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privilege to wrest the lands of our Saviour from the evil infidel. With Almighty God as our protector, this we will do.”
    â€œThe Arabs will oppose you,” the emperor stated, watching the man before him. “How do you plan to win Jerusalem?”
    â€œIf necessary,” the hermit replied, “we will fight.”
    â€œIt will most certainly become necessary—of that we can assure you,” Alexius said, feeling his anger stir within. “The Arabs are fearless in battle, and their resolve is legendary. Where are your weapons? Where are your supplies? Have you any siege engines? Have you the tools to make bridges, dig wells, scale walls?”
    â€œWhat we need,” answered the cleric placidly, “the Good Lord provides.”
    â€œAnd has the Good Lord provided any soldiers for your army?”
    â€œHe has, Lord Emperor,” answered Peter, shaking back his cloak once more. There was more than a touch of self-righteous defiance in his stance and tone.
    â€œHow many?”
    â€œWe have eight knights with us. They are led by the most devout Walter Sansavoir of Poissy.”
    â€œEight,” repeated Alexius. “Did you hear that, Nicetas? Theyhave eight mounted soldiers.” Turning once more to the priest, he asked, “Do you know how many warriors Sultan Arslan commands?”
    Peter, uncertain, hesitated.
    â€œToo late you show a little wisdom, my friend,” the emperor said. “Very well, I will tell you, shall I? The sultan has forty thousand in his private bodyguard alone. Forty thousand mounted warriors against your eight.”
    â€œWe are sixty thousand strong,” Peter proclaimed proudly. “We are God’s own army.”
    â€œ We command God’s own army, priest!” cried Alexius, unable to control his anger any longer. “ You are a rabble!”
    The emperor’s shout echoed in the hall like the crack of thunder. He leapt from his chair and stood towering over the unfortunate priest. “What is more, you are a wayward and undisciplined rabble. We have heard how you have plundered your way through Dalmatia and Moesia, looting towns and settlements to provide yourselves with food and supplies.” He turned his head to the Captain of the Excubitori. “We are not at war with Dalmatia and Moesia, are we, Nicetas?” he inquired with mock innocence.
    â€œNo, basileus,” the commander replied, “the people there are citizens of the empire.”
    â€œYou see!” cried Alexius. “You have attacked dutiful citizens whose only fault lay in the fact that they happened to live in the path of your thieving mob.”
    â€œThey were Jews,” Peter pointed out smugly. “We have vowed before the Throne of Christ to rid the world of all God’s enemies.”
    â€œYour vow was ill-spoken, priest. You have neither right nor authority to swear such a thing. You are above yourself, and we will not suffer these transgressions lightly,” Alexius declared,glaring hard at the ignorant cleric. After a moment, he appeared to soften. “Nevertheless, despite your flagrant and lamentable trespasses, we will make a bargain with you. In exchange for peace while within imperial borders, we will give you food and water while you are here in Constantinople; further, we will arrange safe conduct for you back the way you came.”
    â€œWith all respect, Emperor and Lord,” the hermit replied, “that I cannot do, for we are sworn to liberate Jerusalem at all costs.”
    â€œThen you must be prepared to pay that cost with your lives,” Alexius declared. “For truly, you will not escape with less.” He paused, drumming his fingers on the arms of his throne. “Is there nothing we can say to persuade you to turn back?”
    The rustic priest made no reply.
    â€œVery well,” conceded Alexius, “we will see you safely across the Bosphorus, at least. And may God have mercy