Chapter 75: The Two Marches
Date: April 15th, 1180
The morning sun crested low over the Judean hills as King Baldwin IV rode at the head of his army, the banners of Jerusalem fluttering sharply in the cool breeze. The dusty road stretched ahead, winding through sparse olive groves and scrubland as the vanguard pushed east toward the borderlands of Syria. The time for hesitation was past. Baldwin's focus was clear: speed.
Behind him, the ranks of knights, infantry, pikemen, and engineers pressed onward, their boots stirring clouds of dust that danced in the early light. The new pike formations and crossbowmen moved in practiced coordination, honed by months of drilling. War machines creaked and groaned on wheels, hauled by oxen, their iron and wood carefully maintained by the camp artisans. Every man knew his purpose.
"We ride light," Baldwin told his captains during a brief halt. "We do not linger in villages or hamlets. The time is not for conquest of small towns, but for a swift strike at Aleppo. We must reach it before Saladin fully recovers and reinforces."
His voice, though hoarse from the morning's exertion, carried the authority of a man who had battled both sickness and intrigue to lead this campaign. Around him, commanders nodded, adjusting their horses' reins. The army would bypass known fortified settlements where possible, leaving garrisons of trusted knights to guard supply lines far behind, while pressing ahead with the main host. Speed and surprise were their allies.
To the north, from the port city of Acre, another host was on the march, led by Bohemond III of Antioch, a veteran prince of the northern Crusader States and a stalwart ally. His contingent was smaller—around six thousand men—but disciplined and fierce. The clatter of hooves and the rhythmic beat of marching infantry echoed through the mountain passes.
Bohemond was ever vigilant. His scouts patrolled ahead and to the flanks, eyes sharp for signs of Saladin's spies or ambushes. Recent reports confirmed that Saladin was aware of their movements, with troops concentrating near Damascus, signaling his preparation for defense.
"Watch the passes and valleys," Bohemond instructed one of his captains. "Any sign of the enemy massing against us, and we pull back to the mountains. We will not fight their full strength on open ground."
His scouts confirmed that Saladin was moving forces north toward Damascus, but it was unclear whether the sultan planned to challenge Bohemond's army directly.
"Saladin is mobilizing fast," Bohemond mused during a quiet moment. "We must hold steady and stick to our orders."