The King's Crusade.

[LeperKing]

I am John, a young scribe from England. I have been granted a position in King Baldwin's presence by my father, a loyal and trusted man already in the service of the King. My task is to follow up my extensive literary education with some first hand experience of The Kings Crusade. It shall be published as a book, that way the King is immortal.

King Baldwin IV the political animal, the intelligently noble hero of Christendom, the great crusader. A wise King at 16 shows great promise for the future, his late father saw him more capable than his older brother, who would be against this?

Now, his thone is in danger, Nur ad-Din has appointed Saladin Sultan of Egypt, some say he has eyes for the Sultan of the whole of Syria, a dangerous and intelligent man indeed. He must be stopped. These will be tough times for the King.

[Monk]

Woah! Would you look at that, a new member and the first post is right here in the Mead Hall!

Welcome to the .org and our little story archive LepperKing , you're off to a good start (if a bit short)!

Hope to see more of you around here!

[LeperKing]

Upon arrival in Jerusalem I was greeted personally by the King, he was modest and proper, fitting qualities of a young King. After some hours of gentle talk where he listened carefully and replied as if he was my equal I left his company and was shown to my room.

Only the best, a magnificent room it was with fine silk and a grand four poster bed. I had to try it out. I had only intended to rest my eyes but a long voyage saw me fall straight to sleep, evening came and went and I still slept. I could have been killed in my sleep and nobody would have noticed.

I awoke to bright sunshine streaming in through a large open window and clean clothes with a bowl of water. I swung myself out of bed, washed and felt the smooth touch of robe on my skin then headed off in search of food.

Unwittingly I gave myself a tour of the living quarters by being lost and finally reached the dining room around midday. What a sight that was, tables and tables supporting strange Eastern food. I was greeted again by the King himself.

“Ah, John, I was getting worried. Come take a seat. Sleep well?”
“I did yes, thanks.”
“Grab some food, we have a busy day.”

The food was unlike anything I had ever tasted, it was sweet, spicy and creamy all in one. It was very enjoyable. I learnt from the King that he wanted me to witness and record him reforming the military. Upon retrieving my spoon from under the table I gasped “really?”.

“Yes my dear John, you are here to be my link back to the Blessed Shores of England. You are my scribe correct? We leave in one hour.”

I hurriedly finished my meal and was assisted back to my room for my writing materials which had been brought up during the night. And my riding gear, now this was exciting.

[Prince Cobra]

Ha, interesting. You know, I have special feelings towards leprous rulers. I am also very bad reader since I often get preoccupied and from time to time I'll disappear from the list of your readers.

I think writing story about Baldwin IV is a challenge. I think most of your readers will have the image of that king in "Kingdom of Heaven" . I'm interested what your own interpetation will be.

Finally a simple question... Baldwin has not become lepper yet, am I right? And go on, please!

[Monk]

Ah! There you go. Your post length has improved somewhat and makes commenting upon your story for those who frequent the MH much easier. Don't be afraid of making your installments too big, indeed as you get more accustomed to the Mead Hall you'll likely find yourself posting more and more in each post.