It just gets weirder and weirder. ;)

Paul turned in his restless sleep, he was too excited. It turned out that his father actually accepted the money and gave permission for Paul to join Lord Baldwin and his fellow Crusaders on their journey to the Holy Land. Paul couldn’t take it any longer; he sprung up for his bed, changed and washed, heading downstairs. It was early morning, but to Paul’s surprise Baldwin was sitting by the doorway. “Are you ready?” he asked. Paul paused for a moment, “Almost, I must say goodbye first.” Baldwin looked up at him with his dark eyes, “Goodbye? You must be ready to leave this world behind you and seek another.” Paul lowered his head in submission to the words. Baldwin stood up and headed quietly out the doorway, Paul following hesitantly. “You will ride with one of my men, until you can get a horse.” He pointed to one of the men who sat mounted upon a strong and faithful steed, “This is John, you will ride with him.” Baldwin mounted his horse, and Paul did likewise, sitting behind John. It was still fairly dark, and he couldn’t make out his appearance. Baldwin motion with his hand, and the group was off, slowly trotting down the dark road. Paul turned to glance at the very peaceful home which he chose to leave.

They traveled a distance in the eerie silence of the night, but inquisitively, Paul attempted to start a conversation with John, “So how long have you known Baldwin?” Paul couldn’t see John’s face, but a soft reply was soon heard, “My story is the same as your story, just a few chapters ahead. You see, I was once a farm boy, and Lord Baldwin offered me a chance to grasp a new life.” Paul clearly understood it now; Baldwin had traveled to the poor areas of Europe, paying families with able sons to take as his vassals and knights. “So where did you originally come from?” he asked with a touch of excitement in his voice. John was quiet for a few moments, “From England. It was nigh 10 years ago, we traveled to the Holy Land with the Crusade. We were present at the capture of Jerusalem. Lord Baldwin was in charge of several men, but when we entered the city, we massacred the Muslims. But it wasn’t for the sake of their being Mohammedans, but rather because they provoked us and defiled the Holy Places of Our Lord’s life. Lord Baldwin wouldn’t have any part of it, he attempted to call his men off from that evil deed, but all was lost, so gathering the remaining soldiers who were faithful to his command, namely me, Balin, and Edger, we returned to our homeland. But now we ride again, this time to protect to weak and the helpless. We are to guard the Pilgrim Road.” Paul listened intently, taking in every last bit of detailed information. “Lord Baldwin shall teach you how to use a sword, and ride a horse.” “But I already know how to ride a horse, but I problably could use some practice with the sword.” Paul retorted. John broke into a soft chuckle, “Lest you be hewn down first among us and become food for the buzzards.” Paul was sickened at the thought, he knew he would be able to put up a fight when and where it mattered, but he let the topic go, God would give him the chance to prove his worth in time.

The party rode on for a short distance, the silence once again returning among them. Paul squirmed in his uncomfortable position, trying to remain on the horse without falling, “John, how did Lord Baldwin receive his title as ‘Lord?’” Baldwin stirred after hearing the question being asked, and slowed down his horse’s pace and pulled alongside John and Paul. “I received my title for service to the Emperor Alexius. After swearing fealty and promising to return the captured lands to his rule, he bestowed upon me the title of ‘lord’. What he saw in me I know not of, but he said I shall carry this title with me so long as I did everything within the manners of a Christian knight, protect the helpless, and swear fealty to the Norman Lord, Bohemond, who was among the leaders of the Crusade.” Paul listened as the rode on, morning was starting to draw near, and the birds awoke chirping their morning songs. Paul turned to Baldwin who was riding beside him, “So where are we going?” Baldwin remained silent for a few moments, “To Port-Vendres, we sail to the Holy Land.”

P.S. Don’t worry, I’m fully aware at how it’s riddled with inaccuracies. And the restless sleep part was written before I started have trouble sleeping…maybe everything I write will come true? GAH!