I left Cyprus in June.
Blazing sunlight.
Even the heavy, humid wind.
As summer approached, the Levant heated like a boiling cauldron.
"I cannot understand what Saladin is thinking, launching an offensive in weather like this."
Garnier said as he came up onto the deck.
He wiped the sweat from his brow.
"He'll spend ages just moving from well to well."
"He must have thought he could delay no longer. Rome may intervene soon, so he's trying to pacify the north as quickly as possible."
"We'll have to make that as difficult as possible."
Garnier nodded.
Soon the ship reached the harbor.
Sailors shouted as they threw the mooring lines.
Garnier, Aig, and I disembarked together.
The two of them accompanied me.
Hugh and Ruaak remained in Cyprus.
Their task was simple.
To command the combined fleet that would pressure Egypt.
"I'm more worried about Cyprus than anywhere else."
Aig said with a grin, jumping lightly onto the pier.
"Is it really safe leaving just the two of them there? Last time they nearly came to blows…."
"With Theodora there, they won't brawl like children."
I said.
Hugh, after all, was a leper.
Following me to Constantinople and Cyprus must have been difficult enough.
Where I was going now would be several times harsher.
"And if we are to command the Imperial fleet, Ruaak must be there."
"Master actually seems healthier since going to Cyprus."
Garnier shrugged.
"It may be the barley porridge he eats every day."
"Barley porridge. I should inform His Majesty."
I said with a laugh.
As we stepped off the ship, the port of Tripoli spread before us.
Wooden cranes creaked as they unloaded crates.
"Saladin's army must still be marching toward Aleppo. We must begin transporting supplies before then…"
As soon as I set foot on land, the dizziness returned.
Ugh.
I could never quite grow accustomed to this.
I suppressed the nausea rising in my throat.
I hoped I would not have to board another ship again.
Garnier stepped forward.
"I will urge them to hurry the unloading. The wagons and horses have already been arranged from nearby merchants…"
Then I heard murmuring.
The clatter of chainmail.
When I turned, I saw a procession.
A red banner with a yellow cross.
Count Raymond's banner.
The Count rode at the front.
Citizens moved aside as he passed.
When he approached us, he dismounted.
"I have been waiting for your arrival, Prince."
He approached with a bright smile.
"You do not look well. Shall I summon my physicians—"
"I am quite all right, Count. Only seasickness."
I smiled.
"Thank you for the welcome."
"Welcome? I would have held a far grander reception if I could."
he said.
"But at present, there seems little leisure for such things."
"You are correct. Time is not abundant."
We embraced.
A completely different reaction from our last meeting.
His gratitude was genuine.
Naturally so.
My information had prevented the attack.
"They say you heard the voice of the Archangel Michael. In Constantinople and Cyprus…"
I nodded faintly.
Maintaining a mysterious persona was no easy task.
"The Archangel Michael has told me many things. I merely acted accordingly."
It was time to shift the topic.
"Thank you for supporting the fleet. Rome greatly welcomed your assistance."
"You aided me. It is only proper that I repay the favor."
Raymond smiled.
"I hear you intend to seek out the Assassins."
"I intend to entrust them with transporting supplies. The mountain passes leading to Hama and Homs lie within their territory."
"They pay annual tribute to the Templars. They are unlikely to harm you."
Raymond said.
He scratched his chin.
"Still, as a precaution, I will assign my own knights as escort."
"I am grateful."
I smiled.
He was likely trying to gather information through them.
But increased manpower was to my benefit.
"And… Chastel Blanc in my domain has not been properly maintained."
Raymond continued.
"I would like the Guardians of the Holy Sepulchre to take charge of its defense."
"If His Majesty consents, there will be no issue."
I laughed inwardly.
Already currying favor with the Guardians.
His political instincts were sharp.
"Then let us proceed to the citadel. I shall offer a modest meal."
***
"O Allah, grant mercy to your humble servant."
A naked man knelt and murmured.
Before him lay paradise.
A celestial garden.
Countless fruits and foods emitted sweet fragrance.
Colors danced before his eyes like radiant flames.
In small pools and channels, milk and honey flowed.
He reached out and grasped an apple.
Juice spilled down his bare skin as he bit into it.
Then he heard women singing.
A melody more beautiful than anything he had ever heard.
"Harqu. You have finally come."
Women approached him.
Their garments were translucent.
Each was breathtakingly beautiful.
"We have heard how brave a warrior you are. To serve you is our honor."
They pressed themselves against him.
Their sweet breath brushed his skin.
"I… I…"
"We have been waiting for you. Come this way."
Entranced, he followed.
At the center of the garden stood a bed.
Floral scents filled his senses.
"Come, my brave warrior."
He climbed onto the bed.
In a haze, he experienced overwhelming pleasure.
Breathing heavily, he asked,
"Will I see you again?"
"If you fulfill your duty. Your family will wait for you here as well."
She handed him a cup.
"We will await you, Harqu. Farewell."
He drank deeply.
Darkness.
When he regained consciousness, he lay on cold stone.
An old man sat before him.
"Fidai, noble sacrificer. What did you see?"
"It was as I imagined. Fruits, flowers… women…"
"A land of milk and honey. All prepared for you alone."
the old man said gently.
"Remember this. No matter how many nights pass, your women will remain virgins. Virgins who serve only you."
He continued.
"If you fulfill your mission and become a martyr, all of it shall be yours."
"I am prepared. Command me."
"Ark Adil. He massacred innocent believers. He is our enemy and Allah's enemy."
"Ark Adil. He is our enemy."
"Kill him with this."
The old man handed him a gold-adorned dagger.
"In Mosul, believers will aid you. Go. When truth appears, falsehood vanishes."
"Indeed, falsehood must vanish."
He gripped the dagger.
It was time to enact Allah's will.
"Paradise on earth. Do you think anyone believes that?"
"Young boys would. Especially if raised with nothing but training and indoctrination."
***
I said, guiding Vult forward.
The Assassins.
Their faith was their greatest weapon.
They had few followers and no large army.
They were a small Shi'a sect.
Thus, they relied on fortresses and assassination.
"Will such men help us?"
Aig asked.
"They are the only ones who can move supplies beyond Saladin's surveillance."
I said.
"And they hate the Sunni more than they hate us."
"Are they not all Muslims?"
"By that logic, Rome and Constantinople are the same."
I smiled.
Every religion divided.
Islam was no different.
They hated one another more fiercely than they hated outsiders.
Then Garnier said,
"A religion that promises ever-virgin maidens. How different can its sects be?"
Aig's face reddened.
I laughed.
He was at that age.
Chastity must be difficult in a knightly order.
I looked at the mountains ahead.
Few plains.
Rugged terrain.
A perfect stronghold.
Then I felt something.
A presence.
I turned.
Behind us.
Urgency.
Through the telescope I saw riders approaching.
"Something is coming…"
"Form ranks! Are they enemies?"
"…."
I focused.
Not enemies.
As they drew closer, I saw yellow banners and chainmail.
Jerusalem knights.
"Our side."
A banner with three red dots on yellow.
Unfamiliar.
A middle-aged man dismounted and bowed.
"Count Joscelin."
Garnier whispered.
Edessa.
A fallen Crusader state.
He had only about twenty knights.
"I have heard of your deeds in Constantinople and Cyprus. It is an honor to escort you."
His face bore scars.
A veteran's aura.
He looked around.
"This is said to be the Assassins' territory. Fortunately, we arrived before nightfall."
"It appears deserted."
"…Perhaps."
The uneasy feeling remained.
Not Joscelin's men.
Hostility.
Tension.
I signaled for readiness.
"It seems the hosts have come to greet us."