Crusade Read Online Free Page A

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    ‘Father, I am leaving home,’ Gregor announced without preamble. His father stopped and straightened his back a little. ‘A prophet has arrived in our village this eve. He is leading a crusade to smash the cursed infidels in Jerusalem. And I am going with him.’
    Georgette interrupted in dismay at Gregor’s bluntness. ‘Father, I can explain. A young boy touched by God has gathered an army of children who march behind him in a new crusade. He said that the souls of children free from adult sin shall convert the Muslims and Jews and return Golden Jerusalem to the true believers. I understood from his words that I am called to a holy task. Gregor feels it too. But we will return to you, Father. And with God’s blessing.’
    Their father turned round and observed them, while Georgette’s fingers twisted her apron into a criss-cross of wrinkles. Then he faced home and continued walking as if he had not heard. With deliberate movements, he unloaded his wood at the side of the hut. Choosing three branches, he carried them into the hut and bent down to stuff them into the stove.
    Silenced by their father’s silence, Georgette and Gregor said nothing until they had all eaten the simple evening meal. Only when he had shovelled the last hunk of bread into his mouth and wiped the gravy off his mouth on to his sleeve did their father speak, as if it had taken all this time to marshal his reaction.
    ‘I cannot tie you to the hut if you wish to go,’ he remarked as if talking to himself.
    ‘I’m going,’ Gregor stated baldly.
    Georgette’s father looked at her. She said nothing but something in her face must have convinced him that she too was not to be deterred.
    ‘You are just children. How will you eat? Where will you shelter at night?’ he said, ever more practical than emotional.
    Tears welled up in Georgette’s eyes. She reached out and touched her father’s rough sleeve.
    ‘Father, all those in our village who heard Prophet Stephen speak hurried to bring out food for the children he led. Our neighbours asked in return only that when the Crusaders reach the Holy Land – where our Father listens most closely to man’s requests – they should pray that this one get well, that one give birth to a live child, and the other one escape his bad fortune. It will be that way all along the road. Our Lord will provide.’
    ‘And the danger?’ her father replied. ‘There are bandits along the road.’
    ‘I’ll kill them, just as I’ll kill the Muslims and Jews trespassing in the Holy Land,’ Gregor retorted. ‘This is my chance to see the world, Father. I will not miss it.’
    His father made no protest, but turned away and blew his nose into the corner. When he faced the fire again, his bewildered expression pierced Georgette. Our Lord will take care of him while we are away , she reassured herself. In fact, our Lord will be so glad of our family’s service that He may even reward our father with a good harvest this year.
    They stayed up later than usual. Their father was silent, cracking his knuckles repeatedly. Gregor sat on the floor, whittling a cross he intended to dip into the chalky lime at the edge of the pond and carry high as he marched. He had wanted a sword but his father had told him he had no money for such costly items and that he must make do with a sturdy cudgel.
    Gregor was furious at being thwarted, and even angrier when his father gave several small silver coins into Georgette’s safe keeping.
    ‘Sew this into the seam of your cape, Georgette. ’Tis all I have, so use it for emergencies only,’ he instructed.
    ‘We have no need of money,’ Georgette protested, but her father was stubborn. Finally, she took the small cloth into which he had knotted the coins and drew closer to the fire to stitch it into her clothing.
    ‘Look after your sister, Gregor,’ their father charged. But his words sounded more like begging than ordering.
    ‘I will be occupied with the boys in