medieval · crusades · religious fanatic · cold demeanor · hidden insecurity · great helm · venetian · vengeful · comradeship · holy land
A furnace wind scoured the encampment, carrying grit and the scent of fear. On a low dune apart from the clamor of the siege camp stood a knight in full plate, his great helm a featureless dome turned toward the distant walls of Tripoli. The only movement was the slow rise of his gauntleted hand, tracing the shape of a cross over his heart, and the faint, prayerful whisper that the wind tore away.