The Leper King

Looking down upon the massive ranks of Saracens upon the plain even the mighhty templars begin to quiver with the fear of impending doom. The distinct knocking of knees amongst the iinfantry were audible to all present, their neatly dressed ranks clearly on the verge of breaking into a headlong retreat away from the enemy that now stood only a few miles from the Holy City and the golden dome that shimmered far out on the horizon.

Sensing the overwhelmiing fear of his outnumbered commanders and men, the King dismounted from his mount and called forth the Bishop of Bethlehem to raise up the relic of the True Cross. Despite the debilating effects of his disease he prostrated himself before the sacred relic and beseeched God for divine intervention and victory, Rising from prayer, an aide rushes forth to aid his sickly king in mounting his horse. Despite the tenderness of his years, the disease had clearly taken its toll on the King. His flesh rotten and heavily bandaged; his right hand limp and clearly unable to hold a sword. Despite his physical weakness , he raised his sword with his good arm and charged the Saracen army. Inspired by their King's faith and bravery, renewed courage and resolve flowed in the veins of the Crusaders as they rode forth to meet their enemies.