CHAPTER 60 - 60 THE FIRES OF AMBITION

May 1179

The spring winds carried more than blossoms across Europe—they carried the scent of war, promise, and power.

Sealed with the Cross of Jerusalem and the personal crest of King Baldwin IV, letters arrived by sea and overland routes to the courts of Christendom. Inside, penned in elegant Latin and delivered by trusted envoys, was not merely a summons to a new Crusade—but a proclamation of a new world order in the East.

A Crusade not of defense—but conquest.

And with conquest came reward.

The letters were clear: Knights of noble birth would be granted titled land within newly conquered Syrian territories—Homs, Aleppo, Baalbek, and, if God willed it, Damascus. Those who fought and settled would receive plots to till and defend under their lords. But these were not independent holdings.

All lands would become part of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

And every man who claimed such a gift would be required to swear oaths of fealty and obedience to King Baldwin, styled now King of Jerusalem and Duke of Palestine.

It was a bold claim. But it resonated.

Court of France — Compiègne

The scroll was read aloud before the assembled lords and clergy of King Philip II's household. At just nineteen years old, the king had already learned caution in foreign entanglements—but this letter stirred something in his court that few other messages had in years: desire.

His uncle, Archbishop Guillaume of Reims, concluded the reading.

"Jerusalem offers land for noble blood. Titled lands—fiefs recognized in perpetuity. But with one condition: all titles and estates fall under the Crown of Jerusalem. All must swear to Baldwin."

Philip leaned back in his high-backed chair. "Fealty to another king," he said slowly, eyes narrowed.

Theobald of Blois stepped forward. "A distant king. And for second sons or ambitious barons, not a threat to your crown, Sire. Rather, a ladder."

The young king considered that. "And if Baldwin fails?"

"Then they lose only what they risked. If he triumphs, France gains influence in Syria."

Archbishop Guillaume nodded. "We may send knights—not a royal levy. Volunteers. If it prospers, we claim credit. If it fails... we disavow."

Philip gave a tight smile. "So be it. Let those who hunger for land prove themselves in Syria. And let Baldwin gain his kingdom—so long as it does not cost mine."

The Holy Roman Empire — Worms

Word reached Emperor Frederick Barbarossa with a courier from Lombardy. The letter was read aloud in the imperial chamber.

The emperor listened in silence until the final words.

"All land awarded shall be held in vassalage to the Kingdom of Jerusalem. No exceptions."

A ripple of murmuring passed through the gathered dukes and bishops.

Duke Otto of Bavaria leaned toward him. "He moves to consolidate a true state—not a patchwork of crusader barons. This could be the first real kingdom to rise from these wars."

Barbarossa stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It is bold. Too bold, perhaps. But I see the shape of it. He wants not a crusade of pilgrims but a noble war. A new aristocracy under his crown."

Otto nodded. "Shall we send them?"

"Send them, yes. But quietly. Let the landless and the younger sons go. They'll kneel to Baldwin—but still remember who armed them."

Barbarossa smiled faintly. "And if Baldwin wins... the empire gains a voice in Jerusalem."

Crown of Aragon — Zaragoza

The letter had caused a flurry among King Alfonso II's court. When the portion about fealty to Baldwin was read aloud, the room fell still.

Queen Sancha, seated beside her husband, arched a brow. "So he claims not just land—but loyalty."

The king gave a small shrug. "He has the leverage now. A victorious king, not a beggar. If we want a stake in the East, we play by his terms."

A baron near the hearth grumbled, "Swear to a leper?"

Sancha cut him short with an icy glance. "He commands more victories than most kings with two good hands."

Alfonso nodded. "Send banners. Choose men who understand loyalty—and distance. They shall kneel to Baldwin—but serve Aragon in their hearts."

Kingdom of Hungary — Esztergom

King Béla III held the letter with both hands, rereading the oath clause. His court watched him for a sign.

"I once was to be Emperor of Byzantium," he said quietly. "Denied by politics. Perhaps it is time to build my legacy elsewhere."

A bishop beside him asked, "Will you kneel to Jerusalem?"

"I will send men who will," Béla said. "And if Baldwin proves true, then we gain power in the East without marching a mile ourselves."

He gave a satisfied nod. "Draft letters to my nobles. Those with ambition will go. And they will swear what is needed."

Across Europe, Echoes Stirred

The inclusion of fealty and vassalage turned the Crusade from a scattered endeavor into the foundation of a true feudal realm in the Levant.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was becoming more than a battleground—it was becoming a crown with loyal lands beyond its coast.

In Venice, Pisa, and Genoa, merchant councils took interest.

In Flanders, nobles whispered of Syria's riches.

In Brittany, younger sons saw paths to lordship they would never win at home.

Pope Alexander III, though still considering his final blessing, had begun quietly drafting bulls of indulgence and favor. Cardinal Odo, tireless in Rome, pushed for unified command under Baldwin—not merely for efficiency, but because only a single crown could hold this new realm together.

And still, more letters spread.

"Swear to Baldwin," they read. "Serve in his name. And you shall have land in Syria, under the cross and crown of Jerusalem."