Outside the city walls, the Christians of Hama were working on the fortifications Mahmud had ordered them to build, just as they had for the past few days. They were startled by the sudden appearance of the Crusaders. Unaware of Mahmud's true plan, they gathered in a panic before the city gate, where the drawbridge was now raised and the gates shut tight.
The Hama Christians could only shout at the City Guard on the gatehouse from across the moat.
"Open the gates!"
"Let us in!"
"The enemy is here!"
"..."
The Hama Christians kept shouting, but the soldiers on the battlements remained unmoved. The drawbridge stayed up. One soldier yawned and said to the group of Christians with unconcealed glee:
"Sorry, but by order of the Lord Governor, we can open the gates for anyone except you Christians."
"What? Are you kidding me? We're citizens of this city!"
"We're protected by the laws of Hama! You bastards!"
