Chapter 63: Winds of the Crusade
Date: March 3rd, 1180Location: Acre and Jerusalem
The breeze off the Levantine Sea carried the scent of salt and oil, blending with the rising dust as ships rolled into Acre's harbor like waves of steel and silk. It was spring in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but the scent of war bloomed stronger than any flower.
From atop the stone walls of the citadel, Baldwin IV stood cloaked in a dark mantle, the sunlight catching the edge of his silver mask. Below him, the harbor teemed with life—fresh ships arriving from Genoa, Marseille, and the Low Countries, their decks crowded with men bearing arms, pennants, and purpose.
Baldwin, flanked by Odo of St. Amand and Count Joscelin, watched as a new column of knights disembarked and knelt before the city's marshal.
"They just keep coming," Joscelin murmured.
Baldwin's voice was calm but resolute. "They feel something has changed. For once, we fight to win—not to endure."
The Letter from the South
The horn of the palace sounded as a rider galloped into the citadel courtyard. He bore the seal of Sicily—red wax, a crowned eagle pressed in gold.
Baldwin accepted the scroll and read the contents in silence while the others waited.
To Baldwin, King of Jerusalem and Duke of Palestine,
Your Majesty, I have received your envoys and accept your proposal in secret. The fleet of Sicily shall soon depart with the purpose of launching raids along the Egyptian coast, targeting Damietta, Rosetta, and Alexandria.
If the chance arises, our men will push inland to draw Saladin's ire, forcing him to turn his eyes southward. The Sicilian navy is prepared for this duty and will strike before your banners move north.