The majestic Duke's Guard slowly proceeded down the main street.
The Winged Cavalry leading the way, clutching their drawn Ard Swords, commanded the crowd to make a path.
The townspeople had little reaction to Losa's arrival.
They had seen plenty of Crusader nobles flaunting their power lately and realized these Franks weren't as murderous as the legends had claid. It was simply another new Lord to bow to, as life goes on.
However, so Crusaders and Pilgrims, recognizing the Double-headed Eagle Banner and the Winged Cavalry's attire, eagerly gathered around the column, raising their crosses or banners, excitedly chanting Losa's nickna and titles.
"Hail to the greatest Duke Losa!"
"Victor, Brave, Dragon Slayer, mighty Holy Spear Guardian, bless , please."
"Holy Son be with , invincible in battle!"
So idle Coptics, plucking up their courage, also joined the commotion.
"Is this the legendary Holy Spear Guardian?"
"By Saint Margaret, is he riding a Pegasus? It looks even taller and more imposing than my cal!"
"I must admit, seeing this lord, those incredible legends seem to have so credibility after all. This is definitely no ordinary lord!"
They marveled, eyes fixed on Losa and his Guards, scarcely blinking.
For the first ti, a rare thought dawned upon them that perhaps this presence could defeat the Saracens who had ruled Egypt for over five hundred years.
The military council's location today was set at the Crusaders' camp on the outskirts of the city, amidst lush banyan and palm trees under whose canopy scores of noble lords had already assembled.
Richard the Lionheart, looking distantly at the dust and flags swirling around the Guard, couldn't help but smile and say, "Quite a spectacle."
His Guard Captain, a Norman Count, scoffed, "Eastern nobles love their luxury so much, no wonder they lost their bravery, losing Antioch and Edessa in succession."
His tone was sowhat bitter. To finance the Crusade, Richard the Lionheart had nearly emptied his treasury and imposed the hefty "Saladin Tax," leaving Albion's nobility in hard tis.
Having reached the Holy Land, he found his family heirloom armor less fine than the gear worn by an average Crusader soldier, a forr Swabia villager from half a year ago. This filled him with a keen sense of injustice.
"And he's only claiming the title of Duke. If he truly takes all Egypt, wouldn't his entourage number in the thousands?"
Richard frowned; he cared little for wealth, but he knew its importance to an army.
"Enough, stop lanting, my Knight. We didn't co to the East for wealth gathering."
Richard the Lionheart chuckled softly; risking his untrustworthy brother seizing his throne, he wasn't seeking Eastern riches or power but a glorious battle and supre renown.
"Don't underestimate him; a Swabia villager couldn't accomplish these feats. You've seen it, the soldiers adore him, the nobles respect him, the Saracens fear him; even I must admit, he's indeed a fitting Crusade Commander."
"That's only because you weren't here."
The Count's Guard Captain sneered, "Any so-called illustrious victory he claims, you would surpass with ease."
"You're too arrogant, Fuller."
Though spoken aloud, Richard inwardly agreed with his Count's Guard Captain.
"Enough, Fuller, we should greet our Marquis now. Rember, hide your disdain; I heard, when this Duke was rely a Baron, he enjoyed tossing his gloves at people's faces. And you, you're not his match."
The Count's Guard Captain was sowhat defiant, but upon seeing the figure astride his colossal steed, he swallowed his words.
This fellow, whether in mount, horse armor, or armor, radiated exceptionalism, evoking instinctive awe.
Richard warmly greeted Losa, exchanged pleasantries, and as more Crusader nobles gathered, they smiled at each other and returned to their factions.
In the field, hundreds of Crusader nobles, along with entourage, gathered in groups of threes and fives. Viewed from above, one would see these nobles forming two sowhat indistinct circles.
The circles' central figures were Losa and Richard.
Richard gazed at Losa, surrounded by people, feeling a sense of amazent at how remarkably young he seed.
In truth, he admired Losa.
Still, they were destined to oppose each other.
This military council aid to garner more followers and secure command, though Losa was Baldwin IV's appointed Crusade Marshal, the position wasn't immutable.
By custom, a Crusade leader was typically the highest noble or ford into a temporary military council by similar-ranked lords jointly planning strategies.
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