Estate of Sir Raymond of Anais, South of Jerusalem

[René Artois]

The fortified residence of Sir Raymond of Anais, Lord of Hebron. Raymond lives in the citadel in the centre of the town, with simple but good quality living quarters for him and his guards. He also holds estates in England, near Portsmouth, which helps fund his soldiers.

Inhabitants:
Raymond of Anais - 27

[Dead Sun]

Cadog, who had been on pilgrimage since he established his new monastery and order (in the future at this point), arrived at Sir Raymond's estate. He was not aware of the intricate political climate of the land, and so decided to pay the Lord a visit...

[René Artois]

Raymond sends a guard to greet the pilgrim and bring him up to the keep.

[Dead Sun]

OOC: Sorry for late reply dude, been a bit busy lately

Cadog warily approached the keep doors, unknowing as to whether he had approached a true lord's house, or a pious crusaders... or perhaps both. It mattered not however, Cadog required only to know how the crusade had shifted the balance of power in Outremer. He awaited a meeting with the Lord, hoping to make a good impression at least.

[Mors Vigilia]

A number of pilgrims and some fighting men arrived in Hebron on their way to Jerusalem from Gaza. Among them was Roger de Courtenay, already disappointed with this so-called Holy Land and the complete lack of battles for Christ that he had yet to be engaged in...

[René Artois]

OOC: Sorry for late reply dude, been a bit busy lately

Cadog warily approached the keep doors, unknowing as to whether he had approached a true lord's house, or a pious crusaders... or perhaps both. It mattered not however, Cadog required only to know how the crusade had shifted the balance of power in Outremer. He awaited a meeting with the Lord, hoping to make a good impression at least.

A Syrian servant showed Cadog into the main hall where Raymond was seated, looking weary and battle worn. He had only been back for a few hours.

A number of pilgrims and some fighting men arrived in Hebron on their way to Jerusalem from Gaza. Among them was Roger de Courtenay, already disappointed with this so-called Holy Land and the complete lack of battles for Christ that he had yet to be engaged in...

Their arrival did not go unnoticed, pilgrims had not been arriving as much as they had the past few months. Raymond and several of his men-at-arms rode out to meet them near the gates of the settlement. Their armour was dull, and dented, with their tabards in equally poor condition, rips and bloodstains ruining what would have been fine white and green garments. Raymond approached the group and eyed them up. He eventually addressed the group, unsure of the leader,
Pilgrims?

[Mors Vigilia]

Their arrival did not go unnoticed, pilgrims had not been arriving as much as they had the past few months. Raymond and several of his men-at-arms rode out to meet them near the gates of the settlement. Their armour was dull, and dented, with their tabards in equally poor condition, rips and bloodstains ruining what would have been fine white and green garments. Raymond approached the group and eyed them up. He eventually addressed the group, unsure of the leader,
Pilgrims?

While there was no de facto leaser of the group, the military men were seen as the shepherds of the group and so Roger found himself nodding in reply.

Yes, to Jerusalem.

[Dead Sun]

A Syrian servant showed Cadog into the main hall where Raymond was seated, looking weary and battle worn. He had only been back for a few hours.

Cadog studied the man from afar. He appeared tired - perhaps mentally drained. His clothes denoted him as a man of high birth, but also as a man who aimed to climb higher. He would certainly know all that Cadog wished to ask.

My name is Cadog and I have travelled from a distant Kingdom, good Lord, to pray and be alone in the desert as the ancient eremites of old would do. I ask only a few things, sir, and the first would be this: In whose presence do I find myself this day?

[René Artois]

Roger beamed.

That's why I'm here, Sir. I'm here to fight.

You may have your wish granted sooner than you think. My men and I shall accompany you to Jerusalem, for there are turks in the area, robbing and murdering pilgrims. After that I will hunt them down though, and I need all the men I can get. You are all good fighters?

Cadog studied the man from afar. He appeared tired - perhaps mentally drained. His clothes denoted him as a man of high birth, but also as a man who aimed to climb higher. He would certainly know all that Cadog wished to ask.

My name is Cadog and I have travelled from a distant Kingdom, good Lord, to pray and be alone in the desert as the ancient eremites of old would do. I ask only a few things, sir, and the first would be this: In whose presence do I find myself this day?

Raymond did not recognise the mans accent, but he knew ships from England were recently arrived, so maybe he was from an area he had not visited on his travels.
They call me Raymond, and I am lord of this land.
He took a sip of water, feeling refreshed as the cool liquid cascaded down his sore, dry throat,
What is this distant kingdom that you call home?

[Mors Vigilia]

You may have your wish granted sooner than you think. My men and I shall accompany you to Jerusalem, for there are turks in the area, robbing and murdering pilgrims. After that I will hunt them down though, and I need all the men I can get. You are all good fighters?

Roger clasped his hands together, primarily from stopping them going to his sword in anticipation of the fighting to come.

I cannot vouch for those that I haven't seen in a fight, Sir, though I have fought before and consider myself better than any Turk, of course.

[Dead Sun]

Raymond did not recognise the mans accent, but he knew ships from England were recently arrived, so maybe he was from an area he had not visited on his travels.
They call me Raymond, and I am lord of this land.
He took a sip of water, feeling refreshed as the cool liquid cascaded down his sore, dry throat,
What is this distant kingdom that you call home?

I hail from the Kingdom of England, where the good King Richard presides as the almighty ruler. And you Raymond, whom do you call Lord in this land of Outremer?

[René Artois]

Raymond nodded and directed his gaze towards Roger, eyeing him up for a few seconds.
And after that, what of you? I am always looking for good fighting men, something we are sorely lacking in this part of the world.

[Mors Vigilia]

Roger beamed.

That's why I'm here, Sir. I'm here to fight.

[René Artois]

Raymond nodded,
Well, we shall soon see.
He shouted so all the pilgrims and fighters could hear,
Get what food and drink you need for the journey, we will leave soon.

[Mors Vigilia]

Small supplies of food were gathered along with as may beverages as the group could effectively carry. Roger spent the time inspecting his armour, which was little, and sharpening his sword which was an impressive two handed beast of a thing, if plainly smithed.

[René Artois]

Ready to go?
Raymond asked Roger and his companions, having himself spent a few hours praying and resting.

[Mors Vigilia]

Roger straightened eagerly.

Yes, Sir. Do we go to battle?

[Dead Sun]

You allow them to remain in the Holy Land? Hmm... That's not what I would've done. At least they are not spreading their filth.

Lord Raymond, how safe are the roads? As a pilgrim and man of God, I dare not think what would happen if I came across a group of Turks on my own.

[René Artois]

Raymond nodded,
They keep themselves out of trouble and pay their fines. We find it best not cause unnecessary conflict.

The roads? They are fairly safe. Well, -ish...

[René Artois]

1104 came round, and the great keep at Hebron is finally finished. From here the garrison sends out men to patrol the road regularly.