Chapter 130 – Stone and Steel
Jerusalem, October 7th, 1180
The heat of the Levant had begun to wane, and over the limestone domes and soaring towers of Jerusalem, a calm breeze swept the dawn air clean. From the wide arcades of the Tower of David, King Baldwin IV looked out over his capital—his city, now beating with new life as merchants, pilgrims, and knights flowed in from every quarter of Christendom.
It had been weeks since his triumph in Damascus. Weeks since the banners of Jerusalem flew atop the citadel and the last of Saladin’s commanders departed under truce. Now, the work of consolidation—of true kingship—had begun in earnest.
He turned as a knock echoed from the chamber doors. The steward entered with a low bow, followed by Amalric de Lusignan, and Master Thierry, the chief mason of the Kingdom.
"Your Majesty," Amalric greeted with a respectful nod, "we’ve reviewed the plans for the shipment of war materials. The first convoy for Constantinople is nearly ready."
Baldwin motioned them to approach the table in the solar, where a large wax tablet was laid with charcoal sketches and figures.
"How many stormracks do we have completed?" he asked, glancing at the ledger.
"Twenty, sire," Amalric said. "Fitted with new reinforced limbs and plated stirrups, per your instructions. We’re also loading weighted trebuchets, spare cordage, and one full wagon of steel heads for heavy quarrels."
"And the crossbows?"
"Two hundred for this first shipment, with another two hundred to follow by winter. The pike shafts have been oiled and bundled in sets of ten. The carpenters in Acre are working without pause."