Chapter 33: Decision
Chapter 33: Decision
’Swish, swish, swish.’ About a quarter of the nobles in the hall raised their hands.
Count Raynald spat a thick wad of phlegm onto the luxurious carpet, his face filled with disdain. "So, our once brave and fearless Crusader warriors have already had their courage shattered by Saladin and his running dogs before the battle has even begun!"
Someone immediately chimed in, "Exactly! We cannot hide in the city like frightened turtles! We must fight the infidels to the end!"
Grand Master Roger of the Knights Hospitaller retorted angrily, "Fight? Fight with what? The enemy has one hundred thousand, two hundred thousand, perhaps even three hundred thousand men! How many do we have? Twenty thousand, thirty thousand?"
Regent Raymond shouted loudly, "Silence! Silence!" He repeated "Silence!" over and over until he stood up, slammed the table, and berated them, "If you want to argue, then get out of here and argue right now!"
"Next proposal."
The nobles in the hall finally restrained themselves somewhat, but arguments were still unavoidable. Every proposal had numerous supporters, yet none could gain the approval of more than half the assembly. Thus, the nobles divided into smaller factions and began to attack each other, arguing incessantly.
Regent Raymond was thoroughly exasperated. Just then, he saw the persistently silent Godfrey and his eyes lit up. "Baron Godfrey, do you have any insights?"
The fervent atmosphere in the hall instantly cooled. The sounds of argument lessened considerably. The four top dignitaries—Count Joscelin, Count Raynald, Grand Master Gerard, and Grand Master Roger—all looked over. Admittedly, Baron Godfrey usually had a low profile, but anyone who dared to truly ignore this influential noble in the Holy Land would be utterly foolish. He was also one of the few remaining core figures of the King’s Party, and his relations with all factions were relatively harmonious.
Godfrey pondered for a moment, then gestured for Lothar to answer for him.