Genoan MapThis is one of the more lately written pieces to my story. I was bored when writing it, and as you shall see it kind of got ridiculous. I’ll be taking those parts about, but I want to include a visit to one of the Medieval ports in my story to give an idea of how Crusading by sea was slowly becoming more favorable. A small group of Crusaders could probably gain passage via the ports with ease, but transporting an entire army takes lots of time and money, as explained in one of my older posts: The Chronicles of the Crusades.

P.S. Please excuse the little notes within, I just copied everything I had written in my pad onto the computer without separating notes from the story.

The knights gallantly rode their horses into the town centre. People were bustling to and fro, merchants selling their goods at their stands, and the cries of the gulls rising high over the community. “Genoa,” Baldwin wandered off, “It has been many years since I’ve visited your streets.” They all rode down through the narrow streets, Blacwin gazed in awe upon the Italian works. The city managed to distract his thought, but mostly since he lived in the rural countryside of France.

Winding their horses down the stone streets, they finally arrived at the great ports of the city. A cool breeze blew in from the gracious plateau of the sea, which extended it’s reaches to the very end of the horizon. Baldwin dismounted from his steed and was first to speak, “The sea is now our only way of passage to Jerusalem. Let us pray that it may remain open for our travel.” The men nodded in silent agreement and likewise dismounted. Blacwin was taken in by the beauty of the oceanic scenery, and his mind once again drifted at it’s sight. He felt a weight on his shoulder, and turned to find Baldwin standing with his hand on his shoulder. “Blacwin, why didn’t you respond?” The older brother confronted him. “I-I’m sorry. I was taken aback by the sea.” Baldwin gave a hearty laugh to the young Blacwin’s response, “Don’t worry lad, you’ll be seeing plenty of it on our voyage, and your opinion of it will most likely change.” The others broke out laughing as Baldwin turned to Godfrey, “Try to find us the next ship leaving for the Holy Land.” Finishing the order, he once again turned to Blacwin, “Come little brother, you shall have need of a sword before the summer is over.” And with that, the two brothers ventured off into the busy crowds of Genoa.

They made their way through the streets and bustling crowds, searching for a blacksmith’s shop, but alas, their search was in utmost vain. Continuing the search to no avail, Baldwin decided to ask for the location to the nearest shop. “Stay here Blacwin, I’ll try to find us some help.” and he wandered off in search of assistance. Several minutes had passed, with no sign of a returning Baldwin. Growing impatient, Blacwin edged his way to the shade of a nearby alley, where he stood waiting for his brother. “Help me.” Blacwin hearda weak voice emerging from behind him in the alley, he turned to investigate. He carefully ade his way through the dark alley, spotting a hooded figure crouched near the ground. As he approached, the hooded man sprung at him from the damp corner, tackling Blacwin to the ground in utmost surprise. He felt the hard rock of the malreparied alley press against his stomach as a sudden crush of weight his his back, followed by a gruff voice, “Give me everything you have!”

“I’ve nothing!” the astonished Blacwin exclaimed as the man smashed his face onto the stone floor of the alleyway. The breath in his lungs left him as his face was smashed into the ground, leaving him stunned and bleeding. A loud rush of voices and shouts flooded his dazed mind as he felt his body being lifted from the ground.

~Definately need re-work the Genoan Scene~

Blacwin opened his eyes to find himself lying in the centre of the street amidst a large crowd of seemingly concerned people. It took him several moments before he realized that both Edgar and William were kneeling over him on the coblestone street. William was first to speak, “Master Blacwin, t’was a close call.” The young man gave a grunt for a reply and rubbed his forehead. It was still aching from the blow; but alas, it was not life threatening.

~Need to tie all the dates in.(Find the exact amount of time it would take to travel from France to the Holy Land)~

Edgar and WIlliam helped the man to his feet, and the crowd returned to its usual bustling self. Blacwin gave his thanks just as his brother Baldwin emerged from the crowd. “What happened Blacwin? Didn’t I tell you to keep out of trouble?” He notioned to the cut on his younger brother’s forehead. The men laughed, and Blacwin was quick to explain his situation.

P.S. Sometimes I write some pretty weird stuff…I need to get back my old classics…