People in the Middle Ages, draw cards to get promoted

Not just Fulk.

Almost everyone in the camp opened their mouths wide in shock from this gigantic beast. Compared to it, the manticore in the desert, which changes color when people hear it, is as docile and cute as a cat.

As the huge figure got closer and closer to the camp, people were able to get a glimpse of its whole picture.

The black triangular scales covered its body in an orderly manner, and the red lines between the gaps seemed to be flowing with hot molten lava.

The broad fleshy wings are connected to the forelimbs, and the sharp claws extend out like knives. No matter how strong the shield and armor are, it seems that it can be easily torn into pieces-if it needs to use these claws.

On top of its head, the knotted dragon horn is its crown.

There is a row of sharp bony spurs like fish fins on the neck.

This is the Karelian Fire Dragon, a terrifying monster that lives in the polar regions but bred extremely high temperatures.

The dire tyrannosaurus, which was still roaring at first, this kind of fierce creature with no IQ at all, has long since died down. It whimpered from its throat like a puppy, and its body trembled unconsciously.

They may desire the dragon blood essence contained in an inferior dragon, which can make them transform from a low-level beast that has nothing to do with a dragon except that it is similar in shape to a real dragon.

But it would never be so stupid as to show hostility and covetousness to a real high-ranking dragon.

With a loud noise in the distance, the giant dragon successfully landed in its own camp.

Fulk breathed a sigh of relief. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and crossed himself on his chest. He could do nothing but pray to God for protection.

He knew very well that after the giant beast circled in the sky, all hidden resistance forces in the entire barracks had to die down, and all Saracen soldiers had no doubts about the outcome of this battle.

One soldier after another prostrated themselves on the ground.

They prayed in the direction of the dragon.

The imams have said that this giant dragon that can spit out fiery dragon flames is the embodiment of the will of the holy fire, and it is a divine beast that will help them recover the holy land occupied by the evil Franks.

"What a ferocious and beautiful behemoth."

Fulk, who was attracted by the sound of emotion, looked at the man not far away.

He was the only man in the vicinity who didn't throw himself to the ground, wearing black scale armor, holding an iron helmet in his arms, a black goatee on his jaw, and a gentle smile on his face.

Sensing Fulk's gaze, he turned his head and said with a smile, "What do you think?"

Fulk said perfunctorily, "It's very beautiful."

"Come with me, there is a task to explain."

Fulk froze for a moment and asked, "What's the matter?"

The man raised his eyebrows: "Are you still unwilling to call me master?"

Fulk was silent.

This man is the "master" who bought him from a slave trader. He is Saladin's nephew, a Mamluk officer under Takidin, and his ancestors came from the Ross states across the Black Sea. Apart from appearance, there is no difference in behavior from Saracens.

Although it was a foregone conclusion, Fulk was still unwilling to admit that he was now serving a heretic, even though his "master" had treated him well.

Although Mamluks are slaves in name, they are just like servants and private soldiers of the Eastern Dynasty.

The status is actually higher than that of ordinary people.

Many Mamluks, slaves depend on their masters, and they can also occupy high positions.

I have to admit that for Fulk, being a slave seems to be a better life than being a small feudal lord in Languedoc.

Although he has the title of "Baron", he only owns a small fief in the south of Languedoc, near the Pyrenees, and the territory under his jurisdiction is very small, not as good as some richer knights.

The man didn't care about it, and chuckled lightly: "Heh, come with me, we talked as we walked, Master Shemer gave us an easy but important job, delivering food to those big guys every day."

"The one just now?"

"Of course not. That's the treasure of Master Schemael. He has to feed it himself every day—I mean those big guys who don't have any brains."

"We won't be eaten, will we?"

"No, they are all locked in iron cages with iron railings as thick as my arms. Even if they really go crazy, they won't be able to break through for a while, and with Master Shemail around, they are quite honest."

The two walked to another camp together, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

"Hey, to be honest, with them here, I don't know if there is room for us to play on the battlefield. Those big guys lined up and charged. I can't think of anyone who can resist it."

Fulk wailed softly: "What's wrong with the world? Ten years ago, people would never have believed that these giant beasts would appear in future wars. Except for bards, even drunken alcoholics would not think that riding With a broom, a wizard with a black cat all day long can lead the direction of the war."

"But that's the way it is."

His master said in a relaxed and emotional tone: "Fortunately, these big guys are on our side. Fulk, you have to be glad you joined us, otherwise, you will be the one who faces them on the battlefield."

Fulk shook his head and said, "I was already going back to Languedoc. Although it is not rich, it has the best wine in Gaul."

"Hey--"

The man raised his voice: "Do as the Romans do, you should call these beautiful red drinks fermented grape juice."

Fulk shrugged: "King Saladin allowed us to keep our original beliefs."

"Yes, he is a generous king."

The man smiled, his eyes full of reverence. For these Mamluk "nobles", Saladin is the incarnation of the holy fire they worship.

...

In Saladin's camp.

Tajidin came back from the siege camp and looked at Saladin who was sitting on a chair and reviewing documents with some puzzlement.

"My lord, why don't we continue to march? This is just a small castle, and we won't have any trouble taking it down."

"Jerusalem is there, it can't get away."

Saladin smiled and handed a golden water bowl to his nephew, which contained a cold drink sprinkled with honey and ice cubes.

"As long as I eat the main force of the Franks, the entire Levant will belong to me."

"But we should at least take Tiberias or Castle of the Knights!"

Tajiding said solemnly: "Taking it there will greatly shorten our supply line, and the soldiers and livestock will also get enough water."

Saladin said frankly: "You know, the Franks also know this. Temporary patience is to achieve greater results."

He clenched his palms and said with a smile: "I want to eat the main force of all the Franks in one breath!"

Takidin frowned.

He is still a little puzzled. In his opinion, they have already taken an absolute advantage. Pushing all the way, what is the use of getting rid of the main force of the Franks? Can they escape without a fight and return by boat? Europe?

so what?

Don't they want Jerusalem?
Takidin felt that it was reasonable to get rid of the Franks as soon as possible and turn around to deal with the Sasanian king.

Only by occupying Baghdad can Saladin become the veritable Saracen world, the supreme ruler.

outside Jerusalem.

The converging Crusaders did not start immediately, and the Trans-Jordan coalition forces who came from afar needed time to rest.

There is no rush, and a long march is also a huge test for an army.

Lothar is in King Baldwin's camp, discussing the next plan with the young monarch.

The Duke of Raymond was also among them, and these three were the core figures of the entire coalition army.

Raymond is not only the ruler of the Principality of Tripoli, but also the lord of the duchy of Galilee in the kingdom, so he is called the Duke of Raymond. It is his Galilee who is currently being attacked by the Saracens. Duke of Lee.

Raymond opened his mouth and said: "The Knights of the Hospital contributed 500 abbot knights, 3000 attendants, and thousands of spear-wielding sergeants in this battle. Including a hired cavalry archer employed by the Knights, the total force It reached [-] people."

Lothar nodded slightly: "As expected of the Knights Hospitaller, I'm afraid they have tried their best this time."

Although the contribution of the Knights Templar is more.

But this is by no means because the strength of the Knights Templar is much stronger than that of the Knights Hospitaller, but because the headquarters of the former is on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and the headquarters of the latter is located in the Knights Fort in the north.

The Knights of the Hospital controlled many castles in the north, and they all had to face the threat of Saladin's army.

For example, in Knights Fort near the border of Saracen, the Knights of the Hospital stationed [-] troops, and the other fortresses in the Northern Territory also had their own garrisons. Usually, the Knights of the Hospital can take advantage of their geographical advantages to attack and plunder wantonly. Saracen frontier residents, but now, they must also face the front line of Saladin's army.

Lothar said again: "As Your Majesty said, we are not inferior to Saladin in terms of military strength. If the interference of the caster can be ruled out, we should be evenly matched in this battle."

Baldwin IV nodded and said: "Also beware of Adil of Egypt, this is Saladin's most important arm, and it is impossible to miss this battle."

"It's nothing more than two attacks."

"Yeah, nothing more than"

The young king sighed helplessly. This is not a conspiracy, but a conspiracy. The fight is due to the gap in national power. Adil is in charge of the entire Egyptian governorate, and his strength is strong. It must be able to bear it.

"The participation of spellcasters has brought too much uncertainty to the war."

Raymond shook his head and said: "I'm afraid it's unrealistic to allocate too many troops for defense. We have pieced together the current army, which has left the defenses in many places extremely empty."

Lothar agreed: "We can only find opportunities to deal with the spellcasters in the enemy army. Without the help of spellcasters, it is difficult for them to quickly attack the city and advance. The conditions of the Sinai Corridor are there. It is easy to attack and difficult to attack. Sustain the army's advance."

Baldwin IV looked at Lothar: "Do you have a suitable candidate?"

Lothar nodded: "Of course."