Written by Guy, Fri Sep 4 9:54:33 US/Pacific 1998
Chapter 2
Many imprortant events took place following the murder of Heinz Moelthe by Ulrich Wilhelm Von Quirnheim.
The Third Crusade, headed by Richard I of England and Philip II of France, began in 1189. Shortly after their departure, Frederick I, the Emperor of Germany and Rome, set out in May 1189. He disliked Richard and refused to support his troops. His was probably the largest single crusading army ever to march. In June 10, 1189, some astonishing news spread all over Europe: the drowning of Frederick I in Cilicia His son, Henry VI, was crowned Emperor of Germany and Rome in 1190.
Meanwhile, King Philip II landed at Tyre in 1191, where Conrad de Montferrat, who was now calling himself King of Jerusalem, met him. The two men were cousins, so it was natural that Philip should support Conrad in his dispute over the throne of Jerusalem with his rival, King Guy. The two went together on April 20, 1191 to the siege of Acre.
Philip ordered the building of some siege towers, and otherwise took general control of the effort, but nothing else was done. It was agreed that they should wait for the English King before attempting to storm the city. Richard arrived on June 8, so Philip didn't have to wait very long. Almost from the moment of his arrival, Richard took command of the siege. Although technically both kings merely commanded their own troops, it was Richard who was clearly the more energetic. Even so, little progress was made at first, for Saladin, the Great Sultan, was still near by with his army. Whenever the besiegers pressed the city too closely, Saladin would attack the Christian camp. He was not strong enough to risk a pitched battle against so large army, but was strong enough to keep them from being able to concentrate on Acre.
And so the city held out for a little longer, but as June wore on, it became plain that Saladin was not able to rescue the city. The walls were breached early in July, and on the 11th the garrison offered terms. They agreed to surrender the city, to give over two thousand prisoners, to pay two thousand gold pieces and to return to the True Cross. The garrison sent a messenger to carry the news to Saladin.
The city of Acre, August 21st, 1191
Ulrich Wilhelm watched the sunset over the old city of Acre. Only ten days had passed since the day their troops breached the city's walls, but to him, it seemed like an eternity. He was very proud by then, proud to be a Christian, serving under Richard's command. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case anymore. The King of England turned out to be as vicious and as cruel as many had told him before. The previous week, Richard ordered the execution of his Muslim prisoners, declaring that Saladin had broken the terms of the agreement. Two thousand seven hundred prisoners- men, women and children- were savagely massacred. They were executed outside the city walls; Saladin's soldiers could see the butchery, which took all day, and tried to rescue them. Even as the prisoners were being slaughtered, a battle was fought, but the Muslims were driven back and all the prisoners died. Ulrich knew that Richard executed them mainly because he could not possibly take nearly three thousand prisoners with him, and they were no longer useful in negotiating with Saladin. Richard could have freed them, but he was rarely generous in that way. Because of these terrible events, Ulrich lost his faith in the good and holy intentions of the King of England. All he wished now was to return back to Bavaria.
-"His Excellency?" A stong voice called behind him.
The Count turned around and faced the young knight who was coming towards him.
-"His Excellency?" He called once again.
-"Yes", Ulrich replied.
-"His Royal Highness, King Richard I wishes to see you right away."
-"Where would I find his Majesty?"
-"His Grace is to be found at the Emir's fortress.
Ulrich nodded and then climbed up the stairs leading to the quarters of Acre's latest Muslim Governor. As soon as Richard conquered the city, he bleached the walls of Emir Yusuff Amram Jamal's fortress. The Christian Monarch executed the Emir, his wife and his four children. Acre's High Council could see the brutal killing, but couldn't say a thing. Since that dark day, Richard had been living quite comfortably at the Emir's fortress.
Ulrich saluted the two guards at the entrance of the King of England's quarters and entered the Monarch's room. Richard was standing by a large window with an expansive view of the City. He was tall and handsome, strong and physically well suited. His blond hair was shining in the last rays of the sun. He wore his usual white tunic with a Red Cross on it, one of the numerous emblems of the Templars.
-"Count Von Quirnheim, Majesty", Ulrich announced in French, while bowing respectfully. Indeed, although born in Oxfordshire, England, the King was a child of Aquitaine, a part of Southern France. His language was not English but French, and throughout his life he spoke little of it. Ulrich mastered French quite fluently and preferred to address the Monarch in his mother language. It was only then, that Richard turned away from the splendid view and faced the Bavrian nobleman.
-"Ulrich", the Monarch said with his deep, clear voice, "We have heard rumours about your wish to return to your homeland. Are these rumours genuine?"
The Count found himself confronted with a difficult situation. Even though the King lived up to the chivalric code, he had little patience with people. Since the beginning of the crusade, many knights had been executed because of the "fragile" patience of their Monarch.
-"They are genuine", Ulrich admitted, "I have been fighting beside your Majesty for more than two years. Unfortunately, it seems to me now that I lost the flame that had been leading me up to Acre. Moreover, I miss my wife, Eleanor, and my young son, Eugene. As your Majesty know, I disobeyed the Emperor of Germany's orders by joining your forces. Ever since, I've feared for my family's safety in Bavaria. They might be attacked and unjustly arrested. I would like to be there and protect them as much as I can."
-"While Our heart is with you Ulrich, We can hardly let you go. It is true that We have just conquered Acre, but it is only a small battle in a long and bloody war. However, with this first capitulation, We are certain that We would be able to liberate the Holy Land from the unfaithful Muslims' hands. Stay with Us and together we will accomplish God's command."
-"Pardon my sudden insistence, Majesty", the Count said, "but I am begging you to let me go back to Bavaria. My presence is highly required there. However, if your Highness still wish me to stay, I'll remain here and fight until we reach our noble goal."
Richard examined the Bavarian for a while, taking the matter into consideration.
-"Ulrich Von Quirnheim", he finally said, "you spoke with wisdom and pride. We have no doubts in your bravery and loyalty to our cause. You have fought and headed our troops with great courage. Therefore, We allow you to go back to Bavaria."
-"Your Highness is most kind", the Count replied, falling on his knees and kissing the Monarch's hand.
-"However", the King added, "We would like you to take on an important mission."
-"I would be honoured to assist your Majesty", Ulrich proudly exclaimed.
-"We would not hide from you that We are most unpleased from the aftermath of the siege. Since the occupation, quarrels have broken out. Duke Leopold of Austria is now commander of the German contingent. He set up his banners on an equal footing with Philip II of France and Ourselves, for he is representing the German Emperor, Henry VI. We took offence at this and threw the German banner into a ditch."
"I understand", the Count nodded.
"We would like you to go back to Germany and meet Henry VI. Pray tell the Emperor that we would cooperate with his Highness, by sharing with Him some of our material profits and glamour from conquering the Holy Land, if only he ceases his alliance with the Duke of Austria. That is the official side of the story, Ulrich. The main reason is that we need the German Emperor's support. As you know, Our noble crusade has started two and a half years ago. Since then, many of Our most loyal knights have been killed. We can hardly say that Our forces are as strong as before. Therefore, We wish Henry VI to supply us with new garrisons and weapons."
-"Of course".
-"Once again, We must remind you that this reason shall not be clearly revealed to the German Emperor."
-"My lips are sealed, your Majesty", Ulrich replied.
Richard the Lionheart put his hand on the Count's shoulder.
-"This mission is highly important Ulrich. We count on your discretion and great ability." As he had done before, Ulrich kissed his Monarch's hand.
-"We will not provide you a written message", the King added. "YOU are the message. If you come to die, Our proposition to the Emperor will vanish with you. However, We will not let you travelling alone. Three of Our bravest men will assist you on your dangerous journey back home."
-"Thank you, your Majesty. I will not forget your kindness and will proudly carry out my mission."
The King of England smiled for a moment, then he turned back to the window, once again watching the peaceful view of the Mediterranean city.
Ulrich Von Quirnheim bowed and left the room, eager to accomplish his task and to return to his homeland- Bavaria.
A LETTER FROM SIR BRIGHAM TO LEOPOLD, DUKE OF AUSTRIA
Acre, end of August, 1191
Sir Edmond Brigham, by the grace of God, Lord of Brigham and Tantelon and always august to his beloved friend Leopold, Duke of Austria- greeting and all good wishes.
I thought I ought to tell you, because of our love of us, that Richard I, Ling of England and Aquitaine has ent Count Ulrich Wilhelm Von Quirnheim, protected by three knights, to Germany. This expedition's goal is to reach a compromise with the most illustrious Henry VI, by the grace of God, most victorious Emperor of Rome, most noble Emperor of Germany and most friendly champion of the Holy Cross. I have learnt that in return for some favours, the King of England demands that Henry VI ceases any contact with your Lordship.
As one of your most humble servants, I urge your Excellency to prevent Ulrich from arriving to Germany at any cost.
Along with the rest, I tell this, which I am indeed not able to say wuthout tears. Richard I, King of England and Aquitaine, and Philip II, King of France, conquered Acre. This is a great victory in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, but it is darkened by the unpleasant fact that the troops were headed by these two Sovereigns and not by your Excellency or by the beloved Emperor, Henry VI.
I tell you truthully that you ought to arrest Ulrich Von Quirnheim. Your Excellency should not tolerate an alliance between these two villains and the supremest Emperor, Henry VI.
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