Chapter 122 – A Realm Reforged
Damascus, August 18, 1180
The throne room of the former Ayyubid palace in Damascus had been transformed. Gone were the silken drapes of Arab design; in their place now hung tapestries bearing the lions of Jerusalem and the cross of the kingdom. The marble floor still held the memory of Saracen rule, but today it echoed only with the sound of Latin speech and the clink of mail and spurs.
King Baldwin IV, now seated beneath a double standard—the gold-on-white banner of Jerusalem and a newly woven pennon bearing the red cross of Syria—looked down upon the gathering of barons, bishops, and officers from across the realm.
A scroll was brought forward by a notary and handed to Patriarch Heraclius, who read it aloud:
"Let it be known, in the name of God Almighty and with the authority granted unto the King of Jerusalem, that the lands from the Lebanon mountains to the Euphrates, from Homs to Aleppo, shall be formally joined to the Crown of Jerusalem."
He paused, and the crowd grew quiet.
"To ensure their prosperity, their loyalty, and their Christian defense, His Grace Baldwin IV hereby establishes the Duchy of Damascus—a royal duchy, held in perpetuity by the heir to the throne of Jerusalem, beginning with the Lord Baldwin, fifth of his name."
Murmurs passed among the nobles, some surprised, some relieved. Baldwin stood.
"This city will never again be a prize for rebels or schemers," he said firmly. "It will belong to the heir of the realm—forever."
He turned his eyes toward Lord Balian of Ibelin, standing at his right. "You will serve as regent in Damascus until Baldwin V comes of age. See to his education. Rule in his name, not your own."
"I shall," Balian replied, bowing low.
Baldwin continued.