An Empty Paradise

[Monk]

Units to be noted..
Asturian Infantry: Slightly better than average spear soldiers
Galatian bowmen: good shot, good attack.
Bellatores: Royal knights in units of 66.

Played: MM 3.14/Aragon/Early/Expert


Chapter I part i

A New enemy arrives

The hills and forests stood still as a calm wind settled over the land of Valencia. The waters of the river silenced themselves as the clouds parted to reveal the sun shinning brightly over the world. The silence that settled as the wind died down was unnerving for not even birds dare venture into the sky this day. Assembled on the Northern side of the river near the mouth of the bridge was the warriors of Aragon, drawn up with their weapons in hand ready to do battle. The Asturian spear men held the front as the Galatian bowmen stood a little way behind them. And far out of either flank, were the cavalry, the noble Bellarotes ready to battle should the need come.

Leading them was Prince Ferdinand I, sent from the courts at Barcelona he was one of the finest commanders in all of Spain since the death of the great El Cid. Yet on this day he had fear within the pit of his stomach, for across the river was gathering a great force of some two thousand men from Cordobia. The Almohads had marched north under the leadership of their Caliph with the hopes of overpowering the weak defense of six hundred prepared by the prince. However small in number, their battle experience was great from having fought in the many wars that had plagued Iberia for so long, Aragon was the strongest military power of the western world and even as their Muslim enemies drew their battle lines, they could not help but show that in their eyes fear and uncertainty was inside them.

At their lead was Ismail I who had brought the finest warriors of his realm. There were camel riders and archers, Arab infantry and spearmen. Yet no cavalry, the horsemen of the desert were not at this battle for they
were fighting a war with the Egyptians under the lead of one of the Caliph's sons. The air became heavy with the anticipation of battle, all was silenced around the two forces. Then there came a great crash and lighting streaked overhead. The sky darkened as black storm clouds moved in and the land became dark as night. Thunder roared and the rain let lose, seeing this as his sign, the Caliph of the Almohads threw up his lance and shouted for his men to charge, his cry echoed into the ears of the soldiers from Aragon, and they knew that the battle had started.

They charged forward down a seep hill with infantry leading the way and came onto the bridge. The Galacian bowmen opened fire but could do little to stop them as their bows became wet with the unyielding storm. As the first wave of Almohads crossed the river and set foot on the ground of their enemy, Ferdinand thrust forth his sword and shouted Attack them

With his sword pointed forward the first line of Asturian Infantry lept into the battle, and as he watched the prince said under his breath and may God help us with that he ordered another unit of spearmen into the fight. The warriors rushed forward and met the Arab infantry, and the battle was joined. Spears were set forth and the on rushing warriors broke upon the shields and hung on the weapons of the Christians meeting their deaths. The cries and shouts from the dying grew as another wave was thrown at the wall of spears, but as before they met nothing but their own doom. Lose the bows cried the prince as he rode along the flanks, and at his command the Galatian Bowmen opened fire again, but they had little usefulness in the great storm raging now above.

After the second wave was repulsed the Caliph drew his forces back, then he held up a great banner and he himself along with a vast horde of Berber warriors and his own Ghulam followers charged across the bridge and fought himself. His men followed him with their swords held high and his spear seemed to glisten as he rode past the bodies of his fallen men. He charged into battle and struck through the wall of spears driving a wedge into them and forcing them to disperse to fight, as the Asturians tried desperately to regroup the Berbers charged in from behind and forced a rout among the spearmen. Sensing the battle slipping away from him, Ferdinand ordered his own unit into battle, behind him charged all of his cavalry. As they began their attack their voices rose above the pounding of their steed's hooves and it seemed to their enemy they were gods. At that moment the sun appeared from the clouds and shone on the armor of the knights as their lances dropped and they hit the battle line. The Arab infantry routed in the face of their onslaught, but the Caliph stood his ground at the mouth of the bridge and fought off the oncoming attack himself.

His guards routed around him, but suddenly on the southern horizon there appeared a vast horde of men. The Almohad leader looked back and smiled as he was sure that they were reinforcements, and the Aragonese looked on in horror for many of their force had already been slain and they had not the strength to fight this new threat. However Ismail's delight soon turned to horror as the men marching onto the field bore not the banner of the Caliphate, but of the Sultan of the Mamlukes, the heirs of the Ancient Egyptians. The remnant of both forces stood in awe as they looked on, men who had once been killing each other stopped in near mid air holding their weapons and looked South for now there were three thousand Mounted soldiers advancing on their flank. Ferdinand rode up onto the bridge beside Ismail, his face covered in blood and his armor torn he said Let us join now, or we will both die.

Ismail looked upon his enemy and laughed, then he said Very well, But once this battle is over, the war shall continue Both Ismail and Ferdinand then turned their forces and marched them across the bridge and formed a line. Now the Men of two faiths united, but in vain. For the sun soon disappeared and the clouds took dominion of the sky and all became dark once more. The prince of Aragon shouted aloud Now Brothers, Stand together at his words the Egyptians broke out on a charge and poured down the hillside like from the lake pouring into a river, thousands of warriors let their weapons fly into the air and brought them down upon the helms and Shields of the western men, be they from Africa or Iberia they fell together. The Line of Almohad and Aragoenese soon disintegrated by the sheer wight of their enemies numbers and soon Ismail found himself surrounded by the enemy. He swung his spear from side to side hemming down one man after the other until he himself was brought down.

Seeing the death of his temporary ally, The Prince ordered his men to fall back to Aragon, but he himself refused to leave the field. His men routed passed him but he alone stood on the center of the bridge and denied the Egyptians the right to cross. countless men threw themselves at him only to die in a whirlwind of death. However he could not live forever, and the Mamlukes brought up a number of Berber camel warriors, who launched a number volleys at the lone commander from the safety of the riverside.

The prince fell in a hail of arrows as he tried to protect his escaping men, thus began the Aragon-Egyptian War.

[The Wizard]

Caramba, eso es muy bien

GoGo Monk, keep it comin'



~Wiz

[Monk]

Chapter I part ii

Deciding Factor

The Sun was low in the western sky as the clouds parted and the wind picked up once more. The red glare of the bright star still shown out across the land as high above a faint dark began to grow as the light melted into the vast blue. The last rays of the sun rested on Barcelona, the capitol of the kingdom of Aragon and the place where the king placed his throne. The hills and trees outside the high stone walls stood proudly and birds could be heard far off singing their last songs of the day, the wind died away once more, and all went silent.

The sun soon disappeared and the sky became dark, the wind hushed and the birds silenced into sleep. But then there came a shrill cry on the horizon, the cry was followed by hoof beats. The guards looked south to see a lone figure ridding toward the castle upon a black horse bearing the banner of Aragon. The horse grew closer and the hoof beats louder and soon the rider climbed the nearby hills and had passed the small settlements and approached the castle gates. The horse he rode slowed to a stop and let out a great snort. The guards on the tower shouted down In the name of the King, who goes there? There was no answer, the rider seemed to shift in his saddle but made no other movement. The guards shouted out again and repeated their question, finally the rider gave an answer, he looked up and shouted out Open the Gate his demand was ignored and the guards again repeated their question.

Open the gate he said with anger growing in his voice, So says Alfonso, Prince of this land. The guards jumped and ran to open the gate, the metal bars that had blocked the pass now lifted with a number of clicks and crashes. When the gate had risen the Rider, who was apparently Prince Alfonso, rode through into the city. His pace quickened and he hurried in through the main road, up a stairway and around a side street then through another gate. He passed under the second gate and leapt from his horse and dashed up to the castle doors, the guards there moved from his path and he slipped by them like a shadow. Once inside he moved down a side passage and down a number of stairs. As he went further down the light grew greater, by the torches he passed and by a great light that was at the bottom.

As Alfonso emerged out of the stairs he found himself in a large chamber, ahead of him he could see a Throne sitting high and upon it sat Sancho II. Around his brothers he could see his two other kin bickering about some issue at hand, what it was he could not tell for their shouts echoed passed him but he could not understand them. The King was Sancho II, and by his said were his brothers Enrique, who was the youngest, and Garc who was slightly older. All of these four men were brothers and all were fine commanders, but three had not learned of the death of their kin. The prince began to walk toward them and his footsteps were soon heard, the shouting that had once filled the hall was soon driven away and all went quiet. The King rose and said Hail my brother What news from the south?

Alfonso stopped. His head dropped low and he looked upon the stone under his feet. His hand felt the hilt of his sword and the kindling of torches filled his ears. Finally he spoke and lifting his head he shouted Ferdinand...is Dead. those before him could not believe what they had just heard.

Dead? shouted Enrique, the younger of those present. How can he be dead? He had dealt with Almohads before

Garc, the most headstrong of the four, shouted Then the Caliph shall pay dearly for this, this blood shall be painted our castle walls However Alfonso walked to where he was at the edge of the steps that led up to the throne and said to them The Almohads had nothing to do with it. his voice was low but they still heard him.

Then who? asked the king, he came off the throne and hurried down the steps. Who killed him, how did it end? Alfonso looked away and his eyes fixed on the fire of a torch not to far from him as he said The Mamlukes...

The chamber then was filled with shouts of anger and sorrow. The Egyptians had declared to be the allies of Aragon so long as they fought with the Caliph, the two nations had signed a treaty stating that neither side would ever raise arms against the other; it was a pact on their honour.

The traitors Garc shouted. We cannot stand for this

No we most certainly cannot replied Sancho, but his voice was not filled with hatred as Enrique's and Garc's were as their shouts fell silent. But now is not the time to go off on a fool hearty Crusade.

Now is the perfect time cried Enrique, The Pope has called for a Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land, i say we use this excuse to take the fight to their homelands

“Are you mad?” The king shouted to his brother. “Yes Ferdinand’s death is a tragedy but it does not call for our soldiers to go off trekking through the desert in search of a prize that is all but unattainable You remember the first Crusade?”

Sancho’s voice echoed out of the hall and the men went silent. None answered for they knew that the first Crusade declared by the English a few years before had ended In disaster. To that crusade Aragon had committed a number of it’s finest men, and none returned alive. Some one thousand men had journeyed from their homes in Europe under the promise of a new land to call their own, but all they found was the icy chill of death.

“Do as you will.” Alfonso said breaking the silence that had settled. “But I will not stand by and let the Egyptians do as they will. I am going…” with that he turned and began walking away.

“If you go, you are banished from my realm. I will not accept you back should this fail.” The king could not hide his grief for he knew his brother would not change his mind, and Alfonso did not stop, he walked out on his king and brother, and following him were both Enrique and Garc. Together they put enough funds forth and declared a crusade with the aid of the pope. The men of the Templar order flocked to their banner and many more warriors went to them with the promise of finding a paradise in Jerusalem. Thus with three thousand men; Asturians from North Iberia, Galatian bowmen, Templar Knights, and a number of noblemen from lesser parts of Aragon they set out. But they were warned as they passed the gates of Barcelona, that no more could they call themselves Aragonese, from that day forward they would have no place in the Kingdom of Aragon. And upon hearing that Alfonso and his brothers laughed and said “So be it, We shall be our own nation” and with that thought fresh in their minds they marched south, the second Crusade had begun.

[katank]

great job, monk. keep it up http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/bigthumb.gif

[Monk]

Well it's just like me, to begin a story, abandon it, then come back a few weeks later http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif . sorry i havn't added anything to this story in a while, but y'know how it can be. This story is of the Aragonese, but then again yet not of them. While the warriors did come from Aragon, the tale focuses on their journey to the Middle-east and their fight to liberate Jerusalem. I'm going to try my best to give a good story worth a read, hope you enjoy it.

Chapter I part iii

The Way to War

The sun was rising along the eastern horizon, it's light shot out from behind the mist and drove away the clouds. the wind kicked up but died away soon. The land silenced and all became as still, this was Valencia, the very place upon which the war had begun. Now in the shadows of a nearby forest, the crusaders were marching through the land. The sounds of their pounding feet was all that could be heard for miles around, their march was beset by silence as was the land which now rested under the Control of the Mamlukes. Every now and again one of the Knights of spearmen would begin to sing a song and try to lift the spirits of his fellow men, but their voice would die away as they could not hide the fear within them. Though all three thousand came of their own freewill, they realized when they left Aragon, that to fail would mean death and none would ever come to save them. Their destination was the city of Jerusalem, at the heart of the mighty Egyptian Empire. A very similar expedition was made by the French some years before, but that ended in disaster.

Five years before hand, a large force of Crusaders had departed east, after they left the safety of the Hungarians none ever heard from them again. Rumors of battle and plunder reached the West, but no news came of their where-abouts, it was later revealed that they were slaughtered as they entered Syria. The same fate awaited the Crusaders, at least thats what they believed. Garc was leading them from the front with Alfonso and Enrique coming up the rear, they were watching the troops trying to help keep their morale up, but they were unsuccessful.

Enrique shouted Garc as he rode back down the line to his brother. However his voice turned to a whisper as he drew close and said Scouts report enemy positions near the river.

This was expected by the three brothers, they knew that the Egyptians would not allow them free passage through Valencia, and they were more than ready to take on the wrath their western army. For by now all of the warriors knew of the battle fought a few years previous that claimed the life of Ferdinand of Aragon, and even those not of Aragonese birth burned with hatred. The thought of one of Christendom's mightiest falling to an infidel was outrages, that alone was enough to convince many to make the journey. The march continued for some time until the crusaders came to the edge of the forest and looked out. the Light shinning in was a welcome change from the dark forest, but what they saw beyond was not. an army of Egyptians far larger than they had expected, nearly one thousand and five hundred. Garc and Alfonso rode out from the trees and looked on, Garc lifted his sword and the crusaders began to march out from the trees cover and form a battle line. The Knights templar were the first, followed by a number of Asturian infantrymen and Galatian bows. Enrique would wait under cover as reinforcement should he be needed.

By now the Sun was high in the open sky and no cloud could be seen. There was but one bridge at this point in the river, and the crusaders would be forced to brave it as the river was to wide to ford. Thoughts of doubt and fear raced through some of their minds, afraid to die yet not able to leave. Bound by their will and pride they chose to stand and fight, after all, they were promised salvation should they die. Garc smiled and readied his spear, he looked over at his brother Alfonso and said I will lead the charge and before Alfonso could object Garc dug his foot in his mount's side and went charging forward, his sixty man bodyguard followed along with all of the Knights tempar. They thundered down the bank and onto the bridge, with great speed they race under a volley of arrows and met the Egyptians on the other side.

The first blood of the crusade had been spilled as the Knights met the Arab infantry on the other side. with Garc at the lead they smashed their way through the thin line of men sent to stop them and drove them aside. The Egyptians were quick to send another wave at their Christian enemies, this time mamluke horse archers and camel riders. The knights showed no fear and clashed with their mounted foe. Alfonso ordered that the infantry begin the advance as Garc forced his way through one man after the other. The knights slaughtered their enemy, and even as the Camel warriors and their hideous smelling camels came into the fight, it was not enough to drive back the crusader's cavalry. Alfonso led his bodyguards across the bridge with the infantry behind and met the Mamlukes himself, now the two brothers fought side by side slaughtering their enemy. The bloodshed was immense and the horror unspeakable, these two peoples not only were fighting each other, but they hated one another. the look in their eyes as they came against their foes was that of pure anger and hatred, countless were slain until finally, the Egyptian General ordered the retreat.

However as they fled, a sword was brought down upon Garc as he fought. He fell from his horse and was slain by spear as he hit the ground, Alfonso came riding and decimated the Nubian spear unit who had killed his brother and forced the Egyptians into a disordered route. Alfonso looked upon his brother, then back to the bridge which was not littered with corpses, the price was higher then he had thought. Enrique led the reinforcements across the bridge only to find the body of his brother, he dismounted and looked around him to see many wounded and dying men. Enrique turned to his brother and said Now what do we do?

Alfonso only replied We Carry on. and that was all he would ever say of the matter. The Crusaders gathered up what arrows weapons that they could and went on never looking back. They moved south once more, the first battle had ended, but at what cost?

[Monk]

And with a last attempt i try to make this story readable...

Chapter II part i

Two paths are chosen

The sky above became dark as clouds rolled in upon the wind. The sun went down far beyond the hills and mountains to rest for another day's light. The Crusaders destroyed the Egyptian resistance in Valencia before heading even further south, but they had lost many men, more than five hundred to be exact. Alfonso had watched his brother die leading the charge, and afterward he surveyed the dead on both sides and trekked through their blood. His mind ached, he knew that they followed him willingly, but now he doubted if the warriors who served him truthfully wanted to be on this march. As he sat by one of many fires the great army had set he wondered, his armor still on for he had not had time to take it off, exactly why was he fighting?

Enrique appeared out of the shadows surrounding the flame without a sound and sat by the fire. There was a number of knights about Alfonso but they were asleep by now as the hour was late and the moon would have been high in the sky if it were to be seen. Enrique's eyes had changed, no more did they seem raging and commanding as he had one the day of the battle or in the Keep of Barcelona, now they held sorrow and regret. It didn't take a wise man to understand he felt the lose of Garc the most, he was the youngest and most ambitious of the three that had set out, yet he was also not accustomed to war and was not ready to take such a loss.

What's wrong? Alfonso said breaking a long silence that filled the air about them. his voice was clear and carried over the wind easily, but Enrique found it difficult to answer him.

I believe you know he finally answered, trying to hide what he felt. Enrique held anger inside of him, anger for his brother, though he didn't fully understand why.

Garc knew the risk Alfonso shrugged, He came of his own will, he knew he might die. Nobody forced him to lead that charge.

He followed you replied Enrique, his eyes set upon his brother's. He looked up to you and you knew that well. He would not have stayed behind No matter if i had chose to stay he would have followed anger rose and he was on the edge of a shout before he stopped and tried to calm himself, though it didn't help.

That may be, Alfonso said looking into the sky, but what do you want me to do? there was a silence before he continued. When he did his voice became a shout, Would you like me to say 'I'm sorry?' that 'It's no fault of ours?'. This is War, In war people die, you make one mistake, you hesitate for just a second and your dead. Garc died fighting for us, So excuse me if i don't shed a tear for him.

He was out brother cried Enrique, are you saying you feel no sorrow or remorse for him?

No i do not shouted Alfonso. I've spent my entire life on the field of battle, seen many of my family and friends killed by the hands of my enemy, and killed many more. You'll get no sympathy from me, no matter if he was my brother.

So then what are we doing here? Enrique asked unsure of why they left Aragon now. I thought it was to set up a Crusader Kingdom where we could live and do as we please. A place were we could find revenge.

Alfonso answered his brother directly Two of our brothers have died his voice filled with hatred as he said those words. We cannot go back if thats what you are wanting. Each time our home was invaded we gave ground. Enrique was puzzled but listened anyway.

The mamlukes Alfonso continued, invaded our home, and we fell back, they crossed into Valencia, burned our homes and butchered our kin and we fell back. Yet no longer i say, We cannot stand by and let them have free reign on the world. This War ends with our Crusade

Then it is Revenge that drives us? Enrique asked.

Yes it is replied Alfonso To many have fallen, to many have died for us to turn back, Garc knew that as well. Please my brother believe me when i say i will protect you will all my might, together we can bring the might of Christendom upon the heathen invaders and take the fight to their homes.

The fire kindled quietly as Enrique rose from his seat and said these words I shall follow you, for our brothers' sake. he then walked away and disappeared into the shadows. The Clouds broke above and the moon shinned down, then suddenly there came a great sound as of thunder. Alfonso looked about him unable to see. he drew his sword, his eyes searched abouit the light frantically. The knights awoke and did then same, then there came great shouts and cries. Followed by silence, Alfonso gathered who he could including his brother and led them out of the valley they had been in. As they rode Enrique looked back to see a great wall of strange looking beasts and upon their backs were fierce looking riders. They appeared to be like nothing he had ever seen before, but before he could think his horse collapsed and he was thrown to the ground.

He rose to his feet unable to see, he tried to draw his sword only to find it was there, Enrique could hear some sort of shouting behind done ahead of him, but it did not sound of his own tongue. Then he realized that the beasts he had seen before must have been horses and those which he heard must be Egyptians. Ambush he thought. His eyes slowly adjusted to allow him to see, yet even so, he found himself in a ring of riders with their bows strung ready to fire. He was trapped with no hope of escape. a single arrow was let lose and struck him in the arm, he fell to his knees as one of the riders dismounted and drew his sword. yet instead of striking him he used the hilt and hit Enrique as hard as he could across the head, the Aragon prince fell to the ground where darkness overcame him and he could see no more.

Alfonso had been more fortunate, he had gathered the bulk of his force and escaped the ambush. Thinking Enrique was still with him he continued his ride south.

[Ludens]

Monk, your stories leave me always at a loss for what to say. I will try though http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif :
The atmosphere is very good, and so far no magic swords in sight http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-jester.gif . Keep it up

[frogbeastegg]

Quote[/b] (Monk @ Mar. 30 2004,21:35)]And with a last attempt i try to make this story readable...
Well if you are not happy with how the story is going there is little anyone can do to help, I thought it was as readable as usual. Maybe you should take a break and come back after a week or two and see what you think of the story then. You may gain a few ideas or spot a way to alter it to your liking.

I do like the crusader theme, it has a lot of potential for you to use.

[Monk]

Quote[/b] (frogbeastegg @ April 07 2004,14:04)]
Quote[/b] (Monk @ Mar. 30 2004,21:35)]And with a last attempt i try to make this story readable...
Well if you are not happy with how the story is going there is little anyone can do to help, I thought it was as readable as usual.I do like the crusader theme, it has a lot of potential for you to use.
That was just the writer's side of my brain speaking there. I thought this story wasn't turning out very well, but then again thats what i always think unless i'm told otherwise...damn my sub conscience mind http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-wall.gif


Quote[/b] ]Maybe you should take a break and come back after a week or two and see what you think of the story then.

That is exactly what i decided to do. It's been about a week since i even looked at this story or tried to get ideas and now that i go back through it doesn't look half bad. maybe now i can finish the tale with confidence. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-book2.gif

thank you for the replies. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/ht_bow.gif

[Ludens]

Perhaps it is too late in the day to bring this in, but it would help the story if you add more subplots. This would also increase the complexity of the story.

[Monk]

Quote[/b] ]Perhaps it is too late in the day to bring this in, but it would help the story if you add more subplots. This would also increase the complexity of the story.

Well besides the clear plot of going to the east and establishing an Outremer Empire, there are other smaller plots in place that will be revealed at a certain point in the story, and what i mean by that you will see soon enough.


Chapter II part ii

The War continues

The serenity of the night was shattered by the pounding hooves of the thousands of knights thundering through the lowlands in a land that had been called Cordoba. The sky was clouded over and no light shone from the moon above, and the stars were blockaded from looking down upon the world. The crusaders rode on, the sound of their horses broke the fragile silence that was about. All eyes, be they of beast or man, woke and looked to them as they raced by without so much of a glance. With the warrior prince Alfonso still at their lead, they dared not look back.

Alfonso dug his heels into his horse, forcing it to move faster, the beast below gave a heavy grunt and galloped on trying to expedite it's movement. Sweat was falling from the prince now, and his ears were filled by the sounds of his men ridding as fast as he was, no other sound could be heard for miles around, it was clear that stealth was not their plan this night. These men were ridding terrified, as the look in their eyes would tell any who had the chance to see them. For countless hours they rode, not letting up on their horses who were just as freighted as their masters, and were actually running more of terror then command. Behind the force, Alfonso caught a sight of a great light rising up from the hills. The red glare shot from the hills and sank into the dark above like ripples in a great lake. Soon the great fire itself peeked over the horizon, and the light changed from a red glare to a bright golden haze that covered the land with warmth.

Alfonso threw his arms up and with all his might shouted his men to come to a halt. All units halt he cried, louder then he had ever shouted in his entire life. His right arm waved back and forth as he repeated his cry. The warriors behind pulled their horses to a stop and let their exhausted animals rest. By now they were all tired, both man and beast, the ride had lasted the entire length of the night and they were racing as fast as they possibly could not letting their horses stop to break or catch a breath. Alfonso jumped from his horse and threw down his helm in anger, the metal jumped off the ground and rolled for a time as the prince himself fell to his knees with his head held low. It was at this time he realized that his brother Enrique was not among them. Damn them he cried as he pounded his fist into the earth. His men didn't notice his grief and proceeded to set up a camp to rest for the day.

He rose from the ground as one of his cavalry commanders came running to him. Alfonso Lord he shouted as he hurried over to his commander, the man's armor rattled as he ran. Alfonso lifted his head and looked upon him Rodrigo, what is it? he asked, his eyes then went back to the brown earth searching for something that wasn't there

I would ask of you the same thing my liege. Rodrigo replied with a half smile on his face. The prince only looked toward the rising sun and said; Enrique has been taken he tried to sound as if he had expected such a thing to happen, but the grief could not be hidden within his voice.

Rodrigo could not believe what he had just heard, Enrique captured? The loss of two of the three men who commanded this crusade inside a week was unthinkable. his eyes wandered but he found the words and asked What shall become of him?

What do you think? cried the prince. He will die by the hands of torture, if he is fortunate

Can we not save him? pleaded Rodrigo, who was desperate to go back and make an attempt at a rescue. His voice trembled, for he was beginning to lose hope but he tried to hide it as he spoke on. I will lead the men back, if you wish. Alfonso looked into his friend's eyes and saw fear, and a great amount of it.

Maybe we were wrong Alfonso said as he looked into the sky that was by now blue with the rising of the sun. Garc and Enrique are gone, and it falls to me to lead you to the East.

We still follow you Prince replied Rodrigo, but Alfonso rose from his feet and shouted, his voice filled with an anger that was misplaced but he couldn't stop himself.

And at what cost? was his cry. We are exiles Banished from Aragon to live a life of Nomads until we find what we search for Set out only to find that the way is bared and our prize hidden, death awaits us in the desert. The Mamlukes guard the way. Alfonso looked into the sun that was rising ever higher as the day went on. he listened for a moment and heard his warriors behind, setting up a defensive position and a place to spend the day in rest. Then a single sentence passed into his mind 'But i will not go back.' his eyes turned to the left and right then back to Rodrigo, then to the sky. Suddenly he let out a great laugh and smiled. I understand now he whispered to himself.

What was that? Rodrigo asked not actually hearing what was said.

Hah It is nothing laughed Alfonso. Make sure the men are all accounted for. And make sure they rest easy, for tomorrow we go back to war He then grabbed the reigns of his horse and walked away to settle down for a while, Rodrigo watched him and he too laughed and said No longer a prince, he shall be a King. he then simply walked away to a nearby stream and gathered some water, the sun rose high as the Crusaders rested. As Alfonso had said, they would march to war the following day, and they themselves could feel that battle was not far off. For unknown to them, an Egyptian force of two thousand was marching toward them, and would arrive by the time the moon had risen.

[Monk]

Chapter II part iii

The Sunless days

The day wore on as the Crusaders laid down their weary heads and put away their swords for a time. The sky above turned dark though the day was not even half done yet. Clouds became shrouds and hid the light of the sun from the faces of the Christian men beneath who by now tried to sleep. No rain nor wind ventured here, it was a darkness that was unnatural, yet few of the crusaders gave it heed, and those who did didn't know what to think of it. None knew that it was an omen, a sign of things to come in their future, for had they known, maybe they would have turned back then, forgetting their cause to return to their homes.

The hills around them offered up only silence, and the grass beneath the soldiers gave little comfort. Their camp was made in a wide plain surrounded to the west by hills and to the east by a small village. The settlement was quiet and it appeared abandoned. To them it was not an uncommon sight anymore, for it seemed that many villages had been left to rot by their previous inhabitants. This land of death and battle had seen it's share of war, a family was lucky if they had not suffered a loss from the great fighting seen within the last few years at this very spot. It just would happen that Alfonso stopped his men upon the very place where Felipe, King of the Spaniards, led his army to battle, and was slain. Ever since that single clash five years earlier, many more armies had met their doom, and many more princes and kings were buried beneath the hills. Alfonso realized this soon enough, but only after he had gave the order for his men to make camp.

The day still dragged through, a cold wind kicked up and twisted through the land. The sky gave no comfort or warmth, the blue was covered as and the sky black as night, it was as if the Gods themselves deemed that the forsaken warriors be in darkness for all time. For Alfonso felt as such. The gust of wind grew cold and began to gnaw at the warriors, whose anger now began to gather in their hearts. Knowing full well that no retreat was possible, they longed for combat.

Some felt it was for revenge that they fought, but there was another reason. They had come to love the feel of battle, the sound of iron hitting bone, and the howl of the war cry as the charge was let loose. They sat sharpening their blades with insidious looks in their eyes laughing and shouting, refusing to sleep as they could feel that battle was near.

Alfonso looked about him as he noticed none of his men bothered to rest, and he too laughed. He could tell his men wanted a fight, they had grown accustomed to war, and the crusade had given them their wants. He looked into the eyes of those nearest to them and he saw the look of insanity. A look that was not upon his men the night before when they fled from the ambush running for their very lives. Alfonso then found that he felt as they, the strong hatred of the Mamlukes suddenly flared up inside him, the desire for revenge, it was as if he had forgotten all shame he had suffered upon his exile, and now all he could think about was battle. he rose up from the ground and drew his sword shouting Arise Arise knights of Christendom All eyes fixed upon him, wherever they may have been. Alfonso felt both his anger and pride, and he smiled. He was ready to do battle, for he knew not how, but he could tell one was near him.

His blade was like a shinning beacon, even in the sunless void that had settled in the land under the forsaken sky. Gather to you your weapons he cried For now is the time for war his men rejoiced, it was the words they had been longing to hear for sometime. they jumped onto their horses and grabbed their lances and spears. the foot soldiers retrieved their shields and reported to their unit commanders, Alfonso then climbed onto his horse, whose armor could be seen even without the sun, and began to rally his men for the march.

Soon they had gathered up what they could and departed, with the prince at their lead they marched west over the hills looking for battle. They marched with a great sense of pride that they had not felt in all their lives, and even though a great battle lay before them, they could not have been any more happier. They laughed and sang songs, they chanted their leader's name and they talked a great amount, it made Alfonso laugh to see his men so glad for once. The march lasted for what seemed like days to them, when in fact it was only a few hours. Their anxiety was building as they neared their enemy, even though they didn't know where they where.

Suddenly a great horn was heard and all eyes searched about, the great skies above parted and the sun was once more freed to shine it's light as it's bright rays filled the land. The Crusaders had reached a valley , and they themselves were on top of a hill. Across the valley they could see the Egyptians formed up in ordered ranks, their spear tips were unnumbered in the shinning sun and gleamed back at the staring eyes of the western men. Camels and Horses were rushing up and down the lines, shouting orders in their native language holding high their swords. with each order came a chant from the line infantry, no doubt some acknowledgment or war cry. It was meant to intimidate the crusaders, yet instead it only made them smile and laugh aloud.

Alfonso ordered his men to form the lines. Asturian footmen formed up in four ranks, with their wooden shields in front of them and their spear tips set forth like a great forest ready to throw back any attack pushed at them. The Knights of the Templar order readied their blades and were sent to the flanks along side of the Bellatores whose long spears shinned in the sun. The Galacian bowmen were behind the main line, with their bows in one hand, and the other in their quiver ready to draw and arrow for the coming battle. each one of these men was smiling, with their weapons in hand they were ready to fight again. They realized this is all that they were now, leaving their families behind for a life of war, this is all they could look forward to. And if they should die in battle, they cared not, for by now that is the greatest thing that could happen to them.

They wanted the glory, the pride, and the honor that comes with victory, and with Alfonso at their lead, they knew in their hearts that their cause was just. Standing before these mamlukes, clad in iron and holding their weapons proudly, the sun shining down in a golden haze, they felt like Gods. A sharp horn was heard, and the Mamlukes charged. As the wave of warriors rushed down the hill and into the valley filling the horizon, the crusaders knew that this battle would decide the fate of Iberia. Win or lose, this battle would be echoed for centuries, all who looked back would remember them and say words of praise for the deeds they were about to do. The warriors smiled as Alfonso let the war horn sound and ordered the first units of spearmen into battle, the warriors of Christendom threw their weapons ahead and charged into battle, and as death settled onto the field, they were happy for the first time in many days. So began the battle that would decide the fate of many, so would end the war in Iberia...

[Monk]

I haven't worked on this for quite some time. Currently i am having a lot of medical problems which prevent me from keeping my concetration and writting is pretty much impossible in my current state. I can barely walk around now let alone write about a crusade. (I don't see the need to bore you with the details of my problems unless you really want to know.)

For now this story will fade into the mists of page two and three of the mead hall, and maybe one day i will be able to return and finish this; but that will be no time soon unfortunatly. I'll still be around the Mead hall doing AM work but don't expect me to do much commenting anymore, well the little i did do will have to be enough. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-smile.gif

In short, until my medical problems clear up, i won't be wirriting anymore. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-no.gif

[The Wizard]

You can't walk? That's gotta be more than just a bad case of the flu...

If you would, what disease do you have? Just curious, because it sounds very bad... call it human curiousity mixed with sympathy... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/gc-confused.gif

Get well soon



~Wiz http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/wave.gif

[Ludens]

That sounds pretty bad. However, I hope you will get well soon.
The mead hall won't be the same without you.

Ludens

[frogbeastegg]

Get well soon, Monk http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif