Chapter 1

Balian stood on the balcony in his home of Ibelin. Memories from his life-altering experience the year before flooded his mind. He had been the blacksmith of a small French village. He was also mourning the death of his wife, who had committed suicide. Their child had died (cause of death is unknown). She had committed suicide because she couldn't bear the grief of losing her child. Now Balian was a knight & the Baron of Ibelin. He remembered his father, Godfrey, who he barely knew. He remembered killing the village priest in a rage when he mocked him. He remembered so many men died because he killed a priest. He remembered his father was shot by an arrow and later died from it. He remembered his father knighting him passing his title and property onto him.

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He was praying in the courtyard by a fire during his stay at Messina, the port to the Holy Land. "Balian!" His father's English sergeant called. Balian got up, tucking his deceased wife's cross under his shirt. He went inside. He was told to change into the simple white robe he was given. He complied. He was led down a hallway by the sergeant. The sergeant peeked through a set of curtains before turning to glance at Balian. "Hurry," He urged and proceeded through the curtains with quick steps. Balian followed him. Several knights flanked Balian, following him with slower steps. The sergeant stopped in front of the next set of curtains. "I can go no further." He said. He held the curtain open for him. Balian entered the room alone while the sergeant and the knights remained behind the curtains. His father sat on a chair in front of an altar laden with lit candles. The Knight Hospitaller who was loyal to his father stood on his father's left side. There was another man on his father's right side. There were two knights, one behind the man on Godfrey's right and one behind the Knight Hospitaller. "Get on your knees." The Knight Hospitaller said with a nod to the spot in front of Godfrey. His demeanor was as grim as the sergeant's was. 

Balian complied, taking a step forward and kneeling on both knees before his father. The two men on either side of Godfrey helped him stand up. "Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." Godfrey said. Godfrey's voice was hoarse.

He took off his ring with trembling hands and offered it to his son, who took it without hesitation. With the last of his strength, Godfrey backhanded Balian hard across the face. Balian's head flew to the side from the force of the slap as the Hospitaller leaned away from Godfrey to avoid getting hit in the process. 

"And that's so you remember it," Godfrey breathed as he sat back down in exhaustion. Balian quickly recovered. The beautiful and distinctive Sword of Ibelin was lying on a table beside the Knight Hospitaller, who picked it up and gave it to Godfrey. Godfrey offered the sword to Balian. Balian took it and gazed at the weapon with a combination of uncertainty and awe. 

"Rise a knight and Baron of Ibelin," The Hospitaller affirmed. Balian rose with the sword. Godfrey started to fall forward, but Balian caught him. Godfrey placed his hand on Balian's cheek. 

"Defend the King. And if the King is no more, protect the people." Godfrey told Balian. The dying knight and noble withdrew his hand from Balian's face and sat back down again. 

"It's time now, my lord, to confess to holy God, not your son. Are you sorry for all your sins?" The Hospitaller inquired as he put a hand around Godfrey's shoulder. 

"For all but one," Godfrey answered as he gazed at his son and heir. With a sigh, Godfrey of Ibelin let his head lean against the Hospitaller's stomach and fell asleep in the hope of the Ressurection.

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He remembered traveling to Jerusalem. He remembered going to Ibelin. He remembered improving Ibelin. He remembered receiving orders to protect the peasants in danger at Kerak and charging against the Saracen cavalry. He remembered having to fight a battle to protect the people of Jerusalem from the Saracens. He surrendered the city to Saladin, the King of the Saracens in exchange for the safe evacuation of Christians. Thanks to King Richard the Lion-hearted of England, Jerusalem was back in Christian hands. Balian was a noble and knight to a Christian King of Jerusalem again. Balian looked down at the ring on his left finger. His love, Sibylla, joined him on the balcony. Sibylla had been Princess and then Queen of Jerusalem and several other cities. She had renounced her claim. Balian could no longer ignore his love for her. "I love you, Sibylla." Balian said. "I love you, Balian." Sibylla said. Balian decided to give love a second chance. He decided to propose soon. He was happy here in Ibelin.