haha it's alright, please don't. I know how much effort it takes and that's not my objective anyway. As long as you have an enjoyable read I'll be more than happy


    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    You say that, and yet see how much you've pumped out here since the end of June and how much I've done in OWAP since the beginning of June... one year prior.
    That's some damning evidence regarding my time management skills.
    Hey, don't do yourself a disservice man. Didn't you stop it halfway? That's not a fair comparison. Plus, you can't say someone has better time management skills just because he pumps out more stuff than you, I prewrote the chapters before starting the OP so that doesn't count, also you've been more active than me on the forums, I barely have time to login and read stuff, much less comment. (Sorry guys!) Usually I only have time to login maybe once during the weekdays and then once on the weekends. So yeah, I'd say you're doing pretty good yourself

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  16. #136
    Cookiegod's Avatar CIVUS DIVUS EX CLIBANO
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Wanna know the secret ingredient to my time management skill?
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    It's procrastination.

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    From Socrates over Jesus to me it has always been the lot of any true visionary to be rejected by the reactionary bourgeoisie
    Qualis noncives pereo! #justiceforcookie #egalitéfraternitécookié #CLM

  17. #137
    Swaeft's Avatar Drama King
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cookiegod View Post
    Wanna know the secret ingredient to my time management skill?
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    It's procrastination.
    Prithee, do teach me thy divine art of pwocwastination! I wish I had the luxury of doing so

    Next chapter will be here in a matter of hours, but I won't be posting next week because I'm going on vacation for a week. Gotta go before the Christmas season jacks up the prices lol.

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  18. #138
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Character List

    High Lord Jean de Brienne the Honourable – King of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Marie de Lusignan – Wife of High Lord Jean, Queen of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Lord Jean de Brienne – First Prince of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, War Council Member
    Joan de Brienne – Wife of Lord Jean, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Henri de Lusignan – Close friend, cousin and later brother in law to Lord Jean
    Yolande de Lusignan – Older sister of Lord Jean, wife to Henri de Lusignan, Princess of Jerusalem and the Crusader States
    Baudouin de Brienne - Younger Brother of Lord Jean, Second Prince of Jerusalem


    Bohemond de Poitiers the Chivalrous – Count of Tortosa, War Council member
    Melisende de Lusignan – Wife of Bohemond de Poitiers

    Jean d’Ibelin – Prince of Acre, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Melisende – Wife of Jean d’Ibelin
    Balian d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Jean d’Ibelin

    Philip d’Ibelin – Duke of Nicosia, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, Grand Uncle to Lord Jean, Uncle to High Lord Jean
    Alix – Wife of Philip d’Ibelin
    Jean d’Ibelin – Deceased son of Philip d’Ibelin


    Lord Tigel de Linus - Commander of Jerusalem's garrison, its Master-at-Arms, and Adviser to Lord Jean
    Cardinal Reynaud - Presiding Cardinal in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Adviser to Lord Jean
    The Constable of Jerusalem
    Sir Raimondo - The First Prince's bodyguard Captain
    Alvaro - One of the First Prince's bodyguards
    Foucaud – Spymaster
    Gaston de Rocafolio – Spy
    Colin – Diplomat
    Gautier Corbet – Diplomat
    Pierre Dupuy – Diplomat
    Denethor the Second – Court jester/fool
    Chirgeon – Stable Master in Jerusalem
    Paragon – Treasurer on the Council of Nobles
    Sir Anduril – Hospitaller Knight
    Robert de Quar - Apprentice scribe to the Royal Chronicler
    Stefano - A mystery...for now



    CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE


    From the Perspective of Lord Jean, First Prince of Jerusalem, The Town of Al Aqaba, 1237 AD.

    I traced outlines mindlessly in the sand, brooding.

    The rebuke and glares I’d received after making my suggestion at the battle council amazed me. I’d not expected such a voracious backlash, and that was even with Father quickly taking control of the situation. If he wasn’t there, I could certainly see the table of officers quickly becoming an unruly mess. Father quickly saw me escorted out of the council. You’re obviously not ready for this. Retire to your tent. We’ll speak later. The disappointment radiating from his face was as insulting as the walk of shame out of the command tent with all eyes on me.

    I pounded my fist on the ground in frustration. What am I missing? Why is it so hard? I snorted in derision as the answer to how to properly engage in politics eluded me once again. Is it really so difficult to condemn an assassin? His rank and station should not matter. In fact, the punishment should be worse if he abused his office to commit such treachery.

    I had no love for the Cardinal, it was true, but I didn’t hate him either. I couldn’t comprehend why he would have done such a thing. It can’t be simple religious fervour, can it? Even then, he can’t be that stupid, can he?
    I resolved to ask him that question myself.

    “Raimondo, I’m heading to the cells.” I dusted the sand off my sleeves and strode towards the decrepit house being used as a makeshift prison. The clanking of my guards in their armour disrupted my thoughts, so when I finally appeared in front of the Cardinal I was at a loss for words.

    “Why?”

    The Cardinal gave me that same look as the one outside of Jerusalem, when I’d asked him why we were fighting. But it was not fear or anger that I saw in his eyes. It was pity.

    “My Prince, if your father cannot understand why I did this, there is no reason for me to believe that you would. I leave my fate to the Gods.” Despite his situation, there was a certain…smugness emanating from him. I rattled my fist onto the wooden cage, startling the guards but not the Cardinal.

    “You will talk, Cardinal, or I’ll –”

    “Kill me? That’s what your Father is planning to do anyway, isn’t it?” Cardinal Reynaud let out a deep sigh. “His Holiness will be most displeased with that outcome.”

    This was getting me nowhere. The Cardinal was infuriating me by the second, and I wasn’t getting any answers. “You will talk,” I hissed, “because what I plan to do to you isn’t a simple execution. If you remain tight-lipped, I’ll be forced to hand you over to the Ayyubids.”

    The Cardinal coughed and let out a guffaw.

    His grin died a little when he realised that I wasn’t joking, but that only led to an even louder display of joviality. “The King will never allow it. Even he isn’t that stupid.”

    My eyes narrowed as I stared straight at him. “My father won’t know.”

    For a brief moment, a expression of palpable fear crossed the cardinal’s face, then disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. “If you do that, the repercussions will be so severe that not even God can save you.” Cardinal Reynaud shook his head. “Begone, I have nothing else to say to you, Prince.”

    And that was that.

    **

    Later in the afternoon I answered father’s summons. He looked especially tired – the wrinkles on his face were showing. “Jean, please sit.” He gestured to a chair in front of him as he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

    “Does it feel weird, calling me Jean?” I jested, hoping to break the tension. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I thought, as my father broke into smiles.

    “Not at all.” He said. “Did you know that it was not I who had named you? My father, High Lord Amuary commanded that I name my first son after me, so that I would remember that my actions would impress upon a younger version of myself. Essentially, he did that so I would raise you well and see you as a reflection of my decisions.”

    That was fresh and interesting news. I pondered over that little nugget of information as my father found himself some wine.

    “So, do you think you raised me well?” I asked nervously. In response, my father wore a rare sheepish grin on his face, and that was all I needed to see.

    “Drink, Jean?”

    “I’ll pass, father. I can’t stomach the taste of alcohol, especially not since…the communion.”

    “You mean the one where you recovered and the Cardinal deemed it an act of God?”

    My ears perked up at that. “Father, let me apologize for –”

    High Lord Jean waved my apology away. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to see you about. Although I want the destruction of the Ayyubid Sultanate, I don’t want it to happen by back-stabbings and assassinations. That was not how I was raised, and I’m thankful you and I see eye to eye on this.”

    I raised my eyebrows. “But, you said I was wrong!”

    “No, I said you were not ready, and you aren’t, if you just vomit out whatever you’re thinking into a room full of devout Templars and Christian officers. Just because it is the right thing to say doesn’t mean that you should say it without understanding the situation at hand. Many of the men here look up to the Cardinal and see him as their spiritual leader this far from Rome. And the Templars…everyone knows they are an order of warriors, but before they were soldiers, they were also priests. This is a sensitive issue for them. Remember that.”

    As I absorbed this information, a soldier rushed into the tent and dropped to one knee. “My King, the Saracens have regrouped and are marching towards us!”

    I immediately turned towards my father, but his steely gaze dismissed any hopes of peace overtures. “Good work, soldier. Call the officers to my tent, immediately.” The man rose and saluted, then left. Then my father turned my gaze towards me. “You too, Jean. You will accompany me. Go get your armour and sword.”

    As I hurried towards my own tent not too far away, I saw the camp burst into action as bells started tolling and various messengers rode horses at great speed across the encampment. I did not like battles, but I would be lying if I told myself this wasn’t the distraction I needed from all the political headaches.

    **

    Not twenty minutes later, I was at my father’s side as ordered, overseeing the deployment of our army. Raimondo rode up to the High Lord and reported that the Saracens weren’t actually marching – they were a disorganized mob baying for blood and heading towards us in loose formation. “They are the vanguard of the vanguard, my King.” Raimondo had said. “Reports are coming in that from Alexandria to Damietta, the Ayyubids are mustering their forces for one big strike. After the Sultan’s death, some of the more zealous lords have taken to attacking first with their own personal troops.”

    “Jerusalem.” My father immediately uttered. “What of its defences?”

    Raimondo actually did not look flustered. “My King, most of the Ayyubid forces are headed this way. It appears that vengeance is the only thing on their minds. They number in the tens of thousands, and these are but the first, as I have said.”
    My father shut his visor. “Very well. If they decide to come piecemeal, let us carve them up piece by piece. Battle formation!”

    I’d hardly call a thousand men piecemeal. I urged my mount forwards, accompanying my father as instructed.

    The battle, if one could call that, was a slaughter. Though led by a general and a captain, their army numbered less than seven hundred, way fewer than our scouts had reported. Once they saw our numbers, the enemy halted briefly at the top of a crest and sent their skirmishers forwards. The cursed desert cavalry began to head towards our flanks, but every single unit of cavalry we had was sent to intercept them, and my father himself led the charge.



    Surrounded on all sides, the desert cavalry were quickly cut to pieces, though not before inflicting a few casualties of their own.

    When the enemy general finally ordered the attack, we were ready. My father, ever the headstrong leader, charged directly into a group of poorly armed swordsmen and rode them down like it was nothing.



    I thought I would have been numb to their death throes by now, but their howls and screams still made my stomach churn. If I was supposed to observe and learn tactically, this was a poor lesson. Our superior numbers flooded the battlefield and surrounded the Ayyubids, the men hacking them down with calm determination. For a few minutes I was transported to the battleground outside Jerusalem, where I’d witnessed first-hand and for the first time an enemy being surrounded and surgically eliminated.



    If I felt bad then, I think it would be treason to describe how I was feeling now. Instead, I simply sat atop my mount and grimly observed the massacre. We were not without our own pains, though. The Ayyubid general had targeted our Canons of the Holy Sepulchre, and despite being peerless warriors and extremely devoted men, they took a cavalry charge about as well as any other man. That is to say – poorly.

    I was too far away to do anything, and by the time my father’s retinue arrived to rescue the Canons, there were only about a handful of them left.



    Even I knew that was an irreplaceable loss – Canons of the Holy Sepulchre were almost as sacred as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. These men dedicated their entire lives to training and guarding the Sepulchre, and few had the resolve and piety to commit themselves to such a task. It was why they were named as such – people would speak of them with awe and reverence – they were as good in any army as actual cannons. It would be a long time before we could deploy another complement at full strength.

    And then it was over. After the Ayyubid general fell, the last of his men were destroyed and followed him into the afterlife. Notably, none of them surrendered or begged for mercy. It was hard for me to approve of such mindless sacrifice, but nevertheless, I did feel a grudging respect for their bravado.



    To everyone’s surprise, the body of the enemy general was adorned with the Ayyubid Sultan’s heraldry. A quick search of the man’s personal effects and some assistance from an interpreter soon revealed that he was in fact, the Sultan’s son. Murmurs of astonishment soon spread among the men, and I was part of it. Why would the Sultan come with so few men?

    We received our answer not long after. Whilst we were gathering the bodies of the dead, a few outriders from Cairo, or so they claimed, rode under a flag of truce to reclaim the Sultan’s body. Some would call that fatally unwise, especially since the previous truce was violated. My father let them do so, under one condition – they explain the late Sultan’s actions. They acquiesced, but only whispered it to my father and I.

    “You would not understand – but for us, it is considered disrespectful of the Crown Prince to live and wine and dine if his father perished in battle. These men are all the Crown Prince’s – or should I say, Sultan’s – retainers and loyal subjects. They came here to die an honourable death in battle, and for the Crown Prince to follow his father into heaven.”

    A fatally strange custom. I couldn’t see myself doing the same. Then the lead outrider informed my father that he had a personal message for him from the new Sultan.

    The outriders soon departed, and my father turned around and wasted no time preparing for a second battle.

    “Soldiers of the Crusader States! Today, we have won another victory. But it shall not be the last. We will hold fast here, and litter the ground with their bodies until they stop coming! FOR WHAT ARE WE?”



    “GOD’S JUSTICE!”

    I began to open my mouth, but my father sensed my query and handed the missive to me wordlessly. I unfurled it, and was greeted by six chilling words.

    We are coming. All of us.





    Author's Note:
    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
    And so ends the last of my pre-written chapters. I have finally caught up to my save in the campaign, so things should be a little more interesting (for me at least ) and we'll be bound to get a few surprises here and there. That also means I'll have to write more often, but with the coming of the holiday season I don't foresee that to be a problem. I'll be taking a one week vacation starting from the day after tomorrow, so don't expect an update next week. Cheers!

    Can't wait for the holidays! Can't wait!
    Last edited by Swaeft; January 10, 2019 at 04:00 AM.

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  19. #139
    Turkafinwë's Avatar The Sick Baby Jester
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    I'm really starting to like High Lord Jean, he's grown on me. He is intelligent, brave, honourable and has a down to earth practicality about him. Suffice to say that you have given us another good update to Jean's story.

    Have fun on your holiday!

  20. #140
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: [SS 6.4] God's Justice (Crusader States AAR, with BGR IV and more!)

    Great updates! I agree with Turkafinwë, Lord Jean is a relatable and appealing character. I like the way that he stands up for what he believes in without realising how others will react - and the discussion with his father in private is interesting. Your descriptions of events in the battle are very effective, for example of the part when the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre receive the cavalry charge. I hope Gaston's okay, I like his humour!

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