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.