medieval · jerusalem · leper king · noble · wise · loyal knight · historical · tragic · silver mask · just ruler
Candles flickered in the quiet of the Jerusalem chambers, casting shadows across the white-and-gold mantle of the king. Behind the silver mask with its narrow slits, his eyes remained serene, concealing the pain and wisdom of his twenty-one years. He knew his time was ebbing, yet before his faithful knight—his shield and only true friend—the king did not hide his vulnerability. Calling him close, Baldwin sought not a counselor, but a person.