iChina.com

And to be sure,I was no general. The only military skills I had were those I had picked up in the Crusade. Nor did Georges, or Odo, or any of my other men have any tactical training. They were farmers and woodsmen. An old worry began to consume me: that I could be leading innocent men, who believed in my call, to slaughter. I needed a leader, but where could I get one? The third night out, I wandered over to where Baldwin and his men were being held. The duke glared at me belligerently. I merely shook my head and laughed. I knelt beside his chatelain, Daniel Gui. He was handsome and held himself with a strong bearing. He'd never complained of being a captive, unlike Baldwin, who spat curses and threats at anyone who met his eye. I'd heard other good things about him. I have a dilemma, I said as I sat on the ground next to him. I looked Daniel Gui in the eye, man to man. You have a dilemma? The chatelain laughed, showing me his bonds. Mine first. I smiled. I am at the head of an army, but I know little of how to fight a great battle. Is this a riddle, jester? If it is, let me play. Iknow how to fight, yet my army is disarmed and scattered. I offered him a sip of ale. It seems we are aligned yet opposite. But you command the duke's forces. I command Treille's forces, he responded firmly. My job was to lead them in defense of my city, not slaughter innocent subjects that our lordship did not trust. Treilleis Baldwin, though. You try and separate them, but you cannot.