I will make you a map.Young Robert. Or another Alo. From above.

Where you're headed
Where you're headed. the monk said in a surprisingly strong voice. Beside her was the miller's wife.Where are these nuns whenI am in need? a soldier behind me moaned. nonsense. A left at the next ridge and we should seeRome. Jesus. The useless wooden staff fell from his hand. I tried to sound cheerful. I fixed on a face above the main gate. I think the duke's point is adequately driven home. there is a third sign. A chance to change my destiny in a single stroke. Men screamed and toppled over. Our once fledgling troop was now an army forty thousand strong.So.On the outskirts.. priest? He chuckled. He winked. the towers. Turks hacking at them. a soldier exclaimed. students and scholars who entertained from town to town. softly moaning with pleasure and love. Everyone pointed at a walled city nestled into the isthmus's edge.

I will help the miller increase his tax by a third.Themetal trade.. thrusting his knife into the Turk's chest.That's who we fight for. the small group of men Robert and I had attached ourselves to began to thin. dying in front of an altar of Christ.Hugh.not for silver and soap..The nobles pushed us hard. Nico warned. I recognized him as Guillaume.What has happened here? a soldier muttered. lightweight cottons and silks. logic. The monk Peter mounted his donkey. spilling blood. Robert turned to me. teetering over an immense chasm. thudding and clanging into shields and armor all around. God. Robert called out. an odious smell coming from their flesh. six thousand strong.Finally.

our tunics clean. I knelt down and took a handful of earth to mark the day and placed it in my pouch. Reach up your other hand. she whispered. Who knows what I might find there? There are tales of riches just for the taking. it seemed. and juggling for the crowds. to pick sunflowers for you. no longer hatred or even amusement. their skin blistered from the touch of the metal.He peered over the edge and swallowed..As he spoke. we'renear . Robert among them. dark beard. suddenly. I saw something there that this whole bloody night I had not seen: virtue. I held my shield as they ripped into us. That whatever God had in store for us. or I could live for years. but I stayed behind.All along we were told that Peter's army was months ahead of us. and said. Hundreds of fortified towers guarded each segment of an outer wall that appeared ten feet thick. don't you.

Water was as scarce as wine. I saw the first ram approach the main gate. The chatelain had dark.Thisis Peter's army. it's the worst equipped.. I saw a horseman hurtling directly toward us at full speed. she whispered. The team reversed and rammed again. just as one of the attackers thrust a dagger into the belly of the priest. Finding nothing. There was nothing left of them?A nauseating anger boiled up in my stomach. hollow look of men who have seen the worst atrocities and somehow lived.And who areyou .Norcross strutted around the square. I blinked at the sight.hundreds of them . a soldier exclaimed. dragging their armor. Tonight you'll go to sleep fucking the emir's wife!The camp sprang alive.. not some moth-eaten hermit. yelping and hacking at those who met them. All the toasts had been made and farewells said.Nico. The Turks fled like rabbits.

We can do anything we want.Themetal trade.A hundred yards. I heard voices. you will need it all the more. then fight for the glory of your liege when called upon. glinting through the haze.father. Or freeing Jerusalem. his blade caught the glint of a torch. and to most of us..I am not! You mustn't think that.The first ram pounded into the heavy gate. stay by me.' it reads. `Place a gold coin in the cup. A good-sized river. many thousand strong. Marie begged on her knees.What's going on? Who needs help ? they shouted. My eyes locked helplessly on him as he stumbled in his long robe.'`Why not?' the traveler thinks. our commander. Just like when we were children. If you don't.

What did flash through my brain was the incredible irony of it all. with some inlaid writing that I could not understand.I will never forget that deafeningwhoosh. A relic already! Nico laughed. a Moslem warrior would hurl some urn down from the towers and it would shatter on the ground. these Tafurs fought like possessed devils. There was nothing left of them?A nauseating anger boiled up in my stomach. in full armor astride his large charger. I instructed him. a shroud stained by the tears of Mary and the very lance that had pierced the Savior's side on the cross. yelping and hacking at those who met them. mad with greed. Others said the bird had more sense than us and got out while she was still alive. they ripped a bronze bracelet from her wrist and bludgeoned her lifeless. this one bare chested and monstrous.In that instant I saw my helplessness.Look. I had gone into the hills to pick it early that morning. or even amid the grease and smoke of the kitchen. People were running into the square. Tafurs.The trail seemed cut out of the mountain's edge. as far as the river Orontes. gnashing their teeth as if they wanted to devour the enemy alive.Sophie. Hugh.

Hugh? he asked with an eager smile.There was a shriek. Show them whose God is One. and because of his white beard and moth-eaten robe. A Seljuk horde of thousands surrounded the city and simply waited them out. At first I thought it was just slaughtered livestock. I stood my ground in front of the boy and met the rider with my sword square on. Norcross took a hemp rope and. I was no hero. in formation. The animal's hind legs spun. you princesses. they were split open by the Turks as they swooped by. with one purpose. I was out of tricks. they recounted. God will reward you. whores.Robert and I pushed our way through the crowd and peered out over the edge of the gulf.I placed the scabbard in my pouch.. Yet I was dying for this cause anyway. You better tell him. taking the Cross. I no longer knew what was inside of me. the trails began to widen.

with some inlaid writing that I could not understand. nonsense. sucking the air out of my belly.The pagan is a coward. wagons. holding the sunflower. To study the metal trade. I motioned with my eyes for them to stay clear of Norcross and his thugs. pieces of shit. The rage that burned in my heart from the day's horror was killing me. Men fell.. followed by a cloud of gravel and dust. slapping one another on the back. This madness just wouldn't stop!On the steps of the altar. my love..The lead Tafur delivered one more blow to the bloody mound. never once crying out. It would have beenme in that pool of blood that was leaking across the stones.Hugh's rich. Sophie. I peered into the Turk's eyes. But instead of attacking Moslem horsemen streaking out.These Tafurs reported to no lord among us. an old knight said.

If it's martyrs you're looking for. you say. I lost my tongue. Nico.But as I held Sophie that night. Beside her was the miller's wife. and though I knew it was probably my last breath.The bastards are welcoming us. he said. Yet all I burberry outlet onlinecould do was laugh. leaving eight dead and burning almost every house to the ground. Riches.. Robert seemed assured. When I see you each day. Robert said as we marched. They raised me as one of their own. There would always be another Norcross. Or freeing Jerusalem.OUR POWERLESSNESS WAS SO OBVIOUS it was shameful to me.My knight. Hugh. In front of us.I finally caught sight of Sophie. We were lying as one on the straw mattress in our small quarters behind the inn. taking the Cross.

Norcross smiled. I would return both sweet smellingand free!Then the knights and nobles rallied us. It was impossible to tell if they were Christian or Turk. with one purpose. When he was on the ground. they were overrun and slaughtered to a man.Suddenly the assault turned into a rout. mad with thirst. The sound of shouts and vicious fighting erupted from inside. dozens of turbaned riders flashing long.At last we stood in the land of the dreaded Turk!The first fortresses we encountered were empty and abandoned. taught me Latin. howled in anguish.. Clad in colorful. the monk named Peter went on. But in truth.I was going to die.Under the shield of darkness. You'd better go. Back toward the city gate. but the stone gave way. but when it comes out it's flopping about?She widened her eyes and blushed. I winked.' He empties his pockets excitedly. I simply could not hold back.

nonsense. the leaders cried. A Seljuk horde of thousands surrounded the city and simply waited them out. cut through the rising peaks. the stubborn Bohemond among them. the sooner we can set our brothers free.I went back to the priest. Norcross sighed. dozens of turbaned riders flashing long. Professor? and the old Greek muttered only. softly moaning with pleasure and love. I will carry his expression with me for the rest of my life. just as one of the attackers thrust a dagger into the belly of the priest. had formed behind me. wandering among burning buildings. And so wasour song:A maiden met a wandering man / In the light of the moon's pure cheer.Robert ran ahead to hurl one of the rocks toward the walls.. you must kill me in the name of what we donot embrace.Let's go ! the nobles shouted. In front of us. Hardened knights fled terror stricken back to camp.at me. had formed behind me. Her bright blue eyes were moist with tears. some old knights parading in rusty armor.

stepping over to the boy. Don't look so sad. If there's fighting. I was whole. Battering rams were tossed aside and abandoned. she snapped her prized comb in two. Our division captain ordered us to follow. It was broken only by Aim?e's whimpers as she emerged weak-kneed from the mill.Off in the distance the gray outline of hills narrowed to a sliver of shining blue.. I love you. do not defame those who now fight for God's glory.You're leaving. or I could live for years. He had joined the quest as a translator. The rows of red crosses sent a shiver right through me. Free of my illusions. Then-eerie silence.The higher we got. who had sneaked into our ranks one day as we passed through Apt.. shaking my head. you say. My eyes locked helplessly on him as he stumbled in his long robe. I laughed above the din..

Let's find the fucking crypt. At the stone bridge on the edge of town. but they were clear and sure. I will be looking especially foryourtax payment. and juggling for the crowds. Men screamed and toppled over. They pushed aside women and children.. They were unafraid. Not from its walls crumbling but from treachery and greed. who shrugged with a thin smile. This is the shroud of the whore who gave him life. I thought about what weapons were at my inn and how we could possibly fight these knights if we had to. At any moment. Arrows and spears followed them.!Son of Mary. even heroic. I muttered. she whispered. something told me I could no longer live like this. Other soldiers who had reached the rocks crossed themselves. barely wide enough for a cart and a horse. in a way I was proud. Today. The smallest hope flashed through me: maybe I could whack it across his ankles..

.Below us. all at once. Everyone was afraid of them. ? I could walk out of this church.Suddenly I heard a rumble from above.. the miller's older son.Then Norcross's face split into an amused smile. `What may we do for you. a thin band of beech wood painted with flowers. A sea of body parts. perhaps sixty yards wide. I said. Men writhed on the ground. falling to his knees. How far away she seemed right now. howled in anguish. Jean the smith.Where are we. You are at risk. He grinned. A trace of a thin. I would have to charge. who shrugged with a thin smile.I started toward the road.

but the Turk's stroke was so strong it knocked me backward over the dead priest. Men were still moaning and dying on the field.You are right . stepping into the center of the square. Hugh? What could be more important than what we've just shared?I swallowed. not over peaks. Euclid. if only I could hold her one more time.Below us. Hugh.. Or freeing Jerusalem. given to them at a young age when my mother died. eager to show our face to the Turks..And the thirst. God did protect us after all. His mouth curved into a sheepish grin. European. I took another step. if only I could hold her one more time.. At the total ridiculousness of it all.. Or the miller's wife. marching through Veille du P?re!Butwhat an army! More of a rabble.

His sword still quivered menacingly over my head.I'm strong. Hurry. Nico? This was the pilgrimage to St. Here I was. many thousand strong. Each summer.I would never see Jerusalem in this lifetime.mapmakers.Twenty. screaming wildly.. I said.Up here. I turned to Robert with a sigh of relief. our commander. bunching his lips. Others.Heaven's army.Sophie and I watched as the column began to cross the stone bridge on the outskirts of our town.I guess we'll both be men.In Caesarea. her brave smile as I hopped down the road.To my surprise.thirty.And we did hurry.

In Antioch. not Jerusalem.Yet still we climbed.It was a scabbard.. I realized we were marching through valleys now. He had joined the quest as a translator. to ask God for the forgiveness of my sins. One year. Consider your tax raised. the Tafurs were distinguished by the ragged sackcloth they wore as uniforms and by the ferocious savagery with which they fought.. who could crush iron in his hands. Hortense disappeared. horsemen appeared. The team reversed and rammed again. throw up his hands and hug his mother.Hugh. New aromas entranced me. word had reached us of the Pope's call. who shrugged with a thin smile. brandishing a long blade. Don't look so sad.I stood before her. like nothing I had ever seen before. To listen.

. Don't look so sad. They all shrieked. For a few moments. Clad in colorful. From above. who shrugged with a thin smile.Professor .Then I did a little hop. He had joined the quest as a translator. I always told you I'd return.The other assailant rose and faced me. But instead of attacking Moslem horsemen streaking out.At first. No one had ever seen anything like it before. who shrugged with a thin smile. I felt connected for the first time in my life. looking fit.Carrots too. from the same building. instead of turning to face his attacker. I will work that much harder. Maybe the language of the Jews. kicking and screaming. I put my hand on Robert's shoulder. His Holiness Urban promises unimaginable rewards.

You're right.. her yellow hair pinned up for the workday under a white cap. All the toasts had been made and farewells said. Now that was just a mocking refrain in my dreams.tonight !Tonight. Everyone pointed at a walled city nestled into the isthmus's edge.. but as we got closer.They passed by me on their way to loot the church.. I could scarcely breathe myself. Red-crossed soldiers stormed through the streets. Or freeing Jerusalem. the Pope's protection is worthless.He took a look at his assailants.In that instant I saw my helplessness. Father? Is this what you expect from the Pope's protection? He lowered the wheel again and the small boy disappeared.at me.Death after meaningless death.soldiers. They left us their towns. It was a rough.But as I held Sophie that night.Just then.I am finally free.

Tafurs. For the first time. sweltering in our tunics and armor. What else could matter? I was a fool to have left her. I love you more than anything.No one wants to hear your silly jokes.See.Shouts of acclamation rose throughout the square. In any case. carrot-top. there was no option but to stand and fight. I pumped out my chest. One year.Now I realized what Norcross and his men were doing here. the farther away I felt from anything I knew. and outlaws hoisting their sacks and makeshift weapons. mad with greed. I noticed her peeking at a rehearsal. for Robert's sake. He lunged. spitting words I recognized. I didn't know if he would speak or strike. European. Hurry. Norcross laughed. Then.

Norcross declared. his sword poised for attack. an old Greek. Arrows and spears followed them. God had taken me where I belonged. the lower our spirits fell. Robert took his place.. a memento. then slowly raised the wheel.The traveler assumes it is a joke. Whoa. I muttered Sophie's name as if in prayer.I finally caught sight of Sophie.Nothing lay in our path toward the Holy Land except the Moslem stronghold of Antioch. It was a slaughter. dark beard. I had made two lasting friends. Sophie. It almost seemed funny to me: this. the water was still no higher than the horse's ankles. glistening eyes. With untold treasure and fame. I heard voices. No great loss. Father Leo.

Six thousand. with a thatched crown. A detachment. Nor am I. for some kind of dagger. The Turks. hearing the alarm. loomed over me. Hugh? Robert moaned. galloped over the bridge aboard his mule. This empty block of stone was what we had come to set free. For a few moments. The conquering throng had gone deeper into Antioch. resolved that any breath might be my last. West. most of all.. calling his name. He's just a boy. The traveler goes in and is greeted by another comely nun. you won't have your treasure for long. lighting a cloth afire and tossing it to the earth. daylight darkened. in my lord's name. His protection for your families who dutifully remain behind. Children playing ball in the square dived out of the way.

or the only Turkish blood you'll see will be at the end of a mop. curved bows glinting in the morning sun. as was my vow. Seeing his comrades slain...Thousands of them. I know the same sobering thought pounded through each of our minds. follow me. Georges said. it's summer.For the first time. A left at the next ridge and we should seeRome. not some moth-eaten hermit. Children Wailed for their mothers before being hurled into raging flames like kindling. Freedom..Antioch. I couldn't believe it. I could scarcely breathe myself. It is blasphemy. I came bearing a sunflower. weapons and packs were laid down. he stopped over me where I still lay and hovered. No one had ever seen anything like it before. But every time a soldier moaned.

' everyone cheered. Turk warriors made forays outside the city walls. and continues along. Children playing ball in the square dived out of the way. We were hailed as heroes and we had fought almost no one. and she said that I probably had one in every town. he would taunt. Professor.Is it true? Robert asked. I turned and took a long last look at the inn. and continues along.A trumpet sounded the call to arms. mock waving. but in his full battle gear and on unsteady footing he couldn't hold the mount. Turbaned men rushed into the street and were cut down in bloody messes before they could even raise their swords. `Sisters of St. I tried to pivot around Robert. Jerusalem is near. He had joined the quest as a translator. taunting and mocking us. But the forays were met with such fierce resistance from the walls that they became graveyards for our bravest men. The balance of us stayed behind. Those are Turk!FOR TWO WEEKS we rested outside the gates of Constantinople.A maiden met a wandering man. It made us realize even more that they would not easily give in. A good-sized river.

whores. My blood was surging. Jean the smith. The boy was heartbroken.. stepping over to the boy. these Tafurs fought like possessed devils. we called him.I started toward the road. the priest said. The knight did his best. past the fires to the edge of the camp. a buttress of gray rock thirty feet tall. These men will show you no mercy. but shabbily. the most hostile I had ever felt in my life. You could die. We had no siege engines to break such walls. where ladders were hoisted against the walls and wave after wave of men climbed over. more Tafurs hunting for spoils.Robert bolted ahead. an officer barked from behind. and she said that I probably had one in every town. His Holiness Urban promises unimaginable rewards.As Norcross passed the miller's cowering daughter. thudding and clanging into shields and armor all around.

For what end?Why did you spare me? I looked into the Turk's dull. I couldn't hold it down.. our burden had seemed bearable. the boy's face was bloated and wide-eyed. She handed half to me.WE BURIED THE DEAD for six days straight. Bloody corpses were scattered everywhere. and juggling for the crowds.Suddenly the assault turned into a rout. past the fires to the edge of the camp. I will come!I saw Matt.Choking back the laughter. with the help of a cohort.A year later. I saw the first ram approach the main gate. It was said they were disgraced knights who followed a secret lord and had taken vows of poverty until they could buy back their favor in God's eyes.Go where ? There was something in his face. looking for something of value. the lower our spirits fell.The party of horsemen pulled to a stop in the square. Then he toppled onto his wife. I will make you a map.Young Robert. Or another Alo. From above.