Chapter 69: The Lion’s Claw
Date: April 17th, 1180Location: Alexandria, Egypt
The wind howled with purpose as the Sicilian fleet cut westward, hugging the North African coast. This time, there would be no half-measures. No small village or fishing town. The next target was the great coastal jewel of Egypt: Alexandria.
The order had come from Admiral Matteo de Lecce himself, approved in secret council. If Saladin was to be truly thrown into disarray, then one of his greatest cities—his link to the Mediterranean—would have to bleed.
And burn.
The Approach
Thirty warships, ten of them carrying siege gear and sappers, rode the swells just before dawn. Behind them trailed smaller support vessels, stripped of their cargo to carry men and weapons for a land assault.
On the lead ship, Santa Lucia, Count Ruggiero di Marsala adjusted his mail hauberk. "This one will be loud," he muttered, looking across the dark horizon. Alexandria's towering lighthouse flickered like a distant flame. "Let it be heard in Cairo."
At first light, the signal was raised — a crimson banner with a silver cross. The fleet fanned out. Trumpets cried. Siege hooks were prepared. Ballistae were cranked and loaded.
And the battle for Alexandria began.
The Battle of the Harbor