kingdom of nations

Chapter 49 Encounter (Part )

After he finished speaking, he stepped out of the tent and suddenly came out of the darkness into the light. The Saracen in the black robe couldn't help but close his eyes and opened them after a while.

After opening his eyes, he realized that the scorching light came not only from the scorching sun at noon, but also from people.

"He was radiant, like a poem."

"what?"

His follower followed him out of the tent and saw the reason. He couldn't help but open his mouth wide and could hardly believe his eyes.

A boy dressed in Byzantine clothes was walking past them, and the people around him made way for him. Cesar's face was originally flawless, and he had grown taller in the past few months. As Baldwin said, those who were "blessed" would have a certain physical improvement.

And we all know that a healthy person is rarely ugly. They have bright eyes, smooth skin, light steps, and no drag or distortion.

Today, Cesar was wearing a loose robe with a golden base, embroidered with emerald green flowers and birds and diamond patterns, a golden belt, a silver cloak on the outside, and a white opal brooch. Not only did they not take away the wearer's brilliance, but they made him shine even more brilliantly, like the leaves of a flower.

Compared to him, Baldwin, who was holding his arm, was also wearing an orange-red robe embroidered with gold thread and a gold belt. However, just as the crescent moon must be dimmed under the scorching sun, almost no one noticed him, which actually suited Baldwin's wishes - he was still a little afraid.

As for Damara, the ladies in the castle had long given up comparing themselves with Cesar. It wasn't that they couldn't compare, they said so. After all, he was a man and we were women. Isn't it reasonable that men are more perfect than women?
When it comes to literary accomplishment, the poor attendant certainly cannot compare with his master. The master can immediately recite a line of Saracen poetry, while the attendant can only "Aba Aba Aba..."

After they had passed, he sighed and exclaimed in admiration: "What a beautiful child! God must have put a lot of thought into creating him. What a pity he's a Christian." He couldn't help but look in that direction, as if he could see them back. "He must be a little prince who was raised with great care. His father might be the deacon of Manuel I."

He immediately guessed that it was the deacon rather than any other official because although the "deacon" originated from the ancient Roman Empire and was engaged in simple work of delivering messages and collecting benefits, since the division of the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Emperor replaced the original captain of the guard with a deacon - probably because the latter was too close to the emperor.

The deacon was a whip in the emperor's hand, which could intimidate both enemies and colleagues. There was no doubt that being able to become a deacon meant that he was above all other officials. Amalric I was about to marry Manuel's grandniece, and the bride would arrive in Jaffa in a week, with the deacon accompanying her. It was not surprising that his child appeared in Alaska at this time.

The other shook his head. "No," he said, "that's not the Byzantines."

Just as the follower was about to ask, he saw his master walking in that direction, and he could only hurriedly catch up.

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Men a thousand years from now might consider accompanying a woman shopping as a chore, but men today might not.

Although this place is called the most sacred and can be regarded as a prosperous city, the people of Alasar still live in boredom and dullness day after day. Those who do not have to worry about the next meal usually have only ways to entertain themselves by playing music, dancing, watching the clowns raised in the castle do somersaults, and listening to poets sing stories that they have long been familiar with.

So much so that young people, especially the energetic ones, find anything interesting as long as they are not looking at the wall, praying or training.

Another point that needs to be explained is that men during this period were just as vain as women, or even more flashy.

They grew their hair long, and then covered it with silver or gold threads, and decorated their hairnets with pearls; their armor was engraved with family names, biblical phrases or patterns; their saddles and shields were either gilded or silver-plated, they inlaid gold spurs on their boots, and pinned jewel-studded brooches on their hats; they loved velvet, silk, and wool, and the more colorful the color, the better.

A knight who defeated his opponent in a tournament or whipped his bare back until it bled in a penitential procession would receive admiration from the nobles. Sometimes, noble ladies would simply throw down their shawls or cloaks, and the knight would pick them up, put them on, and show off to everyone.

This situation has become so serious that the "Original Rules" of the Knights Templar must sternly state: "Robes cannot have any fine decorations" and "If any brother wants better and more gorgeous clothes (all the equipment of the Knights Templar is distributed by the Knights Templar), give him the worst."

But there was nothing that could be done about it. After all, it was difficult for people at that time to identify a person - not to mention identity cards, most people were illiterate - not to mention people like Longinus who had sworn an oath to Christ and would never reveal their origins and names until they had fulfilled their oath.

The only thing that could prove them was the clothes they wore on their fleshy bodies. There were clear regulations on what a monk should wear, what a servant should wear, and what a prince should wear. Although Alaska did not have as detailed and strict laws as Constantinople, as long as a person walked in front of the public, people could estimate his identity and occupation just by looking at his clothes.

If you dress like a beggar or a fool, you are bound to be harassed by bad people.

So for merchants, a noble lady is certainly a respectable customer, and a knight can also be an impressive big buyer, and many noble ladies are willing to pay the bill for the knight.

It sounds incredible, but as long as the knight has sworn an oath to the noble lady, he is hers. He will serve his love and become his lover's vassal.

Just as knights would polish their armor and feed their horses, noble ladies would also take care of their knights, buy them armor and horses, give them clothes made of mink or silk, and recommend them to their fathers or husbands.

Of course, on the other hand, the knight must never disobey any order of the noble lady he has sworn an oath to, even if she asks him to whip himself, fight a beast, or die, he must obey.

Even if she doesn't say a word, he should defend her honor anywhere and at any time. Many knights hang a sign in the hotel or other place where they stay when they arrive at a place, stating that Ms. So-and-so's beauty and character are unparalleled in the world and no one can compare to her.

If a knight raised an objection, he would ride on his horse, raise his spear, and knock the wooden sign to duel with him.

This kind of duel usually results in one person dying.

"That's Elena and her knight," Damara whispered.

Standing at the door of a shop was a noble lady wearing a Xinan hat and a veil. Her knight half-knelt on the ground and asked her to step on his knees to mount the horse. After mounting the horse, the noble lady lifted her veil and smiled. As a reward for this hospitality, she took off her ring, and the knight immediately took it and put it on his little finger.

"Isn't that Gérard de Redfort?" Baldwin frowned. "Isn't he applying to join the Knights Templar? If he swore an oath to a noble lady, how would he keep it?"

"Elena is not a demanding person," Damara said. "She can release him from his vows as long as the gentleman is sincere enough. Besides, if people spread the story that the knight joined the Knights Templar out of heartbreak because he could not obtain her love, so he could remain chaste for her, that would be a beautiful story."

"Is this... okay?" Cesar asked hesitantly.

"Why not?" Damara said, "Several of my friends hope to find a knight who will die for them, or become a monk and remain a chaste man for life."

"What about you?" Baldwin asked immediately.

"Me?" Damara looked at Cesar. "I don't want my knight to die. It would be better if he could stay with me forever."

"Do you want to marry Cesar?" The Gerard family would not agree.

"Why not, Cesar is so pretty."

"I will give careful consideration to Cesar's marriage." Baldwin said that Damara was not a good choice for Cesar. Cesar's foundation was too weak. It would be better to find him a female heiress with wealth or territory.

Cesar didn't listen to what they said next. He began to understand why "chivalrous love" was so highly praised.

In this era when only men could inherit property (most of it), join the military, govern, and even do business, the quickest and most efficient way for a woman to gain honor was for a knight who respected her to spread the word.

Whether the knight died or defeated his opponent, it would establish the lady's noble status, and people would say that if she was not truly pious, kind and intelligent, how could a man lose his most precious life for her.

This was also beneficial for the knight. After all, poets would mention his name when performing in castles and palaces, and his bravery and strength would be publicized. In addition, if a knight defeated another knight, the loser's armor and horse would belong to him. This was how many knights accumulated their assets.

At this time, Mr. Gerard de Redfort came over and saluted the prince, but he was careful not to alarm others. If possible, he even wanted to be the prince's temporary guard, but unfortunately he had to serve his mistress back to the castle.

"Do you wish to continue?" Longinus asked.

Baldwin was a little hesitant. Today was not a market day, but the king's marriage brought a large number of merchants and their customers - Byzantines who came to celebrate, envoys from various countries, and knights who wanted to participate in the tournament crowded every corner of the Holy Land.

The merchants, whether carrying baskets, setting up tents, or borrowing shop space, displayed a variety of goods, though crude. He wanted to find a unique treasure for his mother, but the value of the treasure should not be its price.

"I'll take a look."

They passed several shops, tents, and even looked at the goods piled on the ground, but Baldwin still couldn't find anything suitable.

Damara was already a little tired. She turned her head and looked around, trying to find a place to rest. "Ah," she said, "They have already started practicing."

She was talking about actors. Performers are indispensable to a wedding, and a king's wedding requires them in particular. From the moment the bride enters Alaska Street, from the gate to the Holy Cross Castle, people have to perform various dramas on high wooden platforms all the way, and the content is basically related to marriage.

In addition to these, there are jugglers, magicians, dwarfs and dancers. Some of these people came here on their own after hearing the news, while others were hired by the castle steward. But no one would just sit there and wait. There were so many people outside, and they took the opportunity to come out and earn some money for drinks.

Damara seemed to be attracted by a place where "Solomon and Sheba" was being rehearsed. Baldwin and Cesar followed her and found that she was watching a "slaughterhouse". Cesar didn't know what to call this game, if it could be considered a game.

This game is very simple. It only requires an open space and some chickens and ducks. The host buries the chickens and ducks in the soil, leaving only their heads. Then those who are willing to play the game spend money to come in and get a stick. They take turns hitting the heads of the chickens and ducks with the stick. Whoever can knock their heads off in one stroke gets the chicken or duck.

The necks of chickens and ducks are very flexible and their reactions are quick, but if you miss one, there is always a second, a third... and there are also many trained servants and retainers here.

The young men paid the money happily and made a mess of the fight. The chickens and ducks stretched their necks and clucked desperately. There were sighs, admiration and laughter from the onlookers. Feathers flew and blood splattered everywhere.

After just a few glances, Cesar was the first to turn his head away, Baldwin also lowered his eyes, and Damara raised her hands and covered her eyes modestly, seeming a little scared but mostly excited.

"What's that?" Baldwin turned his eyes away. Cesar followed his gaze and saw a small tent that could only hold three or four people, but there was a long line outside. Longinus rushed over to ask about it, and came back with the answer: "That's a monk's tent. He said he prays to Saint Enoch, and everyone who has tried it says his predictions are correct—"

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "He said that if a mother wants divination for her son, or a son wants divination for his mother, he will not charge any fee in gratitude for Gabriel's prediction of the coming of the Holy Child to the Virgin Mary."

Baldwin didn't care about a few silver or gold coins; what moved him was the thought of "a son wishing to divine for his mother." He hoped that the Countess of Jaffa would have a long and prosperous life. However, the world was unpredictable, fate was unpredictable, and her fiefdom was Jaffa, a crucial territory that would inevitably be fought over in the event of war. The monk's appearance seemed like a foreshadowing...

"I want to try it," he whispered to Cesar.

The knights went over to drive away the crowd and went into the tent to search. The fortune teller was indeed a monk, and there was no one else there. However, he insisted that only one person was allowed to enter the tent at a time because he used geomancy, and the third person who knew the result would be doomed.

The knights were unwilling, but Baldwin insisted. Cesar thought for a moment and said, "Let's tie him up," he said, "just leave his mouth and eyes."

"Then how did he hit the ground with the stick?"

"Bite it with your teeth."

The monk glared at Cesar.

After Cesar finished dealing with this small matter, he went aside to rest. Damara was very curious about the monks and forgot her tiredness. She walked around the tent. Longinus and the knights could only stare at her, afraid that she would suddenly sneak in.

"Sir," Cesar said, "why have you been following us?"

The other party laughed softly.

He was a Saracen, at least judging by his clothes. Yes, he wore a black robe and a cowhide belt as wide as a palm, with nothing but a scimitar on it.

The scimitar had no decoration, and the leather sheath was also black, with brown leather stripes wrapped around the handle. Over the black robe was a long, open-fronted cloak with brown and white stripes, made of the same thin wool as the robe.

He was wrapped in a heavy turban, without any pins, made of ordinary linen, but when this man wore it, it looked like a crown.

"I just saw you guys watching that... game. Kid," the man asked gently, instead of answering Cesar's question, "Don't you like this kind of game?"

"No," Cesar said. "And you, do you like it?"

"No," the man said. "Then may I ask why you don't like it?"

A knight walked towards them. Cesar waved his hand to indicate that nothing was wrong. The knight stopped, but still kept one eye on him. Cesar looked at the man, who seemed to have completely ignored the knight - although he was dressed like a common Saracen merchant.

Cesar thought for a moment and replied, "Let me put it this way. In my education, there is a saying that goes, if you want to be a kind person, stay away from the kitchen."

The visitor repeated the sentence, "This is definitely not what is meant literally."

"Indeed," Cesar affirmed, "this saying comes from a conversation between a wise man and a king. It is said that the king saw someone leading a cow past him and asked, 'Where are you taking it?' The man said, 'I want to sacrifice it to the gods, so I have to kill the cow.' The king saw the cow crying and said, 'I will redeem it with a sheep.'

When this matter became known, people laughed at him, saying that he was hypocritical for pitying the cows but not the sheep.

The visitor listened attentively, subconsciously rubbing his fingers gently over a large silver ring, the only ornament on his body. "What did the wise man say?"

"He said that having that little bit of mercy was a very good thing," Cesar said. "When this king was alive, there were many countries around him that were at war almost every day. In order to fight the wars, their people had to pay a lot of taxes, and they could hardly survive.

The wise man said, when you saw the cow, you felt pity for it, but you did not have mercy on the sheep because you did not see it. Doesn’t this mean that your benevolent heart has already existed in your body?
Compared to you, aren't those who, even if they saw it, would not be moved at all, more worthy of blame?"

"...Ah," the visitor said after a long pause, "This is truly a wise man. He can not only see the body, but also the soul hidden deep within."

He stared at Cesar: “That is why you do not want to see such a sight—you are a Christian, but the wise men you speak of remind me of our prophets.

He taught us to use the sharpest knife when slaughtering livestock, to cut through three tendons, and to be gentle and not to cause them pain. Because we eat them for survival, not for pleasure.

"Yes," Cesar said, "I eat meat, I can kill animals, and I'm even a good cook, but I won't torture them like this."

“Every place seems to have similar principles.”

“Because people’s hearts are always inclined to good.”

"Really?" The visitor smiled. "You are so beautiful, like a new sprout after rain. God bless you, and I hope you can still retain this rare purity when we meet again."

------

When Baldwin walked out of the tent, he saw Cesar standing there with a serious expression, as if in a trance.

He walked up and called Cesar's name, then saw what he was holding in his hand.

"what is that?"

Cesar showed him a silver ring of crude workmanship lying in the palm of his hand.

"Who gave you this?" Baldwin held up the ring. "Eagle?"

(End of this chapter)