Chapter 47: Baron Lothar
Chapter 47: Baron Lothar
The atmosphere of impending war had become increasingly palpable. Sergeants of the Knights Templar, clad in white surcoats with a red cross, carrying teardrop shields and kite shields, patrolled the main streets in groups.
Those idlers, Jerusalem’s biggest troublemakers, were now being rounded up by the Templar sergeants, destined to serve as conscripted peasant soldiers.
Temporarily expanded blacksmith shops now extended into the streets, the searing heat of their furnaces and the sound of hammers striking iron ingots echoing incessantly.
Knights of the Teutonic Order, in their black surcoats with a white cross, also made a rare appearance in the Holy City, escorting a noble leader towards the royal palace.
"Brother, do you know who the current Grand Master of the Teutonic Order is?" Lothar inquired.
"Brother" was a simplification of "Brother in Christ," a term any Christian believer could use to address another to show closeness, provided, of course, their status was comparable. If a commoner called a knightly lord "brother," it would be quite normal to earn a beating.
"The Teutonic Order?" The Royal Knight looked surprised. "Oh, I understand. You mean that group of German knights residing in Acre? They don’t have a Grand Master yet. Their daily affairs are currently managed by a council, similar to those in the ancient Imperial era. However, they have been busily preparing for an election recently."
Lothar’s expression flickered. ’So the Teutonic Order at this time doesn’t even have a Grand Master?’
His mind began to race. If he achieved certain accomplishments, with his status as a German noble, might he have a chance to contend for the position of Grand Master?
’No, that doesn’t align with my plans.’ He wanted to be a secular lord, not a church knight; the latter was too constrained by the Church, like a castle in the air—powerful but illusory.