A cool spring breeze blew across the valley. The sun beat down mercilessly upon the inhabitants of the valley, a small family of humble farmers. Their work for the new year had begin, the sowing and plowing, the yearly laborious routine of a farmer. The farmer’s property consisted of a small house, a fairly large barn, and several acres of land. In the distance one could see his home from the road; it was of a humble make, patched up from years of wear and tear. Two children could be seen dashing in and out of the barn playfully around their father at work. Turning back to the house, you can see their mother washing their laundry on their washer rack. But alone in the field near the property line was a young man, about 15 or so, clean shaven, tall, and strong. He was repairing the stone wall which surrounded their property, placing the heavy stones into their key places on the wall. “Built like a warrior,” said the man’s father many a time, but his strength and help was needed around the poor home, so his father forbade him from joining the Crusaders on their long and weary journey to reclaim the Holy Land.

It was nearing the end of the work day and almost time for the meal; Paul finished the tiresome task of strengthening the wall with a few larger rocks. He kicked the wall in several locations, testing its strength and searching for any weaknesses. Turning to face the nearby woods, his eye caught some movement down the road. Paul turned to investigate, finding to his surprise riding down the weather worn were several Knights, and what he may say, a Lord. “Normans,” he muttered under his breath. The Normans were descendants of dreaded warriors, the Vikings, so whatever disagreements and fear felt since those days somewhat remained in the people, their only uniting factor being the Catholic Church. The Church since had enacted certain laws pertaining to the constant fighting, such as the “The Truce of God” and forbidding fighting on certain days, thus creating more harmony between the peoples of Christian Europe.

The party slowly approached Paul then came to an expected halt. One man rode out of the party from the rear, pulling his horse close to Paul. “Can you supply us with food and shelter for the night? If not we shall be on our way.” Paul hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward taking hold of the horse’s reins. He looked up at the noble lord and gave his answer, “Yes, we would be honored to shelter a lord.” Paul turned and leapt over the wall, running faster than he knew his legs could carry him. He swiftly made his way over the farmland and to the barn where his father was working. Paul dashed into the barn, his lungs bursting for air, “Father! A Norman Lord asked for food and shelter and I said that we would be glad to offer it!” Paul’s father looked up from his work, eyeing the young man over carefully.

He was cut short by the sound of approaching horses outside; the father dropped his tools and made his way to the doorway just as the lord approached. “Your son said you could give us food and shelter.” “Yes, he did,” Paul’s father replied, “But it would be better if he asked his father’s permission first.” Paul hung his head at the words, he was excited, but didn’t want his father to get upset at him, so he thought up something quickly. “Shall I care for your horse, my lord?” The nobleman smiled at him, “yes, thank you.” Paul stepped forward and took the horse by the reins, leading him inside the barn. The lord then walked out of the barn with Paul’s father, talking as they went. Paul quickly tied the horse to post and ran outside, planning to return to the labors later on.

Upon entering the house, Paul found his mother busy at work preparing a suitable meal for their noble guests. Paul managed to see his father absorbed in conversation with several of the knights, but he couldn’t seem to find the noble who addressed him on the road. Disappointed, Paul once again stepped outside, returning to the barn. The horse was where he had left it, tied to the wooden post. Wasting no time in his task, he quickly undid the horse’s saddle and bag. He turned to the stall wall where he proceeded to place the equipment. Having done so, his eye caught hold of a quick glance of the hilt of a sword. Paul carefully reached for it amid its packing, drawing it to its full length. The sword had a lighter weight than expected, and its blade reflected the light of the nearby lantern, giving it a fiery glow. Paul swung the sword around once, then again, his mind slipping into the adventurous tales he heard of knights and the Great Crusade. Making one last swing, he turned to find the owner of the sword. Caught holding the sword, Paul stammered to find a suitable explanation. “My lord!” He exclaimed, a drop of sweat falling from his nervous forehead. “It’s ok.” Was the gentle reply, “I was like you once.” Paul bowed and handed the sword back over to its rightful owner, “Would you explain my lord?” The sword was sheathed, “I was once a poor farm boy, but I joined the Crusade and saved a King’s life. In return I was made a noble.” Paul stared at him in wonder. “I am Baldwin, knight and lord in the house of Jerusalem.” “Bald one?” commented Paul with a chuckle. Baldwin laughed at the poor suggestion, “No, Bold one.” They both laughed together, Paul felt himself growing more comfortable with Lord Baldwin. “A young man like you doesn’t belong working on a farm, wasting his days among oxen and cattle.” Paul raised an eyebrow, “? If not among oxen and cattle, where does a young man like me belong?” “You belong to a greater power.” The lord leaned against the barn wall for support, continuing to talk, “Your place is no longer here, I can offer you a life, a life greater than you ever dreamed of.” Baldwin was quickly cut off by Paul’s interjection, “I belong here, with my family, and they need me to help on the farm.” The knight straightened up, towering a mere two inches over Paul, “I can pay your father a fair sum to take care of the family while you are gone; that is if you come with us.” Paul stood there as Baldwin walked away, “Think about it.” The nobleman said in a serious tone, and with that he disappeared through the doorway of the barn.

P.S. Yes, I’ve received lots of persecution over the fact I described the character ‘Paul’ as myself. Hey…I was bored. And whats more fun when your bored than to write a story and put yourself someplace else? Anyways, for now… Enjoy!