Before I begin my story, I must clarify certain areas, particularly the characters, their surroundings, and the state of affairs which have led up to this composition.

In the Year of Our Lord 1184, Lord Xavier had been commanded by the King of Jerusalem to venture to Europe for recruitment purposes. The wave of the Second Crusade was slowly ebbing out, and the need for troops and money was more desperate than ever. Saladin, a Muslim general, had been uniting the Arabic peoples under one banner, in an attempt to force their Christian adversaries out of the Holy Land. Time was running out. The Crusader Kingdoms were beginning to crumble beneath the growing pressure of Saracen attack, the need for more men grew. Arriving in Genoa, Lord Xavier’s road would lead him to Tours and several other provinces of the Franks. Having written this down, I shall attempt to make a short description of the party of men: Lord Xavier was of most noble character, he had a strong build, and was quite tall for his stature, he wore a carefully trimmed beard upon his face, and a scar lining its way from his left ear lobe down to his chin, a prize won in the noble cause of battle. Guy was of a strong build as well, but shorter in stature. Green emerald eyes gave his face a solid and royal look, his face bore a light beard, adding a rough look to his noble face. Edgar was a young man in his 30’s, not the strongest of men, but one of the most heartiest. He is as stout in battle as he is in normal life, a true hero among men. He has never been known to be seen without his sword by his side. Martin could care less for the glories of battle, he served his lord with great zeal and loyalty, and was rather a mastermind of strategy. He stood about average height, his blond hair giving him a sort of common look. But there was more than what met the eye. Baldwin was the youngest of the company, he arrived in Jerusalem about 1180, beginning his service in the Kingdom as a man at arms. His service to his Lord began during the spring of 1183, when during the uneasy stability of the Kingdom, he was transferred to the command of Lord Xavier, who owned some property about a day’s ride east of Jerusalem. Having been transferred as a petty soldier, Lord Xavier noticed certain qualities about the young man, peculiarly his noble sense of character, his firm determination, and his courage in the face of the enemy. Xavier raised Baldwin as his own son, if not better, and eventually knighted him as his faithful vassal and warrior. Baldwin’s praise grew, when during an engagement with Saracen raiders, he single handedly took down 3 men with his javelin and sword, in the process of saving his Lord’s life. In good faith, Xavier offered the man many riches and praise, but these, Baldwin refused. He simply asked for one thing. Forsaking the riches which were offered, he asked for the hand of Lord Xavier’s daughter in marriage. Uneasy about the idea, Xavier promised that if Baldwin were to serve him for a period of two years, he would consent to the marriage. Growing to become more like Father and Son, than Lord and Vassal, the two fought together, and ventured to the many different ends of the Kingdom on important business for the king.